Family Picture

Our family pic for the parish directory.

We were all very impressed with Charlie's
Lieutenant Dan hand trick.

Snow Ice Cream

We are getting ready for a snow treat! Our big bowl is out on the back deck filling with snow.

SNOW ICE CREAM RECIPE
1 Gallon fresh snow
1 Cup sugar or Stevia to taste
1 Tablespoon of Vanilla
2 Cups of milk or almond or coconut milk

You have to play around with the recipe a tad to get it to come out to the right consistency because it all depends on the texture and moisture level of the snow. Add all ingredients saving the milk for last and add a little at a time until you have reached the desired consistency.
Have fun!!

Journal: Baby Blues

Out My Window: Brighter now in the mornings....which I love!

Lent: We decided to re-add the Rosary daily, because while I was pregnant we quit praying it together as a family. And that's pretty much it.

In the Kitchen: Fruitflys...lots of them!! They moved in with the seedlings I planted...and we can't get rid of them!! Anyone know of affordable solutions?

The Kids: Hannah and her Daddy attended the annual father daughter dance, and since it was at Kapaun(Don's old stomping grounds) she got a private tour....they weren't supposed to be nosing around...but  they had a blast!

Oh Gregory!! I can't even remember my life before!! He is such a blessing...but a CLINGY one!! I can hardly step out of the room without him noticing!! As I'm sure all Mammas get, I'm feeling a little worn and blue....and it seems like nothing is getting done!

 Charlie was so excited on Valentine's Day. Our sweet neighbors brought over some cupcakes with little ring favors on top and Charlie was so happy. He told me he is going to wear it to Mass and asked me if I thought Jesus would like it.

Benny's knee has been flaring up again, earlier this year...Christmas weekend actually...he was diagnosed with water on the knee and given a high powered anti-inflammatory....but he wakes up every morning with a limp and a little bit of swelling. I think it's time to revisit the doctor.

Elijah is becoming quite the artist, it's neat to see how much he has improved since last year.

Jonah has the ability to crack me up!! One of his siblings fired an insult at him and he politely responded, "Ahhh, thank you for the gracious compliment, Ma Lady." I bet you can't figure out which sibling;)

Noah has really grown, he is the same size/weight as Don and can wear his clothes...but has the family's biggest set of feet....SIZE 13!

What Brings Me Joy: deep cleaning the bathtub and the kitchen sink, Don's sense of humor, chocolate, being with family...even in sadness, it's nice to be together and tell each other, "I love you!"

My Dear Cousin

I would like to ask for prayers for my dear sweet cousin, Craig, who died unexpectedly Tuesday night. He was only 35. It's been quite a shock to all of us especially his Mother, Father and brother, Brian.


Craig M. Dunlop, 35, passed away unexpectedly, Tuesday, February 5, 2013, following a short illness. Craig was born in Grand Island, Nebraska, but spent most of his childhood in Kansas living in both Wichita and Topeka. He was a 1999 Business Administration graduate of Kansas University. He enjoyed a successful career in the financial services industry in the greater Kansas City area. Craig grew up an avid sports fan and was forever excited about KU Basketball. A major past-time was listening to music and talk radio. He enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. Craig enjoyed attending family reunions to reconnect with his adult cousins and always brought smiles to his Grandmas. He was a private and thoughtful man, always searching for the truth. A Rosary will be prayed at 9:15 a.m., preceding the Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m., both Saturday, February 9, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery. Survivors: parents, William and Carol Dunlop; brother, Brian Dunlop, all of Wichita, and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Memorials established with St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 645 N. 119th St. W., Wichita, KS 67235 and The Lord’s Diner, 520 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS 67214. Downing & Lahey Mortuary West.
Rosary will be Saturday,

Saturday February 9, 2013, 9:15 A.M. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church

Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday,

Saturday February 9, 2013, 10:00 A.M. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church

Don on Blog Radio

In case you missed it;) Skip ahead to 45:05 to hear the short segment.
Listen HERE

I'm Not That Great

He stares with admiring, flirtatious eyes.
Doesn't he know?
I'm not that great?
I have a frumpy dumpy mommy bod,
Greasy hair.. I haven't showered for days,
(It hasn't even been styled since 2011.)
The laugh lines that used to only appear momentarily now linger indefinitely.

He shyly tosses glances watching my every move and is seemingly impressed by what he sees.
Doesn't he know?
I'm not that great!
Most of the time I am distracted and snappy with the kids,
I have way too many negative thoughts,
I didn't get all the dishes done...again
Dinner...what...already...Oh crud!  I forgot to thaw the meat!!!

He reaches out his arms to bring me close to him as if his life depended on it.
Doesn't he know?
I'm not that great.
I smell like spit up.
I'm in a bad mood.

But, he doesn't care, he just wants to be with me and sees nothing but the best. Maybe, I will try harder...
to be what he sees.

Born To Deliver

This is one of the best books I've read. It's the true life story of Kathy Brace, a mid-wife in Wichita, Kansas.

I was shocked that it wasn't a story all about births and midwifery...not even close.

It's sad, hopeful, beautiful....a real world example of redemption. The most inspiring thing to me is Kathy's dependence on God's providence....it's amazing and miraculous what happens when she puts her trust in God!!! WOW!!! I couldn't put it down.

I had talked to Kathy on the phone about my challenging pregnancy with Gregory, and the advice she gave me helped both my and Gregory's health tremendously. I highly recommend her services and her book.

P.S. I get nothing for my opinion...just wanted to share. Thanks for lending me the book, Danielle!!

http://www.amazon.com/Born-Deliver-Kathy-Brace/dp/0982182821