The Story of 2013...in Photos

I caught this from another blog and loved it, so I'm doing it.  I'm to pick ONE photo from each month and a bonus one at the end.  This is going to be difficult!

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

BONUS

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

20 Questions for 2013

1. What was the single best thing that happened this past year?

I would have to say Christmastime.  We actually relaxed.  Sure there were some chores and cleaning done, but mostly we just chilled and let the kids chill.

2. What was the single most challenging thing that happened?

Well, we were told that Marley's teeth are going to have to have the same fate as Logan's.  Before that could happen, we tried just pulling one.  Apparently, she's allergic to the sedative they gave her, and she turned into a demon child.  It was pretty un-fun.  Because of that, we are waiting for taxes to do her teeth all at once like Logan's.  :(

3. What was an unexpected joy this past year?

I drove ten hours to Atlanta with a girl on my Thirty-One team, and we got along great!  Seriously, I wasn't expecting it, and it made the whole round trip really fun!

4. What was an unexpected obstacle?

More health problems and more financial problems.

5.Pick three words to describe this past year.

Recovering, Prioritizing, Progressing

6. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe your year.

Spiritual, Accomplished, Better

7. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe their year.

Better, Hard, Progress

8. What were the best books you read this year?

The Temperament God Gave You, The Temperament God Gave Your Spouse, The Temperament God Gave Your Kids by Art Bennett

9. With whom were your most valuable relationships?

God

10. What was your biggest personal change from January to December this past year?

I accidentally peeked at my answer last year.  It's the same.  I'm more aware.  I'm really trying to be more patient and kind and stop the judging.

11. In what way(s) did you grow emotionally?

I think I've become more laid back.  I've let loose from my control grip a bit more.  I still want to have control of situations, but after the initial anxiety when I don't, I'm learning to let go.

12. In what way(s) did you grow spiritually?

I took my first steps into becoming a Carmelite.  I received my brown scapular.  My favorite quote from my Carmelite book in explaining what a Carmelite is..."We seek the face of God so that others may seek Him."

13. In what way(s) did you grow physically?

My hair.  I have embraced the curl, and my hair is EXTREMELY long.  

14. In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others?

I realized a lot through my friendships this year.  I noticed that some things needed changing.  I have a co-dependent personality, and this seeps into my friendships, and I can't have that.  It makes me too vulnerable.  I've learned that I need to rely on myself more and on others less.

15. What was the most enjoyable part of your work both professionally and at home?

Since part of my job is homeschooling the kids, I think I did an exceptional job at signing us up for our co-op.  It has been wonderful.  Thirty-One is falling by the wayside I'm sorry to say.  I wish I were more successful at it, but it seems like it's ran it's course.

16. What was the most challenging part of your work both professionally and at home?

The most challenging is always this house.  It's small, and we have a lot of stuff.  It's hard making sure something goes out when something comes in.  I am not a naturally organized person.  I think I just did my work challenge on the last question.

17. What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year?

Again, it's the computer.  If I wanted to be more specific, it's Pinterest.  I love that thing.  I cannot lie.

18. What was the best way you used your time this past year?

I did my random acts of kindness for my birthday again this year.  I think it's going to become a tradition.  Other than that, praying...hands down.

19. What was the biggest thing you learned this past year?

I'm doing ok.  I tend to see all the negative things I'm not doing right instead of the things I might be doing ok.  I've been allowed to see some things that make me feel better about some things I'm doing.  For example, I worry that my kids aren't getting enough God.  Then I see them memorizing bible verses, offering to pray for someone who's having a hard time, or bringing their money to the poor box at church.  Instead I see that I'm not celebrating Saint feasts.  Hopefully this will continue to be my growth in the new year.

20. Create a phrase or statement that best describes 2013 for you.

I can't create one, so I'll borrow one.

"There but for the grace of God, go I."

Happy 2014!

Christmas Catches

Merry Christmas!!!

From our family to yours

Christmas Cookies!

So...if you were to ask Kevin or Kaelyn about my Christmas cookies, they would tell you some hogwash story about me having a breakdown making them one year.  Apparently I screamed, yelled, and slammed things on surfaces.  I don't recall any of this.  Anyway, fast forward to now, and I have a good groove going with Christmas cookies.

Sometimes I make them willy nilly and people get the same kind in a large batch.  Sometimes (like this time) I make a bunch in a couple days time, so I can give a variety.  Here's my variety for this year...

Monster Cookies - I love these because they make A LOT.  I use these all the time because you can change the M&Ms in them for different seasons.  For instance, I used the Christmas ones in red and green.

(Half Recipe)   Whole Recipe – about 12 doz

(1/2)                          1 lb butter or margarine

(6)        12 eggs

(1)           2 lbs. Brown sugar

(2)           4 cups white sugar

(1/2)                          1 Tblspoon  Karo Syrup

(1/2)                           1  Tsp. Vanilla

(4)                      8  Tsp. Bkg Soda

(1 ½)                          3  lb. Peanut Butter (smooth)

(9)           18 cups Quaker Quick Oats

(1/2)                       1 lb. Chocolate Chips

(1/2)                       l  lb.  M&M’s for topping

Mix in Order and bake at 350 for approx. 12 minutes.

Snickerdoodles - These are new in my round of Christmas cookies.  I asked Rory what other ones I should make, and she said these.

1/2 cup butter, softened 1/2 cup shortening 1 1/2 cups white sugar 2 eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons cream of tartar 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons white sugar 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

DIRECTIONS:

1.	Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2.	Cream together butter, shortening, 1 1/2 cups sugar, the eggs and the vanilla. Blend in the flour, cream of tartar, soda and salt. Shape dough by rounded spoonfuls into balls.
3.	Mix the 2 tablespoons sugar and the cinnamon. Roll balls of dough in mixture. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
4.	Bake 8 to 10 minutes, or until set but not too hard. Remove immediately from baking sheets. Ritz Cookies - These are the crowd pleaser.  They're so easy! Spread Peanut Butter on one Ritz cracker and Marshmallow Fluff on another.  Dip and coat in chocolate.  I use Almond Bark from Walmart.  For a difference variation, I melt a Rolo on the Ritz, then put another Ritz on top and then dip.    Lemon Decorated Cookies - I got this recipe from The Pioneer Woman, so I'm going to post the link to her website for it.  This is a Christmas tradition.  The kids love painting them.  Here's the link.

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies - I have made these cookies ever since my friend, Amanda, first introduced them to me.  I love them!

1/2

cup vegetable oil

4

oz unsweetened baking chocolate, melted, cooled

2

cups granulated sugar

2

teaspoons vanilla

4

eggs

2

cups Gold Medal® all-purpose flour

2

teaspoons baking powder

1/2

teaspoon salt

1/2

cup powdered sugar

1. In large bowl, mix oil, chocolate, granulated sugar and vanilla. Stir in eggs, one at a time. Stir in flour, baking powder and salt. Cover; refrigerate at least 3 hours.
2. Heat oven to 350°F. Grease cookie sheet with shortening or cooking spray.
3. Drop dough by teaspoonfuls into powdered sugar; roll around to coat and shape into balls. Place about 2 inches apart on cookie sheets.
4. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until almost no imprint remains when touched lightly in center. Immediately remove from cookie sheets to cooling racks.

Makes 6 dozen cookies

Enjoy baking!

School's Out for Christmas

Kevin came with us to co-op last Friday.  Marley was really excited to have him there.  She's the only student without a parent in music class.  It does not go over well.  I just had to get through last Friday, and that was it.  It's done.  Everything is smooth sailing for the rest of the season.  There's nothing else I can think of that I'm dreading.  

We did some school today because I want to keep up with math and reading.  I got a bunch of stuff done that I've been putting off.  It felt really good.  The basement got a good start to decluttering and cleaning this weekend.  I'm pretty impressed with myself if I do say so myself.  I got some cookie batter made, and I'll be making more tomorrow.  I'm hoping to deliver cookies later this week.

We have our first cookie jar.  It's a snowman.  I love the idea of a cookie jar.  My friend, Mary Kay, had one at her house and it was always filled.  I'll probably have a love/hate relationship with keeping it filled.  ;)  My kids are rather enjoying it.  

Mid-Advent Daybook

Outside my window...
It's cold!  Brrr...second snow storm...check.  

Giving thanks...
For our first snow day.  You can thank me by the way.  I made sure we got all our homework done to go to co-op this morning, which resulted in schools closing.  You're welcome.  ;)

I am thinking about...
Advent.  I'm wondering if I'm doing it right.  I read all these blogs of people doing great things to prepare their kids for Christ's coming, and it's hard not to compare and be discouraged.  I think they're getting something at least.  I have some ideas to bring more of the liturgical year into our every day.  I'll keep you posted.

In the schoolroom...
This is our last week of co-op before Christmas break.  Rory has a huge project due this Friday for science, and we haven't even started yet.  Yikes!

From the kitchen...
I made potato soup for lunch today because it was snowing, and I don't have a vegetable soup recipe.  I've made this soup a lot, and it NEVER turns out like my mommy's.  Well today, it did!  I don't even know what I did.  I was busy making lunch for the kids (because they're weird and don't like potato soup), so I just threw this and that in without even measuring. *GASP*  Other than that, I don't know about you but snow makes me fat.  I've made chocolate chip cookies, calzones, chocolate chip muffins (twice), and corn beef and potatoes.  It's all about the snow.

I am creating...
A clutter-free house.  I'm doing it!  I started today.  Our house is small.  We have too much stuff.  Maybe it would feel like a bigger house if we didn't have all this stuff in it.  If we don't LOVE it, it has to go.

I don't ever want to forget...
How our Christmas tree looks this year.  I am absolutely in love with it.  In love.

I am working on...
serving my family because it has to start somewhere.  How can I serve God if I can't serve those He's entrusted me with?  Isn't compassion more important than complaining and bickering?  I'm hoping to teach this to the kids.

I am reading...
St. Teresa of Avila, The Way of Perfection for Carmel, Jotham's Journey for Advent, and Lost in St. Peter's Tomb for Logan's history class.  All three are great books.

I am praying...
Every morning the Liturgy of the Hours.  I'm supposed to be doing evening prayers too, but I ALWAYS forget.  I am getting the night ones in, so I don't feel as bad.  I am also really working on the half hour with Jesus that I'm to be doing for Carmel.  We meet in the garden every day.

I am struggling...
With patience, which is really funny since this is the season of patience and waiting for our Lord.  I am failing miserably.  Thank goodness God loves the weak.

I am hearing...
The Singoff.  We love this show.  We just have a day delay, since we don't have cable.  It's where different groups sing a cappella.

Around the house...
I'm decluttering.  It has to be done.  The end.

One of my favorite things...
Our new Skinny Cow chocolate treats.  It's a variety box I found at BJ's.  I have one every night with hot chocolate because my mom says that warm things in your belly make it fuller.  Words of wisdom.

A few plans for the next week...
Not much.  I'm taking Kaelyn and Rory to see the Nutcracker at a local high school.  One of the girls that goes to our co-op is the principle ballerina.  I think there's a couple of cub scout meetings, but nothing that can't be canceled.  ;)  I want to do nothing but declutter and prepare.

A picture thought for you...

Doesn't she look like a little grown-up in this outfit?!  I can't stand it!


  

This Weekend

So this weekend I was supposed to go to the Thirty-One spring premiere, and I was supposed to go to my Carmel Advent retreat.  I didn't go to either.  I went to the gym.  I stayed home.  It needed to be done.  This is a time of patience and waiting, not running around crazy, and while I think it would have been silent and peaceful at the retreat, it was just better for me to be at home.  We were able to get the tree decorated...finally.  

We went to evening Mass because Rory was serving. Then we went to our co-op Christmas party.  That was out of character for me because I don't normally put myself out there for those things.  It went well.  I'm glad we were able to go.  This is my new community.  I have to be a part of it if I want to be a part of it.  Yes?  

Today Logan went to his first football game to see the Redskins get creamed.  I think the score was 45-10.  Besides the fact that there was a winter storm that showed up this morning, they had to lose too?  That just doesn't seem right.  Logan and Kevin were pretty prepared for the cold.  We got Logan some snow bibs to wear there and dressed him in his snow boots.  He lasted a lot longer than I thought he would.  They left about 3p.  

The girls and I tried in vain to make it to Nana's, and I had two pretty upset girls on my hands.  Since they were going to Nana's to decorate, I busted out the paper cutter and construction paper and showed them how to make holiday chains.  We have two red and green ones and a pink and purple in the making. A few are already hanging up.  We ended up making it down to Nana's for dinner to meet the boys there.  I did get to make some chocolate chip cookies too that I brought.  I meant to do a lot of my Christmas cookie baking today, but I was out of brown sugar and vanilla, so chocolate chip was all that got done.  :(  Guess what I'll be doing next week. 

Quick Takes Friday

1.

Well, I didn't get all my shopping done before Christmas like I wanted.  I have the majority done and just need a little something here and there.  

2.

Marley seems to be over her cold or whatever it was. Fingers crossed that no one else gets it.  Logan's pretty stuffy, and we were worried, but he woke up saying he felt a lot better.  I'm so glad because Sunday is his first football game...in the snow.  :(

3.

We just have to get through the 13th.  ;)  The 13th is my mom's birthday.  Happy Birthday, Mommy!  It's the kids' last day of school before Christmas break.  It's Chick-Fil-A day at school.  Kevin's coming to school with us.  Logan will be marching as a shepherd in his boy scout parade that night.  

4.

Three more days of school.  Three more days of school.  Three more days of school.

5.

It's 937p, and I am completely unprepared for school tomorrow.  I have no idea what I'm doing for my lesson plans.  It's the feast of Saint Nicholas, so maybe I'll go off that.

6.

Our Christmas tree is crooked.  We straighten it over and over again, and it still looks crooked.

7.

I have made absolutely no sales this month with Thirty-One.  Everyone else is posting their record breaking numbers.  It bothers me, but I have to be ok with it.  This is what I chose, right?

We were making cookies, and her hands were clean, so I told her she couldn't touch anything.

Ummm...yeah....

Logan's reaction to my dad giving him a ticket to his first football game for Christmas.

Kevin makes really good french toast.  This is how he gives it to me because I'm picky about which fork I use.  I know it's not just me.  My dad has his own silverware and everything!  ;)

Happy Birthday, Papa!

Papa's birthday was Monday, and I forgot his birthday blog.  Sorry, Papa.  Here's Papa's birthday pictures.

For your entertainment purposes, here's Marley...

Happy Birthday, Papa!  We love you!