Five Favorites

1.  Bar Rescue on Spike Channel- This show makes me either a) feel more than competent to own a bar compared to the owners featured or b) want to go out and enjoy some nightlife.  It's kind of like Restaurant Impossible on the Food Network and Clean House on Style. I think these shows appeal to me because they go from disorganization to order...the one main thing I long for in many aspects of my own life.

2.  Co-Sleeping- With my first two kids eventually we co-slept then they transitioned to cribs just fine.  With baby number three I didn't even pretend to listen to those hospital nurses, Dr. Sears would be proud.  I have felt just as rested as I did before her arrival.  I don't really consider myself an advocate for attachment parenting but as every mother finds her own way I realized I fit into this description.  When people ask me how we're making it through the nights I shrug because I don't really skip a beat, it's a non issue.  Now we're at the point to start transitioning.  Rita starts in the bassinet and hours later ends up in bed with me but the hours in between are getting longer.

3.  Chicago Restaurants- We went to the city for a baby shower and made plans for meals you can't get in Springfield.  There was the number 2 best steak I've ever had at Wildfire Grill (number 1 was at The Palm also in Chicago years back), Seafood you can't find at Bob Chin's Crabhouse (I had Asian Basa), the very popular Gene and Jude's hot dogs (it's literally the only thing on the menu and the line is out the door), and finally the serbian Cafe Beograd (we were the only non-european, English as a first language people in there, and it was AWESOME!). 

4.  Iced Coffee- Can I say coffee again?  It's different because this week I specifically mean iced. 

5.  All things Baby- This week has been especially baby centered with my mom gone to see my new nephew P. in California, going to a baby shower and enjoying the company of 2 of my former roommates who will have sweet newborns next month, my own darling girl who seems to have hit a growth spurt, and to Hallie who hosts five favoties and just had a boy! Babies are my favorite!

7 Quick Takes

-1-

Appropriate for March Madness

-2-

My high school band director went to U of I and therefore our pep band played songs just like U of I's pep band.  During today's Illinois game I heard their pep band and was carried back.  Every time I hear the Rocky theme I imagine high school boys running out of the locker room doing their warm up routine, not a boxer.  It was some of the most fun I had in high school.  We even got to play at the state finals for pep band even though our team wasn't in the tourney.  I felt pretty B.A. when I filled the arena with my sweet trumpet solo at the opening of "I Will Survive."

Seniors Rule! Backstage at Peoria Civic Center

-3-

Yes it's almost 9 pm and I am just getting to quick takes because...

this doll won't stop crying when put down.  I usually only babywear when out and about but at this moment I have a sweet baby snuggled up and asleep on my chest hands free to type.  

-4-

Did you know that it's said the least productive work day in America is the first day of the NCAA tourney?  I filled out my bracket did you?  Go Kansas!

-5-

In 2008 my band director invited band alumni to come play the school song at homecoming as it was his 30th year of teaching.  He's already put out the invite for this September since it will be his last year.  I had so much fun last time even though it wasn't easy with an infant.  I hope to go again and see some more friends.  

The Fossils as Mr. Brooks calls us.

-6-

I walk this line of going crazy that the house is a mess and not caring.  Yesterday I was going through closets to purge stuff.  Today my clean laundry is thrown all over the family room.  I really have no in between.

-7-

Speaking of going through closet, you should see some of these '80's board games.  We have such gems as Murder She Wrote, Muscle Men Mega Match, and Tuba Ruba.  

Have a great week everyone and thanks to Jen for the link up at www.conversiondiary.com.

Solemnity of St. Joseph

   Exactly 10 years ago today I was in St. Peter's square in the very front row listening to Pope John Paul II talk to the crowd about St. Joseph.  So naturally I'm ecstatic that today is the inaugural mass of Pope Francis! 

 

  I love this litany prayer because it reminds me of all the titles St. Joseph has and offers me the chance to reflect on his life.  He's so great!  I hope you let God spoil you today!!

  Litany of St. Joseph  

V/ Lord, have mercy.

R/ Lord, have mercy.  

V/ Christ, have mercy.

R/ Christ, have mercy.  

V/ Lord, have mercy.

R/ Lord, have mercy.  

V/ Jesus, hear us.

R/ Jesus, graciously hear us.  

V/ God, the Father of Heaven,

R/ have mercy on us.  

V/ God, the Son, Redeemer of the world,

R/ have mercy on us.  

V/ God, the Holy Spirit,

R/ have mercy on us.  

V/ Holy Trinity, One God,

R/ have mercy on us.  

 

R/for ff: pray for us.

Renowned offspring of David,

Light of Patriarchs,

Spouse of the Mother of God,

Chaste guardian of the Virgin,

Foster father of the Son of God,

Diligent protector of Christ,

Head of the Holy Family,

Joseph most just,

Joseph most chaste,

Joseph most prudent,

Joseph most strong,

Joseph most obedient,

Joseph most faithful,

Mirror of patience,

Lover of poverty,

Model of artisans,

Glory of home life,

Guardian of virgins,

Pillar of families,

Solace of the wretched,

Hope of the sick,

Patron of the dying,

Terror of demons,

Protector of Holy Church,   PRAY FOR US!

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world,

R/ spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world,

R/ graciously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world.

R/ have mercy on us.

He made him the lord of his household.

R/ And prince over all his possessions.   

 

Let us pray. O God, in your ineffable providence you were pleased to choose Blessed Joseph to be the spouse of your most holy Mother; grant, we beg you, that we may be worthy to have him for our intercessor in heaven whom on earth we venerate as our Protector: You who live and reign forever and ever. R/ Amen.