Foodies

Our family does enjoy food . . .
For instance:

1. Accustomed to our homemade brew, my chocolate snobs little darlings won't even drink that powdered stuff.

2. Rebecca spends ages in her little kitchen organizing and cooking, and even bakes outside.  She recently prepared a delicious mulch cake:

(A portion has been served.)



 And since I wasn't around when David prepared an especially tasty snack, he took a picture of it for me to appreciate!

(Dave missed our Seder, but we saved him some rare lamb and charoseth.  He seared the meat then built an amazing sandwich on a baguette.)

On a Lighter Note

Literally!




Find his Christian music inspirations here.

Small Successes: the Outdoor Edition

 

"It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."

I'm no pioneer or athlete, but have still managed some small successes this week:

1. Monday, at the urging of Marianna, we spent time at a nearby creek.
2. Yesterday, with only minimal complaining, I stuck it out through a two hour, 52 degree, drizzly soccer practice.  (Of course, the kids were running around in shorts by the time it was over.  I was half numb--wimp!)
3. This morning I woke up exhausted, with a headache and sore throat.  I walked the dog then came home and went to bed for another hour!  I then pulled off (with many helpers) our planned bluebell excursion.

How about you?  Be inspired by other moms at Faith and Family Live.

Bluebells and Spring Beauties photographed by Rebecca (age 6!)

Sometimes They Lead Me, Part 2

Months ago I wrote "call bluebells" in my planner, but Rebecca is the one who reminded me to actually do it yesterday.  I hear they're blooming well, and will probably peak this week/end.  Hurrah!  We'll get there Thursday, between violin and carpools . . .

Meanwhile, on the way home from the library, Marianna suggested "school by the creek."  I should be the one leading them out into nature, but it often works the other way around.

We packed a few backpacks and headed out.

The creek bed is not sandy or muddy or pebbly.  It contains many big rocks, and everything below the waterline is extremely slippery.  Here's the first fall :

Joe found this guy was basking on a rock, just like us.  We checked our field guides, but have not yet identified it.

Rebecca found some frog eggs . . .

. . . which turned out to be air bubbles.

Marianna was also upset by her first fall (oh, the indignity of it all!), but soon both girls had become bathing beauties.

I wrote in my nature notebook.  Dusty chewed through his leash.  Joe retrieved a colored pencil before it floated away.  Joe and Becca touched the snake (with a stick since we weren't sure of its species).

Um, no, we didn't get any "real" school done.  ;-)

Sometimes They Lead Me

Part of my parental vocation entails spiritual teaching, modeling, and training.  In the process of fulfilling this duty I've learned more and grown in my faith.

Parenting has also led me to pray (help!) and to begin to develop important virtues (patience, charity, etc.).

And sometimes my children just out-and-out pull me up the ladder towards God.  Last week I went to 6:15 mass, not because my boys were serving, but because one just wanted to go.  Another child came along because she's set herself a goal to attend a certain number of masses this year.

I appreciate the inspiration--thanks, guys!