Seven Quick Takes vol 60

Friday, Friday Seven with the Great Fulwiler! Go see the better takes at Conversion Diary.

{one}

I'm only able to type right now because Nora's sleeping! Otherwise it would probably be just random, sporadic letters of my hunting and pecking with my one free arm. There has been oh-so much teething going on around here! As in I can't put her down without instant tears. I've started to refer to her simply as "She Who Must Be Held." I think its catching on. Probably by her first birthday she'll just be referred to as little She Who for short. 

{two}

Its just a matter of simple fact to say we pretty much have babies as close together as humanly possible, but still - BUT STILL - both my husband and I forget how bad teething can be. This is baby number five and we're still asking each other, "Was it this bad every other time?" Yes. Yes, of course it was. We just have blocked it out successfully as soon as its over. Its probably some kind of PTSD. 

{three}

Thank goodness I'm in the same boat as MamaH because she's so hilarious I laughed out loud, and not simply because I'm finding most things funny on such small amount of sleep. But really, you have to read her latest post on teething and Michael Jackson. I loved it. 

{four}

So I've been meaning to answer all your burning preschool/toddler/small person homeschooling questions, but all this homeschooling is really getting in the way. Irony. Spoiler alert though - I don't do much but its worth a post anyway!

We've had a better week this week getting into more of the routine of the reading/writing and math in the mornings, but I still feel as if I'm just running around with my head cut off. Which maybe never goes away. But I know I'll feel a little more comfortable once we establish a more stable routine. Me + routine = forevah.

{five}

I spent yesterday's nap time reading Pope Francis's interview with America and all I can say is: Wow. Its an amazing encapsulation of the Holy Father as a person and I just really enjoyed it. There is so much to unpack, and I'm sure most everyone will be talking about it, but I'm really glad I read it for myself in its entirety. Please give it a chance if you have a spare half hour...am I a slow reader?

{six}

There are so many topics discussed in the interview that I want to talk about, but I think I should ponder them longer in order to be coherent but my intial feelings are all really good. I love that he's challenging the staid idea of how the Church should function. And not on an officious level, but on the ground level. The basics. I feel its as if we've been living in a Church that has forgotten that its main goal of bringing souls to Christ. Its gotten bogged down in trying to be the self help, ecumenical, bureaucratic, substance-less, bland, unchallenging, building down the street. And by "it" I mean all of us. Its a group effort. Pope Francis's words are challenging.

I also loved how he talking about Ignatian spirituality which I think has been really out of fashion, or simply gotten a bad wrap because of bad Jesuits, or something. But the Ignatian spirituality is really a missionary spirit that the Pope is trying to inject into the Church. Its interesting to know where he's coming from.

And I loved when the Pope mentioned his favourite operas! Love it. And how he sent stories his students wrote to Jorge Luis Borges. Amazing. Love. 

But I'm still thinking!

{seven}

The beloved husband and I are going on a date to Ikea today. I'm sure it will be everything you're imagining. We'll stroll through the strangely laid out rooms, argue about what type of bookshelf to buy, loose each other somewhere in kitchens, but be dramatically brought back together by either true love or those well placed arrows on the floor. 

Actually I'm really excited. I love my yearly sojourn to the Ikea and all things that I can't pronounce. I think we'll sneak a lunch too. I hope I don't forget to buy those Scandinavian cookies I like so much...

Happy Weekend lovely readers!

---

follow along:

facebook ~ instagram ~ pinterest

Bel Canto by Ann Patchett - What We're Reading Wednesday

Just popping in with a very quick review of what we've been reading lately, because I love linking up with the lovely literary ladies at Housewifespice! Go see them all!

Don't you just love it when a book can create its own completely different world? I was surprised that Bel Canto did this so effortlessly when its about such strange sounding subject matter.

Bel Canto's story centres upon the hostage taking of a party of international bigwigs gathered for a private performance of the world's premiere opera star. What follows is a completely unexpected portrayal of humanity. But not the ugly, malicious, survival traits that humans are driven to in time of crisis, but the simple and good ones like love of music, the development of relationships despite language barriers, and how love surprises even in the strangest of circumstances.

Ann Patchett's writing is wonderful. It is such a well-crafted book when so little of it relies on direct action. The prose is finely tuned and melodious just like the opera music she describes in the story.

I've never read Patchett before, and I'm not sure if she practices any faith, but her description of a priest as one of the hostages was very well portrayed. I seem to always be aware as to how Catholic characters are treated in novels, and in this particular book I thought the author showed a beautiful look at the faith and the work of a good priest. She also treated the sacraments in an almost devout and reverent way. I think its a pleasant surprise when secular writers are respectful of the sacraments and faith in their writing, and I think it's always a good thing to take note of when recommending.

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this novel for what seemed like such a bizarre storyline. I also really enjoyed all the musical illusions as I feel like a bit of an opera geek at times. But don't be put off by the opera-ness if you've never paid attention to it before, Patchett weaves it into the story seamlessly so you're not bored with umpteen pages of descriptions of librettos or anything. Check this one out if you're in the mood for a real novel of beauty.

Bonus Picture Book

I just had to mention this sweet book we've been reading around here the last couple weeks. The Cow Who Fell in the Canal by Phyllis Krasilovsky is a lovely childrens book that the kids have really enjoyed. Its a story of a Dutch milk cow who wants to see the big city and gets there in a surprising way. I won't spoil it for you!

The story is one of those simple stories that kids just seem to gravitate to. The illustrations are amazing. I love all the detail Spier puts into his work, and if you look closely at this one you see everything from little babies playing in yards, to beautifully drawn store windows with Dutch names. I also really love the portrayal of Holland with clogs, cheese, canals, and tulips. You and the kids will love it! (I can't believe this is out of print! We borrowed it from the library but now I'm going to track it down and buy it.)

---

follow along:

facebook ~ instagram ~ pinterest

My Living Room - Now With Nicer Furniture!

I've been meaning to write up some kind of post about my recent living room updates for the last couple weeks - because we finally bought new furniture AND finally got it home! But you know what makes it hard to write a post about your living room? Having a clean living room of which to take photos! Miracle of miracles I rapidly cleaned up all stray toys and children one day and snapped a couple shots. (Seriously, home bloggers must have time and patience like I don't even know, because taking pictures of your house that actually look good is HARD!)

We bought our new furniture from La-z-boy and I recently bought some fancy Anthropologie curtains that I'm a bit infatuated with so I thought they deserved a blog post all of their own!

Without further ado let's hit some photos!

This is basically our living room. I guess I should have taken a shot from farther back, but our home is small, yet very open. As this is the end of the house, picture the dining room and the kitchen directly behind you in one straight line. That means from the kitchen you can see and hear everything in the living room, from the living room you can see and hear everything in the kitchen. Its small, but when having small children its actually been way more practical and conducive to family life that I would have thought when first moving in here. 

And yes, welcome to my love of orange. The orange can be a shock to some, but I'm being completely honest in saying that I've lived with it for 5 years and have absolutely no regrets. Its made me happy, has added great colour and personality to our rental home, and when living in a land of 9 month long winters you come to need big bursts of colour in your surroundings because outside is just white. The orange is only on a couple walls, with the rest of the walls being a light sand which tones everything down. 

Next shocker - yes, I also really love pattern. And I may have gone a little pattern crazy in here. Actually, I think I'm going to be editing either the blue pillows or the striped throw after looking at these photos, because enough can be enough sometimes! 

Here's the brand new chair. 

After I swore to myself I'd never buy a recliner...I bought a recliner. I found the most un-recliner looking one they had and then found an orange geometric fabric that I loved. I figured it wouldn't be placed right next to an orange wall so wouldn't look completely matchy-matchy, plus I would be able to have something orange even if we move and/or repaint. 

Its ridiculously comfortable even for short little me and my not so short husband. I think a good rocker is kinda a necessary evil when you have kids. There are just too many nights spent up rocking sick babies, or nursing babies, or reading to littles. I also chose this design of chair because I figured it was conducive to a child sitting on each arm!

Basically, I kinda love it.

And here's the new couch.

I've been fantasizing about a grey couch for a long while, and since I wore out our old couch being pregnant all the time we saved up for this one! I bought it for its comfort, depth, and simple lines. I'm glad I picked the fabric I did because I find it both really soft, yet durable and not prone to looking dirty when kids rub against it. It so far seems very wipe/wash friendly. But time will tell its real durability. 

Here's the pillow in what I think is a gorgeous floral print that came with the couch. Honestly, I never expected to like, and love, so many of the fabrics Lay-z-boy offers. I was tempted to get the chair in this fabric, but it turned out to be one of the most expensive fabrics you can pick, but since you don't have any extra cost for the throw pillows this was the perfect way to get the fabric for no added cost! In other words music to my husband's ears! Plus, I think my husband might have thought a giant floral a little too much for a chair. I probably would have too...eventually.

  

And finally the magical new curtains! I ruminated and looked forever for new curtains I would love for what felt like years, but once I saw these ones from Anthropologie I was ruined. They were not a budget friendly choice, but I am confident I'll love them for a long time so that makes it worth it to me. Plus, they're really the only window dressing on the entire main living area so that is a an important space to think about, and the added impact is definitely worth it! I would never go for Anthro curtains for a bedroom, but in the area most used and seen by every visitor, I think it's a good choice. But I do feel ridiculous for not knowing how to sew...

Its by no means perfect. I still want another chair, I keep hoping to find a thrift store find that isn't in dire need of reupholstery. With an additional chair I'd get rid of the random coffee table we have by the window and get a smaller kids table. The couch is longer than our previous couch so I need to get thinner end tables. I'd love to find some cool, vintage floor lamps and buy some trendy new lampshades. But that too is most likely a few months down the road. Oh, and new photos/gallery wall above said couch. The list goes on...

And there we have it. The new additions to our living room that honestly make me all kinds of happy. I've said it before, but I'll say it again, I really feel that the home is the important space in your life. For you the stay at home mom who is always at home and deserves beautiful surroundings, for your kids who you are teaching what is beautiful, and for your husband to come home to relax in. Also; in our time of life we aren't spending any money in entertainment, or vacations, or hobbies that involve money or time outside our home, so when you think about it that way this is the best way we can use our money for the most impact in our daily life.  

---

follow along:

facebook ~ instagram ~ pinterest

Seven Quick Takes vol. 59

Meeting up with the cool kids and their Quick Takes. And Jen - whom I am dependent upon to make me a Chardannaydo movie!

{one}

Such a week. And it should have been a breeze because I had a visitor who made things fun until Tuesday. But alas, no. I feel as if I barely made it out alive. Frankly, I'm shocked there's wine left in the house.
This week Nora was teething all. the. time. As in screaming during her waking hours, and sleeping randomly in what should be sleeping hours. She was also glued to me physically, which never puts me in a good frame of mental health, but I usually do better than this week's sorry effort. Max, ever the communicator, still screams all. the. time and so far zero English improvement. So I felt as if one baby was screaming at me most hours of the day. As you could guess this leaves me all kinds of patience for the homeschooling. I feel as if I've hardly had a spare second. I just want to lock myself in a room and just sneak five minutes uninterrupted. And/or take a turn screaming. No big deal.

{two}

Almost inevitably I lost patience with the older kids. Who were really just being fine, if not a little sassy and uncooperative. And then I felt awful. I could see it coming from far down the line but I also felt impossible to combat my own grumpiness. I needed much more grace but was too tired stupid to pray for more. Why don't I catch on to how this works??

{three}

This came up when I googled "cartoon fish wife".

Ever wake up and find yourself a nagging fish wife?? Like everything that comes out of your mouth is a grumpy, screaming, command that you'd be horrified to hear coming from basically anyone in contact with other humans? This happens to me on nights where I get less than two hours of sleep put together. And it can go on for a while before I even realize it. I'm then shocked my poor children want to be around me. Or near me. Or related to me.

{four}

Before I became an illustrious stay at home mom, I had all these grand illusions that when I was an Illustrious Stay At Home Mom I would have scads of spare time to be all thoughtful and stuff. I mean, its not really in keeping with my character to begin with, but for some reason I thought that would be the time in life where I could do all sorts of kind and thoughtful things like make friends handmade cards, and bake gift batches of chocolate chip cookies for newcomers etc etc etc.

Lately I feel as if I don't even have time to do basic nice things. Like write my husband a note or card. Or pick up a gift for someone's birthday who is not in my immediate family. Of course the mantra of "You have to make time," rings again loud and clanging in my head, but what happens when you're at a point in your life where anything is something you have to make time for? I have to make time for everything. I have to make time for a shower. I have to make time to go grocery shopping. I have to make time to clean out my fridge for crying out loud. But I still feel as if I'm being lazy, or using my busy daily life as a crutch somehow. File this whole thing under, "Still Working On It."

{five}

I have such an addiction to glasses its ridiculous. And I'm not saying these will be my next pair...but I'm just saying! What do you think??

Warby Parker. Holcomb.

{six}

We're getting some family pictures taken tomorrow and I've spent all week trying to figure out what everyone's wearing. I don't want to go all tacky and make everyone wear a white shirt, but holy moly is it tough to figure out a "colour pallet" for seven people with clothes that actually look nice. Of course, I'm basing what everyone else is wearing on what I'm wearing. I'm no fashion martyr! (Ha! I like that...someone need to embroider that on a pillow for me!) Long story short - way too much time spent on something that you shouldn't spend too much time on. P.S. Pinterest, you don't help me at all!

{seven}

Unrelated funny gram.

I think I'm going to use all my ambition for the day to make homemade chicken stock. Or workout. Both seems to be way more ambitious than I'm capable of today. What does it mean when you allocate your personal ambition for either household or personal tasks? What personality type is that I ask you? 

Ok, no more boring you with problem details! Have an acceptable weekend.

---

follow along:

facebook ~ instagram ~ pinterest

Five plus Reading Wednesday!

A Linking We Will Go! With Hallie Grace for Five Faves, and Jessica with What We're Reading Wednesday!

1.

Visits from friends! You know me, Miss-I-Live-In-The-Middle-Of-Bleep-Bleeping-Nowhere! So a four day visit from my dear friend from way back...(gosh, dare I say 15 years? Am I that old?) is a wonderful, wonderful thing. She graciously came many miles with a smushy-cute little baby girl, who was completely overwhelmed by 5 kids in a small vicinity plus one very in her personal space bubble Max. But everyone survived and I had a great time.

2.

This sweet children's cd.
You know me and children's music have a pretty complicated relationship. I hate to admit but sometimes those annoying cartoon variations get in my head and I sorta like em. But I'm aiming for quality! My children should probably grow up with better taste in music than I! 

I first saw this when music-smartie Rosie posted her fave kids music and I ordered it from the library and it is the sweetest thing. All the songs are in French, and sung by a sweet, sweet sounding woman who has a real retro vibe going on or, dare I say a quintet?, of male voices that my sons find both hilarious/awesome. Upon closer inspection it was first recorded in 1957 so that explains all its wonderful retro charm. The tunes are simple, traditional but still bubbly and kid friendly. I don't know if my kids will pick up any of the French, but stranger things have happened.

Don't get me started on me and my history with French. I'm Canadian, but took all of a year of French and both despised and failed it! Later on in high school when I was fairly immersed in classical singing I sang a lot of French songs, but I'm sure my accent killed many an adjudicator. Either way, I can't translate these songs for my children. And I'm ok with that.

3. 

This Richard Scarry book.

 Because I've been on a homeschooling, book ordering tangent of late I thought I should at least throw in a couple books that are more suitable/fun for Luke, the current three year old. I knew they've liked these Richard Scarry's in the past but had never seen this particular version in all its car/vehicle glory. And its about 110% up my boys' alleys. They have so far read it for probably 5 hours each, and I gave it to them about 4 days ago. That's a lot of reading for small kids! I really do appreciate picture books that can occupy little minds and keep them quiet for a couple of minutes so I love this book. Of course, Richard Scarry might not be on the Charlotte Mason book list but it does lend itself to bookishness. I count that as a major win.

4.

Pillow Talk 
 Have I ever told you that this is one of my all time favourite movies?? Because it is. Its practically perfect in every way. Doris Day. Rock Hudson. Hilarious romantic comedy from the 50s. Perfect. I actually want all of Doris Day's clothes and jewellery. She has the most dreamy outfit matching coats! But the movie is exactly what romantic comedies should be. Silly, romantic, entertaining - with two stars who are likeable and worth watching! (I'm talking to you Water with Elephants.) Go watch it anytime you're feeling sad. Or once a year. Or on a date night. Or when your dear friend visits for fun. Or right now.

5.

This pico de gallo from Costco.

You know what makes me feel like a giant chump?! The fact that I slaved many minutes chopping, dicing, slicing my own tomatoes, onions, and peppers for pico de gallo all these years when this wonderful stuff has been sitting at Costco for around $5 bucks. Seriously, I used to chop up a bunch of tomatoes at random times of the year because I love pico de gallo so much. I now eat this stuff by the ton. Its fairly spicy, is made with real cilantro and lime juice so I basically add a little more salt and lime juice and it tastes better than anything I minced in the past. The fact I went through five pregnancies without this is a travesty I tell you!

Wow. That turned out a bit rambly and all over the place...

---

follow along:

facebook ~ instagram ~ pinterest

Seven Quick Takes vol. 58

Quick Takes. Jen. Conversion Diary. Go to there.

{one}

 

Where'd the week go?? I guess that's what happens when Monday is a holiday but this week has flown by. I don't even know what I did. Nothing exciting clearly. It was again, fan-TAS-tic weather here this week, as in warmer than July. So we must soak up every second. And this was my modus operendi in our approach to school too. We plugged away at more "math" (can Kindergarten/Grade 1 math qualify as "math"? Because its really just counting.) Next week I hope to start some reading/writing but lets not get ahead of ourselves, and my lack of motivation! 

{two}

Since I'm not brimming with new ideas I'm going to just opine on some good posts I've seen this week. Look out! Opinions coming your way!

{three}

Kendra got all rant-y on my best friend Flannery O'Connor, and Haley (my other best friend, since I'm throwing around the term with people I've never met all over the place!) answered so perfectly that I have nothing to add. Other than, of course, I love Flannery, so, so, much. 

Yes, she's a little dark, and pretty weird, and may take a couple of readings to come even close to "getting" her, but its oh-so worth it! Through her strange tales its amazing the ways she comes to such profound ideas of faith, the human (sinful) condition, and how Jesus can penetrate even the most tragic, strange, and sad situations. 

They're not exactly feel good stories. I think its harder for us to understand stories when they're difficult, especially when we ourselves have never experienced deep tragedy, or unthinkably terrible situations. But I can't help but feeling that someone who had experienced such darkness must be so hopeful after reading some Flannery. 

I also get that its just a matter of personality as to whether or not you personally enjoy them, but you have to acknowledge the brilliance!

I find myself reading a couple stories each year. I like sitting with them for a long period of time. Something will remind me of a story and I'm instantly brought back to her vivid, almost exotic stories. Sometimes I hear a Gospel song and just hearing it reminds me of the devastating rolling river from Greenleaf. I'm amazed at the power of literary talent like that!

{four}

I just read DarwinCatholic's post from this past week on vocation versus finding your bliss. I think its spot on in regards to the truth about how we need to be focused on how to best serve our vocation as our number one priority, even when it involves a job that may not be completely "fulfilling". I also agree with the plain old fact he points out in that it simply is harder for the woman to be the breadwinner. But its also something that seems very counter-cultural right now, and something that pretty much every teen/young adult buys into at least for some years of their youth!

{five}

Amy Welborn's post yesterday on homeschooling has been making the rounds and if you haven't yet read it please do because its a great capsule of why homeschooling is becoming the only answer to so many problems in education. I know homeschooling isn't perfect, but I agree that it is vast improvement over the stress and hours away from home that institutionalized schooling involves today. I don't know if I could rank the reasons why I believe in homeschooling, but at the top of the list would be how homeschooling supports family life and the home, instead of corrupting it and taking children away from it physically for so many hours a day, and how institutionalized education has become in schools. These are big reasons I feel. Childhood is too precious to be squandered by so many wasted hours in a building away from those they love. 

{six}

Does anyone else wonder why we have to keep fighting over this whole modesty bit? Why does Simcha have to keep writing to tell us to stop being so ridiculous?? Why can't we find balance and common sense instead of resorting to easy solutions and the blame game? I think my bias is in part because I was raised very Catholic and attended oh-so many Catholic events, conferences, schools etc where you were beaten over the head about modesty. As if modesty was the dire, life and death situation that appeared in the length of your skirt and how that doomed every male you saw to hell. Or something like that. I may be slightly dramatic. Simcha's right on the money as per though-check it!

{seven}

I'm already writing post-it notes to remind me to fast and pray tomorrow for peace in Syria. I don't understand it. I don't think anyone really does. But I wholeheartedly believe that if the Pope's this serious about it, then we need to be praying. I think its safe to always go with the Pope on these things. Call me crazy. 

Have a great weekend everyone! 

---

follow along:

facebook ~ instagram ~ pinterest

Saying Ciao to Summer...

Summer is over?

I'm still gobsmacked as to how time flies around here. Which seems like such a paradox when it can feel at times as if its the same old, same old day after day after day. Wiping up dirty kids, putting on shoes, cleaning up muddy kids, laundry, laundry, laundry...the fun never stops!

But seriously, my kids are all looking bigger! Gemma's 6 and losing teeth and making me want to cry. Dominic's work ethic has already surpassed mine. Luke is smarter and more hilarious everyday. Max...IS STILL NOT TALKING...but his non-verbal communication is excellent, as is his tried and true way of getting my attention....pinching my legs. And the baby bambino is 5 months?!

we did the backyard campfire multiple times this summer-so thats a win! and everyone ate their bodyweight in s'mores!

Am I coming out of the long tunnel that is newborn/infanthood? I'm not quite sure. I always feel as if it takes about six months to feel like you've once again got a slim grip on life around you. Life with a newborn seems to just swallow up all your minutes, especially all those few minutes you're not devoting to the cleaning and tolerating of whiney toddlers. But those minutes are usually spent holding a cuddly bundle so it makes it precious. However, the precious moments are also countered by an ridiculous lack of sleep. Do people who get uninterrupted hours of sleep know what a priceless commodity they have?? Uh, no. Those ungrateful bastards. Where was I? Oh right, the inability to have complete thoughts, or life with a newborn. I think I'm doing fairly well. Let's not talk about the standard of that curve right now though. 

Our summer was without giant landmarks of trips, vacations, or life changing milestones. But I still think we had a summer that will be full of the wonderful memories of childhood. Of outside playing with friends and family, plenty of time in the sprinkler, afternoons and swimming lessons at the lake, fights over popsicles, and extra time with daddy. I think those are the really important things when our little minions are so small. As we all get a little older and more experienced we'll move onto the cross-country road trips, and dare I say - trips to waterparks!

Its refreshing to see summer through the eyes of your kids isn't it? They aren't looking for the glitzy glamour of the summer rental or fancy getaway but the fun found every day in something that's right in front of them. (Spoiler alert - its usually mud.) Life really is simple. And joy comes for free. Its just the right attitude to contradict my wayward and worldly thinking that tends to go straight to wanting more and more exciting "experiences". The thinking that I should be "doing" more. That I need more to be happy and enjoying myself. All of which is complete flat-out lies. 

you think I have opinions...just wait until Max can talk!

I'm also trying not to go down sentimental lane, BUT my kids will never all be this little again. Next summer they'll be older, bigger, into new things and hopefully a little cleaner. They really do grow up even when I don't see it everyday in the summer work of washing muddy feet or popsicle-soaked fingers. 

I think its safe to say that when I look back at this summer, I will feel it as a blur. A gust of baby-filled wind, if you will. I know though, that it will also have so many fun memories of sprinklers, laughter, and sheer joy in summer provided by five, mostly happy, children. So I'd say that's a pretty successful summer.

---

follow along:

facebook ~ instagram ~ pinterest