We've Adopted!!!

 

Name:	Carlos Amigo Vallejo OFM
Country:	Spain
Day of birth:	1934-8-23
Cardinal since:	2003-10-21
Function:	Archbishop emeritus of Seville, Spain

Now, we have a specific focus for our prayers for the conclave!!

Adopt your own cardinal here: ADOPT A CARDINAL

Spring Freshening

 I don't really have anything super fabulously wonderful from the design world to show you, but I spruced up a few areas that have been bugging me.

Before: Bread Basket...P.S. Did you see our new microwave?? We had to throw the old one away, the door cracked and then, it didn't pass the cell phone test.

After: Bread Basket(from Hobby Lobby..40% off!!) In case you are wondering(you probaby already know), if you put your cell phone in the microwave and it rings, you have a leak.

Before: Coffee Station *Note the lovely festive plastic container;)

After: Coffee Station same line of baskets as the bread basket from Hobby Lobby.
Everything fits neatly in the basket, even the coffee bean grinder!!

 Now, I have been meaning to put up curtains over our puny basement windows ever since we moved in....3 years ago!! Finally, it's done!! The curtains were formerly hanging in the family room upstairs, but 2 of my nameless children hung on them while standing on top of the sofa and broke the rod. The lace and sheer panels are still hanging in the family room, so at least there is something in there!  So, while hanging the curtains in their new location on pretty oil rubbed bronze rods, I threatened them with certain death if they even think about reenacting that dastardly event.  It actually makes me giddy to see them(the curtains that is)!! Hello Spring!!

Naked basement window on the South end of the wall.

Sweet picture my talented friend, Jan cross-stitched.

Before: South window

After: South window

After: South wall

Companion pic by Jan.

Before

North end of the wall.

After

Journal: Hairline Fracture

Out my window: melting snow making way for warmer weather!!



I'm glad the snow is leaving but it was so pretty when it clung to the branches!



From the Garden: Our hitchhiking snowman caught a drift.

From the ER: Jonah fractured his hand while playing at friends house. I have to say he has been quite the trooper about it, not complaining and probably overdoing it a little. We took him back to the Dr earlier this week and it's healing beautifully, hopefully the splint will come off in 10 days.

 From the Kitchen: Gregory is not much bigger than a 32 oz cup!

Our Baby: Gregory is a teething machine!! He's got 2 bottom teeth trying to come out, but they sure are stubborn!

 From the Classroom: Noah and Jonah got a tour with our homeschool group to KSN.
Journal quiz: Mark Bogner will be leaving KSN in April to pursue a new career. Can you guess what it is??

Jonah was pleasantly surprised that his green shirt disappeared on the weather map's green screen.

Crafting: I'm thinking about my bare basement windows. I want to put up some cute little curtains. I'll be posting about it soon!!

Praying about: The conclave and wondering how long it will take to elect a new Pope. Also, thinking about the "prophecies" about the 3 last Popes...hmmmm....also thinking about JPII's new springtime. I'm curious about the  new Pope's name, will it be JP III or Benedict XVII??

Kid Philosophy

I overheard a conversation today shortly after Mass between Benny(6) and Charlie(4).

Charlie: So, where do we go after we die, Benny?

Benny: God will make us a new world,.... the world without end.

Charlie: Oh, so that will mean unlimited Saturdays!?!

Benny: Yes, but that doesn't mean everyday will be Saturday, Charlie.

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!"