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...

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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! 

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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.

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Seven Quick Takes vol. 57

Hello, Quick Take Fans! Go say hi to Jen for the rest of the best!

{one}

Friday's are so nice to wake up to...and not simply because I love reading everyone's Seven Quickies. But it does play a significant part!

I'm a blogging while cooking some lasagna for weekend guests because my sainted mother came and took the mobile offspring. The non-mobile offspring is having a great nap because she's pretty much been up since 4 am. Lucky duck. So the question I should now be asking is why is Bubble Guppies still playing in the background??

{two}

This week has been beautiful around this neck of the woods. And even though the fields are turning gold and the smell of fall is beginning to creep in from the surrounding forests I've been trying to soak up the summer-ness! I've let the kids play in the sprinkler/slip-n-slide/kiddie pool everyday, even though its a drag to get them all changed into swimsuits, then clean them all and change them back into clothes, and blow up the pool that has a leak every. single. day, because before I know it it'll be sub-arctic temperatures again and I'll be dying for a day of even faux warmth! I've even gone whole hog on the fun-mum bandwagon and been giving out popsicles like theres no such thing as blood sugar resistance. Max has never known such bliss in his life!

{three}

But with the fun-mum some things they must a-slide. I'm confessing I haven't worked out at all in the last couple weeks. I've just sat in the sun with the kids. I feel very little guilt about this. That's how much I dislike fitness. Or love sunshine. The worst part about working out is just getting the gumption up to do it. I even started thinking to myself, "Oh well, September starts next week, we might as well let August slide...", it's astonishing I'm not an inspirational speaker right?

{four}

I really think that I may need to spend less time speaking to toddlers. This week I've had whole conversations where I've used phrases like, "Yes, that did happen when mummy used to change your bum," and "I think you're right that the bad witch's magic told Sleeping Beauty to prick her thumb on the spinning wheel even though you shouldn't listen to witch's because they wear black dresses,"and I honestly participated as if we were discussing the problems involved with outside intervention in Syria. 

{five}

We haven't started school officially around here. I mean, we've been doing math every other day or so for more than a week, but I don't want to use the phrase "have started school". I'm looking at starting school more as a "soft opening" idea like they use in the restaurant business. (I watch A LOT of Food Network, ok?!) We'll slowly break into more school "stuff". But I'm not going to jinx myself by taking official "First Day of Kindergarten/Grade 1" pictures yet. I just think to be realistic and successful this year its going to be good to keep expectations and rigid scheduling at a low level. Yikes!

{six}

Does it sound like a watch a lot of tv around here? Because I have another series to recommend. I probably do watch too much tv...judge away. I'm talking about a new British series that just aired here in Canada on Showcase, called Broadchurch. I've read that it just aired on BBC America in the States, so that makes me think it must soon be available on Netflix, but again, I don't have it so I don't really know, but look into it mmkay?! 

Be forewarned that its a pretty heavy show. Its a crime drama whodunit based on the murder of a child, so its not easy subject matter. The acting, production, and writing however, are so well done and the show really sucked me in. It tells the story through a whole community and all those involved who were effected by the crime, who are trying to solve it, and who are suspected. I cried a couple of times over the course of the mini-series, there is only 8 episodes, because there were many well done moments that really told a story of how crime/sin impacts a community in many different ways. 

Did I mention is stars David Tennant, aka Dr. Who numero 10? It also has some actors from Cranford, I don't know their names of course, but I instantly recognized them because I watch Cranford on a monthly basis. 

{seven}

I should really be going kicking some ass and taking some names in the housecleaning department.  My whole house is a disaster and completely unprepared for company. And with the kids gone it may actually mean I might be able to successfully clean something! 

Ah! I just remembered its a long weekend! Are there better words to the stay at home mom than "long weekend"?? Ok...possibly "I'll babysit your kids while you go to Hawaii for a couple weeks" or "Free wine" but "long weekend" is up there!

Have a very bon long week-end everybody!

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Howard's End and What We're Reading Wednesday

I finished Howards End by E. M. Forster about a week ago and I've been thinking ever since about what to write about it.

The thing is, I liked it but I didn't like it. Its a fairly interesting story with an intriguing heroine, Margaret Schlegel, but Forster is attempting to make a social commentary using storytelling. This almost always spells disaster. I'd say the development of most the characters really takes the hit. Margaret's sister Helen, becomes the epitome of the artistic, spiritual person rebelling against the capitalistic tendencies of the day, while Henry Wilcox, Margaret's husband, is simply a raging materialist. There seem to be little shades of real character until the ending, which makes for tough reading at times.

Despite this however Forster still comes away as an astounding writer. Not an astounding writer in terms of plots, characters, and even ideas or themes, but every once in a while a passage comes along which contains such beauty in terms of prose, description, and acute observational insight that it stops you in your tracks. Although a fleeting fancy, I think these passages make Forster worth reading, at least once.

I liked the idea of the story. Margaret and her sister Helen are artistic-types, who survive comfortably on a legacy of money, but they are actively concerned about the societal ills that plague post-Victorian British society and the relationship between rich and poor classes. They want to make things better for the poor, but like many rich then and now, have such a small understanding of what poverty means and how to help. They come into contact with the Wilcox family, a upper class family whose wealth has come from hard work and commercial success. The Wilcox's embody an upper class who looks down on those with less as a matter of personal fault and lack of initiative, they seem unfeeling towards those with less. As the Wilcox's and Schlegel sisters mix their differing world views collide and its only Margaret who can envision any peace being reached.

Margaret marries Henry Wilcox, the family's patriarch after the death of his wife, Margaret's friend. Margaret admired Mrs. Wilcox's love of home and its importance, although her death came before Margaret could understand it completely. Henry Wilcox falls in love (and term is used as a bit of a stretch here) with Margaret and their marriage rocks both their families. Both families come in contact with the Bast's, a couple from the bottom of the economic ladder whom Helen seeks to help and Mr. Wilcox be rid of, the Bast's propel the plot until its surprising ending.

I don't want to give to much away of the plot that deals with the Bast's because I feel that its surprising conclusion was the better part of this novel. I did not see the ending coming in quite that fashion. And yet, I was pleased that Margaret's balance wins over both philosophical extremes in her sister and husband.

Have you read Howards End ? Was it a classic? I haven't seen the movie - which seems impossible because I'm Emma Thompson's biggest fan, I swear - but I hope to this weekend so I'll let you know how I compare the two versions!

Linking with the great readers at What We're Reading Wednesday over at Housewifespice!

Seven Quick Takes vol. 56

Seven quick ones for Jen...and the world!

Go visit Conversion Diary for the real deal and a plethora of posts!

{one}

Can I just say that there is not much in life as entertaining as watching a 20 month old walk around in one toy high heel...

This week I finally felt back on track from the weeks of people being sick around here. And by people I mostly mean me. Its nice to feel as if you have energy again and as if you might make it through the day doing something other than lying around. 

Even though I felt normal again I was pretty slow and didn't get much accomplished. I think I'm still living with ridiculously too high of expectations of what I can get done in a day. In reality one larger sized job gets done during the day in addition to just keeping children alive. And by one job I mean one job that needs a bit of attention or time. On Tuesday I wanted to reorganize the bathroom closet and I got it done, but only with throwing a wrench into babies' meal times and having the older 3 out of the house! I did it all for the enormous sense of accomplishment I felt. Seriously. Standards, they be low.

{two}

Dominic has become obsessed with finding warning signs everywhere. For some reason my husband must have given a really awesome explanation to a warning sign Dom saw one day because he loves finding warning signs and asking what they're about. And we live in such a ridiculous society today that most every toy we own has one. His booster seat has one. Anything that is supposed to be something to do with a baby has one. Bottles have 'em. I had no idea how they were everywhere until this week. Dom always has to say, "Mama come look! I found a warnin' sign! What does it say?" and I always have to go tell him. But this happens at least 25 times a day. I'm going to count one of these days!

Have I mentioned he is a ridiculously conscientious and observant kid for being 4?? He also has what seems like a freakishly photogenic memory. Basically he is going to homeschooling gold!

{three}

In his new room...I think he believes it will bring super powers.

We put Dominic and Luke downstairs in their new room for the first time this week! And let me tell you...I now feel as if I'm wealthy and live in a huge mansion! We don't hear them up and wrestling for hours, we don't have to go in 50 times to tell the three of them to go to sleep! Its changed my life. 

But, we also moved Max in with Gemma and he is being what can only be described as extremely difficult to live with. He just likes yelling at poor Gemma for about two hours. So I feel as if I've lost one source of constant annoying noise and gained a new one! Or the noise of three new ones. I'm just crossing my fingers he learns to deal/go to sleep instantly and we can all live in harmony.

{four}

With all this baby moving it means Nora has her own bedroom. Its kinda a big deal because she seemed to be waking up more at night lately in the living room. I think mostly due to our main living room windows not having blinds and there being so much light. Which we can't really fix. Quickly at least.

She's sleeping so much better and in her own crib and going to sleep so well. I'm feeling pretty cocky lately about my ability to sleep train babies. I believe that my intensive 6 year course with 5 different test subjects has exposed me to every kind of baby sleep hating tactic there is and that I now come out victorious! So I think it means that I now have my Masters in sleep training. Thank you very much. I'm just deciding what letters I want after my name.

{five}

My window trim paint reveal! Humour me, I have to document my small successes! And damn, its hard to photograph windows...

I started repainting my window trim in the living room and kitchen this week because a year after we had a window replaced we're finally touching up the paint around it. Why does painting trim make everything look better?? I did our main living room window and then had to do our giant patio door as well, and they look so good I want everything else painted too! I just don't want to have to do it. I had to covertly paint at night after all the kids were in bed so that it could dry without being touched by goopy baby hands. At that rate if I were to even attempt the whole main floor it would take me till next year and every night! 

{six}

All this preparation is happening because the husband is picking up my new furniture today! I'm excited about it but at the same time feel a little guilty. How awful is that? I think its because we were both raised in homes where new furniture didn't happen often, and I feel as if I haven't really earned new furniture somehow. When we got married we only had furniture castoffs from family members. Then we bought a new, really cheap couch a couple years later which has been our main piece of living room furniture ever since. Its awful and cheap and has lost all its cushion so we've been saving up since last year specifically for new furniture because I wanted to make it a priority. I bought a new couch and chair in May and its finally ready now. I know I didn't spend a fortune (I read design blogs - I know!) but I'm still feeling extravagant somehow. Because we live so far from the city I can't really hunt craigslist for fun furniture finds, nor do I really have the time to do that now, although I'd really like to. We saved up, we both believe that our house right now is the appropriate place to spend money because its where we spend most of our time and its really the most important thing in our life. Aside from children...but making a home is important to children...so it all works right?? I feel strongly that your home should be an adequate reflection of your family's personality and be comfortable, functional, and pretty, basically it should be a home! Anyway! I'm a rambling.

{seven}

And now I'm debating carpet cleaning my living room carpet before the new furniture comes in. Ugh. It feels like something you shouldn't even try to touch. I shudder to think how dirty it is. Really, even attempting to clean it is futile. It really needs it. Do I want to lug up the giant carpet cleaner and try? But its really dirty. It'll look so much better if theres clean carpet next to new furniture...but I'm lazy.  

This was a riveting Quick Takes...Have a much more riveting weekend!

Five Favourites...music, tv, hair...what more do you want??

I haven't done Five Favourites in a while and I just miss Hallie...so here goes!

1.

This album.

Do you ever like someone's whole album anymore?? I mean apart from Mumford and Sons?? Anyone?? Well this is the first time in a long while that I've liked the entire album of someone who's song I can't get out of my head. (That song is "What I Wouldn't Do" - at least go listen to that one!) Its Serena Ryder's Harmony album and its on the iTunes store or where ever you procure your muzak these days. She's listed in iTunes as "Folk" but I call her good pop. As in no awful lyrics about stripper poles, but fun, well-written songs about love. 

2.

This isn't really my favourite this week, but it is Dominic's. Its the Angry Birds board game, if you will. On the box it says, "Based on the popular app." And when I read that I died a little on the inside. The board games are based on apps now people...weep a little for society. But Dom doesn't have a clue about the app because I'm a little anal about keeping the small devices away from the smalls for as long as possible, but he really loves this game! Its silly, its plastic, but it does come with little blocks to build the towers and a sling shot to throw little angry birds. Or "bad birds" as Dom calls them. Anyways its a lot of fun for him and sometimes you want a board game for small children...right? Or do we just want apps? 

3.

Online shopping. Just any online shopping. This week I'm ordering a bunch of fun books for "school" because we have homeschooling funding in our province and since I've bought as much core curriculum as I think I'm going to use I'm really going to town on Amazon with the good children's books. But really...online shopping...its so bad but soooo good. Last week was Zulily...don't get me started...

4. 

We've started watching ye old Foyle's War the last couple weeks. It has to be one of the only Masterpiece Mystery series that has thus far gone unwatched by me. And it is so good. I've only watched two episodes and I'm completely behind it. Foyle is such a great character. He is a British badass in that he seems so stoic and nonchalant at times, but really he's incredibly smart and when he brings the hammer down on the bad guys its really awesome. It all takes place in small coastal town in Britain during the Second World War and it does an amazing job portraying the various strains the war caused on everyday life. 

5. 

If you're a hair product junkie like myself you'll wanna try this bad boy out. Its the Pantene Pro-V Ultimate 10 Bb Creme. Its cheap, it kinda works wonders, and its cheap! My hair is wavy/weird/frizzy, and this stuff tames without being heavy. It's also one of those products where you can use a little to fight frizz or more to get curls. It seems to really up the shine too. Its worth a try for sure!

Now onward to better faves-Moxie Wife here you come!