Saturday

We have seen rain, rain, and more rain this past week. Finally, I think we are coming out of it. The kids were even home for two days because their school got flooded. But, thank God, we all survived. Here in Southern California we are just not used to that much rain! LOL! At least our cars were washed without much effort and we got our money's worth for our umbrellas!

Today for lunch I plan on cooking Southwestern Bean Soup. It's a new recipe I've been waiting to try. Perfect for a chilly day. I also need to pick up some things at the grocery store and Target. I've been postponing many errands due to the rain.

This morning, I saw this article about Grant Desme, a major league prospect for the Oakland A's baseball team. He's leaving baseball and entering the seminary at St. Michael's Abbey here in Orange County. I think it's wonderful that he chose that seminary. The priests from my kid's school belong to this order and they are dedicated, prayerful, and faithful to the teachings of the Church. I'm sure he will get solid formation.

An excerpt:

"I'm doing well in baseball," he said. "But I had to get down to the bottom of things, to what was good in my life, what I wanted to do with my life. Baseball is a good thing, but that felt selfish of me when I felt that God was calling me more. It took awhile to trust that and open up to it and aim full steam toward him.

"I love the game, but I'm going to aspire to higher things."

Asked about the possibility of continuing to play minor-league baseball while also attending the seminary, which has been done in the past, Desme said, "No. I want to give my life completely to God out of love because of everything he's done for me."

Read more HERE.

He has the right attitude. It would serve me and my soul well to "give my life completely to God out of love because of everything he's done for me."

My thought for today.

Wordless Wednesday

Monday

Kids are back at school and Steve is back to work. This morning started with a little bump as I needed to take my car in to get repaired. I had just had it repaired last week to the tune of $$$ and now my "check engine" light is back on. I realllllly don't like dealing with car repairs! I don't know what the outcome will be, but I have a rental car for the day as I need to pick up the kids from school and other errands that must be done.

The Christmas tree was finally put out to the curb this morning. It still smelled beautiful but it was dry as the desert floor. I just finished vacuuming all the stray needles and will get the living room back in order.

I'm looking forward to getting back into the routine of things. I almost feel like spring cleaning! Maybe I'll start now! I have lots of drawers and closets to sort through. I'm afraid to open some of them because they are crammed with so much stuff!

I recently went through my yarn stash and discovered that I have a few UFO's that need to be worked on. I still have Kathryn's Kindergarten afghan that I was working on (I know, it's a shame), I found some granny squares that I had been working on for a baby blanket (maybe when Ryan was a baby?), and I need to finish a Halloween blanket that I started this past Fall.
I made a New Year's resolution that I would finish these items by then end of the year and by golly I intend to do just that!!

I need to get to the grocery store and then pick up the kids

Have a great week, everyone!

My Day with Kathryn

Busy week so far.

I wanted to share some pictures that I took when I was out with Kathryn.


Our first stop was Downtown Disney. We walked around and did some window shopping. She ate a pretzel and then went into the Disney 365 store. She bought a hairpiece extension thingie.
She does like to look glamorous. After going through a couple more stores, we went to eat at the Olive Garden.



The food was wonderful and Kathryn and I had a great time just chatting away.


Kathryn enjoyed her spaghetti. I had delicious Chicken Parmigiana. By the time I remembered to take a picture, I had it half eaten, so I don't have a picture of my food.


Here you can see Kathryn's hair piece thingie. It's a ponytail piece that clips onto her hair. I must say that she does have fashion sense - something that I don't have!

After our lunch, we did a little shopping at the mall. Then it was back home to join the rest of the family.

Steve and I try to make a little one on one time with each of the kids and treat them to a nice lunch and let them decide what the agenda will be (within reason). It's usually done after Christmas because they usually have some decent spending money that they received as gifts.
We all enjoy ourselves and the kids enjoy the undivided attention!

Quick Note

Just wanted to wish everyone a very Happy New Year!

I've been busy with everyone being home. One more week to go, then things get back to normal.

Today, Kathryn and I are going out to spend the day together. We're going shopping, eating, then shopping some more!

Wishing you all a wonderful day!