Quick Takes Friday

It is a good thing there are no minimum blogging requirements, because I'm pretty sure I wouldn't meet them lately.

1. Husband and I are facilitating Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University at our church right now. When we first agreed to do it, we planned to take turns attending the meeting, so that we would not have to get a sitter. But by happy chance we both went to the first meeting. And as I sat there and watched the video, I got excited all over again about getting our financial life in order. So we decided that we would both attend as often as possible. It is so important to be on the same page and of the same mind when trying to make the changes we are making. I'm so glad we are doing this again, as we had lost focus recently, when we need it most. I've decided that keeping our financial life in order and moving forward is similar to our spiritual life. It is not enough to maintain, we have to seek out ways to improve. So expect more posts about trying to be fiscally responsible and such.

2. Continuing in that vein, we had to change our cell phone plan recently. We were due for an upgrade on phones too. I won't lie--I really wanted a BlackBerry, or even an iPhone, but I knew those were not options. Even if we could buy the phone, we really couldn't spare the monthly fees. So I was hoping for the next best thing. Turns out even the next best thing was out of our price range. So we made a responsible decision and got two phones for what one of the others would have cost. All I need to do now is fill out the rebate forms (actually, one was filled out for me) and mail them in. I realized that what I wanted in a phone was stuff to play with, nothing that was essential. Being a grownup is not always fun, but I guess someone has to do it.

3. We had our last tee ball game last night! Yea! Now we only have two softball games to go, hopefully. The coach made some noise about a tournament, but I'm really hoping that doesn't work out. We need to be done with the sports for a while. We were going to try tennis this summer, but I think we will pass. We don't really have a lot of extra money, and I just don't want to do it. Butterfly has had her fill of attending practices and games for a while. Fall sports will start before we know it anyway. Speaking of which, Buddy wants to try football! I'm kind of nervous about that, even though I think it is maybe flag football at his age. He is just so small. I worry for him. We'll see if he changes his mind before sign-ups.

4. Remember how I said I was starting training for another half-marathon this week? Turns out I was lying. Looks like I'll be starting next week. Events conspired against me, plus my inherent laziness, and I did not start the program. I went to the gym once. I did some light cardio stuff in the driveway while the kids were riding bikes and "chalking," as they call it. In fact, I got Princess to run to the corner and back with me a few times, and then Princess and IndieGirl joined me for some work on the curb. It was fun. I think I'm going to try to figure out a way to get them running with me a bit, and do a fun run in the fall. It is not enough that I tell them about my exercise. I need to get them started now, so it is a natural part of life as they get older.

5. This weekend is the last weekend for the next month that we don't have something planned for at least one of the days/evenings. We thought we had plans tomorrow, but we don't, and I am glad. While I get easily bored and restless, there is a part of me that likes to know there is a long span of time in front of me with no concrete plans. I would love to go the Rangers game tomorrow, because Casting Crowns is playing before the game, but we will just have to watch the game from home. Our neighborhood pool is open now too, so after Husband mows we will probably spend some time in the water. The kids have been begging to go swimming and I just can't handle it on my own. And swimming in the evening makes for sleepy kids who go to bed with no fuss.

6. If you are looking for a fun baby or kid birthday gift, check out theNook. It is an Etsy shop that makes personalized t-shirts, onesies, and now super cute dresses. I bought a shirt for Butterfly and my friend's baby and love it. I also recently ordered a onesie for a gift for a friend. The customer service is great, the prices are very affordable, and they like repeat customers. I'm not writing about them because they asked me to or because I get anything out of it, I just think they are great. Really great. I was going to add a picture of Butterfly, but I'm too impatient for Blogger.

7. Finally, this is the definition of crashed, isn't it?



For more quick takes, and an overall excellent blog, visit Conversion Diary.

My Favorite Sound

I used to watch Inside the Actor's Studio fairly often. It was fun to think about what my answers would be for the questions at the end. I don't have a favorite curse word (I don't even say "h-e-you-know-what). But I sure do have a favorite sound.

Only now it has changed.

At one time, I would immediately say the sound of the crack of the bat hitting the ball was my favorite sound. And it still makes me smile. It speaks of summer and excitement and long nights watching my First Place Texas Rangers play baseball.

But now there is a new sound, a better sound. Only it might not be a sound so much as a lack of sound.

What is that sound?

The sound of my house when my children are sleeping. I probably like the nap time sound the most, with the night time sound coming in second. How can a house have a sound? And what does it have to do with children sleeping?

A house at rest is a unique place. Most days, my house at rest is not entirely quiet. Often there is a dishwasher or washing machine running. I might have the TV on quietly as an indulgence. When all the kids are home, they are not all sleeping at nap time. The girls are playing quietly in their room, where I might hear a teacher and her student, or two moms on a playdate. The boys are sleeping, but usually have to get settled first, so I might hear the sound of a stuffed animal tossed on the top bunk. Or maybe the sound of a book hitting the floor once it has been "read." Butterfly usually talks to herself a bit before falling asleep.

So it is more than one sound and at the same time no sound. I look around my house and I see the toys strewn about, making no sound at the time, but somehow echoing the sounds of laughter and sometimes squabbling that go with them. The dishwasher running or the dryer tumbling speaks of the life that is lived noisily and messily at other times of the day.

My quiet house is full of whispers of the abundant life within these walls.

So my favorite sound is the sound of life being lived, which you sometimes only hear when all is quiet.

This Post Brought to You by Random

Hello again! I know it must seem as though I have fallen off the face of the blogging planet. But here I am, ready to give you more random.

First, go here and try to win a $100 gift card to Land's End. Beth at I Should be Folding Laundry has some kind of good connection going on with that company and is sharing that goodness with us. If I win, I will totally buy new swimwear. What I currently own is okay, but I wouldn't mind a better-fitting top.

I ran the 5K and survived. I had to walk a bit in the last mile, but I finished in 32:50, which is more or less my treadmill pace, so I was happy. Apparently I'm not in quite as pathetic shape as I thought. Training for the next half-marathon starts today. I'm using the same three month program and just doubling it, as I don't plan on running another race until December (provided it is not stupid cold, in which case I will happily let the charity have my money with no running on my part because I am a wimp). I'm excited to get back in a good routine. I think I will definitely need this to keep my sanity this summer.

Speaking of summer, it is nearly here. Our weather has turned borderline hot and somewhat humid. The kids are begging to go swimming. Mosquitoes have made their presence known. Baseball is on just about every night . It is my favorite time of year, most of the time anyway. I'm looking forward to a slower pace and at least some days with no obligations. But first I have to learn the motions for the VBS songs, since it starts in three weeks and I have only watched the video once. Preparedness is overrated. I wish we had plans to go somewhere, but we don't. This is a summer of restraint and making what fun we can in our own backyard.

What's new with you?

Struggling

Oh my word. I have lost all motivation to do anything worthwhile. Blah. I don't know what is wrong with me. I don't feel like Shredding. Running is boring and a chore. But. But I like feeling thin. I like clear skin. But today that is not enough. I'm just stuck in a rut I guess.

This evening begins a run of days with lots going on. It is no wonder I forgot the tee ball game on Monday. I think it was a good thing, since we had tee ball and softball last night, meeting tonight, softball and meeting tomorrow night, dinner with friends Friday, 5K Saturday, wedding Saturday, head out of town Saturday, and somewhere in there I need to breathe. Plus kindergarten round-up (Buddy is going to school! Whoa!) and Field Day this week. Speaking of round-up, I need to get a shot record from the doctor. And I need to go to the library. Time to turn in books and find some new ones. Maybe with no wars. I've been reading lots of books with wars in them. I need a break from that.

I did read two non-fiction books in the last week. First I read Smashed, which is about a girl and her alcohol abuse from early teens to early 20s. Kind of alarming to read. Then I read Dead Man Walking which was thought-provoking and sad and hopeful all at the same time. So a good dose of fiction is definitely in order. Also, Husband started and finished a book! This is a rare event around here. He read Rome Sweet Home by Scott and Kimberly Hahn, which is an excellent book.

It is a gorgeous day here and I really want to go to the zoo. But not by myself with three kids. And there will probably be 8 million school kids there too. So we'll make do with playing in the backyard.

If you made it through this pile of random, you should get a medal. Or a cookie.

What I Learned This Week: Parenting Fail

Hello friends! I know I have been a quiet blogger again. So sorry!

So what did I learn this week?

The main thing I learned is that writing something on your calendar/planner is only helpful if you actually look at said calendar/planner. When we received our sports schedules at the beginning of the season I wrote every game down. And usually just writing it down means I will remember it. But there are a lot of tee ball and softball games. And many have been rescheduled due to the amount of rain we have had this month. And if you don't check your schedule, you might miss a game. And so we did. The kids had a tee ball game last night and we totally missed it. I even looked at the online schedule yesterday to see when our makeup game was scheduled and totally skipped over the Monday schedule, where I would have seen our team's name. So, a calendar/planner is most helpful if you actually look at it.

On a happier note, I learned once again that I love living in Texas. While I'm sure to complain about the absurd heat come July and August, for now I will rave about our beautiful weather. The last two days have been gorgeous and today promises more of the same. Mild and sunny and just undeniably some of God's best work.

To see what others have listened, visit Musings of a Housewife.

Quick Takes Friday

Friday again! I love how dependable it is.

1. I am in a major blogging funk, as I'm sure you have noticed. I do have one post brewing in my head that might be a little more "writer-ly" of me than usual, if I can actually get it written. I think my life has just not been that different or interesting lately. Not that I ever thought it was all that interesting, but you know what I mean. We all have laundry to sort, fold and put away. Meals have to be cooked. So on and so forth.

2. I made a new dessert last night and was disappointed. It is chocolate truffle pie. The picture looked delicious, and I love chocolate, and it was an easy recipe to follow. But I don't have a very sophisticated palate and felt that it is a little too bitter for me. And I wanted more creaminess. I might make it again in the future, but add some Bailey's or Kahlua or something and see if that changes the taste.

3. Let's talk about more food! I'm going to make macaroni and cheese tonight for the first time ever. Well, from scratch for the first time ever. I know, I'm nearly 30 (cringe) and I have yet to make this dish on my own. I'm trying this recipe from Wondertime magazine. Which is an enjoyable magazine, a little bit different from the typical parenting magazine. I probably won't renew my subscription, but I have enjoyed it while I had it. We will be having hot dogs with this dish, because I don't have the mental capacity or energy to cook anything else while tackling my first effort at homemade mac and cheese. We'll watch baseball while eating it. Doesn't get more American than that, does it?

4. Food again! I have not forgotten that I long ago blogged about a desire to make my own apple pie. I still have the three or four magazines I bought with promising recipes for homemade apple pie. I love apple pie, but I am very particular about what I like. The crust is an essential part of a good pie. I have recipes that use pre-made crusts and crust from scratch. I will make the pies. And I will take pictures. I just haven't done it yet.

5. I'm on a roll with the food, so let's keep it going. Another dish I will definitely be making soon is Monkey Bread. How can you see this and not want to eat it? Not the least bit healthy, but it looks heavenly and I am all about heavenly breakfast food. The Pioneer Woman Cooks makes me salivate with the food pictures. I will definitely be buying her cookbook when it comes out. You should too.

6. Speaking of food and magazines (see #2, 3, and 4), I have a problem. I have a stack of magazines waiting to have recipes pulled out and put in my recipe notebook. But I need to streamline my notebook and eliminate the things I am apparently never going to make. And I really want all of my recipes to look the same, but I'm pretty sure that would be time consuming and potentially expensive (I'm pretty sure there are services that do this). I also have some Real Simple magazines with some ideasa that I want to keep. I kind of love that magazine lately. Anyone want to gift me a subscription?

7. FIRST PLACE TEXAS RANGERS! FIRST PLACE TEXAS RANGERS! It was necessary to put that in all caps because it has been a long time since we could say it with confidence. My team is playing like a top-notch baseball club lately. The come from behind wins are exciting, although I don't mind blowouts. Tonight they kick off a three game series against the dreaded Los Angeles Angels, which has been their kryptonite in the past. I'm confident that things will be different this time around though. This weekend will be full of good food, good friends (company coming for BBQ tomorrow) and hopefully good baseball.

For more quick takes, visit Conversion Diary.

Laziness Defeated

I'm hoping that my title will prove to be true. Since the race, I have barely been running. I have been Shredding, or doing some kind of workout a few times a week, but I just feel lazy. So I signed up for a 5K. Our local Knights of Columbus are having a Run for Life, donating the proceeds to a local charity that is trying to provide services for people facing unexpected life issues. It is a good cause and I need some motivation. So I have ten days to work back up to running three miles. My thoughts are that if I don't run the whole thing then guilt and disappointment will move me to get back in a good running routine. And if I do manage to run the whole thing, then I'll feel good about myself and want to continue on that path. So we'll see what happens.

Also, level 2 of the Shred is way harder than level 1. Shocking, I know. I only did level 1 for six days, because I felt like it was not as challenging as I needed. So I'll be doing level 2 for at least 14 days, because I know I am not ready for level 3. It is a great workout though. I love getting it done in 22 minutes.

Now if I could just apply this energy to housework. One thing at a time.

Hello, I Have No Point

I feel as though I must post something. Do I think my blog will just disappear if I don't? I don't know, but I know that my very minimal anal tendencies will go berserk if I don't have something new today. So you get a big pile of random. Remember, I said very minimal anal tendencies.

We watched Into the Wild this weekend. I had read the book a year or so ago and wanted to see the movie. Husband had no idea what to expect. He got a little bored I think. I kind of did, even though I had more information to fill the story out. In the end, it is a sad movie and sad story. I personally think the young man it is about (it is non-fiction) was a little bit arrogant and realized it too late. Anyway, don't watch it if you are tired, it might be tough to stay awake. The music was great though, lots of original stuff from Eddie Vedder.

Husband has three jobs. His full-time job, his part-time mortgage job (which is sometimes full-time) and his lawn business. We are so blessed to have this many sources of income. We just need them to be a little more fruitful. Crunch time is here and we are tightening our belts, so to speak. I might even try to make my own beans! I'm working on contentment and gratitude. It is a tough time, but a good time around here.

Oh my word, the tee ball and softball seasons feel eternal. With rain and then swine flu issues, games just keep getting pushed back. I can't wait for the end of May, when we can finally take a break and breathe. It is getting tricky to plan good meals with games and practices so many nights a week. I need variety and that is hard to manage on a busy schedule and tight budget. I'm learning though.

For something more interesting, visit Chic Critique for a Land's End Swimsuit Giveaway!

Quick Takes Friday

Yea Friday!

1. Swine flu is making me crazy. Okay, not really. First our schools were closed for the week. Then they were not. Well, not for the whole week. My girls went back to school Thursday. They were mostly happy about this, as our house is apparently pretty boring. Which makes me quiver with joy in anticipation of the summer. Or not. IndieGirl was dismayed to learn that she would be missing a WOWO playdate. She asked if we could reschedule. I told her no, since it was scheduled before we knew there would be no school, so she wasn't going to get to go anyway, originally. Much wailing ensued. Not kidding.

2. Oh my heck, I am so sore. You know how a substitute in school always meant an easier day? Lots of worksheets, that kind of thing? Yeah, that is not the case at the gym. I was supposed to do cardio-kickboxing yesterday, but the regular instructor was out. So we had a sub. She was all about the high intensity total body workout. It was a great class, but I am definitely feeling it today. I should Shred, but whatever. I'm having a whatever kind of week regarding exercise. If I do it, great, if not, that's okay too.

3. First place Texas Rangers! This brings joy to my heart that mere words cannot describe. We are die-hard Rangers fans in this house, and that often means we are sad fans. But not today. Well, not this morning. I guess if they lose tonight and fall a spot in the standings we might be a little sad. I love baseball.

4. Breath of Snow and Ashes, the sixth book in the Outlander series, was much better then books 3-5. I'm so glad I gave it a second chance and read it all the way through. Jamie and Claire take center stage again, and I just can't resist their story or get it out of my head. Now I can't wait for the seventh book to come out in September. I *heart* books.

5. I'm having a hard time coming up with seven quick takes this week. I guess my life has devolved to being just that boring. Maybe the girls are right. So I'm reading other blogs while writing this post, hoping for inspiration.

6. I don't like bacon! I know, blasphemy! Husband made breakfast last weekend, and I had sausage on my biscuits. But he also made bacon, so I had a piece of that. Only I didn't, because it only took one bit to realize that is not what I wanted at all. And this has been true for a while. I like bacon bits in things like dips and such, but no more strips of bacon for me. It is very strange, I know.

7. Butterfly could be walking if she was so inclined. She totally has the balance to stand up, and will remain standing when we pull her up and let go, but only for a second. However, she gradually sits down, she doesn't just fall down. So I think she just likes crawling with her funny crawl. I am kind of ready for her to be walking though.

For more quick takes visit Conversion Diary.

You Thought I Forgot

Didn't you?

You thought I would never actually give away the prize for my vase dilemma. I still haven't committed to a design plan, but y'all certainly gave me good suggestions. And while M&M's are a fun idea, I don't have the will power to not them myself, nor do I have the patience to listen to my kids beg for some every single minute of every single day.

I will probably go for painted eggs for the spring, and then work on summer ideas, and then fall-ish things in the fall. Duh.

I used a highly scientific method of asking Princess to tell me a number between 1 and 7 and she said 4. So, Lee is the winner! Yay you! Please tell me if you want five bucks to spend at Hobby Lobby or Michael's and I might get it to you sometime in the next month. Hopefully.

Happy Thursday!

Brothers and Sisters

I've always thought there was something sweet and endearing about a girl having older brothers. I didn't know that I would get to witness it in my own family. These boys love their baby sister, and she clearly enjoys life with them. They play together on the floor, the boys tolerating her strange desire to head-butt them. Monster has a nickname for her that is the cutest, but can't be shared since I try to keep their names private. We have a good friend at church that likes to take Butterfly and hold her during Mass, which is nice for us as we can actually pay attention to the priest. But Monster gets worried about her, asking where she is, and as soon as Mass is done makes sure to remind me to get her back. They take turns pushing her in the stroller at the store. They sing to her when she is crying in the car. One day they will carefully scout all suitors and do their best to protect her from harm. Already they are showing her what it means to be loved.

Sometimes We DO Get Out

Look at us, out somewhere without five children hanging off of us! What an idea!

A college girlfriend got married this weekend. I love when my WOWO girls get married (don't ask about the name, I can't tell you). We have so much fun. This wedding had a photo booth kind of set-up, so of course we took a picture with boas and hats and stuff. And naturally I will share the awesomeness when it is available.

Also, that dress right there is my Mother's Day present. My wise and generous husband heard my cry and sent me off to find a deal on a dress. And I did. And I love it and he likes it, and it was a steal.

In other news, school is canceled for the week. I am so not ready for this. What are we going to do for a week, especially with rain in the forecast? If I'm not here, or if my posts become long and rambly and nonsensical, chalk it up to this unexpected break.

Quick Takes Friday

Hello there! I have been a lazy blogger again this week. I have some cute pictures, but am too lazy to upload them to the computer. Here are some lame, random thoughts.

1. Wedding season is upon us. We have three weddings to attend in the next two months. I'm happy about this because I enjoy weddings. But my immature side is having a little pity party. I'd like a new dress to wear, mainly because all of mine are too big (yes!). They are not huge or anything, just big enough that they don't fit exactly right. And I've worked hard to be this size and would like to reward myself. But I'm not going to do so right now, because that is not responsible. A wonderful friend loaned me some great dresses, but I'm not built like she is, so they didn't work. Anyway, yea for weddings, boo for no money.

2. I'm Shredding. I read about it in a about a million places in blog land. A great blog friend sent me her video because she needed a break. I've done three days in a row. So far, it is challenging but not torture. I think this is because I have been going to Boot Camp classes at the gym. The class is very similar to the video, just in a longer format. The video is a 22 minute workout, including two minutes of warm up and two minutes of cool down. So really it is an 18 minute workout. 3 circuits of strength (3 mins), cardio (2 mins) and abs (1 min). The first six minutes are the hardest for me. I'm still on level 1, you are supposed to move up every ten days. It is a great option for days when I can't make it to the gym. And I needed a new challenge.

3. Speaking of exercise, I have lost a lot of endurance since the race. I've only been running once a week since then, and it is a struggle to finish three miles! So frustrating! So I'm trying to convince myself to get back to running at least ten miles a week. I don't want all of my hard work to be for nothing.

4. People, it is the flu! So far, from all that I have read and seen, the H1N1 flu is no worse than the typical winter flu. If you are sick, go to the doctor, not to work. If your kids are sick, keep them home. I'm more than a little frustrated at what is being canceled. Tee ball has been canceled for the next week, which means the season will now last a week longer. I don't like that. I'm all about being cautious, but I think some people are freaking out a little too much. But maybe I'm wrong.

5. I just read this book called Lord of the Silver Bow. It is the first in a series about Troy. I didn't think I would like it, but I needed something to read. Turns out it was a great read. It is a new perspective on the Trojan War. A little bit of romance, a little bit of action, very entertaining. I'm definitely going to read more.

6. Speaking of reading, a friend asked how I have time to read a book in a day. That was an unusual circumstance, but I will share how I find time to read. First, I'm not very disciplined. I should be reading less and cleaning more. And playing with my kids more. I will say though, that having more kids actually helps. Mine are so close in age that they play together, so they need less of me. That gives me time to read. Also, I read any time I can. One of the reasons I don't mind getting in the pickup line early at school is because I get to read! I read when I'm eating lunch. I read when the kids are napping. Reading is one of my greatest pleasures, so I do it whenever possible. And as I said, sometimes I read too fast and don't remember what I read, so it is not always good.

7. Here's some sports talk. Go Mavs! Round 2 of the playoffs! Oh yeah! And the Rangers at least give us reason to hope every game. They might not win every time, but they at least have a chance.

For more quick takes, visit Conversion Diary.