Happy mid-May everybody! Usually, by this time of year, spring has sprung, but not this year. Weather here in WNY (and I think this is somewhat prevalent throughout the east coast and midwest this year) has been on average 15 degrees below normal, and this is the most rain we've had in a number of years. It has been a bit of a downer, if I'm being honest. You all know that I don't mind winter the way many of my compatriots do, but even I'm sick of it at this point. I love having 4 distinct seasons, I just wish they would all stay in their assigned months, kwim?
Fall: September/October/November (granted, a transition month, we can all live with this)
Winter: December/January/February
Spring: March (another transition month)/April/May
Summer: June/July/August
Is that too much to ask? Instead, the past several years, it's 85 degrees until late October, and winter starts in late January and goes through April. White Christmas? Who ever heard of such a notion. White Easter is the new thing. 😬
I enjoy each of the seasons, but it seems like summer and winter have been overstaying their welcome, while fall and spring have become nearly nonexistent. Yes, even summer can last too long. I don't want to be sweating while we're picking pumpkins.
So, at any rate, there's been some seasonal affective sluggishness around here. The diocesan track meet that Henry is participating in has gotten moved due to rain (you know, AGAIN), and my friends with kids playing softball have gotten nary a practice or game in due to either rain or sloppy field conditions. Nobody can wear sandals with bare legs yet, and everybody seems to be walking around in a confused and dazed state. :-0
But we're getting there. The kids' school year is winding down (they go until late June around here), and we're making summer plans. I've resumed dancing, following the calf injury I reported a few weeks ago. It's going well, the leg has continued to improve, but I'm very aware of the fact that it's not 100%, and it won't be, for probably 4-6 more weeks. I struggle with this, to be sure. I'm able to take my dance and Piyo classes (though I've skipped my Zumba dance fitness class for the past 2 weeks because I'm afraid all the twisting and hopping could potentially re-injure it), and I can pretty much do any movement I'd like now, but I have to be very careful. When I'm practicing everything is generally great, but attempting a full out rehearsal for the project I'm working on, with performance level energy, resulted in my leg reminding me that it's not 100% yet, which got me down a bit. I applied some ice last night, and am going to take it easy for a few days. I've been stretching daily, and using my foam roller on it, and I know that this is all I can do aside wait for the full 6 weeks for it to heal. I'm hating it. :(
But it's a reminder that we are not in control of everything, and that sometimes we have to be patient. This patience can even result in new opportunities, but it's so hard to let go. Today, I'm going to work on my upper body from a seated position, and this is an excellent little secret tip for dancers: When you're not thinking about what your legs and feet need to be doing, it's amazing how much you can train your torso, upper chest, hands, arms and face to do that you wouldn't ordinarily focus on. And I rarely take the time to do this, so this is the perfect opportunity to rest my leg and do it. It isn't easy to not be able to do everything that I want to, physically, but I'm doing my best to make the most of it.
So that's how it's going over here. How is spring in your part of the world? Donna, how is that snake bite coming along?! 😬
Showing posts with label spring. Show all posts
Showing posts with label spring. Show all posts
Thursday, May 16, 2019
Friday, April 21, 2017
Tea Time with Tiffany #93 - Spring into creativity!
Happy Friday all, and welcome to a very seasonally springy edition of:
Today I talk about what is bringing me creative inspiration this spring: dance, crafts, novenas, and some upcoming trips!
**To subscribe to the audio version of Tea Time with Tiffany, just search for it in iTunes or use this link to subscribe via Feedburner in your podcatcher of choice. Intro music is "Tea Ceremony" from PlayonLoop.com
Items mentioned in this episode:
What creative things are inspiring YOU this spring? Don't forget to write in with your favorite genres of fiction for our chat next week about a summer book club!
Today I talk about what is bringing me creative inspiration this spring: dance, crafts, novenas, and some upcoming trips!
**To subscribe to the audio version of Tea Time with Tiffany, just search for it in iTunes or use this link to subscribe via Feedburner in your podcatcher of choice. Intro music is "Tea Ceremony" from PlayonLoop.com
Items mentioned in this episode:
What creative things are inspiring YOU this spring? Don't forget to write in with your favorite genres of fiction for our chat next week about a summer book club!
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
Crafty Tuesday is back with a veneance!
As I write this, I am home from work with a sickly Anne. It is also the first day of spring. This combination means that spring crafting fever is back with a virulence in the Catholic Librarian household.
It happens every year. Spring comes, and suddenly I cannot stop ordering yarn in pastel and Americana colors. You know, in preparation for 4th of July gifts. (?!) I start to crave cotton, and look at dishtowel patterns until I can't see straight anymore (look at these beauties!). I desperately try to find summer pullover patterns that are amenable to worsted weight cotton yarn, preferably in heathered hues (*swoons*).
In preparation for all of this yarn shopping, :0 I have been taking a close look at my works-in-progress pile (heretofore referred to as wip's, or, even more mysteriously, ufo's, as in "unfinished objects"), and let's just say the situation is just a hair dire. I have unfinished projects scattered amongst multiple locations, with about a half dozen needles "in use" and out of commission due to being stranded in projects that I haven't touched inyears months. Before I buy new yarn, I have to finish some of them up. This is what I tell myself, and this time I mean business. 😂
Contender #1: Entrelac Scarf:
This one isn't too embarrassing, because I only started it in January, and look how fabulous it is!! Entrelac is a fairly new technique for me, and I absolutely love how it looks. You need a color changing yarn with long repeats for entrelac, and the yarn makes it look like you changed colors for every square. Yarn that makes you look more talented than you actually are: this I can get behind!! AND, it moved along pretty swiftly for a scarf. With scarves, I usually start out all enthusiastic and get bored after about 5 inches of fabric. Great. Just 5 more feet to go. :0 When knitting entrelac, this doesn't happen. I keep getting excited to see the next square! Thus, I finished it and cast off this weekend.
*victory dance*
Now on to the next project. This one is a bit more embarrassing. Contender #2: Christmas Socks:
I know what you're thinking. Typical knitter getting a dreaded case of Second Sock Syndrome. Mike thinks that I made that term up, but let me assure you that this affliction is very, very REAL and that many knitters come down with a case of it. But not this one. Usually.
Usually when I finish one sock I cast on right away for the second one. I mean, we have 2 feet. There is no sense in prolonging the inevitable and not starting the other sock. Despite the fact that you are now bored stiff by these socks and would rather knit a toilet paper roll koozie for your elderly neighbor, I try to avoid the temptation and just cast the second sock on.
Well, around Christmas I fell off the wagon a bit. I knit this first sock for Henry while in the throes of red/green/white festive fever, and then got distracted by rehearsing my dance repertoire for New Year's Eve, and then look what we have: a lone Christmas sock in March.
I'm happy to report that the second sock has now been cast on and has an in-progress cuff. This is my purgatory before the heavenly reward of a giant Easter colored Knit Picks order.
Contender #3: Anne's Summer Dress:
This one doesn't *sound* as embarrassing, but let me assure you that it is. I started this dress LAST spring in preparation for LAST summer. Oy. As soon as I finish the Christmas sock, I need to pull this back out. And hope that it still fits her.
😳
Today will afford me lots of knitting time. I've got this. I hope.
Are any of you feeling the spring crafting fever? I'd love to hear all about your ufo's as well as new spring projects. 😇 Don't forget that it's book club day tomorrow!
It happens every year. Spring comes, and suddenly I cannot stop ordering yarn in pastel and Americana colors. You know, in preparation for 4th of July gifts. (?!) I start to crave cotton, and look at dishtowel patterns until I can't see straight anymore (look at these beauties!). I desperately try to find summer pullover patterns that are amenable to worsted weight cotton yarn, preferably in heathered hues (*swoons*).
In preparation for all of this yarn shopping, :0 I have been taking a close look at my works-in-progress pile (heretofore referred to as wip's, or, even more mysteriously, ufo's, as in "unfinished objects"), and let's just say the situation is just a hair dire. I have unfinished projects scattered amongst multiple locations, with about a half dozen needles "in use" and out of commission due to being stranded in projects that I haven't touched in
Contender #1: Entrelac Scarf:
This one isn't too embarrassing, because I only started it in January, and look how fabulous it is!! Entrelac is a fairly new technique for me, and I absolutely love how it looks. You need a color changing yarn with long repeats for entrelac, and the yarn makes it look like you changed colors for every square. Yarn that makes you look more talented than you actually are: this I can get behind!! AND, it moved along pretty swiftly for a scarf. With scarves, I usually start out all enthusiastic and get bored after about 5 inches of fabric. Great. Just 5 more feet to go. :0 When knitting entrelac, this doesn't happen. I keep getting excited to see the next square! Thus, I finished it and cast off this weekend.
*victory dance*
Now on to the next project. This one is a bit more embarrassing. Contender #2: Christmas Socks:
I know what you're thinking. Typical knitter getting a dreaded case of Second Sock Syndrome. Mike thinks that I made that term up, but let me assure you that this affliction is very, very REAL and that many knitters come down with a case of it. But not this one. Usually.
Usually when I finish one sock I cast on right away for the second one. I mean, we have 2 feet. There is no sense in prolonging the inevitable and not starting the other sock. Despite the fact that you are now bored stiff by these socks and would rather knit a toilet paper roll koozie for your elderly neighbor, I try to avoid the temptation and just cast the second sock on.
Well, around Christmas I fell off the wagon a bit. I knit this first sock for Henry while in the throes of red/green/white festive fever, and then got distracted by rehearsing my dance repertoire for New Year's Eve, and then look what we have: a lone Christmas sock in March.
I'm happy to report that the second sock has now been cast on and has an in-progress cuff. This is my purgatory before the heavenly reward of a giant Easter colored Knit Picks order.
Contender #3: Anne's Summer Dress:
This one doesn't *sound* as embarrassing, but let me assure you that it is. I started this dress LAST spring in preparation for LAST summer. Oy. As soon as I finish the Christmas sock, I need to pull this back out. And hope that it still fits her.
😳
Today will afford me lots of knitting time. I've got this. I hope.
Are any of you feeling the spring crafting fever? I'd love to hear all about your ufo's as well as new spring projects. 😇 Don't forget that it's book club day tomorrow!
Friday, March 10, 2017
Tea Time with Tiffany #87 - Fresh inspiration, devotions to devotionals, and Blessed is She...
It's a much more inspired edition this week of:
Today I talk about fresh spring inspiration for the blog and podcast, the power of friendship and community, my devotion to Lenten devotionals, and my new sign-up over at Blessed is She. Join me!
**To subscribe to the audio version of Tea Time with Tiffany, just search for it in iTunes or use this link to subscribe via Feedburner in your podcatcher of choice. Intro music is "Tea Ceremony" from PlayonLoop.com
Items mentioned in this episode:
Today I talk about fresh spring inspiration for the blog and podcast, the power of friendship and community, my devotion to Lenten devotionals, and my new sign-up over at Blessed is She. Join me!
**To subscribe to the audio version of Tea Time with Tiffany, just search for it in iTunes or use this link to subscribe via Feedburner in your podcatcher of choice. Intro music is "Tea Ceremony" from PlayonLoop.com
Items mentioned in this episode:
- Blessed is She
- BIS Lenten devotional
- Chaplet of St. Mary Magdalene - (scroll down for both the video and audio on this specific chaplet!)
- Allison's rosary/chaplet Etsy shop
- St. Joseph novena (it *does* start Saturday March 11th, they corrected the date right after I recorded!)
Thursday, March 10, 2016
Tea Time with Tiffany #39 - Spring & new adventures are in the air!
Ooohhh, it's an extra exciting installment this week of:
A smorgasbord of updates on dance, the upcoming summer performance season, a family trip, an exciting visit, and much more!
**To subscribe to the audio version of Tea Time with Tiffany, just search for it in iTunes or use this link to subscribe via Feedburner in your podcatcher of choice.
Items mentioned in this episode:
A smorgasbord of updates on dance, the upcoming summer performance season, a family trip, an exciting visit, and much more!
**To subscribe to the audio version of Tea Time with Tiffany, just search for it in iTunes or use this link to subscribe via Feedburner in your podcatcher of choice.
Items mentioned in this episode:
- A few of the dance styles that I mentioned: Shaabi and Baladi, Saidi, Melaya Leff.
- Forgot to mention (d'oh) that the St. Joseph Novena starts today!
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
Bouncing off the walls over here on a beautiful spring-like day...
I am all discombobulated today, but in the best way possible. I mean, I don't even have an image to go in this post, and yet I don't care, and I'm all giddy. :0 I'm working the evening shift, and even that hasn't dampened my spirits.
The morning started out with a chirpy Anne greeting me in bed and asking how the Worship Committee meeting went last night, since I got back after she was already asleep.
"I came to see you when I got back, Lovey, but you were already sound asleep. I gave you a kiss."
"I did not feel your kiss, Mommy!"
She was quite outraged.
"Whenever you come into my room, Mommy, you need to say: 'Anne, Anne wake up!'"
Yeah sure. I'll make sure and do that next time. ;-)
But back to the point, the Worship Committee meeting went *splendidly*. Nobody was cranky, huzzah! We talked about Holy Week. As ever, I am SO looking forward to the Triduum, and plan to attend all of the liturgies. Fr. Joe is hosting a get-together for us on Holy Thursday night. :) And the Easter Vigil will be magnificent.
Interestingly, we do not have any Catechumens this year, and so there will be no RCIA component to the Vigil Mass. We do have 2 Candidates for Confirmation, but apparently if there are not also Catechumens, it is against the rubrics to just confirm those Candidates at the Easter Vigil. They will receive the sacrament with the rest of the Confirmation class in May. Intriguing, yes?
So, I got home, had a lovely evening with Mike and Henry, and woke up this morning to a chirpy Anne. Check. Then I got ready and set off for work. The sun is shining and the temperature here is incredibly mild. Spring is coming!
As I was driving along, praying a rosary, I noticed a bird fall to the ground. Naturally, sensitive-disposition person that I am, I panicked:
"Oh gosh, that poor bird! Does he have a broken wing?! I hope...Oh. There's another bird right there with him. Right. Nobody is hurt. Let's give them some privacy!"
Yet another sign of spring. :0
So, I got in, and because I'm working the evening shift tonight, I technically have comp time coming to me. And so I took advantage of that opportunity to do something that is a LONG time in coming.
*big suspense!*
It's not exactly a secret, because we've been talking about it for months. But let's just say it's podcast related, and I'm so excited about it that I can hardly sit still. Stay tuned for more details tomorrow during Tea Time with Tiffany!
Details tomorrow, but no actual *product* until next week, just fyi. Let's just say that Tiffany has some serious technical magic to work behind the scenes to make this dream a reality. Anybody know if there is a patron saint of audio editing?! I need his or her contact information please.
I mean it. Leave it in the comments. :0
The morning started out with a chirpy Anne greeting me in bed and asking how the Worship Committee meeting went last night, since I got back after she was already asleep.
"I came to see you when I got back, Lovey, but you were already sound asleep. I gave you a kiss."
"I did not feel your kiss, Mommy!"
She was quite outraged.
"Whenever you come into my room, Mommy, you need to say: 'Anne, Anne wake up!'"
Yeah sure. I'll make sure and do that next time. ;-)
But back to the point, the Worship Committee meeting went *splendidly*. Nobody was cranky, huzzah! We talked about Holy Week. As ever, I am SO looking forward to the Triduum, and plan to attend all of the liturgies. Fr. Joe is hosting a get-together for us on Holy Thursday night. :) And the Easter Vigil will be magnificent.
Interestingly, we do not have any Catechumens this year, and so there will be no RCIA component to the Vigil Mass. We do have 2 Candidates for Confirmation, but apparently if there are not also Catechumens, it is against the rubrics to just confirm those Candidates at the Easter Vigil. They will receive the sacrament with the rest of the Confirmation class in May. Intriguing, yes?
So, I got home, had a lovely evening with Mike and Henry, and woke up this morning to a chirpy Anne. Check. Then I got ready and set off for work. The sun is shining and the temperature here is incredibly mild. Spring is coming!
As I was driving along, praying a rosary, I noticed a bird fall to the ground. Naturally, sensitive-disposition person that I am, I panicked:
"Oh gosh, that poor bird! Does he have a broken wing?! I hope...Oh. There's another bird right there with him. Right. Nobody is hurt. Let's give them some privacy!"
Yet another sign of spring. :0
So, I got in, and because I'm working the evening shift tonight, I technically have comp time coming to me. And so I took advantage of that opportunity to do something that is a LONG time in coming.
*big suspense!*
It's not exactly a secret, because we've been talking about it for months. But let's just say it's podcast related, and I'm so excited about it that I can hardly sit still. Stay tuned for more details tomorrow during Tea Time with Tiffany!
Details tomorrow, but no actual *product* until next week, just fyi. Let's just say that Tiffany has some serious technical magic to work behind the scenes to make this dream a reality. Anybody know if there is a patron saint of audio editing?! I need his or her contact information please.
I mean it. Leave it in the comments. :0
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Spring concerts and a Mother's Day rosary giveaway!
"I'm only posing for this picture because they are making me."
"They" being the Organizer Lady taking all of the photos, and Me squeezing him to my side. He genuinely seemed to enjoy bowling with me, he's just so shy about being photographed or generally doing anything in front of other people. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree...although I *have* gotten better about this as an adult, I suppose, given that I belly dance in public on a regular basis. But as a kid? Just like Henry. He reminds me a lot of myself as a child.
That certainly applied yesterday evening too as we headed out to the spring concert at his school. It was held in the church, I love that, as the school doesn't have an auditorium, and Henry looked all nervous and cute in his dress clothes. When his class passed by on their way to perform, he squirted past as fast as his legs could carry him, God forbid he should make eye contact. :0 He's very precious.
And I have to say, his class sounded GREAT. They played their recorders, and I was seriously impressed with the new music teacher. He was very warm and friendly with the kids, but had an excellent command of their attention with his direction. And there was NO squeaking of the recorders. In past concerts, that has not been the case. ;-) They did a fantastic job.
When we left the church, a spring rain was falling, and it felt rather idyllic. In just over a year, we'll have two concerts to attend each year, since Anne will be in school, and she will perform in a separate concert from Henry given that they're grouped by age. So we'll attend both the Christmas and the spring concerts. Sweet!
Anne, by the way, acquired an admirer during the course of the concert. A 2-year old little boy in our pew really took a shine to her, and kept coming over and handing her hymnals with a very serious and devoted expression on his face. Adorable.
In other news, with Mother's Day approaching, a quick and applicable giveaway to bring to your attention! Allison, one of my very favorite rosary artisans, is hosting a giveaway at her blog of a custom Swarovski pocket rosary. Head over to enter for yourself or your mom!
Monday, May 4, 2015
Doughnuts & sunshine, on the 5th Sunday of Easter...
"Anne, you need a bath this morning, Sweetheart."
"NO! I do NOT WANT a bath!"
"Why don't we..."
"NO!!!"
*yanks face away from attempted kiss*
Later, she was contrite and snuggled with me over an episode of "Peter Rabbit." Then, she and Mike drove me to work, since he's taking my car for new tires today. When I got out of the car and kissed them goodbye, Anne broke out The I'm About To Cry Face, complete with quivery lip and rapidly filling eyes:
"Mommy, I WANT TO COME WITH YOU!"
*bursts into tears*
It was heartbreaking. I did my best to soothe, but she was having none of it. I had to close the door and walk away while she cried and it was awful. Awful, I tell you.
:(
So I'm super emotional and vulnerable right now. Don't you wish you were hangin' out with me? ;-) Oh wait, YOU ARE!
So let's talk about Sunday, and tomorrow I'll circle back to the hafla on Saturday, which was incredibly fun, can't wait for that one. But for now, the 5th Sunday of Easter.
It was a beautiful day. People, WE CAN GO OUTSIDE NOW! There's grass and stuff growing out there. :0 Flowers, like you see above. Those may actually be weeds, who knows, they came with the house and grow along the fence line, but they're pretty, so I don't kill them. And we have a tulip! Life is grand.
The kids and I headed to Mass at 10 am, and afterwards was scheduled the first monthly coffee hour with our new pastor. We were suitably excited.
Mass had barely started before we had a request for a restroom run, complete with crotch grab and dance out in the aisle, so it's not like I had a choice in the matter. We made it back to the pew before the Gloria was finished so that she could make it to Children's Liturgy of the Word, which was good. Everything proceeded fine from that point on, our altar Easter flowers looking a bit peaked but still holding up.
Afterward, the kids watched with excitement as a table with doughnuts and other treats, plus coffee and juice, was revealed in the back. We milled about and chatted with some friendly faces, including Fr. Joe. I'm very glad that they're going to be having this each month now. Sadly, I will miss the June installment, as I'll be out of town (CNMC though :0 *squeals*) but lots of other opportunities for fellowship.
We ended up chatting with a very nice lady who coordinates the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, and she invited me to consider getting involved in that if I wanted to, such as by bringing the Eucharist to a homebound parishoner. That's a lovely idea for the future. I met this same lady before at the Worship Committee meeting ("It's so nice to have young people involved!") and I pretty much love her now. ;-) She told me yesterday, in a discussion about age, that being in her 40's was her favorite decade, so her fate is sealed now as My Very Favorite Person At The Parish.
And how was your Sunday, dear reader? Come back tomorrow for a fun dance post!
Monday, April 20, 2015
Things are really blooming, on the 3rd Sunday of Easter...
 |
| A daffodil! It's a miracle! |
Yet more flowers blooming in our yard this week, including this lovely daffodil. I had a perfect photo framed in my smartphone of Anne sniffing the daffodil, but some sort of automatic focusing feature very boldly took over my camera and by the time it had finished its bossiness, Anne had long since moved on. Bummer.
We arrived at Mass yesterday to find a bulletin chock full of upcoming parish activities, and I have to say that I absolutely love our new pastor. He's very social and friendly, and I can tell that he is really trying to get to know everyone and inject some life into the community. Starting in May, there will be a monthly coffee and doughnuts gathering after the 10 am Mass where Father will be present for lively conversation. I am very much looking forward to this and am thinking of even calling the number listed for volunteers to help with these.
Indeed, Fr. Joe came over to chat with us following Mass, but let me circle back for a moment since I'm jumping ahead, as I'm wont to do. :) I am loving the readings from Acts that we focus on during Easter, and Mass was as joyful as ever. When I brought Anne back to the sacristy for the inevitably demanded trip to the restroom, I noticed some wilting Easter flowers back there, the true sign of our progress through this liturgical season - lily weeding. :0 But the church just has a different feel to it during Easter, just such a sense of satisfied joy.
After Mass, the kids and I stopped to chat with our friend Kendra, and that's when Fr. Joe wandered over from his spin around to any lingerers. He's newly back from a short vacation, so we got the scoop on that. Priests have real lives too, who knew? ;-) We talked to Kendra extensively about her senior project art show, which had been the following evening at a local gallery. She's about to graduate with a bachelor's degree in Art, her specialty is drawing and painting, and so Henry, Anne and I went to support her. It was hard to see everything because it was VERY crowded, but it was a lovely event, and she is very talented. I saw several other people there from our parish, including her parents and a couple people from the music ministry, and I'm really feeling like I'm getting to know people now outside of Mass, which is so, so lovely.
The only one not enjoying all of this post-Mass sense of community is poor, long suffering Henry, who sits politely by with a "can we go now?!" face. It's not easy being 9. :)
Mike and I also had a really nice date night this weekend, aided by the fact that the kids spent the night over at their grandparent's house. This was hard on Mommy who has never had Anne spend the night somewhere besides home, aside from our anniversary getaway back in January. It's always hard with that first sleepover, I remember it from when Henry was littler too. So I struggled a bit with the two empty bedrooms for that night, but Mike and I went out for a nice dinner and a movie, and that time together is always so valuable.
How was your weekend, dear reader?
Monday, April 13, 2015
Thriving in fellowship and welcoming back insects, on Divine Mercy Sunday...
Morning all, and happy continuation of the Easter season. ;-) The Octave is over, but nevertheless, we are still celebrating Easter, and I love it. And I absolutely adore Divine Mercy Sunday. I always pray the novena leading up to it (at least, in recent years I have), and it harkens me back to 2005, when I was newly pregnant with Henry and Pope John Paul II passed away on the eve of Divine Mercy Sunday. He always emphasized this feast, and that is one of the reasons that I am so drawn to it, because I love HIM so much.
And so Divine Mercy Sunday dawned bright and beautiful in Western New York. I think about 95% of our leftover snow has finally melted. People, this is *epic*. Never in my lifetime of living in the Northeast have I ever been more happy to see spring. As the kids and I headed out for Mass, I noticed something in our small backyard. Something fragile and beautiful that I feared I'd never see again: flowers. Real ones. Growing out of THE GROUND:
See them there amongst all the dead and shriveled things? I don't know exactly what they are, they may actually be weeds, but I CARE NOT. They are pretty and colorful, and we worship them. As I was over there snapping this photo, I even saw a bee hovering nearby. A REAL LIVE BUMBLE BEE!! Normally, I steer clear of such creatures, but I practically threw this one a party:
"Welcome to our yard, dear bee! I'm so glad to see you! Go tell your friends to come pollinate as well!"
And things were looking even livelier in the front yard:
Tulips baby! They're on their way. We'll have a party for them as well.
Then we left for Mass, and I am just in love with my parish community. Mass was as beautiful as ever, I loved the first reading from the book of Acts (4:32-35). It harkens back to my parish theme: a sense of community:
I just love that. Not a complete analogy, of course, but it is so soothing to me to think of all of us, our communities of faith both local and around the world, in this thing together. We're here for each other, supporting each other and doing our best to give witness to the Lord Jesus Christ.
After Mass, we sat and chatted with our friend Kendra for a bit. She has an art show coming up featuring her work, and we're planning to attend. While we discussed the details, Fr. Joe came over and sat with us. What chatted about his upcoming vacation and how he was going to a party later in the day to watch the Masters. I mean...I love this guy! He's the sort of congenial priest I could imagine inviting over for dinner with the family. He's very social and approachable, and I'm so grateful that we have him.
When we got back home, Henry went to a friend's house, so Mike and I took Anne out for a walk with her tricycle. Before she got on, Anne laid flat on the bare driveway:
"Mommy, look. The sun!"
We have been so, so deprived, my poor children. :0
How was your Divine Mercy Sunday, dear reader?
And so Divine Mercy Sunday dawned bright and beautiful in Western New York. I think about 95% of our leftover snow has finally melted. People, this is *epic*. Never in my lifetime of living in the Northeast have I ever been more happy to see spring. As the kids and I headed out for Mass, I noticed something in our small backyard. Something fragile and beautiful that I feared I'd never see again: flowers. Real ones. Growing out of THE GROUND:
See them there amongst all the dead and shriveled things? I don't know exactly what they are, they may actually be weeds, but I CARE NOT. They are pretty and colorful, and we worship them. As I was over there snapping this photo, I even saw a bee hovering nearby. A REAL LIVE BUMBLE BEE!! Normally, I steer clear of such creatures, but I practically threw this one a party:
"Welcome to our yard, dear bee! I'm so glad to see you! Go tell your friends to come pollinate as well!"
And things were looking even livelier in the front yard:
Tulips baby! They're on their way. We'll have a party for them as well.
Then we left for Mass, and I am just in love with my parish community. Mass was as beautiful as ever, I loved the first reading from the book of Acts (4:32-35). It harkens back to my parish theme: a sense of community:
"The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common. With great power, the apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favor was accorded them all. There was no needy person among them, but those who owned property or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale, and put them at the feet of the apostles, and they were distributed to each according to need."
I just love that. Not a complete analogy, of course, but it is so soothing to me to think of all of us, our communities of faith both local and around the world, in this thing together. We're here for each other, supporting each other and doing our best to give witness to the Lord Jesus Christ.
After Mass, we sat and chatted with our friend Kendra for a bit. She has an art show coming up featuring her work, and we're planning to attend. While we discussed the details, Fr. Joe came over and sat with us. What chatted about his upcoming vacation and how he was going to a party later in the day to watch the Masters. I mean...I love this guy! He's the sort of congenial priest I could imagine inviting over for dinner with the family. He's very social and approachable, and I'm so grateful that we have him.
When we got back home, Henry went to a friend's house, so Mike and I took Anne out for a walk with her tricycle. Before she got on, Anne laid flat on the bare driveway:
"Mommy, look. The sun!"
We have been so, so deprived, my poor children. :0
How was your Divine Mercy Sunday, dear reader?
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Spring fever crafting
And so it begins...
I love winter. I really do. But for some reason, every February I start busting out with pastel greens, yellows and pinks, and I can't stop myself from casting on for projects that I will inevitably lose interest in once the weather gets warmer and won't pick up again until the following spring. Eggs will be crocheted. Bunnies will be on the needles. Spring colored afghans will be sprung. I can't stop myself.
And this year is no exception. The eggs and bunnies are coming, just you wait. And I'm trying not to think about that half finished spring afghan that has been stuffed into the back of our closet for going on three years now. But my current spring obsession is baby and toddler knitting. I own a toddler, so that's convenient, and I have twin infant nephews so the knitting need is quite great. And they are perfect recipients of pastel colored items, don't you agree?
My current obsession is the infamous Elizabeth Zimmerman Baby Surprise Jacket. I purchased the pattern and have been obsessing for weeks with how to size it for a toddler as well as an older infant (that does involve some math, which explains the slowness of this process). I'd like to make some as Easter gifts, perfect for that transitional time before summer.
Excited. Very.excited.
In preparation, I've been finishing up all of my current works-in-progress so that I can feel light and free in casting on for my spring projects.
*martyrdom*
It's not really fun to go back to the heavy brown sweater you abandoned back in December to finish it up so that you can focus on what you *really* want to knit, but I press on anyway, because it's the right thing to do. We don't want that sweater to hold a grudge, and it's depressing form sitting atop my desk was just wearing on me. I also finished up a pair of socks, my mystery knit-along gloves, and three shawls recently. *gold star*
This is the shawl that I made for my friend Karen:
That's crocheted, actually. I thought the heathered blue would look lovely with her coloring.
Tonight I'm bound for JoAnn's on my way home to have a look at some self-patterning baby yarn that I discovered online. It's acrylic, but that's ideal for spring, really. You don't really need the warmth of wool then.
ANYWAY, gearing up for a big day tomorrow, as I'm sure you all are too. I will be checking back in with you shortly.
I love winter. I really do. But for some reason, every February I start busting out with pastel greens, yellows and pinks, and I can't stop myself from casting on for projects that I will inevitably lose interest in once the weather gets warmer and won't pick up again until the following spring. Eggs will be crocheted. Bunnies will be on the needles. Spring colored afghans will be sprung. I can't stop myself.
And this year is no exception. The eggs and bunnies are coming, just you wait. And I'm trying not to think about that half finished spring afghan that has been stuffed into the back of our closet for going on three years now. But my current spring obsession is baby and toddler knitting. I own a toddler, so that's convenient, and I have twin infant nephews so the knitting need is quite great. And they are perfect recipients of pastel colored items, don't you agree?
My current obsession is the infamous Elizabeth Zimmerman Baby Surprise Jacket. I purchased the pattern and have been obsessing for weeks with how to size it for a toddler as well as an older infant (that does involve some math, which explains the slowness of this process). I'd like to make some as Easter gifts, perfect for that transitional time before summer.
Excited. Very.excited.
In preparation, I've been finishing up all of my current works-in-progress so that I can feel light and free in casting on for my spring projects.
*martyrdom*
It's not really fun to go back to the heavy brown sweater you abandoned back in December to finish it up so that you can focus on what you *really* want to knit, but I press on anyway, because it's the right thing to do. We don't want that sweater to hold a grudge, and it's depressing form sitting atop my desk was just wearing on me. I also finished up a pair of socks, my mystery knit-along gloves, and three shawls recently. *gold star*
This is the shawl that I made for my friend Karen:
Tonight I'm bound for JoAnn's on my way home to have a look at some self-patterning baby yarn that I discovered online. It's acrylic, but that's ideal for spring, really. You don't really need the warmth of wool then.
ANYWAY, gearing up for a big day tomorrow, as I'm sure you all are too. I will be checking back in with you shortly.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Spring has sprung
Signs that spring is officially here:
(1) I'm no longer wearing my cute LLBean Storm Chasers to and from work and have started wearing my Mary Janes home.
(2) A transitional fleece jacket has replaced my heavy winter wool coat.
(3) I'm starting to knit with cotton.
(4) A crow flew by me today with some straw-like stuff in her beak. At least this year she wasn't bound for our house. Last year we had a mourning dove nest in one of our windowsills and house sparrows in our attic vent. It's like there was a "SYMPATHETIC BREEDING FEMALE" aura that they all sensed.
(5) I'm coveting yarn in spring greens and pinks. Because I already don't have enough yarn. *snorts*
(6) Our tulips are starting to come up.
I love spring. Such a fresh, sweet feeling to it.
(1) I'm no longer wearing my cute LLBean Storm Chasers to and from work and have started wearing my Mary Janes home.
(2) A transitional fleece jacket has replaced my heavy winter wool coat.
(3) I'm starting to knit with cotton.
(4) A crow flew by me today with some straw-like stuff in her beak. At least this year she wasn't bound for our house. Last year we had a mourning dove nest in one of our windowsills and house sparrows in our attic vent. It's like there was a "SYMPATHETIC BREEDING FEMALE" aura that they all sensed.
(5) I'm coveting yarn in spring greens and pinks. Because I already don't have enough yarn. *snorts*
(6) Our tulips are starting to come up.
I love spring. Such a fresh, sweet feeling to it.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Yet another sign of spring...
Mike: "What are you looking at out there?"
Me: "There's a bunny out there, see? She's tucked over by the fence, real still. I saw her before, when I was pulling out of the garage to go to Mass. I think maybe she's nesting!"
*excitement ensues*
Later that same day...
Mike: "Are you looking out there again? Why are you stalking that bunny?"
Me: "We're kindred spirits."
I mean, it's so obvious, right?
Me: "There's a bunny out there, see? She's tucked over by the fence, real still. I saw her before, when I was pulling out of the garage to go to Mass. I think maybe she's nesting!"
*excitement ensues*
Later that same day...
Mike: "Are you looking out there again? Why are you stalking that bunny?"
Me: "We're kindred spirits."
I mean, it's so obvious, right?
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Spring is in the air...
Well, it's snowing here today, but let's ignore that small fact just for a moment. The other day, a small house sparrow flew by me with grass stuck in its little beak, and there is a pair of Canada geese honking at anyone that walks past their intended nest site nestled in a landscaping display right in the middle of campus. As well, American robins have made their way north again for the year, and their cheery red breasts make me tell them "you are so darn cute!!" every time I see one hopping through my yard.
Spring is here. All the animals are making nests, just like me. :) I kind of like that this birth is lining up with Mother Nature this time. It's a very sweet time to share with animals we may not relate to very often. Pretty soon, the females will all be sitting on their nests, awaiting the big day. Although not quite exactly the same, I have the same instincts coursing through my veins right now. The house is being prepared, and my body is preparing itself, as I wait in joyful hope. I'm getting lots and lots of Braxton Hicks contractions, and I can feel the pressure of the baby's head really low. In less than 4 weeks Baby CL will be full term.
I'm SO ready. But on the other, I'm SO NOT ready. Know what I mean?
Spring is here. All the animals are making nests, just like me. :) I kind of like that this birth is lining up with Mother Nature this time. It's a very sweet time to share with animals we may not relate to very often. Pretty soon, the females will all be sitting on their nests, awaiting the big day. Although not quite exactly the same, I have the same instincts coursing through my veins right now. The house is being prepared, and my body is preparing itself, as I wait in joyful hope. I'm getting lots and lots of Braxton Hicks contractions, and I can feel the pressure of the baby's head really low. In less than 4 weeks Baby CL will be full term.
I'm SO ready. But on the other, I'm SO NOT ready. Know what I mean?
Monday, March 14, 2011
Signs of spring...
Mike: "Aw, look, 2 big squirrels are in our yard. Haven't seen them in awhile. They must be looking for nuts."
CL: "Oh, they're so cute! I love squirrels. I missed them." (This is because we've never had a squirrel in our attic or shed or anything. Then I'm sure I wouldn't feel so warm and fuzzy about them.)
Mike: "Well, I have to admit, they are cute. Look, they're chasing each other. Oh wait. That's not what they're doing. Ohhh..."
CL: "BABY SQUIRRELS! *squeal*"
Mike: "Just what we need. Let's give them some privacy."
CL: "Oh, they're so cute! I love squirrels. I missed them." (This is because we've never had a squirrel in our attic or shed or anything. Then I'm sure I wouldn't feel so warm and fuzzy about them.)
Mike: "Well, I have to admit, they are cute. Look, they're chasing each other. Oh wait. That's not what they're doing. Ohhh..."
CL: "BABY SQUIRRELS! *squeal*"
Mike: "Just what we need. Let's give them some privacy."
Friday, March 11, 2011
A spring cleaning weekend
Despite my continued and urgent need to nest, I've accepted that there isn't anything I can do about it this weekend. We're not going to be moving furniture until much closer to the baby's arrival, and it's too cold to paint. Thus, I need to employ my energies elsewhere, and as we all know, my energies have the force of a small tropical storm.
Thus, I'm going to be doing some spring cleaning. :) Wash all curtains, dust photographs, mop floors, maybe clean out the refrigerator. The side entryway *really* needs some attention. I tend to let that go in the winter because the instant you clean the tile in there, it's dirty again from snow and salt. I like doing things that make the house feel "fresh" so I'm looking forward to it. I'm a little afraid of our kitchen cupboards, so although that's a common spring cleaning task, I may avoid it. Our cupboards really aren't messy or dirty, but I know that once I get in there, I'll spend hours re-organizing everything, and they don't necessarily need re-organizing. No need to create work for myself. I'm good at that.
In baby news, I'll be 30 weeks on Monday. 30 WEEKS. This is a milestone that I've been looking forward to for quite some time. Within 10 weeks of my due date. The end feels much more in sight. Hank was born at 39 weeks, so maybe it'll even been less than 10 weeks! *squeals*
Lately, I've been having lots of those Braxton-Hicks contractions. Those fakey ones where your belly gets all tight for a brief minute. I don't remember getting them this early with Hank. Could this mean I'll deliver before 40 weeks again? Unfortunately, there's no way to tell. :) It's my second baby, which gives me hope, since things do tend to go quicker the second time around. It's as if your body says, "oh, right, this again" and gets its act together much more expediently.
But the thing is, I've known plenty of women who, on their second baby, go *over* their due date. Some who even delivered prior to their due date the first time around. So, it's all a mystery, like always. If I had to guess, based on much TMI charting information, I think I'll deliver between 39 weeks 5 days and 40 weeks 2 days. That's my best prediction via the Creighton Method of Natural Family Planning. :) I'm actually meeting with my NFP lady in early April, and I can write in with her prediction. Bet you can hardly contain your excitement. :)
Thus, I'm going to be doing some spring cleaning. :) Wash all curtains, dust photographs, mop floors, maybe clean out the refrigerator. The side entryway *really* needs some attention. I tend to let that go in the winter because the instant you clean the tile in there, it's dirty again from snow and salt. I like doing things that make the house feel "fresh" so I'm looking forward to it. I'm a little afraid of our kitchen cupboards, so although that's a common spring cleaning task, I may avoid it. Our cupboards really aren't messy or dirty, but I know that once I get in there, I'll spend hours re-organizing everything, and they don't necessarily need re-organizing. No need to create work for myself. I'm good at that.
In baby news, I'll be 30 weeks on Monday. 30 WEEKS. This is a milestone that I've been looking forward to for quite some time. Within 10 weeks of my due date. The end feels much more in sight. Hank was born at 39 weeks, so maybe it'll even been less than 10 weeks! *squeals*
Lately, I've been having lots of those Braxton-Hicks contractions. Those fakey ones where your belly gets all tight for a brief minute. I don't remember getting them this early with Hank. Could this mean I'll deliver before 40 weeks again? Unfortunately, there's no way to tell. :) It's my second baby, which gives me hope, since things do tend to go quicker the second time around. It's as if your body says, "oh, right, this again" and gets its act together much more expediently.
But the thing is, I've known plenty of women who, on their second baby, go *over* their due date. Some who even delivered prior to their due date the first time around. So, it's all a mystery, like always. If I had to guess, based on much TMI charting information, I think I'll deliver between 39 weeks 5 days and 40 weeks 2 days. That's my best prediction via the Creighton Method of Natural Family Planning. :) I'm actually meeting with my NFP lady in early April, and I can write in with her prediction. Bet you can hardly contain your excitement. :)
Friday, May 21, 2010
So hard to focus, but looking forward to summer...
My attention span today appears to last approximately 20.9 seconds at a time. *sighs* Not conducive to getting a lot of work done. But it is a beautiful spring day outside, there is lots of family stuff going on, and my list of knitting and crochet projects for use in distracting me is growing by the nanosecond. Thus, I just can't seem to keep my mind on the dense tome I'm supposed to be writing a review of. Such is life.
I had a wonderful visit with my grandmother yesterday at the hospital. It was just her and I, and we gabbed it up for nearly 3 hours while my knitting needles clacked happily. My grandmother is a very devout evangelical Christian, and I always love her anecdotes.
"Yesterday, this pastor that I'd never seen before stopped by my room. He came in and said 'Excuse me, I'm sorry for intruding, but the Lord just told me to stop and visit with you...'"
She's precious. I plan to go see her again this weekend. Her bypass surgery should occur within the next 4 days or so.
Today, I'm so distracted I literally can't sit still. I've been invited to a baby shower, and my knitting plans are full steam ahead. I'd rather be doing anything other than staring at this book that I need to review. *sighs*
I've also been thinking about our summer plans quite a bit. Hank's pre-k graduation is coming up in mid-June, and next week we have his kidnergarten orientation. My baby! I'm going with his class to a local amusement park in early June, and I'm terribly excited. I'll try not to chaperone his high school prom, but for the time being, I'm really enjoying being involved in his school activities :)
As well, I mentioned before that I've been looking to become more involved in our parish, I was just waiting for the right opportunity. I scan the bulletin each week, but so far, nothing has been workable with my schedule. Last week, I noticed a flyer for a new Vacation Bible School program starting up this summer. The Director of Religious Education is looking for volunteers, and I phoned on Monday morning :) So, in late July, I'm going to be taking a week off from work so that I can volunteer for the program (Hank will also be attending). It's only 9 am - noon, so in the afternoons we'll make a staycation of it and do some fun summer things, like swimming and other play dates. I'm really looking forward to it.
*looks back at book* *wants to kill self* *sighs* 3.5 hours to go...
I had a wonderful visit with my grandmother yesterday at the hospital. It was just her and I, and we gabbed it up for nearly 3 hours while my knitting needles clacked happily. My grandmother is a very devout evangelical Christian, and I always love her anecdotes.
"Yesterday, this pastor that I'd never seen before stopped by my room. He came in and said 'Excuse me, I'm sorry for intruding, but the Lord just told me to stop and visit with you...'"
She's precious. I plan to go see her again this weekend. Her bypass surgery should occur within the next 4 days or so.
Today, I'm so distracted I literally can't sit still. I've been invited to a baby shower, and my knitting plans are full steam ahead. I'd rather be doing anything other than staring at this book that I need to review. *sighs*
I've also been thinking about our summer plans quite a bit. Hank's pre-k graduation is coming up in mid-June, and next week we have his kidnergarten orientation. My baby! I'm going with his class to a local amusement park in early June, and I'm terribly excited. I'll try not to chaperone his high school prom, but for the time being, I'm really enjoying being involved in his school activities :)
As well, I mentioned before that I've been looking to become more involved in our parish, I was just waiting for the right opportunity. I scan the bulletin each week, but so far, nothing has been workable with my schedule. Last week, I noticed a flyer for a new Vacation Bible School program starting up this summer. The Director of Religious Education is looking for volunteers, and I phoned on Monday morning :) So, in late July, I'm going to be taking a week off from work so that I can volunteer for the program (Hank will also be attending). It's only 9 am - noon, so in the afternoons we'll make a staycation of it and do some fun summer things, like swimming and other play dates. I'm really looking forward to it.
*looks back at book* *wants to kill self* *sighs* 3.5 hours to go...
Monday, April 12, 2010
Spring cleaning and gardening, oh joy!
So, I'm back and crazy busy (read: stressed) at work, but I figured, hey. I need a break, right? So here I am, blogging :)
I loved my time off. I really, really needed a breath of fresh air away from work, and I'm so glad that I took those vacation days to be at home, and to be with Henry. I miss my precious button so much today! I loved being with him for 4 straight days :(
Anyway, in terms of my spring cleaning quest, I awoke Thursday morning with a mission: I made a to-do list. *drum roll*...
(1) Straighten basement. *snorts* The basement, as everyone who has one knows, is the repository for all junky items of mysterious origin and things we generally have no idea what to do with. I was actually able to make a dent. I threw some things away and tucked some things that we want to keep into a storage closet down there and it looks much neater. *beams*
(2) Clean out guest room closet. Yeah, didn't get done.
(3) Clean out kitchen junk drawers. Check! We're down to a single junk drawer now. *angels sing*
(4) Go through both my and Hank's closets and drawers to collect items we don't need anymore to donate. Check! This was my big coup for the weekend.
(5) Clean out bathroom vanity things. Check!
(6) Touch up paint where needed. Check!
I was very pleased with how that all went. And all the while, Hank behaved like a dream, playing quietly nearby and being the sweetest boy ever. Because I just wrote that, I'm certain that I'm going to go home from work today and he'll throw an uninterrupted temper tantrum from 5 pm until he goes to bed, but hey. I'm willing to live on the wild side.
Yesterday, the weather was nice enough for us to head out to the yard to start on spring cleanup out there. Inevitably, after the winter, there is assorted crud that needs to be cleaned up from the grass and other shrubbery. I'm all excited, because this year, I'd like to plant a real vegetable garden.
Last year, we planted tomatoes, and had some success with a few minor hiccups. We bought 3 beefsteak tomato plants, and Mike planted them unsupervised, which was a bit of a mistake :) He planted them real.close.together, and they tangled up each other, as well as the bell pepper plants that he also planted by.their.side. We got an overabundance of tomatoes, but the peppers sadly had the life choked right out of them before they ever had a chance. The tomatoes, though wild in their growth, turned out beautiful, we just had way too many of them. I could have opened up a tomato stand on our front lawn and made a tidy extra income.
This year, I'd like less tomatoes overall, but still some of the beefsteak and grape varieties, as well as also peppers (I'll take care of you this year, my peppers; how I love you in my recipes...) of all colors, lettuce, maybe broccoli, perhaps beans. A 'salad garden', really. I'm going to pick up a reference book from the public library this week to help me get started with some seeds, coming to a backyard near me in the coming weeks.
So, yesterday, we headed out armed with rakes to begin our project. Hank and Mike got back from a trip to the hardware store with a rake just Hank's size that was so cute I could hardly stand it. We all raked, and then while Mike cut the grass, Hank and I weeded. He was getting bored, so I got him a little garden shovel to dig for worms while I worked.
Quickly, our adventure turned into an installment of Zee's Garden on Nick Jr.:
"Look Mommy, a WORM!"
"Oh, very nice, Honey. Make sure you leave him in there. He's good for our dirt."
"Oh, he's wiggling. Oh, he's slimy. Want to touch him, Mommy?"
"No, thank you, Sweetie. I see him though, you did a good job of finding him. Why don't you put him back in the dirt; that's his home. We don't want to wave the worm around too much."
"Ok, Mommy. Where is he going, Mommy?"
"Worms like to be real far down in the dirt, Honey. He's just digging deeper."
"Oh yeah, wow. He's going really fast. I help him, Mommy. I'll put some dirt on top of him."
"I'm sure he'll appreciate that, Honey."
We got the back and side areas all weeded, which pleased me greatly. I'd like to plant the garden in the back, since we have a bunch of unused space back there. Unfortunately, that area seems to be near the nest of the resident bunny family, because I always see cottontail rabbits back there. Now, granted, those guys are so cute it makes me want to head out to the backyard and just kiss their little faces. Problem is, well, they'd hate that. Plus, they're an absolute menace to personal gardens. We managed to fend them off the tomatoes last year with some carefully positioned marigolds nearby, but the back of the yard may pose a problem that even marigolds can't solve. The bunnies just run rampant back there. They're so precious, with their little tails just starting to fluff. Yet, they'd eat my vegetables in a heartbeat. And then, I wouldn't feel nearly so motherly towards them. *eyes narrow*
Speaking of mothering, later that day, Hank once again asked me if we would soon have "a baby in our home." Couldn't you just die? Of course, I told him that we're hoping so, should God send one our way. He adds:
"Mommy, could the baby sleep in my room? That way, I could keep an eye on her."
I could have just burst right into tears at how sweet he was being. *hormones rage* If only we could find a way for Hank to lactate, then my job would be so much easier.
I loved my time off. I really, really needed a breath of fresh air away from work, and I'm so glad that I took those vacation days to be at home, and to be with Henry. I miss my precious button so much today! I loved being with him for 4 straight days :(
Anyway, in terms of my spring cleaning quest, I awoke Thursday morning with a mission: I made a to-do list. *drum roll*...
(1) Straighten basement. *snorts* The basement, as everyone who has one knows, is the repository for all junky items of mysterious origin and things we generally have no idea what to do with. I was actually able to make a dent. I threw some things away and tucked some things that we want to keep into a storage closet down there and it looks much neater. *beams*
(2) Clean out guest room closet. Yeah, didn't get done.
(3) Clean out kitchen junk drawers. Check! We're down to a single junk drawer now. *angels sing*
(4) Go through both my and Hank's closets and drawers to collect items we don't need anymore to donate. Check! This was my big coup for the weekend.
(5) Clean out bathroom vanity things. Check!
(6) Touch up paint where needed. Check!
I was very pleased with how that all went. And all the while, Hank behaved like a dream, playing quietly nearby and being the sweetest boy ever. Because I just wrote that, I'm certain that I'm going to go home from work today and he'll throw an uninterrupted temper tantrum from 5 pm until he goes to bed, but hey. I'm willing to live on the wild side.
Yesterday, the weather was nice enough for us to head out to the yard to start on spring cleanup out there. Inevitably, after the winter, there is assorted crud that needs to be cleaned up from the grass and other shrubbery. I'm all excited, because this year, I'd like to plant a real vegetable garden.
Last year, we planted tomatoes, and had some success with a few minor hiccups. We bought 3 beefsteak tomato plants, and Mike planted them unsupervised, which was a bit of a mistake :) He planted them real.close.together, and they tangled up each other, as well as the bell pepper plants that he also planted by.their.side. We got an overabundance of tomatoes, but the peppers sadly had the life choked right out of them before they ever had a chance. The tomatoes, though wild in their growth, turned out beautiful, we just had way too many of them. I could have opened up a tomato stand on our front lawn and made a tidy extra income.
This year, I'd like less tomatoes overall, but still some of the beefsteak and grape varieties, as well as also peppers (I'll take care of you this year, my peppers; how I love you in my recipes...) of all colors, lettuce, maybe broccoli, perhaps beans. A 'salad garden', really. I'm going to pick up a reference book from the public library this week to help me get started with some seeds, coming to a backyard near me in the coming weeks.
So, yesterday, we headed out armed with rakes to begin our project. Hank and Mike got back from a trip to the hardware store with a rake just Hank's size that was so cute I could hardly stand it. We all raked, and then while Mike cut the grass, Hank and I weeded. He was getting bored, so I got him a little garden shovel to dig for worms while I worked.
Quickly, our adventure turned into an installment of Zee's Garden on Nick Jr.:
"Look Mommy, a WORM!"
"Oh, very nice, Honey. Make sure you leave him in there. He's good for our dirt."
"Oh, he's wiggling. Oh, he's slimy. Want to touch him, Mommy?"
"No, thank you, Sweetie. I see him though, you did a good job of finding him. Why don't you put him back in the dirt; that's his home. We don't want to wave the worm around too much."
"Ok, Mommy. Where is he going, Mommy?"
"Worms like to be real far down in the dirt, Honey. He's just digging deeper."
"Oh yeah, wow. He's going really fast. I help him, Mommy. I'll put some dirt on top of him."
"I'm sure he'll appreciate that, Honey."
We got the back and side areas all weeded, which pleased me greatly. I'd like to plant the garden in the back, since we have a bunch of unused space back there. Unfortunately, that area seems to be near the nest of the resident bunny family, because I always see cottontail rabbits back there. Now, granted, those guys are so cute it makes me want to head out to the backyard and just kiss their little faces. Problem is, well, they'd hate that. Plus, they're an absolute menace to personal gardens. We managed to fend them off the tomatoes last year with some carefully positioned marigolds nearby, but the back of the yard may pose a problem that even marigolds can't solve. The bunnies just run rampant back there. They're so precious, with their little tails just starting to fluff. Yet, they'd eat my vegetables in a heartbeat. And then, I wouldn't feel nearly so motherly towards them. *eyes narrow*
Speaking of mothering, later that day, Hank once again asked me if we would soon have "a baby in our home." Couldn't you just die? Of course, I told him that we're hoping so, should God send one our way. He adds:
"Mommy, could the baby sleep in my room? That way, I could keep an eye on her."
I could have just burst right into tears at how sweet he was being. *hormones rage* If only we could find a way for Hank to lactate, then my job would be so much easier.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Spring cleaning...
This time of year always brings out the busy bee part of my Type A personality. The snow melts, and I'm itchin' to plow through my basement. Before we went to New Jersey, I managed to have my way with the refrigerator, so that's one seasonal chore done. But many to go.
For the rest of the week, blogging will be sparse to none, since Hank has an "option week" at Pre-K, meaning that if we signed him out for any day(s) this week, we don't have to pay for them. So we signed him out for 3 days this week, saving us some money, and allowing me to spend some nice time at home with him. I have vacation time to spare, so bonus. Given this, I plan to enact the Great Spring Cleaning of 2010, with young Henry by my side for the rest of the week. I can't imagine he'll be too happy about this. He'd rather use the week to enact an epic battle between the Planet Heroes and the Rescue Heroes in his play room, but me, I'll be hip deep in clothes to donate to Goodwill.
A lot of my inspiration recently came from an article in Woman's Day about spring cleaning, referencing the book Home Comforts: The Art & Science of Keeping House. Rest assured, I have a copy on reserve for me via the public library, and I'm all excited about it. My good friend Irena gifted me with a Jessie Steele cupcakes apron when I saw her over Easter weekend (THANK YOU!!) and I'm all eager to tie it on and get to work.
I'd like to go through Hank's closet and clear it out of clothes that are too small for him, which are many. *sighs* I need to get those in labeled bags to haul into the storage for use on a potential future baby Catholic Librarian. Hank and will need to subsequently get to Target to get him some spring and summer clothes, which I can't imagine will be cheap. *another sigh* At any rate, that's task number one for tomorrow morning. His dresser drawers, as well, are ridiculous. I don't think Hank needs bibs or drool cloths anymore, yet they still reside in his room.
I also need to go through my clothes to weed out things that I don't wear anymore, and my drawers. I wouldn't mind going through some other closets and drawers throughout the house, especially the 2 *coughs* junk drawers in the kitchen. Shameful.
The only thing is, I know myself, and I hate how I get when I start to do chores like this. I get all manic and rushy rushy, refusing to stop and even take a breath lest I forget to manhandle the pile of crap that I just noticed hiding in the pantry. Hopefully, I'll manage to get a few productive things done and allow myself to relax with Henry a bit. The house always feels so fresh and clean and after a purge like that.
Thus, I likely won't blog tomorrow or Friday, and I never blog on the weekends. If that happens, I assure that I will post on Monday with a full report of my long weekend. Bet you can't wait :)
For the rest of the week, blogging will be sparse to none, since Hank has an "option week" at Pre-K, meaning that if we signed him out for any day(s) this week, we don't have to pay for them. So we signed him out for 3 days this week, saving us some money, and allowing me to spend some nice time at home with him. I have vacation time to spare, so bonus. Given this, I plan to enact the Great Spring Cleaning of 2010, with young Henry by my side for the rest of the week. I can't imagine he'll be too happy about this. He'd rather use the week to enact an epic battle between the Planet Heroes and the Rescue Heroes in his play room, but me, I'll be hip deep in clothes to donate to Goodwill.
A lot of my inspiration recently came from an article in Woman's Day about spring cleaning, referencing the book Home Comforts: The Art & Science of Keeping House. Rest assured, I have a copy on reserve for me via the public library, and I'm all excited about it. My good friend Irena gifted me with a Jessie Steele cupcakes apron when I saw her over Easter weekend (THANK YOU!!) and I'm all eager to tie it on and get to work.
I'd like to go through Hank's closet and clear it out of clothes that are too small for him, which are many. *sighs* I need to get those in labeled bags to haul into the storage for use on a potential future baby Catholic Librarian. Hank and will need to subsequently get to Target to get him some spring and summer clothes, which I can't imagine will be cheap. *another sigh* At any rate, that's task number one for tomorrow morning. His dresser drawers, as well, are ridiculous. I don't think Hank needs bibs or drool cloths anymore, yet they still reside in his room.
I also need to go through my clothes to weed out things that I don't wear anymore, and my drawers. I wouldn't mind going through some other closets and drawers throughout the house, especially the 2 *coughs* junk drawers in the kitchen. Shameful.
The only thing is, I know myself, and I hate how I get when I start to do chores like this. I get all manic and rushy rushy, refusing to stop and even take a breath lest I forget to manhandle the pile of crap that I just noticed hiding in the pantry. Hopefully, I'll manage to get a few productive things done and allow myself to relax with Henry a bit. The house always feels so fresh and clean and after a purge like that.
Thus, I likely won't blog tomorrow or Friday, and I never blog on the weekends. If that happens, I assure that I will post on Monday with a full report of my long weekend. Bet you can't wait :)
Friday, April 2, 2010
It's Good Friday, and your Catholic Librarian prepares for Easter travel...
It's Good Friday, and I find myself thinking about how quickly Lent has gone by. I've had a good Lent, but I do feel that I've slipped somewhat with the depth of my prayer life. That's something that I'd like to use Easter season to jump start me into remedying. Overall though, I did enjoy my Lent, and I enjoyed my headcovering experiment. I will post fully on that next week. I enjoyed sacrificing eating meat, as well, and I found that this year I really appreciated more how each action that I took throughout the season towards my Lenten promises made me feel that I was joining in Jesus' journey.
This Living Faith reading is from yesterday, Holy Thursday, but I find it resonating with me especially this morning:
"We Remember
He loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end. John 13:1
This holy night, when we celebrate the Lord's Supper, is rich with remembrance. There is no need to ask, 'What would Jesus do?' for Jesus himself, in word, symbol and action, holds up for us what is most dear to his heart. He chooses to spend his last remaining hours with his disciples. He faces betrayal. He washes feet. He breaks bread. He gives us his enduring presence in the Eucharist, so that he will always, always remain with us.
This night is a testament to what matters. Filled with love and profound compassion, it is a tender, final moment that our faith calls us to celebrate over and over. It is Jesus' legacy of witness and unending presence.
Jesus, thank you for loving me and remaining withi me always. "
More than my personal prayer life this Lent, I feel that I grew in appreciation of my public prayer life, through attending Sunday Mass. And the focus on the Eucharist in this passage brought that point home to me.
Aside from dwelling on Good Friday, I've been preparing to travel to my sister Rhonda's home for Easter this weekend. This is the longest car trip we will have taken with Henry, so my normally spastic preparation process has been keyed up a notch. Yesterday, I stopped off at the grocery store to purchase little packs of veggie chips and animal crackers, and bottles of iced tea for each of us to drink. Mike, always the realist, pointed out that the large bottles that I squirreled away were bound to make us have to stop multiple times to use those nasty roadside reststops, but alas. I wanted to make sure that we wouldn't be thirsty :)
I also have Easter gifts to pack, fixins' for Henry's basket, a full vehicle entertainment toolkit for Henry, including a portable DVD player that I have to set up, DVD's, books, and action figures, and knitting for myself. It'll be a busy evening.
This Living Faith reading is from yesterday, Holy Thursday, but I find it resonating with me especially this morning:
"We Remember
He loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end. John 13:1
This holy night, when we celebrate the Lord's Supper, is rich with remembrance. There is no need to ask, 'What would Jesus do?' for Jesus himself, in word, symbol and action, holds up for us what is most dear to his heart. He chooses to spend his last remaining hours with his disciples. He faces betrayal. He washes feet. He breaks bread. He gives us his enduring presence in the Eucharist, so that he will always, always remain with us.
This night is a testament to what matters. Filled with love and profound compassion, it is a tender, final moment that our faith calls us to celebrate over and over. It is Jesus' legacy of witness and unending presence.
Jesus, thank you for loving me and remaining withi me always. "
More than my personal prayer life this Lent, I feel that I grew in appreciation of my public prayer life, through attending Sunday Mass. And the focus on the Eucharist in this passage brought that point home to me.
Aside from dwelling on Good Friday, I've been preparing to travel to my sister Rhonda's home for Easter this weekend. This is the longest car trip we will have taken with Henry, so my normally spastic preparation process has been keyed up a notch. Yesterday, I stopped off at the grocery store to purchase little packs of veggie chips and animal crackers, and bottles of iced tea for each of us to drink. Mike, always the realist, pointed out that the large bottles that I squirreled away were bound to make us have to stop multiple times to use those nasty roadside reststops, but alas. I wanted to make sure that we wouldn't be thirsty :)
I also have Easter gifts to pack, fixins' for Henry's basket, a full vehicle entertainment toolkit for Henry, including a portable DVD player that I have to set up, DVD's, books, and action figures, and knitting for myself. It'll be a busy evening.
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