End-of-Summer Daybook

Outside my window...
It's been a little crazy around here, but it looks so peaceful inside the LEGO cathedral that's on the coffee table! #wishiwasaminifig {Master Builder: Ranger}

I am thinking...
I need to put together a post with pictures for "Phase 3" of the LEGO Cathedral project Ranger has been working on this past year! He's still not finished, but he is getting closer. Here are the links to Phase 1 and Phase 2 in the archives.

I am thankful... 
for smokeless skies this summer!

Learning all the time...
The Driver's Education course that Captain took at the local community college this summer was excellent! I can not even believe how much it has improved his (and my!) driving. He passed the final exam and his Behind-the-Wheel Driving test with a score of 96%. Now we are just waiting for him to rack up the rest of the hours he needs before he takes one final computer test and is issued his driver's license!

 
{July 31st} "Lots of "firsts" for this guy today: Drive on the freeway, Drive at night, Drive-through Dutch Bros to celebrate! After telling the Dutch Bros barista about our driving adventures, I'm guessing the messages he picked for each of our lids were intentional"

Celebrating the liturgical year...
Monday was the feast of the Assumption of Mary! I took the day off work, dropped everything on my "to-do" list, and loaded up the van to drive (or rather Captain drove!) to the parish we have been attending on Sunday mornings for the noon Mass on the parish's feast day.

It was such a beautiful Mass (ordinary form) complete with Latin Marian hymns and incense. The boys were asked to serve when we arrived. After Mass, as I was kneeling praying with my littlest ones, an older man who had been sitting in front of us, walked over and said "Are these ALL your children?!"  I have fun with that question, especially when I can answer, "No...." (pause) "I have two more! My older boys were the two serving Mass!" His mouth dropped and he said, "You have more!" He grabbed my head, kissed my forehead, and said "BLESS YOU!"  The girls both turned bright red and Snuggles whispered (after the older man had walked away) "Quick! Wipe it off!"  Hahaha! That was a first.

On the drive home we stopped to visit with some friends and stop at Dairy Queen for a special feast day treat in honor of Our Lady, Queen of Heaven!

The Assumption of Mary (Summertime Saints) • Rosary Rummy • Feasts of Our Lord and Our Lady

From the kitchen...
Better late than never, right? A few weeks ago I finally got around to printing out Summer Bingo cards for our kids. It had been a couple years, after spending last summer traveling. It's been a great way to encourage them to get a jump start on their math for the school year, as well as a few other subjects.

After leaving them on the counter in the kitchen I heard one of the kids yell: "MOM! What baby?!?!?!" I knew there was a reason I needed to update those cards.

Oh well... It was quick and easy to fix! ;)

I am working on...
finishing up this year's curriculum list and plans. I recently shared Our 2015-2016 Curriculum.

I am creating...
plans for a 13th birthday coming up at the end of this month. The soon-to-be-teen was having a hard time coming up with a theme, but I think I've come up with one that she'll love!

I am going...
to the 5th Annual Catholic Women Rejoice conference! I really need a little break and retreat before the new school year begins. I'm especially looking forward to finally give Hallie a hug and check out her new book, On the Other Side of Fear: How I Found Peace.

I spotted a few familiar faces on my way over to the hall after Mass this morning! How is it possible that it's almost August already?!? I need to figure out how to sneak away for a few days so I can attend Catholic Women Rejoice again this year! #CWR16 #rejoiceandbefree

I am hoping...
to make some time soon to try and catch up on some emails. I'm horribly behind. Email is always one of the first things to go when I'm struggling to keep up.

I am praying...
for perseverance, and for the grace to know where I need to make changes and simplify.

I am reading…
book lists and syllabuses.

Pondering these words…
from St. Catherine of Siena:

"Nothing great is ever achieved without much enduring."

I am listening…
to the captivating Audio Dramatization (also available on Audible) of The Story of Civilization: Vol 1 - The Ancient World. Have you entered the giveaway I am hosting yet?

Around the house...
It's been about three weeks since we've been able to eat at the dining room table... It's been covered with books since starting the annual book sale. Still so much to do before our new school year begins!  Sometimes I really miss having Our Little School Room.

One of my favorite things...
stained glass windows, even if they are made from LEGO.

This week's plans...
Three of my sisters just got into town (two from UT and one from CA) yesterday and I was so torn on whether I should still go to the conference or not, but I'll get back in time for Julianna's birthday on Sunday night and will finally get to meet her boyfriend. It will be another busy week at the office, with payroll and a few other things I'll need to catch up.  I also have a 13th birthday to plan for the end of this month!

A little peek at my day...
This picture is actually from yesterday morning. Ranger and I got up extra early to attend the Orientation Session for his upcoming online Latin class!

I hope you all have a great weekend!

St. Patrick's Day-book

Outside my window... 

It's been gorgeous outside this week! After just two weeks of golf, the boys had their very first high school junior varsity golf tournament on Monday (they came in first and second place!) and their first high school varsity tournament on Wednesday (they didn't place last!).

 

I am thankful... 
that I was able to spend some time with my mom and youngest brother while watching the boys golf on Wednesday! My two youngest brothers actually competed against some of the current high school seniors just a few years ago, back when they were seniors and the current seniors were all freshman, including one of the boys on my boys' team! (My brothers both play college golf now.) It was kind of funny overhearing all the parents, coaches, and golfers coming up to my mom, saying hello, and finding out that she was there to watch her grandsons who are now in high school!  :)

My Beautiful Mom ♥
She will be having another MRI in May - Thank you all for the continued prayers! 

Uncle David's college team is currently number 14 on the national 2015-16 NAIA Men’s Golf Coaches’ Top 25 Poll!

I am thinking... 
about ways to balance school and sports. It's been challenging for the boys to keep up with their full schedule, but they are sure loving the opportunity to participate in high school sports this year!

Learning all the time... 
our Spring Break is next week. We'll be taking a break from our usual studies and spending lots of time in the car! I'm trying to come up with some fun plans, maybe visit a Catholic college and at least a couple missions. I also need to make sure to fill a media card with some new audio books.... Adding that to my to-do list now.

Celebrating the liturgical year... 
I actually thought we'd be celebrating this feast on the road this year, so I picked up St. Patrick's Day Potatoes from See's Candies to pack along for all the kids. I loved these back when I could eat them. They were a hit! Now to come up with some ideas for celebrating St. Joseph's Day in the car...

From the kitchen... 
Shamrock Cinnamon Rolls! They turn out a little differently from year to year, but always delicious!

Patrick: Saint of Ireland

I am creating... 
Blessed Trinity Shamrock "Glory Be" Prayer Posters! I actually created these for the children earlier this school year, while studying St. Patrick in history, but we pulled them out again today!

S is for shamrock, a three-leaf plant from Ireland. A legend says Patrick used this plant to explain the Holy Trinity - the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. ~ St. Patrick's Day Alphabet

I am going... 
to visit Sean's parents! Apparently it's been "5 years and 4 months" since we have all been there for a visit. (Sean took the five youngest a couple years ago.) It's going to be a challenging drive to say the least, but we are all so excited to see them again! We were suppose to leave on Wednesday but the boys' golf tournament schedule changed and we won't be able to leave until this weekend.

I am hoping... 
that all the time in the car doesn't set me back too badly... My tailbone is taking forever to heal! Such a pain... Lots to offer up for Holy Week!

I am reading... 
The Wolf and the Shield. Actually, I am just listening to Snuggles read it aloud!

I am praying... 
for a safe trip. Will you please keep us in your prayers?

Our once-every-other-month Latin Mass last Sunday - Deo Gratias!
Originally posted on Instagram

Pondering these words...
from the confession of St. Patrick:

"According, therefore, to the measure of one’s faith in the Trinity, one should proceed without holding back from danger to make known the gift of God and everlasting consolation, to spread God’s name everywhere with confidence and without fear."

I am listening...  
an audio drama about St. Patrick: Torch of Fire.

Around the house... 
Lots of half packed suitcases. I have so much to do and not nearly enough time... Pretty much the theme of my life lately! :)

One of my favorite things...  
saint dolls! The newest addition to our collection of St. Patrick toys (including St. Patricks from Catholic Folk Toys, Shining Light Dolls, Tiny Saints, and Almond Rod Toys) is this beautiful St. Patrick from Naturally Catholic!

A few plans for the rest of the week...
One more golf tournament for the boys Friday while the girls and I catch up the laundry and pack!

A little peek at my day...

Saint Patrick of Ireland, Ora Pro Nobis!

Don't forget to enter the Easter Giveaway by March 29, 2016!

38th Birthday Daybook

Outside my window…
Rain, rain, rain... lots of rain this weekend! In fact we currently have a flood warning. Our children keep hoping it will turn to snow, especially after seeing all the snow on the way to the boys' out-of-town hockey game last weekend, but it's too warm here in the valley.  We've had more snow than usual this winter, but it never sticks around for long. It was the snowiest December on record up in the mountains around us!

I am thankful... 
Even though Sean and our oldest two were out of town Friday-Saturday for the boys' high school robotics tournament, I still had such a fun birthday with family and friends. We headed to the rink at 9:30 yesterday morning, for a game and practice. My brother and his family showed up to visit for awhile and then ended up having my five youngest over for the afternoon while I met up with a friend for lunch. After that we headed to my parents home for dinner. It was such a nice day!

Learning all the time…
It's hockey season! Each week our eight year old is the first player suited up on the bench waiting for his game to start. He looks forward to his hockey game all week long!

Do you remember last year's End-of-School Interviews?  Well, our oldest daughter is getting her wish! The girls were so excited to start the Learn-to-Play Hockey Program last week. We are at the rink so much already, what's one more hour a week, right? ;)

Celebrating the liturgical year...
I ordered extra candles from the Cloister Shoppe last October to save for Candlemas, but will probably order a few more beeswax tapers to have blessed this year as well.  You can find and scroll through all our past Candlemas posts, including our Candlemas Cookies, in the archives here.

From the kitchen... 
My mom asked if there was anything special I wanted for my birthday this year.... Yes, as a matter of fact, there is a special cake I had wanted to make for Thanksgiving or Christmas and never had the extra time or energy. I told her that was the only thing I wanted and I even had most of the special ingredients, including the arrowroot starch and unflavored beef gelatin. If anyone could pull it off it would be my mom! She is amazing in the kitchen, especially when it comes to cooking or baking healthy and healing foods.

Not only did she pull off the cake, she made a delicious dinner for all of us, and even had my dad pick up balloons. He wouldn't agree to the "38 balloons!" that she requested (hahaha! I can not picture my dad picking up any balloons at the store, let alone thirty-eight...) but he did bring home eight!

You can find the recipe for the Pumpkin Spice Cake with Gingersnap Crust here. 

I am working... 
My birthday gift to myself this year?  Hitting "Weight Maintenance Mode" for the first time in at least thirteen years! I only "maintained" my weight loss for about a day last time, finding out I was pregnant the next day with our oldest daughter, so really it's the first time since I got married. It's been a long, hard road, but I'm so grateful that I discovered the Autoimmune Protocol last March and have been able to start regaining my health, and losing all the extra weight as an added benefit!

Here is a little update from the various charts in my TargetWeight app this morning:

I am going...
to start going through all the clothes in my closet again soon. I have very few pieces of clothing that fit! Since last March I have dropped from a large to a small (or loose fitting medium) in tops, and from a size 12 or 14 to a 2 or 4 (depending on the brand) in pants/skirts... Crazy!

I am hoping...
I wouldn't mind losing up to five more pounds, toning, and working on building muscle, but I really don't want to lose any more than that and need to figure out how to get enough calories in my limited diet to maintain my weight... I'm also hoping that I will start having some success adding additional foods back into my diet. So far I haven't been very successful and it's been incredibly frustrating to say the least.

I am praying...
for so many intentions, including my mom. At this point she has decided to "wait and watch" to see if her tumor grows before scheduling surgery. Thank you to everyone who has been praying for her, and for my husband's parents. We are continuing to pray that my mom's tumor starts to shrink (she has been trying a number of alternatives) or that at least it doesn't grow any more...

Pondering these words…
from a homily given by St. John Paul II back in 1979:

"In order that Christian marriage may favor the total good and development of the married couple, it must be inspired by the Gospel, and thus be open to new life—new life to be given and accepted generously. The couple is also called to create a family atmosphere in which children can be happy, and lead full and worthy human and Christian lives.

To maintain a joyful family requires much from both the parents and the children. Each member of the family has to become, in a special way, the servant of the others and share their burdens (cf. Gal 6:2; Phil 2 :2). Each one must show concern, not only for his or her own life, but also for the lives of the other members of the family: their needs, their hopes, their ideals. Decisions about the number of children and the sacrifices to be made for them must not be taken only with a view to adding to comfort and preserving a peaceful existence. Reflecting upon this matter before God, with the graces drawn from the Sacrament, and guided by the teaching of the Church, parents will remind themselves that it is certainly less serious to deny their children certain comforts or material advantages than to deprive them of the presence of brothers and sisters, who could help them to grow in humanity and to realize the beauty of life at all its ages and in all its variety.

If parents fully realized the demands and the opportunities that this great sacrament brings, they could not fail to join in Mary's hymn to the author of life—to God—who has made them his chosen fellow-workers."

I am listening…

I haven't had much time to read to the kids this past week, but my dad has been reading to his grandchildren! He stopped by one afternoon, when he had a little break in his work day, with a book he has had since he was in kindergarten. Last night, as soon as we arrived to their house, he started reading from Winnie the Pooh. I loved it when he read to my siblings and I when we were growing up, and I love hearing him read to my own children even more!



Around the house...
Sean and the boys beat us home last night, and we ended up coming home to a warm fire, clean kitchen (I had left a mess and a sink full of dishes), homemade cards and pretty flowers on the island.

My birthday gift this year was a new purse and a new wallet, courtesy of our home owner's insurance following the theft last month... My husband decided to just let me pick them out myself this time and I ended up choosing a classic (not too deep! don't want to be tempted to keep too much in it ever again!) black leather satchel, but the wallet I choose is so pretty and colorful! 

At first I wasn't finding anything I loved and almost decided on the Fossil Emory Clutch, but then I asked the sweet sales lady if she had a favorite wallet.  She said she did, and that it was a Patricia Nash wallet over in the designer section, but that it would be on clearance if they had any left. She had to do a little searching but found one last wallet in "Antique Rose" and it was nearly 50% off. Perfect!!! 

 

One of my favorite things...  
I sure love my large immediate and extended family and all my dear friends, including all my friends here at Shower of Roses. I'm so blessed to have you all in my life! I didn't have time to respond to everyone, at least not yet, but it was so much fun to read through all the emails, texts, and messages thoughout the day. Here is one from my sister Jenny that put a huge smile on my face late last night:

"I want to wish my big sis Jessica a happy birthday! She's one year and two months older than me so we had lots of adventures together as little girls. I bought my first car from her and she helped teach me to drive. She helped train me for my first real job when I was 16 and she was 17. We've worked in business together at various times and I've always learned a lot from her. She's so smart and successful with whatever she puts her mind to. But most of all she's the most incredible mother and teacher to her seven children that she home schools, as well as a wonderful wife to her husband. Thanks Jessy for inspiring me and loving me. Happy birthday!!!! xoxoxoxoxo"

Such great memories... even teaching her how to drive, including (at least looking back now... I was pretty mad at the time!) that night I let her drive my little 300Z and she almost crashed into the front of a house (use the BRAKE, Jen, NOT the gas pedal! lol) but was stopped by their row of bushes! I later refused to teach her how to drive stick, a whole other terrifying experience, until after she paid me for the Acura Integra I was selling her! Unfortunately that job/sales training I gave her wasn't enough to keep her from getting fired by Trump. ;)  

This week's plans…
Mass, homeschooling, additional classes, tutors, work, hockey... pretty much the same as usual. 

A little peek at my day...

I had a little help blowing out the candles while Dad played his guitar and everyone sang "Happy Birthday!"

Thank you to everyone who made my birthday so incredibly special. I love you all!