We miss you Megs...

My sister Meg was in town briefly Tuesday night and Wednesday. She flew from NYC during her spring break to Portland to help a girlfriend with wedding planning. At least we got to see her for a brief visit!! Angelica loves all her clothes!!

Way to go STARS!!!

The girl's basketball team that Jason has been coaching and my sister Alli plays on, WON the final game today!!! The team they played was their only loss during the season...at half time the score was tied 6-6 and we won 18-17!! It was so much fun to watch the girls and Jason enjoy it so much....pics soon to follow!! Does anyone have ideas for something sweet to do for the girls?? Jason would like to present them with something at their party, but we just aren't sure what!! Let me know...

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

I always love this day, especially because I am part Irish! My grandparents took me to Ireland and Scotland when I graduated from high school, back in 1998. It was a memorable trip and I always bring out the pics on this day. I thought I would post some here...I loved being able to meet all my Irish relatives. (I can't believe how YOUNG I look!!)Remember if you are not wearing green today...you deserve to get pinched!! (you can scroll over pics for description or double click to see full size pic...)

Saint of the Day

St. Patrick

(415?-493?)

Prayer for the Faithful by Saint Patrick
May the Strength of God guide us.
May the Power of God preserve us.

May the Wisdom of God instruct us.
May the Hand of God protect us.
May the Way of God direct us.
May the Shield of God defend us.
May the Angels of God guard us.- Against the snares of the evil one.
May Christ be with us!
May Christ be before us!
May Christ be in us,Christ be over all!
May Thy Grace, Lord,Always be ours,This day, O Lord, and forevermore. Amen.

Saint of the Day

St. Clement Mary Hofbauer

(1751-1820)

Saint of the Day

St. Louise de Marillac

(d. 1660)

Saint of the Day

St. Maximilian

(d. 295)

Saint of the Day

St. Leander of Seville

(c. 550-600)

Menu Plan Monday

Monday: Tri-Tips (just with a little garlic powder, onion powder & Montreal Steak Seasoning, then grilled), Portabello mushrooms (Sauteed in garlic and olive oil), whole wheat noodles (didn't have this Saturday, we ended up with Costco pizza)

Tuesday: Dinner with family (sister from NYC is in town)

Wednesday: Soup Supper at Church

Thursday: Steak-Um Sandwiches and Waffle Fries

Friday: Garlic Jim's Pizza

Saturday: St. Patrick Day Meal at Church, homemade Grasshopper Pie

Sunday: Dinner with Family

More cleaning...

Ok, so last week I continued with some cleaning...here are more tips I learned:

• mix 2 TBs baking powder with 1 qt. hot water, to clean inside fridge and freezer. This neutralizes all the odors (dish soap's odor may sink into your food). I put it in a spray bottle and worked really well.
• Did you know you are supposed to keep mushrooms in a brown bag with a moist paper towel to keep fresh? It works!!
• I have a white porcelain sink...so I scrub with comet, then fill with hot water and some bleach....I even put the dish drainer and sink strainer in there with it and they came out sparkling clean!!
• Fill a spray bottle with warm water and dish soap to clean outside surfaces of dishwasher, oven, fridge etc.
• Put lemon slices (or juice) in bowl with water and heat in microwave 45 secons or so and everything wipes off really easily to clean and it smells good too!!

If you have tips let me know!!! Making my way around the house...slowly!

Coffee...PLEASE!

My morning:

• nurse Angel
• change diaper
• chase Angel
• heat coffee
• feed Angel
• wash dishes
• heat coffee
• chase Angel
• fold laundry
• vacuum
• heat coffee
• unload dishwasher, start dinner, wash dishes
• where is Angel?
• heat coffee
• nurse Angel
• change diaper
• put Angel down for nap
• FORGET THE COFFEE, too tired to reheat

Top teeth....

Finally...yesterday Angelica's one top tooth broke through the gums. Poor things has been struggling to get them in. The other one is just under the gums as well. She pumped her mouth yesterday and her gum started bleeding and bleeding. Finally figured out that the best way to calm her down and stop bleeding was to nurse her...relief!! I will try to see if I can get a pic, but she doesn't let me open her mouth very easily!!

Saint of the Day

Blessed Angela Salawa

(1881-1922)

"Lord, I live by your will. I shall die when you desire; save me because you can."

Saint of the Day

St. John Ogilvie

(c. 1579-1615)

Saint of the Day

St. Dominic Savio

(1842-1857)

"I am not capable of doing big things, but I want to do everything, even the smallest things, for the greater glory of God."

Tips and Tricks...

This week I decided to plunge in with starting some deep spring cleaning. I got the Martha Stewart Homekeeping book for Christmas and love it. There are lots of good ideas and tricks. I have cleaned our washer, dryer, utility closet, under sink, oven, stove top, ventilation hood, sink, and media cabinet. Yes, I am also an organizing fool so it felt good to sort things out as well. Some tips I learned:

• to clean ventilation hood filter, soak overnight in warm water with a little dish soap...then scrub. Amazing!!
• to keep wax from sticking to glass holders, put a little water in bottom before you put candle in. Candle wax then slides right out when done. (I love this, I no longer have to put in freezer!!)
• to keep mildew from getting in washing machine, keep lid open for a bit to dry out after wash, and once a month wash empty load with hot water and bleach in dispenser to clean out.

If you have any cool tips on these items let me know....

Under the table...

Last night Angel decided to stand up under the table and play. She was waving and learning to blow kisses (although she just puts her hand on her mouth, we are still working on the blowing mechanism). Watch, it is too cute!!

No more face smashing...

Angelica has learned how to crawl down the step now, so she doesn't fall flat on her face anymore!!

Saint of the Day

St. Frances of Rome

(1384-1440)

"It is most laudable in a married woman to be devout, but she must never forget that she is a housewife; and sometimes she must leave God at the altar to find Him in her housekeeping."

Saint of the Day

St. John of God

(1495-1550)

Motherhood...

This morning after feeding Angelica, I laid back down in bed and snuggled her into my arms. She lay there close to me just looking around and holding my fingers. I treasure these sweet moments and feel like I am holding a little slice of heaven. Then Angel decides to start pinching me with those little fingers and nails, almost as if she is testing to see just how strong she can do it. She manages to pull herself up next to me and that's right, spit up all over mommy. Ah....the joys of motherhood.

Saint of the Day

Sts. Perpetua and Felicity

(d. 203?)

Intro to Blogging tip...

Several people who I have now gotten into checking out this website have wondered how to leave comments. After each post, there is a spot that says "comments". If you click on that you can enter a message and post it. Fun way to share information!! Good luck!

Caitlin Ankle Update...

Caitlin had her cast removed yesterday and is walking around sort of like a normal person. She has a little limp-drag style walk going on, but her ankle feels very stiff and tight right now. She is slowly starting to work it out and trying not to scar people with her pretty scar!! I love you sis. You will be kicking a soccer ball again in no time...

Ellie...I love this post

Ok, so I will paste this post below, but it is one I loved today from my favorite site, coffee and diapers. This is so true!!

The purity of a child's prayer
Adults are so quick to want children to grow up. We forget that they are not just adults in training, but real living people with unique charisms all to themselves. They are capable of their own special relationship with God that we'd do best not to interfere with too much. Reading an old Montessori essay on this really put that thought in perspective for me. Moms like me get a big kick out of sharing funny little stories about their children's spirituality. Junior plays "Holy Communion" with brother, or starts baptizing the kids at the play group, or asks loudly during Mass where Jesus' clothes are on the Cross. These things are all "cute" to us. We laugh when they put a bowl of cereal in front of the statue because it looks hungry or when they sing church songs and do their own processions in the home. It's all so darling isn't it?!
Be careful with this.
Christ was very clear about letting the little children come to Him and if we are offering little giggles and smirks when our kids express their spirituality... we are inadvertently giving them the message that there's something "abnormal" or out of the way about it. OURS is the "right way" to worship: lofty, serious, and composed. But the little ones are closer to Christ than we are!!! And in their minds, they are trying to make sense of the spiritual world in ways that they can understand. This is beautiful and noble! Sometimes, it's hard to resist sharing with a friend something that my kids do that I think is funny or cute in a spiritual way. But I won't be making a public spectacle of it... especially if they are around. I certainly wouldn't want my spirituality to be the topic of conversations. Let's just say it right now, all kids from Catholic families do "sweet" things or say "cute" things regarding the Faith at one time or another. I think offering a gentle smile is fine when your child wants to cuddle the statue or pray for their toys etc. I may even make a note of it in the journal of letters I write to each of them (to give on their 18th birthday). But I don't think we should laugh or otherwise disvalidate what they are doing, especially in front of them. It's more than just "cute." Like the Blessed Mother, who experienced the mysteries of the Christ Child's spirituality, we should "hold these things in our hearts" because the prayers and rituals of our children are 100 times more pure and real than those of our own.
-Ellie

Sunshine...

It was a beautifully WARM day today here in the Pacific Northwest. The sun was shining and the temperature got up to around 64. It is amazing after so much "inside" time and rain and cold months, how a little sunshine can truly energize you. Angelica and I went to the commissary and she didn't make one squeak on the trip there, during the shopping, or even on the way home. She actually listened to her music, basked in the sun through the window and fell asleep!! If these are any signs of what the warm weather can bring....I am looking forward to spring even more!!

Saint of the Day

Servant of God Sylvester of Assisi

(d. 1240)

Menu Plan Monday

Monday: Italian Vegetable Soup, (Fix-It and Forget-It Cookbook, pg.51)...we ended up having this tonight instead of Saturday

Tuesday: Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans
Wednesday: Soup Supper at Church

Thursday: Leftovers & Salad

Friday: Cream of Fresh Asparagus Soup & Rolls

Saturday: Tri-Tips (just with a little garlic powder, onion powder & Montreal Steak Seasoning, then grilled), Portabello mushrooms (Sauteed in garlic and olive oil), noodles

Sunday: Dinner with family

Saint of the Day

St. John Joseph of the Cross

(1654-1734)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PEPE

My grandfather's birthday is today. I pray that he is blessed with another year of good health and wonderful memories. Pepe is one of the most hard working men I know, and so full of life. He has such a compassion and love for his family, his work, travels and his faith. I cherish all the memories I have of him and all the times we have spent together. I am so blessed to have him as my grandfather, we love you Pepe.

Saint of the Day

St. Casimir

(1458-1483)

A good long line...

My husband, Angelica and I went to a local church for confession this evening. We walk in and as we turned the corner to where the confessional is, I saw a long line of people...and noticed myself getting discouraged and thinking maybe we should go. But then I thought to myself...isn't this a great place to have a long line? So many people wanting to purify themselves and receive graces from our Lord. So we joined the line and waited...(and Angelica was a perfect little Angel...although she did wonder where mommy went as I entered the confessional...) How fortunate we are that we are able to receive this sacrament so frequently!!

Saint of the Day

St. Katharine Drexel

(1858-1955)

Powerful rap for the unborn...

Angie, thanks for sending this video. What a powerful message for those hurting from the pains of abortion. Please pray for all the aborted babies and the ones who struggle with the pain from their actions.

Saint of the Day

St. Agnes of Bohemia

(1205-1282)

Thoughtful Thursdays...

I have gotten in the habit of writing my prayer petitions done so I don't forget anyone or anything I want to prayer for. I am going to start a Petition section on my sidebar, so we can all remember to pray for these people in our lives. Please let me know if you would like anyone added to the list...I will try to update this every Thursday.

Baby food day...

Alright, so when Angelica started eating solid foods, I was so overwhelmed. I didn't know what to give her when, what foods I shouldn't give her and how to exactly make this transition into the eating world. She still breastfeeds a lot so that helps, but she is also loving anything we put in front of her to eat. We started with the cereals and then the bananas and she loved it all. She usually will have her mashed fruits with cereal in the mornings, and has also now been given the plain cheerios to crunch on. She will eat a good dinner with whatever crazy mix mom puts together...usually something like chicken with squash and peas and yogurt. Yummy!! She is eating more bites from our plates, but don't want her to have a lot of the spices and seasonings and extras quite yet. So I make most of her food....I learned a lot on this website, and didn't want to buy a lot of the jarred stuff out there. So I usually spend a good day, like today, making up all her good foods. I steam, bake or boil them and then puree in a blender and freeze. I either use ice cube trays or plop them on wax paper. After frozen, put in ziploc and we are good to go. It is so nice to be able to grab a mixture of fresh fruits and veggies ready to go for her whenever she needs a meal. And it saves money too!! Today, we made chicken, peas, green beans, acorn squash, butternut squash, carrots, mango, pears and sweet potatoes. Would love to hear all the baby food ideas you have and how you make the transition with your little ones to the "real food". I still feel clueless sometimes!!! Does anyone know when you can give your baby eggs? I have read conflicting things...

Another outfit from Aunty Megs...

Saint of the Day

St. David of Wales

(d.589?)

Recipes listed and links...

Ok Angie...this is for you. I read your comment and finally figured out how to get my recipes listed and linked when I do my Menu Plan Monday. So if you scroll down to where I listed the menu, you can now click on it and get the recipe. ENJOY!! It was great seeing you at church tonight.

Brownies...

Ok, so have you ever noticed that once you give up something during Lent, you start to crave it like crazy. One of the things my husband and I gave up is ice cream. So last night I really wanted some, especially when I saw the homemade chocolate sauce I had made before Lent began. Since we had no other dessert around, except ice cream and ice cream....I decided to make some brownies.....these turned out to be quite yummy...although I still would like some ICE CREAM.

Saint of the Day

Blessed Daniel Brottier

(1876-1936)

Alli making one of her baskets...

Jason coaches Alli's basketball team, so I get to go cheer for the coach and my sister. Alli is making lots of baskets, and I happened to catch one yesterday on camera.

Crown of Thorns...

This is what I decided to put on my front door during Lent instead of a wreath...a crown of thorns, to remind us even as we enter our home what this time of reflection is all about. And it was very easy to make!!!

Saint of the Day

St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows
(1838-1862)

Menu Plan Monday

Ok, so I am finally getting with sharing the recipe idea online as well. I do a weekly grocery trip so that I cut down on throwing out rotten vegetables and fruits. I also then plan a weekly dinner menu. This has not only saved my sanity each day with knowing what to prepare, but also helped with keeping the grocery bill down as well. I stick more to my list and only what I need. (Alright, sometimes chocolate and ice cream do call my name...) I will link to site for recipes if I have them. Enjoy and hope to find lots of new recipes as well!!

Monday: Soy Sauce Chicken, Brown Rice, Cheese Broccoli

Tuesday: Belgium Beer Stew & Bread

Wednesday: Soup Dinner at Church

Thursday: Chicken Creamy Lasagna & Salad

Friday: Fish Fry at Church

Saturday: Italian Vegetable Soup, (Fix-It and Forget-It Cookbook, pg.51)

Sunday: Dinner with family

My Parents New Renovations...

Labels explanation...

Ok, for those who were wondering...There is a section on the sidebar that says Labels. If you notice, all the posts are attached to a type of label at bottom. This is a way to organize posts. So if you wanted to see all the Angelica videos, all you would have to do is under labels, click on Angelica-videos and they would all pop up. Makes it easier to find things that you want to look at....hope that helped.

Helping mommy open presents...

Angelica practiced for her upcoming birthday, by helping me last night with my presents. Thanks to all!!

Thank you Father Cihak...

Thank you for Angelica's beautiful rosary, blessed by Pope Benedict. We will teach her to remember all the priests in her prayers...Glad you are back from Rome, hope to see you soon!!

Saying "NO"...

Ok all you moms...so I have been thinking lately about using the word "no" in response to Angelica's actions. She is now able to crawl around and pulling herself up on things. Some things scare me like the fireplace with bricks, cords etc. But I really don't like the idea of constantly telling her "no". I want her to understand that "NO" means to truly not do something important, such as running into the street, touching the fireplace etc. But for all her little adventures into the things unknown that I just want to train her not to play with, what words or actions should I use to condition her to learn not to do or touch certain things? Any ideas from all you mothers with years of experience?? I have also heard that if you are constantly saying no then a toddler will pick that up as his/her favorite word....um, "NO!"

Saint of the Day

St. Porphyry of Gaza

(353-421)

Angelica's life (thus far) in pictures...

This is pretty neat, if you click on the pictures, where I put captions they will pop up...plus you can speed it up, slow it down or pause it...I am going to keep this up to date on the sidebar, labeled Angelica's slideshow. Enjoy!!

Saint of the Day

Blessed Sebastian of Aparicio
(1502-1600)

Twenty-seven...

Since it is my 27th birthday today, I decided to look back on all the blessings I have to be thankful for:

• My incredible parents who have sacrificed so much for me


• My wonderful and loving younger three sisters
  
• My entire extended family


• My friends, near and far


• My good health


• My faith and upbringing in the Church


• My education


• My talents


• My travels, including Mexico, Scotland and Ireland


• My caring and handsome husband


• My beautiful baby girl, Angelica Rose


• My freedom


• My life...

I am so fortunate to have all these blessing over the past twenty-seven years and I hope there are many more to come...

Baby socks...

We spent most of the day putting Angelica's missing socks back on and back on...what a fun cycle!! Maybe I am missing something...any tricks to keep baby socks on baby feet?

Migraines...

Today I have struggled with a migraine that will not go away and makes me queasy. I have only been taking Tylenol as I know that is safe while breastfeeding. Any other tips for remedies?

Pretty Girl...

Saint of the Day

Blessed Luke Belludi

(1200-c. 1285)

Sleeping like a baby...?

Last night between midnight and two am, I had some time to think while I was trying to get a teething baby to go to sleep. As I sat there rocking her, these tiny little fingers were pinching the skin of my neck and these big blue eyes were staring at me intently. As much as my body would have loved to be sleeping under my covers, I realized how much I will miss this when she is too big to hold and rock. I am her world right now and no matter the hour of the night, love to hold her and make her feel safe. Although, as I listen to my snoring husband down the hall I begin to think that the person who started the phrase, "sleeping like a baby" had it all wrong. Lately in our little home, it has been "sleeping like my husband." He is missing all the midnight fun!