For Today…Sunday, July 15, 2012

Outside my window…the sun is shining.  Two hours ago, my street was flooding.  We will not complain about the rain.  We will not.

I am listening to…three little boys play ball outside, one of Goose’s games.

I am wearing…my pj’s.  That’s how long it’s taken to get this post going.

Moments of grace…playing with the baby, boys fighting over who gets to sit next to me during mass, (although it doesn’t always seem like a grace filled moment), catching up with a friend I haven’t seen in far too long, making plans with friends, learning about humility in my life.

I am praying for…a special intention, my children, my parents, my aunt, that I get over this bug, and that I remain calm and peaceful for the second half of summer.

I am reading…I am reading!!!  Still taking notes on Raising Lifelong Learners; just started Gone Girl.  Great read so far.  I had to buy the book because I wanted to read it that badly and the library had one copy with 94 holds on it.

On eating healthy…a few weeks ago, I was mocked for being happy that my kids didn’t like sliced processed cheese.  It turned into a thing about me not liking processed foods.  Actually, I’m not a fan of processed foods, they’re processed not real.  What’s weird about that?  Plus, hasn’t anybody heard?   There is a huge problem with kids, their weight and eating the right foods.  If my kids live their lives without entering McDonald’s, I’m really okay with it.  Regardless, of my feelings on processed foods and what others feed their kids, I have to admit two things: 1 my kids love Velveeta and shells (processed food if there ever was one) (a fact that was stated out loud but ignored when the need to mock me came up) and 2 I can’t always afford organic food.  That said, I will do whatever it takes to feed my kids healthy food, including fresh fruits and vegetables, and those foods are more often than not organic.  My kids already eat loads of fruits and about 6 vegetables without complaining, but have now started eating spinach.  How about that?!  Goose ate plain spinach, without fussing.  And Baby Hulk ate more sauteed spinach than even Squirt.  Soon we’ll be able to join a vegetable coop because we will be eating whatever is in season, and I won’t have to worry about it going bad because nobody will eat it.  We also changed to Greek yogurt, a big hit with Goose and Snax.  I am by no means an example when it comes to feeding children.  But personally, I’m happy to try and make some healthy changes now before they develop poor eating habits.

Towards being fit and happy…My body still thinks we’re on vacation.  I must have gained the weight I never lost before the vacation while on vacation.  Then I got sidelined with a virus so I’ve yet to make it back to the gym.  This week we’re back to normal.

From the kitchen…I came up with 4 meals, Marivi came up with 3 and the week is set. Fish, Jenn’s chicken dish, Italian sausage roasted peppers and orzo, fajitas, pasta, veggie night and chicken Parmesan.  Excited about each dish.

Baby Hulk…July is a hard month when two brothers have birthdays so close together. But he took it in stride and didn’t pout.  Just made me promise that he could have a party in September.

To live the liturgy…July is actually a big month of feast days to celebrate…Blessed Kateri who will be canonized in October, (we missed making anything so I think we’ll do something anyway and have it ready for October), Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Mary Magdalene, (a personal favorite), and Saint Anne, a namesake.  No specific plans for anything, but would like something special for Saint Anne.  Starting a novena tonight.

On Rhythm and Balance…The last few weeks have been a bit out of balance for us.  We left town and immediately returned to three birthdays.  The birthdays were wonderful, but so far we’ve only had family celebrations, but soon…we need a party.  I  want to balance things out and just live.  Celebrate the day for what it is, just a regular old day.  That said, I loved the birthdays, I’m just tired.  Really tired!

On birthdays…I LOVE BIRTHDAYS.  LOVE THEM.  You will never hear me moan about becoming a year older.  EVER.  You will hear me tell you who has forgotten my birthday.  My birthday is this month, as are most of my favorite people.  Of course, there are my sons and brother, but then there are Nikki, Laura, Denise and Shea.  July really rocks for birthdays.

Random fact…I’ve had an iphone 3 since the 4 came out.  I got Lance’s old phone.  About 15 months ago, I cracked the face on my phone.  I never got it fixed, and it’s just become worse.  But it still worked.  Mostly.  I finally got a new phone.  And I hear the next version is coming out this fall.  Figures.

Around the house…we made this flag.  The stripes are courtesy of one very loud, screaming little girl.  She hated every single second.  And despite my best efforts, she got paint on her shorts.  Stars are the boys’ fingerprints.  It’s on canvas so we can bring it out each year.

Loving the moments…when I get to spend some time with just Baby Z.  I hate to even admit this because many people have the opinion that having several kids means less attention for each child.  I disagree.  My life is not busier than my friends with one or two kids.  Now shower time might be more chaotic.   Anyway, it’s just so sweet watching her play, listen to books, get bored with books, and her toys.  She has a slight temper.  Today she tossed a toy clear across the room.  I managed to calmly tell her to find it and bring it to me.  She did.  Guess there’s something to be said about keeping my cool.

Little one…had a rough night.  Had no desire to sleep in her room, finally after failing to calm her down, I had to take her out.  Then she refused to look at me.  She’s an interesting sleeper, she’s been sleeping through the night since 3.5 months, but she definitely has evenings every month where she just wants me.  And I guess that’s okay.

Plans for the week…a week of play dates.  There are lots of friends we haven’t seen in awhile and this is the week.  I am pretty happy to spend time with these friends, mainly because I really like the parents of said friends.

A picture to share…

My 8 year old was having a birthday party for one of the Snoopys.  His idea.