Summer, As of June 8th, 2011

Two trips to the pond
One 8th grade graduation ( I now have two high schoolers - Congrats Abby Joan - we are proud of you!)
One piano and recorder recital. (three kids!)
One  whitewater rafting trip
One 'girls only' pool party with a sweet neighbor girl.
Mega squirt gun fight in the back yard.
Lots of painting at the farm.
Lots of (very delayed) planting in the garden,  no harvesting yet.
One hike through a local park.
One air conditioner out of service. (Oh yeah,  it's hot!)
One awesome visit from Opa in progress.
Many outdoor meals from the grill.
One walk to the ice cream shop . (Sundaes for dinner on Sunday!)
Lots of popcicles, peppermint ice tea, and fresh lemonade!

First Kiss

  Oh sure I've kissed her hundreds,  possibly thousands of times in the past seven months.  I've kissed her little rosebud lips,  her dimpled cheeks, and her corn kernel toes.  I've enjoyed her mouthing my cheeks when she's hungry, just before settling in to nurse.  This  one was different though,  this was initiated by her.  I wasn't even paying attention.  I was standing in the back of church rocking and swaying through the Sanctus with her on my hip.   I was singing in a low voice,  my head bowed in prayer.  I felt her pudgy little patties on either of my cheeks,  I opened my eyes to see her looking right at me with that darling angelic smile.  I smiled back.  She pulled my face to hers and pressed those sweet little lips right on mine and gave a little *smack* sound.  I felt my heart melt.  My first kiss from Cecilia.  What a sweet treasure. 

I find this Adorable!

My oldest daughter took this very short video at the park the other day.  She meant to take a photo but the camera was set to video.  I find it so adorable.  Just a few short seconds of a toddler running through the park!

Capturing Our Summer

  Long time, no blog.  I seem to blog in short spurts.   Truth be told,  I do a lot of things this way;  sew, crochet, read a novel, and many other little hobbies.  I'm not sure this is a particularly good trait of mine so I seek to improve.  I was inspired today by Molly in a recent post:  The Reluctant Blogger.  I can especially identify with this: 

"So, I do not write. Months go by. I compose profound posts while standing in the shower which are gone by the time I find some quiet. I take mental notes of those memorable days and priceless moments, just sure I will remember to write them down someday. But someday keeps getting pushed back and then it seems almost impossible to pick up where I left off"

  But also like Molly,  I want to capture these fleeting days.  The children and I really enjoy looking back on through the past four years of this blog and remembering all of the celebrations, exciting trips, projects,  and just the day to day.  

  I notice I seem to stop blogging when things are not going particularly well.  I took a very long break when we lost Mary Rose last year.  Since my last post nearly a month ago,  the attempts at purchasing the farmhouse have been very rough.  We have not closed yet,  having to ask for an extension on our offer.  We are coming close to the end of this extension with some big obstacles in our way yet.  *sigh*  

  Regardless of the yucky stuff,  appraisals, obstacles, yada yada....there are many beautiful moments to capture in our crazy little life.  So,  I'm taking a deep breath,  grabbing my camera,  and resolving to capture these moments.  Starting today!

The Kitchen Madonna

   My birthday and Mother's Day are always very close to one another. (Sometimes even on the same day!)  I had a wonderful Mother's Day Sunday. Tony and the kids made a great breakfast of french toast and coffee.  Then we were off to our home parish for May Crowning and Masss.  Later that day the children had their Easter choir concert and festival at St. Augustine's.  (Check out Bridget's blog for pictures.  You have to take a look the pics of Lydia - very very sweet!)   We arrived home late and tuckered out!  The next day was my birthday. My husband is the best gift giver I have ever known.  He always chooses very thoughtful and personal gifts.  This year I woke to find a beautiful statue of The Kitchen Madonna gracing my place at the table. 

"Mary was not only Jesus' Mother, but also a housewife. Her utensils are earthly and heavenly symbols. The key represents the safety in the house and also the way into heaven. The kettle symbolizes nourishment for body and soul. The broom represents cleanliness in the home and in thoughts and deeds."

 

May Daybook

Today, Tuesday May 10, 2011

Outside My Window… Spring!  Beautiful, colorful, muddy...bikes being repaired, flower beds being cleaned out and in bloom!!  It's lovely.  


I am thankful… for two working clothes dryers!  No more waiting around for clothes to dry - we get twice as much done in half the time.(?) math is a strong point of mine...
 

From the kitchen... I just got of the phone with a local farmer - our steer goes to slaughter on Friday.  Next week we will fill our second freezer with fresh beef.  The other freezer still holds plenty of pork,  venison, and two wild turkeys. 

From the garden... Nothing just yet,  but many plans in the works. We are not living there just yet,  but we are very blessed to know the current owners.  They are being very generous and letting us get started.   Next week the children and I will be cleaning out the garden bed and giving the ground a good work over.  My goal is a no-till garden,  but this year a good tilling will be necessary.   We will put out some greens next week also.  I am so excited to put some fresh organic greens on the table soon! 


I am wearing...We spent the morning painting fences at the new property.  I am very much a skirt kinda gal,  but between the painting and the wind,  I opted for capris and a quarter length tee.  It is so nice not to worry about socks or tights!

I am creating…lists, plans, and designs.  Lists of things to be done before and during the move.  Plans for the garden,  and designs for setting up an efficient household.  Ana White - Homemaker  is inspiring and motivating my imagination right now. 
 
I am reading… I have been picking up and reading The Catechism of The Catholic Church  in bits and pieces lately. (Yep, the big green book!)  Just picking up and reading whatever page I happen to turn to.  It's like sitting down and chatting with a (very!) wise old friend.  So comfortable and so right. 

I am hearing…Errr... the radio in the kitchen is on the local country station...if the children were in the house,  I'd probably rush to turn it off.  Something about tequila and losing items of clothing...
 
One of my favorite things…I get a huge kick out of how eager a little one can be about losing a tooth...until they see a little bit of blood!!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…Tomorrow we will finish painting the fence.  We have girls group meetings,  fencing practice,  a birthday on Friday.  Have I mentioned that the older children are already done with school for the year?  Math will continue for a while yet,  but I highly doubt any writing will be going on...

Here is picture thought I am sharing…  The cutest baby EVER!

                                                

{pretty, happy, funny, real} Easter Week

{pretty}

Celia's Smile!

{happy}

A happy little girl splashing in the mud!

{funny}

I asked him to smile!

{real}

My goofy brood at Easter dinner

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