The Boys and their Favorite Books

I'm rarely in front of the camera, so as I was reading a night-time story to the boys, Jeremy snapped this shot.  And, what I've noticed in these photos is that 90% of the time I'm in my maybe 10-year-old Patagonia fleece.  It has teeny tiny holes in the sleeves, and it's super thin.  But, there's just something about it.  It keeps me warm/cozy.  It's part of my daily life at home usually.  Maybe that's a sign that I need to change things up a bit!

These guys are just getting to where they love a good book.  Really, it's still just Carter that sits and listens.  But, Peter loves to ask questions.  And, John Paul enjoys turning the pages.  So, it's a team effort.

We've gotten a lot of new books lately for birthdays.  Some of our latest favorites are Harry the Dirty Dog, Frog and Toad, Madeline, Corduroy, Stuck, and Little Blue Truck.

Ana had a list last week that we're checking out soon!  What are some of your favorites?

Prayer for Beginners (the Book)

Awhile back I finished one of my latest favorite books.  I've mentioned it here before, but Prayer for Beginners by Peter Kreeft is amazing.  Possibly, it's just what I've been needing.

I am the type who reads a book and dog-ears and underlines almost the entire thing at times.  Then when my husband reads it, he undoes the dog-ears and I frustratingly ask why. Oh, he just thought they were my book marks.  And, to his credit, I rarely go back and re-read those passages that I "just never want to forget" but what if there was a time that I really wanted to?!

Anyway, here are some of my favorite quotes from his book:

"We pray to obey God, not to "play God".  We pray, not to change God's mind, but to change our own; not to command God, but to let God command us.  We pray to "let God be God".  Prayer is our obedience to God even when it asks God for things, for God has commanded us to ask."

The following quote really hit home.  So often I find myself looking for the next great theology book to read, trying to grow closer to Him, when really I should just take the time to know him through prayer.

"One moment of prayer, of weak worship, confused contrition, tepid thanksgiving, or pitiful petition will bring us closer to God than all the books of theology in the world."

On suffering:
"That is why he does not take us down from our crosses: so that we do not substitute feelings and experiences for faith.  He wants the very best for us,the strongest and most precious gift, and that is faith."

"Comfort yourself with Him who holds you fastened to the Cross.  He will loose you when He thinks fit."

"The only way God can strengthen his presence in our will is to weaken  his presence in our feelings.  Otherwise we would become emotional cripples, unable to walk without emotional crutches.  This is why he gives us dryness, sufferings, and failures."

On stopping and listening:
"What will happen then?  What will we hear?  Let God take care of that.  Seek only him, do not use him as a means to seek any other end.  He is not your Santa, He is your Savior.  I cannot tell you what he will give you, except for one thing: he will give you himself.  He will give you more of himself the more you want him, that is, the more you love him.  He wants to pour infinite riches into your soul; prayer is a way of opening up your soul so that more of God can enter.

"In order to listen, we must look.  In order to look, we must stop.  And in order to stop doing things, we must first be doing things.  God gave us a world in which we are to work.  But God also gave us a Sabbath, in which we are to pray.  Why is the first third of this prayer -- stopping -- the hardest?  Is your work really so important that you cannot stop it for one Sabbath part out of seven to turn to the One who gave you your other work, in fact who gave you your very existence?"

I would encourage anyone to read this book!

If there's one thing that always needs improving, it's my prayer life.  I know when it's really lacking...it's when I find myself trying to fix things all on my own...wanting to repair my life and heart and then go back to God...not wanting to admit that I cannot do it alone.  While this Lent could have been the perfect time to kick my prayer life back into shape, I haven't taken advantage of it.  It's become apparent.  So, I'm stopping. Stopping long enough to acknowledge the true leader of my life and ask Him for the grace to make it through my days.  My sister mentioned starting a 54-day rosary novena for special intentions.  I think I'll do just that.
Can I pray for you in some way?

Five Favorites: Bread, Shoes and Sheenazing

Joining with lovely Hallie again for ...

{1} Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread via The Vanilla Tulip

I had to take a break from pumpkin things for awhile.  This Fall it was overload.  But, when I was reading some of Ashley's blog this week, this recipe caught my eye.  It is delicious (even without the chocolate chips).  Carter said over and over, "Oh Momma, you know I love pumpkin bwead.  Ummmmm.  You are a good cookie, Momma!"  Sold.  It now takes the place of my Paula Deen recipe.  But, beware, no doubling of the recipe is needed :)

{2} By Love Refined - Letters to a Young Bride

My sister sent me this in the mail this week, and I cannot put it down.  Her words are genuine and a treasure for both new and not-so-new marriages.  I only wish I would have read it sooner - it's that good!

{3} Mini Crocheted Hair Clips

How precious are these?!  I found a few in a store in Chicago (for the baby, not me), and wanted a couple more, so I found these on Etsy.  I think they are sweet.

{4} Brooks Ghost

I finally went to a running store to be fitted a few months ago.  I don't run, just walk.  But, these shoes have been so great!  They're light, comfortable, and they don't make anything hurt.  I guess it really does help to get a shoe that's "made for your foot."  Who knew?!

{5} Sheenazing Award Nomination

I was nominated for one of these :)  According to Bonnie, "The Sheenazing Blogger Awards are a fun way to celebrate the excellence in Catholic blogs and are named for Venerable Fulton J. Sheen. Over 160 people nominated their favorite blogs from the Catholic blogosphere (and non Catholic for the Best Blog by a Non Papist category) in areas like Best Lifestyle Blog, Smartest Blog, Best Link-Up, Best Blog by a Man, and Coolest Blogger."

I'm humbled.  Thank you to whomever did this.  And, if you feel like it, the voting opens Thursday at Bonnie's site: A Knotted Life.

What's even more amazing is that Bonnie has been going through a tremendous amount of stress and scariness with her sick little boy, James.  If nothing else, head over to her blog and let her know you're praying!

Thanks for hosting, Hallie!

Five Favorites

Joining with Hallie for...

{1} This article about the Aggies.  More than any win or accolade, I love reading a story like this from people who aren't Aggies.  It is a constant reminder of what it means to be an Aggie.

*Photo Credit: here

{2} Nancy Tillman Books.

I just bought this one for a baby shower I'm attending this weekend.  They are both beautiful and heartwarming!

{3} I put a picture on Instagram of them last week, and they're still my new favorite...

they have just the perfect chocolate ratio!

{4}This color for my toenails (via The PolishAholic)...

It has taken me a long, long time to venture far from a French manicure on my toes.  But, I'm trying it here and there :)  OPI's Skyfall is a fun one for the Fall!

{5}  In honor of his feast day, one of my favorite quotes:

"It is Jesus that you seek when you dream of happiness; He is waiting for

you when nothing else you find satisfies you; He is the beauty to which you

are so attracted; it is He who provoked you with that thirst for fullness that

will not let you settle for compromise; it is He who urges you to shed the

masks of a false life; it is He who reads in your heart your most genuine

choices, the choices that others try to stifle. It is Jesus who stirs in you the

desire to do something great with your lives, the will to follow an ideal, the

refusal to allow yourselves to be grounded down by mediocrity, the courage

to commit yourselves humbly and patiently to improving yourselves and

society, making the world more human and more fraternal."

Blessed John Paul II

Have a fabulous day, and head on over to Hallie's for other great favorites!

Five Favorites...

Linking up with Hallie today for another round of Five Favorites.  

{1}  Kona Coffee

I love a strong cup of coffee (with flavored creamer), and this does the trick.  What's even better, they now have it in K-cups!  

{2} This Maxi Dress

I saw it on a friend's Facebook page yesterday, and I think it is really cute!  It comes from a boutique called The Blue Door Boutique, and it looks as if they have some other fun things, too!

{3} This Book

Okay, so I just got it in the mail yesterday, and I've heard it will send chills up my spine (as told to me by my Priest), but I need books like this.  They are challenging and even if scary, eye-opening!

{4} Magnetic Notepads

I didn't realize how much I loved mine until I used the last sheet last week.  I find myself going daily to jot something down on my grocery list hanging on the side of my refrigerator only to find it isn't there.  I think one of these might be my next purchase!

{5} This Saint

{via}

I finished a Novena to the Little Flower yesterday for two very specific intentions.  Her story is beautiful.  Her little ways of loving are inspiring, and she did what each of us can do, better yet, are called to do...to do all with great love.  

“Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love.” - St. Therese

Head on over to Hallie's page for lots of faves!

Seven Quick Takes: Montessori, Training and a Beautiful Moon

I didn't think I'd have time to write at quick takes post (even though they're supposed to be quick), but it's nap time, and it has kind of become my routine.  So, I'm joining Jen.  

{1} We have had the most beautiful moon the last few days.  I know, I know, another fall thing when it seems the internet is saturated with pumpkin coffee, bread, seeds, candles, etc.  Fall is here, and I have contributed to that internet craze.  

{2} I knew this would happen, and it did.  I dropped my camera.  Well, even more embarrassing, it fell from its non-tripod post.  I know I shouldn't have had it there, and I did, and the inevitable happened.  So, it's in route to the Canon repair center, and I'm without a camera for a few days.  I'm thinking I have discovered one of my addictions.

{3}  I have really been interested in the Montessori style of learning lately.  My aunt is certified in it, and my nephews went to Montessori school for a long time.  I can get certified online, but I'm not quite sure if I should.  I got this little book to thumb through for the boys.  Does anyone have any experience with it?

{4} I started potty training Peter today.  With Carter, we used Lora Jensen's method, and it worked amazingly well at 22 months.  Life has been a little crazy lately, and I've not been the least bit nice most patient mom in the world this week.  So, what do I decide to do?  Push myself to the edge with potty training.  He is napping now.  We've had four accidents.  Carter has decided it's cool to wet his pants, too, and John Paul has eaten a moth.  If anyone needs parenting advice, hit me up :)

{5} If you haven't read this, you should.

{6} I've been taking a Lightroom class via Nicole's Classes.  They are just a month long and well worth the investment. I took a photography class a few years ago and am a week from finishing this one.  Check them out!

{7} My mom is amazing at finding great books and sending them to people to let them know she is thinking of them.  The other day, she found this book and bought be a copy, too.  It is a collection of stories of people who have "discovered the underrated power of grace" and it is beautiful!

Again, have a wonderful weekend, and read about everyone else's quick takes on Conversion Dairy!

Five Favorites...

Joining Hallie again this Wednesday for a random assortment of...


1.  Mercury iPhone Case


I found this at a local boutique and have loved it (mine is navy and green).  It has space for a couple of cards and cash.  So, you basically have everything you need in one little place!

2.  This video:

This is a little history on the part of NM where I am from.

3.  J.Crew Schoolboy Blazer


I caved and bought this when I was in Chicago.  I didn't think I would really wear it much, but I have and I love it!  So lightweight and versatile.  And, they have some great color options!

4.  Divine Mercy In My Soul - Saint Maria Faustina


I finally started a new book and I am loving this one!  The lives of the saints astound and inspire me.  It is amazing what can happen when you give everything to God.

5.  Gap Sweatshirt


Does anyone have one of these?  I think it is so cute, and it has to be equally comfortable!

Have a great Wednesday and find more favorites at Hallie's place!