7 Quick Takes

--- 1 ---

When my dad liked a song...he'd really latch on to it.  Some of the best memories of him are when he found a song and would uninhibitedly belt it out when it came on the radio or would just "serenade" my family because he wanted to enjoy it and would put it on.  When he passed I wondered what would be the next song that he would have loved.  I heard this and without doubt know this is the next song.  Of course it had to be Toby KEITH.

--- 2 ---

On random and oh so rare days I decide to try. Last night I wet set my hair like so many women in the '50's did.  Here is the result...

Hotness you can expect to see again maybe halfway into 2014

 Someone get that girl an eyebrow wax

--- 3 ---

I love DIY projects.  Our dishwasher dispenser cup broke and the fridge's water dispenser/ice maker has not only refused to work for more than five years but had dripped water onto our floor.  With the help of Sears Parts Direct I am proud to say we're all in working order.  I feel like we have brand new appliances.

--- 4 ---

Last weekend I participated in the Run or Dye 5k.  I tried to train before but my painful ear infection threw me off track.  I managed to trot half and walk half.  It felt a lot shorter than I'd expected.  I'm super proud of my friend, Liz, who I begged to go with me.  She also trained couch to 5k and jogged the whole thing. The event made me feel young and like, "Maybe I'm too old for this," all at the same time.  Here we are acting like fools...

--- 5 ---

I hate cold weather.  One of the redeeming things about it is cute babies in adorable hats.

--- 6 ---

So, Capital Catholic right?  Politics Religion.  I have my moments then I try to lay low for awhile.  Here's a moment... I've seen two bumper stickers in Springfield so far that say, "I'm Ready for Hilary 2016"  I almost rear ended them on purpose.  WAKE UP AMERICA!
Also, I'm very proud of our Bishop in Springfield for speaking so strongly against people trying to make a mockery of the rosary and our holy space at my parish, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.  All are welcome to come and be reverent, but it's not okay to go to any church, temple, chapel, etc. with an agenda.

--- 7 ---

We're looking forward to a good weekend here.  Pumpkin carving, possible visit from my mom, Halloween train ride, school carnival, some good home cookin', confession and mass. Hope you all have a good one too!

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

7 Quick Takes

Seven Real Quick ones...

 

-1-

Monster Jam was a success.  I was afraid Jimmy would be too little but the other patrons had kids his age too.  It's all he talks about and recreates in play.  He asked if he could go again for his birthday.

 

-2-

While the men watched the show my mom and I took Regina out for some fun.  Monkey Joe's was not a success (think Chuck E Cheese but instead of games inflatable bounce houses).  Next we went to Build a Bear where she made a Tinkerbell bunny.  I kind of get the hype now.  It was a great day.

 

-3-

I had been thinking of a girl from grade school who I stopped interacting with by junior high. I'd often find myself wanting to know what happened to her.  I don't even remember if she graduated with us or did the early thing or dropped out or what.  I know it's a weird thing to pray about, to be enlightened as to her where about's, but I had.  And there she was a week later, working at Build a Bear.  We did the usual small talk that you'd expect and it was just a normal interaction, but I was so grateful for the answered prayer.  Ask my mom, I couldn't stop talking about it the rest of the day.

 

-4-

I made a commitment to stop drinking regular soda and did the switch to diet.  However I would feel weird later in the day.  It kind of felt like vertigo.  I've concluded artificial sweetener is no good for me.  Therefore I am a converted unsweetened tea drinker.  I don't know why I thought I didn't like tea.  It's like a more refreshing coffee!

 

-5-

Another conviction I made is just because I have three little kids I'm not going to be stuck at home.  I'm going to go places and do stuff while the hubs is at work. Wait, let me clarify.  I'm either going to the not as popular small park with the fence, take the kids for a walk where they're strapped in, or go to the Y and send the littles to child watch. This week we did the mile walk around Washington Park, two in the wagon, infant in soft carrier.  Of course everyone did the polite, "Oh wow" smile.  A runner that passed me said, "Got room for one more."  I yelled back at him ahead, "Sure!! Hop on my back!"

 

-6-

Soccer has been wonderful.  It is great to get outdoors together and cheer on Jimmy.  I'm happy I found this Wednesday night thing since we travel a lot of weekends. Of course I always think I can do things better, but with each session it's gets a little more orderly.  It's painful to drive by the softball practices...Ahhh Glory Days.

 

 

-7-

I admit it, I love Catholic talk radio and watching Fox News.  Patrick Madrid, Megyn Kelly, and Greg Guttfeld are my best friends.

 

Thanks to Jen for hosting at www.conversiondiary.com

 



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.

7 Quick Takes

-1-

This song completely changed my mood last Tuesday morning.

-2-

Our friends who moved out of town came for a visit last weekend.  I decided to invite everyone over.  I mostly regretted it before hand because I could not move myself to clean.  In the 11th hour I finally got there and it was such an enjoyable time.  There were 10 adults and 11 kids.  The kids were getting along great and it was refreshing to see some of our more neglected toys get played with.  The adults naturally separated women in one room men in the other.  It was just so so so great. 

-3-

At the party we made plans to make plans to do a real grown up college reunion.  The risk is if anyone's willing to upfront the costs are we going to get people willing to pay to come to the event when they'll have to  travel and get babysitters?  Perhaps we could do my simpler idea of a family picnic.  But the real question is what park can we go to that will let us have BOOZE!!?

-4-

I linked up with others for a 5 favorites list and THE Hallie Lord responded and wanted to see my blue eyeliner.  So yesterday I took the time to put on make-up in a way that I haven't done in a long time.  Instead of being yelled at by my son this time around my daughter thought the blush applicator was for her paint. 

-5-

The assistant pastor at our parish is awesome.  You can just tell he has a deep interior life.  This is his first year as a priest and he took over the youth group for me.  Two weeks ago after Sunday mass he offered to stay and hear confessions.  That was totally Jesus loving on me as it is very hard to go another day of the week for obvious reasons.

-6-

My cousin is awesome.  Watch him make this shot.

-7-

I am ashamed that my son can recite the pledge of allegiance but not Hail Mary yet.  My husband pointed out though, should we really put our allegiances with the government? Our trust is in the Lord.  I know if we are put in the position my family and others like me would be civilly disobedient.  

Acts 5:27-29  When they had brought them in and made them stand before the Sanhedrin, the high priest questioned them,

“We gave you strict orders [did we not?] to stop teaching in that name. Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and want to bring this man’s blood upon us.”

But Peter and the apostles said in reply, “We must obey God rather than men.

On a related note; I stand with Rand.

Thanks to Jen at Conversion Diary for hosting this link-up.

7 Quick Takes

  -1-

I like this song for a laid back afternoon.  It seems to have a theme of some sort of conversion and the tone of the music feels vulnerable to me.  

-2-

In the video above you see Johnny driving around Idaho.  My husband loves to travel to the West.  He went to Utah with his dad this past October.  The extended Osborn family is going to Charleston, SC this summer but we're already making plans for another trip...we're thinking South Dakota in September.  I use to think people with money were the people who got to travel and take vacations, but I'm thankful my husband feels differently. He has a real talent for making itineraries and researching affordable restaurants, hotels/motels, and attractions.  Traveling is like having your first kid; there's never going to be the perfect time when everything is in order the way you think it should be.  You just have to go for it and you won't regret it.

-3-

This is how often I wear make-up.  My son walked in on me applying eye shadow and horrifically shouted, "Mom, what are you DOING?!"

-4-

A while ago Jimmy got a monster truck that included a DVD of a monster jam show.  He cannot get enough.  On netflix there's a show from 1995 "All about monster trucks."  He's seen it so many times he recites the lines (it's super mega cheesey).  Well, Monster Jam is going to be in the area this spring and I just have to let him go.  It's only $10 for the cheap seats so if he is bothered by the noise then they can just leave.  It'll be a men only thing.  I hope he really loves it.  

-5-

I'm thankful for my husband's job.  It may not be anything anyone aspires to be but he was able to have a paid month leave after Rita was born to help me.  He gets all the state holidays off.  I can expect when he'll be home to the exact minute.  His compensation time is generous.  I can go to any Dr. appointment whenever I need to without taking all the kids.  We can go on a weeks vacation and he has enough time to take a week off at Christmas too.  Right now they are offering overtime and he is opting to earn compensation time instead of money so that we can go on our other trip in September.  Today I picked him up for lunch so that he could sit in the car with the kids.  I was getting a birth certificate to add Rita to his insurance which is yet another reason I'm grateful for his job.  (When he was single he used to tell ladies, "I've got great insurance.")  Most people think of what they want to be and they go for that.  He just wanted to be a provider (even before we were dating)  and endures a unremarkable boring job for us.  

-6-

I picked up a fast food lenten lunch for us.  LJS's shrimp was excellent today!

-7-

A friend sent some memorial money a few months after my father passed away.  My mom's taken care of distributing it so I thought I'd just turn it over to her like I did with others before.  That weekend my parish wrote that a wind storm knocked over their 100 year old flag poles.  One flew the American flag, the other Vatican.  They were accepting donations.  My dad had a flag pole.  He took pride in displaying the American flag along with the Air Force flag or Illinois State's.  He teased me he was going to get a Vatican flag and fly it when I was "in residence." How could you ignore a perfect sign like that?  The money will therefore go to my parish in honor of dad.  Thanks "R"  

7 Quick Takes

...and "Texas" and "Arkansas" and "Missouri"  We leave after Adam gets off work tonight

-2-

I don't know if it's pregnancy or just true American pride but I was a baby for all of the women's gymnastics sports.  I cried when Jordyn Weiber did not make the all-around.  I cried when the team won the gold medal.  I cried when Gabby won gold.  I will surely cry if Weiber wins gold in floor.  I've also cried for some of the swimmers when they were emotional (oh and that Judo girl too).  Also, Adam and I have been really cheering on the indoor volleyball teams.  We yell and cheer at the TV.  I don't know if my DVR can hold 8 hours of Olympics everyday for a week while we're gone.

-3-

I'm not a pagent mom but it's a slippery slope.  I entered the kids in the state fair baby picture contest.  Thanks Liz B for letting me enter the one of Regina painting.  It may be a potential winner.  They judge on personality and appeal.  This year Jimmy is old enough to be in the cutest farmer contest.  I bought him so authentic things here and there like wrangler official rodeo jeans and work boots.  Sooo cute.  Pictures to come later. 

-4-

I've kind of dismissed the idea of going to Omaha for a week to learn to be a practitioner for Creighton Method NFP.  Only because I don't know what to do with the kids for a week.  I feel a pull on my heart though to try harder since the diocese is offering to sponsor the whole thing. Prayers would be apprciated.

-5-

You know what's REALLY annoying.  Getting down to a size where you can start wearing some of  those clothes you've missed and it looks mostly flattering but your belly looks like an area that needs work.  And also knowing it will be all too soon those clothes won't fit again.  So short lived.  I found a shirt I should have got. "It said I'm not fat, I'm pregnant (and fat)."  It's funny but I guess it's not really me in that I don't complain that I'm fat or really even say that to anyone.  Not even myself.  I know I'm overweight.  Before I started working on it I was very uncomfortable, but I never let it affect my mood.  I know I'm unique for that.  It just is what it is.  And I appreciate how good I've been feeling now, hope to continue to feel well, and will be able to pick up where I left off when I'm post partum.

-6-

Have you tried those Starbucks refreshers?  I wouldn't have if some barista hadn't been standing in the heat giving out samples next to the drive through speaker.  They are the perfect summer drink. 

-7-

You must listen to my son auto rap "Spiderman"    Please, I know it will change your day or make it more complete.  Go listen here:  Spiderman...is he green? No he's not. He is blue and red.

7 Quick Takes

-1-

I've really been digging The Band Perry.  Jimmy mumbles along to this one too

-2-

For Jimmy, potty training is a b****.  Right now we have to wait til it's just about an emergency because he's afraid to go.  My thinking is once he does this enough then he'll be able to relax and control his functions more.  Unfortunately we haven't been consistant because when I run errands or when we travel on the weekend I leave him in the diaper.  We have to get this down as he starts preschool in exactly one month but yet we have a weeks vacation, followed by the rodeo coming up.  Any suggestions for traveling and potty training?  HELP!

-3-

I'm pretty sure I felt a little flutter when I went to bed last night. How easy it is to forget that feeling of a baby moving in your womb. Even though you have a connection with that child you don't yet know who they will be.  It's so wonderful to be reminded when your previous children were in the womb and imagine them as the ones doing summersaults. 

-4-

Adam and I think we'll skip the state fair this year because of money and heat.  However, with the activity going on right now on the fairgrounds (jr horse show and people setting up) Vose's corndog stand is open.  Yes, I already went.  Yes, I'll probably go back.  It makes me feel like I went to the fair.

-5-

A while ago I said I wanted to go to a concert and I'd pick Miranda Lambert.  Well she's playing at the state fair but we're spending our money on a vacation so no Miranda, no Pistol Annies.  So sad.

-6-

Our trip entails Oklahoma, Texas, Arakansas, and Branson MO.  I'm most looking forward to the histroic stockyards in Fort Worth

-7-

I've been hanging on to a spa gift card for way too long.  I can't make up my mind what I'd like to do with it: facial, massage, mani/pedi.  Perhaps this weekend will be my chance!

 

7 Quick Takes

-1-

This song... oh man... when I'm working out and it comes on I just want to dance down the aisle of treadmills.  It makes me speed up on my elliptical.  It just gives me so much JOY and makes me feel like a hot momma.

-2-

Last weekend we celebrated Adam's mother's birthday in Chicago.  We took a freezing boat tour of Chicago architecture launching from Navy Pier and ate at Rick Bayless's Xoco.  We ate delicious italian beef sandwiches at Wally's in Park Ridge and Portillo's in Schuamburg.  Adam went to a favorite game store and the kids had so much fun seeing their cousins.  When I'm in the city I feel like a different person.  I like that feeling... A LOT.  I'm not sure if that's good or bad.  I feel energized, hip, and I want to spend lots of money on whatever...  food, drinks, chochkies, whatever.  Jimmy loved seeing trains pretty much every time we got in the car and I considered it God's way of spoiling him that weekend.  We can't wait to go back soon.

-3-

My car is still in the shop from my accident two and a half weeks ago.  During this whole thing Adam and I talked about buying a minivan at some point.  I told him people will think I'm pregnant if we do.  He told me the clock would certainly be ticking if we did.  I thought that was funny.

-4-

I've been an animal with the chainsaw around here.  Our backyard is really coming along.  We have a contract in to fence it off but I need to do more to prep the lines.

-5-

Why do I feel so busy lately?  I guess I'm trying to keep the kids and myself occupied.  Jimmy has swim class tomorrow.  The library is fun.  I have to get all this paperwork and money together for the youth group to go to Catholic Heart Workcamp.  That involves a lot of micro managing and communication.  I've been working out more and doing that yard work.  We travel many weekends to see family or host them here.  I guess I think I'm busy because I get neurotic about what needs to be done.  It's probably that I just fall short of managing this household.

-6-

Regina really lives up to her name...the little Queen.  The most clear best thing she can say is, "Stop It."  She tells me when she is a "Sad Baby."   When we are in public she always waves to everyone like they are her court.  I adore her.

-7-

I'm overdue for a night out to a concert.  If I had a choice I would go see Miranda Lambert in St. Louis.  Or maybe a more intimate concert at the Pageant would be nice like The Shins or Ingrid Michaelson.  Ooo, Old 97's will be at the Cubby Bear May 5th.  They were so good before.  Who would you go see?

   

  

7 Quick Takes

-1-

I do watch American Idol.  One contestant sang this song the other night which I happened to use as a song for a retreat talk I gave years ago.  He's clearly talking about his relationship with God.  LOVE

-2-

Not gonna lie...I bought some lottery tickets.  It was once believed I would never be able to play the lottery because Adam worked at a certain place for the government.  However, the lottery just recently became its own department and we were told we could play.  At the beginning of the month I heard a commercial for a St. Patrick's day lottery and felt this urge to play.  When I got to it they were all sold out for that particular game.  So, when I heard of this historic jackpot I thought I better get in because you can't win if you don't play.  I DO NOT feel like there's some Divine Intervention telling me to play and I am NOT praying to win.  I DO reflect on how I would be a good steward of the all that money if it came our way.

-3-

I'm only 3 chapters in, but the book "Style, Sex, and Substance" is soooo good. In some ways it's like I'm listening to my girlfriends, in some ways it's like I could of written that, and in many ways it's gotten me refocused.  

-4-

Our town is doing the 40 days for life campaign.  I really wanted to participate but don't want to take the children. I daydream of what it would be like to smile at the women who pulled into the parking lot.  What my signage would be.  I would have a sign that simply said, "You are Worthy.  You are Loved," and wouldn't it be powerful if I were baby-wearing R and had a sign on her back, "I am worthy.  I am loved."

-5-

The re-release of Titanic floods back memories (pun intended).  I remember going the first time on a double date.  I saw it at the Milan theater which is now tore down and has another building over it.  I remember those green vinyl seats and the packed audience.  Ahh, good times.

-6-

Sometimes I feel inhibited to get out my camcorder, but I recently went back to the first recordings which were of J just weeks old.  I will hold those videos so dear.  I regret only capturing R at 3 months then 1 year for a total of 4 minutes.  I want to get a new higher resolution camcorder now.  It's just so great!

-7-

Truth is I have about 10 topics saved for some really awesome blog posts.  Some of them I want to really master what I have to say.  I even have an editor lined up (my hubs).  I think the next posts will be a two-parter so be on the look out.

Have a good weekend!    

7 Quick Takes

-1-

I am going to steal your format Bonnie and start these quick takes with a video.  Sue me but I'm buying you dinner Sunday :)  

Anyway, this diddy is by Jim Gill, a wonderful children's musician who emphasizes development through music play with parents.  You really need to check him out for your kids.  Do it! 

-2-

This Sunday I'm excited to have our Youth Group host Bonnie , my former co-worker and roommate, for a parish talk.  I have given this talk the title of 61 Minutes: Witness to the Alleged Miracle of a Boy Born Without a Pulse.  Click on the link to read all about it.  It's only "alleged" because it has been thoroughly investigated by a Tribunal and is in Rome for consideration as an official miracle attributed to Archbishop Fulton Sheen.  Please pray that souls who are considering attending will come and listen with open and supportive hearts, for Bonnie to have strength and peace, and for the canonization of Fulton Sheen.

-3-

If I won a $50,000 gift card to any store, I'd choose Lowe's.  I went there the other day to buy some essentials for tackling this damned yard and I found myself oogling over medicine cabinets, daydreaming of ceiling fans, fantasizing over new carpet, imagining myself installing a fence in the backyard, and running home to my husband describing the perfect fire pit we have to buy with the next paycheck.  I am in no way joking when I say I missed my calling to be some sort of carpenter/contractor.  I am a mix of Willems/Lawson blood after all.  There's just something about home renovation that feeds my creative artistic needs.  Forget journaling, forget scrapbooking; give me some safety goggles and power tools.

-4-

I have one up on Bonnie and Jen Fulwiler because I took down our Christmas lights today.   

-5-

I've been going to a Hip Hop fitness class at the Y.  I love it! At first it was awkward because of all the 15-20 year old girls lined up at the door.  Then there was the inhibition to move those hips and shake that booty.  But then the class evened out with women noticeably older than me and comparable in size.  The honest truth is though, even for being a bigger girl, I have more rhythm and technique than most all others.  Now, after being a regular at this I tried Zumba and hate hate hate hated it.  It felt like Latin hula dancing.  I know it can be intensive but it's just not hardcore enough for me.

-6-

Did you know a skinny latte from Starbucks in considered a power food on Weight Watchers?  I love coffee.

-7-

WOW, I just realized I mentioned Bonnie in 3 of these posts!  Now it's 4!  

Have a good weekend!

  

7 Quick Takes

My first "7 Quick Takes."  This is a Friday thing inspired by Conversion Diary that offer 7 quick casual and light hearted thoughts.  I'm excited to join the community of "Quick Takers"  Here we go...


-1-

What would you do with a week of free childcare?  Shop? Spa? I would spend all my time in the backyard.  The poor large backyard with such wonderful potential is grossly overgrown, taken over by mint, and all around uncomfortable to spend ANY time in.  I get soooo nuerotic looking out through the french doors into the yard from our family room.  That tree needs to come down, those saplings need pulled... I can't stand it.  Hey mom, what are you doing spring break?

-2-

How the heck to I center my numbers? I need to learn some HTML codes.

-3-

OH.  I found it.  Anyway, is anybody else's enamor with Pinterest dwindling?  I mean I still think it's fun, but I don't want to actually search online to find cute stuff to pin.  I want my friends who I'm following to up their game and pin more interesting things so that I can repin them. 

-4-

Look at these Curls!!!  LOVE

-5-

Adam and I are dieting on Weight Watchers.  I've lost 13 pounds and he's lost 20 plus in 6 weeks.  We're really happy with the program and plan to stick with it for a long time.  

-6-

Please continue to pray for my dad, Keith, and ask for the intercessions of St. Blaise as he lives with esophegeal cancer.  Some of you know but my dad's nickname was Blaze in high school because of his red hair.  And he's just as onery as you'd expect a red head to be. 

-7-



I'm looking forward to a visit from Adam's parents this weekend.  If you pop in you're sure to see my father-in-law and husband switching to all the channels to watch March Madness and perhaps find me and  my mother-in-law at Kohl's...or better yet Lowe's then in the backyard to make it more enjoyable in the beautiful weather.

Have a great weekend!