Taking Stock | Spring

(outside our window last night)

taking stock // spring

making: plans...for homeschooling, simplifying, photo shoots and everything in between

cooking: a meal for a friend who lost her grandfather.  Included was this potato salad (usually I don't like potato salad).

drinking: water and black coffee.  I'm boring.  BUT!  I want to try this.

reading: Simplicity Parenting.

wanting: to.be.more.patient.with.my.kids.  It's been a rough week in that department.

looking: at these for Sophie's birthday.

playing: hungry hippos.

wasting: too many calories on a candy bar that was supposed to be for the kids.  Oops.

sewing: nothing.  Per usual.

wishing: I made more time for reading aloud.  I aim to change that.

enjoying: the warmth that's made its way into our days!

liking: these educational DVDs.

wondering: if there's ever a time I won't be worrying about something about my kids.

hoping: Genevieve's cough finally subsides soon.

marveling: at how much we've been blessed. Always.

smelling: the cilantro still on my hands from that potato salad mentioned above.

needing: nothing really.  And, trying to remind myself that most things I think are "needs" really arent.

wearing: skinnies, a chambray shirt and my chucks.

following: Father Riccardo, Father Michael Schmitz and Brooke Taylor with my latest podcast obsession.  

noticing: that my days go much smoother when I make time to pray, even if it seems like I don't have time to.  I'm a slow learner.

knowing: that in one month, I get to squeeze my sister and nephew's neck as they come for a visit!

thinking: about a podcast I just listened to of Father Riccardo's as he was giving a homily at his brother's funeral.  He said so many beautiful things, but one that stuck, "What we do here on earth echoes in eternity."  I must make it count. 

bookmarking: always these devotions.

opening: a sweet letter from the priest who married us saying that he was hoping to visit this summer!

giggling: at John Paul again.  The other morning I was hoping to see how many steps I could get in during one mile on a stationary bike.  As I sat down, I realized the seat had been messed with, and I almost fell.  I looked at him and asked, "Who did this???"  His response: "Hey friends!  The word of the day is...ANNNNGRY!"

feeling: sooo grateful for my lot in life...and praying that I act more grateful even on the tough days.

Mid-week Likes & Links

Look at this Blessed is She t-shirt and the others in the store - it's one of my favorite reminders. But, I want all of the tees.

I'll have a Blue Apron discount code for all of you wanting to try it next week!  Believe me, you should try it!

In the middle of this book, and I'm loving it.

Kathryn wrote a beautiful post on learning from the mothers who have gone before.

Beth shared this scone recipe, and I cannot wait to try it!

Do you order from Schwan's?  If so, you must get this gelato!

How neat is this story of part of Emily's journey home?  What amazing friends!

I've been using this face wash/oil/moisturizer on the recommendation of my cousin.  I will have to say, I tried similar products from Brooklyn Herborium and Damn Good Facewash, and while I equally love the feel of the oils, I much prefer the smells of the the latter two!  I don't know that I'll ever wash my face with anything else now.

This is a sweet read.

We're having a seminarian over for dinner on Friday, and I'm making these.  What should we have for dessert?

Our Days with the Chicks

Okay guys, this is our life now...these little chicks.  So, get ready to see some more posts.  We've brought them into the yard during the days, and the kids cannot get enough.  We've had two accidents, and the boys have tried to give a couple of them a bath (bad idea).  But, beyond those things, they're great!  They've pulled out a stroller and give them rides around the yard.  They let them perch on their fingers and try to fly.  And, mainly they just take great care of them.

Sophie has a harder time getting to them fast enough to catch them.

After Sophie and I got home from Mass Saturday night, Jeremy took the boys to the next Mass, and I started supper.  Well, I looked out and couldn't see Sophie.  I didn't know that the chicks were still in the yard (instead of in their home).  When I went to peek in, I saw this.

She was just sitting in the pen waiting for them to run by so she could pet them.

I couldn't get her to come inside.

So, I'll have to say that buying these chicks has been a great decision!  Very soon, we have to get the coop ready, so I'll let you know how that goes!