Recently in weekly quizzes/questionnaires Category

I love fall! It is my favorite season. Although here on the central coast of Cali, it feels more like summer. We get lots of fog and cool weather in July and August then it warms up in September and October. But now that November is here the chill is slowly moving in and anticipation for the holidays gets stronger. I am especially excited because we always spend a week in So Cal during Thanksgiving and I am sooo ready to see my family again - some of who have yet to meet John-Paul! Only 17 more days! WooHoo!

I tried that recipe for minestrone soup that my sis EL recommended. It was so tasty! Lots of veggies and flavor. Here's the link: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Jamies-Minestrone/Detail.aspx

Brian and I recently saw two movies with a Catholic theme. The first was Ostrov (Sold at http://www.notofthisworldicons.com). "The story begins in northern Russia during World War II. A Russian coal barge with a two-man crew is captured by a Nazi patrol boat. The Nazis force the young cowardly Russian furnace stoker, Anatolii, to shoot his captain. The Nazis blow up the barge but Anatolii is rescued by monks from a nearby monastery. Anatolii spends the rest of his life repenting in sorrow, and through this repentance becomes a God-bearing Fool-for-Christ who, with his God-inspired insights into human hearts, gives miraculous help to suffering people who come to him for aid. Nearing death Anatolii's own suffering is resolved through a miraculous manifestation of forgiveness."

It is a beautiful story and heartbreaking to watch Anatolii's sorrow over killing his captain, but he never gave up hope on God's mercy. In his humility and wretchedness, Anatolii became completely dependent on God and grew in holiness. God was then able to do marvelous wonders with the "little fool." (ie. He could read souls or knew when something bad was going to happen.) The story is in Russian but with subtitles.

Speaking of where we bought the movie, if you are looking for icons, check out Not of This World Icons.com. It is our favorite place to shop. So beautiful!

The second movie we saw was 2008's Henry Poole Is Here with Luke Wilson. It is not a religious movie but it had a surprisingly positive portrayal of the Catholic Church. Wilson plays Henry, a stand-offish loner (with a bit of mystery about him) that buys a house in his old neighborhood. His desire to be alone is thwarted by a friendly (and persistent) Catholic Hispanic woman who believes that a water stain on the side of Henry's house is actually a miraculous imprint of Jesus' face. During the course of the movie Henry must deal with his neighbors' faith, his own disbelief and anger, and his growing friendship with a single mom and her mute daughter. The movie is low-key and never preachy but there is a definite underlying message of faith and (physical/spiritual) healing. (Note: The movie is rated PG, mostly for language. Watch it when the kids are asleep.)

I also really enjoyed the soundtrack on the Henry Poole movie. There were some cool songs; however, there are two from the movie that are missing from the official soundtrack. If you get it from iTunes you'll have to download the Bob Dylan song (I didn't mind skipping that one) and the Blur (Song 2) separately. (I did download the Bur song - I hadn't heard them in years!)

Okay, Andrew is up and ready for breakfast so I need to get off the computer. I'll end with a pic of the kids from Halloween. Have a blessed weekend!

Courtesy of The Simple Womans Daybook.

FOR TODAY...October 12th

Outside my window... cold and gray with a storm approaching. (I'm looking forward to some rain but the tree toppling wind, not so much.)

I am thinking... about the 43 more days until I leave for So Cal to visit my family. (Familia and Disneyland, here I come!)

I am thankful for... John Paul sleeping six hours straight last night. (Insert happy dance.)

I am wearing... black knit pants, white tank, worn out black zipped sweatshirt jacket. (Don't tell Stacy and Clinton!)

I am remembering... that I need to email T and see how he's doing. (Say a prayer for him.)

I am going... to get some shopping done when Brian gets home. (Daddy needs some alone/bonding time with JP and Mama needs a breather.)

I am reading...The Shadow of the Bear: A Fairy Tale Retold by Regina Doman ( So far I'm really enjoying it.)

I am hoping... to get ALL the laundry and ironing done. (Hey, I can dream, can't I??)

On my mind... how much smoother the day goes when I start the day with quiet prayer with Our Lord. (Well, the day is actually just as chaotic. I am just better equipped to handle it.)

Noticing that... I am in love with my iphone. It keeps me close to those I love when they are far away and I have all my info on there - from my shopping lists, to my baby feeding tracker to my digital prayer book. (That is when I can get it away from Andrew who wants to watch Thomas the Train on it.)

Pondering these words... from a priest during confession, "Make your home a piece of heaven on earth." (Touche.)

From the kitchen... scrambled eggs, wheat toast and fruit. (Followed by a candy kiss?)

Around the house... autumn decor. (I love fall!)

One of my favorite things... these quiet mornings with Bella at school and the boys still snug in their beds. (But enough of this, back to the laundry.)

From my picture journal...This picture is a month old now but it is one of my favorites of John Paul and his big eyes.

For the first time in a long while, it actually feels like summer is here. It has been cold and foggy much of the time and it is a welcome change to see the sun shining. I certainly don't long for hot summer days but a little warmth is appreciated!

I love using Facebook to keep up with my family and what they are doing each day. But I don't understand how people can keep track of their friends when they number into the hundreds. I decided to have more than one account. One if for family and friends I am close to and see frequently. The other is for friends/acquaintances/old classmates that I don't talk to often but I'd like to keep in touch with them as time permits. This week I came across a number of old classmates from my old elementary/junior high. It is so funny to catch up with them twenty years later!

I have been listening to the newish Copeland album but it just finished. Next on my ipod is The Cure..."Boys Don't Cry".

For the last year I have been wanting to upgrade my phone to an iphone but it was too expensive. However, yesterday my old 2-yr contract expired so the price I'd pay was cut in half. Last night Brian asked me what I wanted for my bday and I told him I wanted an easy baby delivery but since he can't guarantee that, I'll take an iphone instead. LOL!

Speaking of delivery, the pregnancy has been going well so far but I can tell I am in the 9th month. My energy level has been a lot lower and I ache a lot more. The braxton hicks have been present for months but now they are more frequent and a lot harder. The baby will be full term next Friday so I am hoping it'll be soon after. We'll see.

My father-in-law is picking up Bella and Andrew this afternoon and having them play at his house for a couple hours. He loves having them over and it is a blessing for me to have a little time to myself. There's Eucharistic Adoration at our church since it is First Friday so I think I'll try to make a visit before Brian gets home and I have to make dinner.

For dinner tonight I am going to try a new recipe I saw on Food Network's show "Giada at Home." It is Turkey Meatloaf with Feta and Sun-Dried Tomatoes. It looked delicious so I'll give t a try. I'll let you know how it goes.

Have a blessed weekend!

Tiny Treasures Tuesday is dedicated to celebrating the lives of your children.

My little baby girl is becoming a young girl at age 7 3/4 now. She has a tender heart, sensitive spirit and joyful outlook on life. She can always brighten up my day with one of her smiles. She is truly a mama's little helper, which has been a relief to me with taking care of Andrew and my growing belly.

Right now she is enjoying summer vacation and putting all her energy into her swimming lessons. She has taken lessons in summers past but never made much progress, still having a fear of getting her head into the water. This year we found a great local girl who gives private lessons and Bella has really taken to her. She has been making a lot of progress and now just has to get over her fear of letting go and trying to swim on her own.

Our "little papi" is two years old now and is full of life and energy. He is more mellow in public but at home or with people he knows well, he is eager to run, laugh and play. He is growing into the comedian of the family and loves to make people laugh, such as when he dramatically pretends to fall to the ground yelling, "Whoo, whoo!" He sometimes drives me nuts with his love of dumping out bookcase and laundry baskets but when he runs up to me and squeezes me with a hug, I just melt.

This pregnancy has been relatively easy besides the usual aches, pains and tiredness the 9th month brings. I have to take it easy because I tend to get too many Braxton Hicks (which are really starting to hurt) and we don't want another another premature birth (as Bella was.) I will say that my little one seems much more active than Bella and Andrew were and I am getting a lot of practice at waking up at all hours of the night. Not to mention that I look I am about to pop - as you can see in the pic!! LOL!

FOR TODAY: Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Outside my window... it is drizzly and foggy.

I am thinking... should I wake up Andrew? It is nearly 9AM.

I am thankful for... my prenatal appointment going well and that the baby is so alive and kicking!

From the learning rooms... there is a pile of "Thomas" trains.

From the kitchen... the smell of roasted chilies and a brewing pot of pinto beans to go with tonight's tacos.

I am wearing... black sweat/yoga pants, white tank, pink maternity top & socks.

I am creating... my twitter account.

I am going... to vote like mad for Kris tonight even though I don't think he can beat Adam on American Idol.

I am reading... The Seventh Dial by Agatha Christy.

I am hoping... to update my photo albums with the new family pics.

I am hearing... Mat Kearny's new City of Black and White

Around the house... there are bags of various unused items to go to charity.

One of my favorite things... when Brian calls from work to see how I am doing...as he just did a second ago. Aww.

A few plans for the rest of the week... take Bella to her Little Flowers Girls' Club and have my in-laws over for dinner on the weekend. (What to cook???)

Here is a picture I am sharing... here's a pic of Andrew helping me with my ironing.

Thanks to The Simple Woman's Daybook for the questions.

FOR TODAY: Thursday, April 16, 2009
Outside my window... the sun is trying to break through the fog.
I am thinking... that I should finish cleaning out the kid's closet.
I am thankful for... it being my ten year anniversary from the day I first met Brian face-to-face. (After months of emails and phone calls.)
From the learning rooms... there are markers and construction paper scattered on the table.
From the kitchen... the dishes are washed.
I am wearing... black sweat/yoga pants, white tank, blue maternity top.
I am creating... a new post.
I am going... to order Papa Chanos for dinner tonight to celebrate.
I am reading... Agatha Christie.
I am hoping... Brian gets home soon.
I am hearing... Imagination Movers on the TV.
Around the house... are various toys.
One of my favorite things... the kids are asleep early and I have some quiet time with Brian.
A few plans for the rest of the week: Sunday picnic with family and friends.
Here is picture I am sharing... (The kids on Easter Sunday at Oma and Opa's.)

Thanks to The Simple Woman's Daybook for the questions.

It'd been ages and I could use a bit of diversion so here is today's Friday Fill-In: Baby Version.

1. Oh, I am so pregnant! (Well not really, just ten weeks.)

2. Life changes, big and little.

3. During my first nine weeks, I still didn't believe it. (I don't know why I am still in a bit of shock. It wasn't a complete surprise.)

4. I will have a rambunctious two year old and a newborn in the house; are you kidding me??? (I thought those moms were admirable but crazy. Haha!)

5. Right now I'd like to be taking a nap. (I forgot how stinkin' tired you get!)

6. My phone is my favorite gadget. ("Sweetie, can you bring home dinner?")

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to having some mother/daughter time with Bella at her Little Flowers Club, tomorrow my plans include getting some bloodwork done and Sunday, I want to just thank God for the blessing of new life!

************

Yes, it is true. We are expecting baby #3. We had been praying about it and decided that after Andrew turned 18 months we'd be ready for another if God should choose to send one. Since we had such a hard time conceiving Bella and Andrew, we assumed that it would be awhile before conceiving again but God had other plans. It happened the first month.

As soon as I realized I was pregnant I called the long-distance Catholic doctor who had been helping me with my infertility/miscarriages. She tested my progesterone and it was low so she put me on it immediately. When I was 6 ½ weeks along (and the baby just over 4 weeks old) I went to my local doc and had my first prenatal appointment. Brian and I saw the ultrasound of the baby and heard the heart beating loud and strong. Can you believe that?? At so little and so young?? (How can someone not be touched by the miracle of life?)

I am now starting my tenth week and so far everything seems to be going okay. The baby is due August 28 and I hope by then it has all sunk in. It still seems a bit dream-like. Please keep me and the baby in prayer that we have a safe and healthy pregnancy and delivery. I'll keep you posted as the weeks go by! :-)

Have a blessed weekend. Love, b.

I haven't done it in a couple weeks, so here's today's Friday-Fill In.

1. My blueprint for success includes trusting your gut instincts. (Especially when coupled with prayer.)

2. A mini-sized snicker bar was the last candy I ate. (Trick or treat!)

3. The best facial moisturizer I've ever used is Neutrogena moisturizer with sunscreen. (Gotta watch that Cali sun.)

4. Flirting/sneaking kisses with your hubby can be good therapy. (Laughing would be a close second.)

5. I'd like to tell you about something but I forgot. (I'll remember as soon as I leave the room.)

6. Being willing to listen and trying to help out is my strongest characteristic. (That was a tough one.)

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going out to eat, tomorrow my plans include confession and Sunday, I want to turn off the phone and computer and play outside with my family!

Have a fun and blessed weekend!

It's been awhile since I've done the Friday Fill In, so here it is.

1. Follow the yellow brick road. (Cuz there's no place like home.)
2. Too much stuff is something I always take with me on vacation. (At least that is what my fellow travelers tell me.)
3. To achieve your goals, you must know what they are first. (Makes sense.)
4. My random thoughts are/is something I'd like you to know about me. (Hence this blog.)
5. I have a great need for some sleep. (Or at least a chance to relax on the couch.)
6. Root beer floats. (Yum.)
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to the end of a busy week, tomorrow my plans include spending some alone time with Brian and Sunday, I will be going to my in-laws for dinner.

Ok, I have a 5-minute computer break while Andrew is still napping. So time for the Friday Fill-In.

1. Visiting my family in So Cal, going to Disneyland, and enjoying the autumn season are some of the things I'm most looking forward to in October.

2. Sometimes I just can't figure it out.

3. I am happily married and that's why there is a saying, "never say never"!

4. When I'm down, my family says, "When mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy."

5. Chasing Andrew around the house is where you'll find me most often.

6. A rainy day is good for unplugging the phone and computer and curling up with your sweetie on the couch with a good movie and cup of cocoa.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to taking Bella to her Little Flowers Girls Club, tomorrow my plans include wrapping bday presents and Sunday, I want to attend the Carmel Mission Fiesta!

Have a blessed weekend! And stop by the Carmel Fiesta and say hi. (I'll be working the BBQ in the late morn/early afternoon!)

Hey guys. Brian has been doing much better and his recovery is going well. My sisters B & J are visiting for a few days and it has been wonderful to have them here! I have a few spare moments so I thought I'd get back on track with the Friday Fill-In. Have a blessed weekend!

1. I enjoy being with family.

2. How T is doing is something I wonder about often lately.

3. In your heart, you knew she was right.

4. Take a couple friends, add some laughter and you end up with a great time.

5. Life has gifted me with many blessings.

6. Time for myself is an instant vacation.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing after such a busy week, tomorrow my plans include laughing with my sisters so hard that I cry and Sunday, I want to spend some time just with my Sweetie!

Is it Friday already??? Here's my Friday Fill In.

1. When I'm sick I'm usually just feeling a bit under the weather. It's been awhile since I've been truly sick. (Although now that I've said that I'll soon catch some major bug.)

2. When I take a walk, I think about (if I'm not alone) what the person with me is saying or (if I am alone) about what song to listen to on my ipod since it's the only way I'll get through my exercise.

3. Money can't buy happiness but it can tempt me to give it a try anyway.

4. Cotton makes me feel comfortable and leather makes me think of bikers.

5. The strangest person/character I've had lewd thoughts about was ....I haven't had any lewd thoughts, although I've had to resist the urge to smack someone upside their head now and again.

6. My favorite color these days is red because it seems bold and cheerful.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to getting dinner cooked and delivered to a friend with a new baby, tomorrow my plans include wishing my parents a happy 40th wedding anniversary, and Sunday I want to feel what is likes to have eight kids while Brian and I babysit for friends.

Have a blessed Labor Day weekend!

What do you do at the end of an exceptionally long week? If you are Andrew, you crash on the floor.

If you're Bobbi, you answer the Friday Fill-ins.

1. Dancing to the songs of New Order while housecleaning makes me happy to do the chore.

2. The last time I tried a new recipe I nearly burnt it.

3. When I drive I am usually running late.

4. I saw Andrew standing on top of Bella's play chair.

5. Give me a cold, rainy night, give me a good mystery movie, give me my Sweetie to snuggle with.

6. Next week I am looking forward to my parent's 40th wedding anniversary.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to having Brian home, tomorrow my plans include doing some yardwork and Sunday, I want to make a nice dinner for my in laws.

I just came back from the doc to check two more moles/beauty marks to see if they are cancerous. I'll get the results to the biopsies next week. With all this seriousness, I could use some down time with the Friday Fill-ins. (You can answer in the comment box or your own blog.)

1. The last meal I had at a restaurant was on Father's Day/Brian's birthday when I took Brian out. (I think we are about due to get out again!)

2. When people are rude is something I intensely dislike.

3. The full moon brings out the crazies.

4. "You're still young" is one of my favorite local expressions. (That's the one good thing about living in a place with many senior citizens! Thirty-something is still considered as a whipper-snapper!)

5. Sometimes it's best to just let it go.

6. PBS' Masterpiece Movies is are the best movie movies I've seen so far this year!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to eating the brownies Bella and I made, tomorrow my plans include catching up on laundry and Sunday, I will attend a bday party at my inlaws.

We are having company tonight so I really should be cleaning the house right now, but I am sooo not in the mood! (Do you know how tiring it is to clean up something and come back in a couple minutes to find your 1 yr old dumped it all out again. ugh!) I'll allow myself 5 minutes of play time then it's back to work. Since it's Friday, I'll post my meme. Today's choice: Friday Fill-In. (As usual, post them on your own blog or answer them in the comments.)

1. If I could travel back in time, I'd go to the time of Jesus and speak to him face to face. (Even though I can do that now before the Eucharist.)

2. Give me more hours in the day or give me a part-time maid. (Or maybe I should just step away from the computer.)

3. I am listening to Andrew dump out the contents of my purse. (What did I tell you?)

4. Somewhere, someone is thinking Bobbi really has too much time on her hands. (It's just one of those I-can't-focus-on-my-work-Fridays.)

5. I'll always be me. (wow, that was original.)

6. My idea of a good time includes family, food and laughter. (Looking at my physique, I can see I've enjoyed many good times.)

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to dinner with Br Michael and Br. Jeremy (as soon as I figure out what to cook,) tomorrow my plans include going to confession (to confess all the time wasted) and Sunday, I want to spend all my time with Brian! (Don't bother calling; I'm not answering the phone.)

Instead of the Friday 5, today I'll fill out this One Word Meme that has been passing around from blog to blog. I don't know where it originated, but I caught it from Fructus Ventris. Join the fun and answer it in the comment box or on your blog. Have a blessed weekend!

1. Where is your cell phone? pocket
2. Your significant other? brian
3. Your hair? curly
4. Your mother? strong
5. Your father? daddy
6. Your favorite thing? family
7. Your dream last night? sweet
8. Your favorite drink? water
9. Your dream/goal? heaven
10. The room you're in? front
11. Your church? mission
12. Your fear? seperation
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? fit
14. Where were you last night? home
15. What you're not? glamorous
16. Muffins? toast
17. One of your wish list items? road-trip
18. Where you grew up? so cal
19. The last thing you did? kiss
20. What are you wearing? andrew
21. Your TV? nightly
22. Your pets? inanimate
23. Your computer? frequently
24. Your life? grateful
25. Your mood? affectionate
26. Missing someone? often
27. Your car? late
28. Something you're not wearing? shoes
29. Favorite store? target
30. Your summer? foggy
31. Like(love) someone? immensely
32. Your favorite color? crimson
33. Last time you laughed? morning
34. Last time you cried? fortnight
35. Who will re post this? e

I used to love doing the Friday Five questions as a fun diversion. I haven’t answered them in ages so today I’m starting again for the heck of it.

What are some recurring dreams you’ve had? I often have dreams where I am in the home I grew up in as a child. I can still be at the present moment of my life but I am living in my old house. I spend the first 20 years of my life there so I guess it is pretty ingrained in me. (Thankfully, in my dreams I was no longer wearing big hair and leggings.)

What is the significance of dreams in telling you about yourself? I don’t see dreams as “signs” in the literal sense of the term but they can be an indication of what has been on my mind lately or issues I deal with often. Other times it is just insane stuff like the 50’s era horror movie dreams where I was fighting giant insects.

How do you feel after you’ve had one of THOSE dreams? I remember one time I had a dream (or nightmare) that Brian was having an affair and his boss at work was telling me not to worry about it since everyone does that these days and I should do the same. I remember waking up crying and being so mad at him. Of course, my Sweetie was bewildered at why I was upset with him for something that never happened. I think I was also pregnant when I dreamt that so the hormones were also wreaking havoc, the poor guy.

What was the last dream you remember? Yesterday I dreamt that I was back in school (circa junior high) and I was talking to my friend Eric about another friend who had died. We were consoling one another when the lunch bell rang and we had to go into the cafeteria. However, we could not sit together because a teacher assigned seats and I had to sit at a table with people I didn’t know well. However, when I got to the table all the seats were already taken so I decided to go back and find Eric. Then I woke up. (Okay, figure that one out.)

When did you last dream about something that later happened as you dreamt it? I once had a dream that I was sitting at the computer typing. Around me there were dishes that needed washing and piles of laundry that needed cleaning and Bella was asking for lunch and Andrew was dumping a container of oatmeal on the floor while I kept typing away at drivel. Then I woke up. Fast forward to his moment...yes, it is just as I dreamt it. This déjà vu is my cue to sign off for the day. Later!

I came across a new blog today called A Call to Adventure. There was a holiday survey so I thought it would be a fun diversion from the serious posts so here it goes -

1. Egg nog - yum or yuck? Yuck

2. Stay up until midnight on New Years? Yes

3. Prefer white or colored lights? Colored

4. Favorite holiday song? Hmmm...that's a hard one. O Come All Ye Faithful and Carol of the Bells.

5. What is your tackiest holiday decoration? Some cheap ceramic things I bought at a 99 cent store when I was a kid. They remind me of all the great Christmas' we had at home when I was growing up.

6. Do your kids have too much and you wonder just WHY you are getting more?? lol Unfortunately, yes. Especially stuffed animals. I love them as a kid and can't resist getting Bella another one when she looks at me with those pleading big, brown eyes!

7. If you celebrate Christmas, when does your tree go up and come down? Up -This year it came up early - the second Sunday of Advent. It's our first "real" tree! Down - After the Epiphany.

8. Christmas again - open presents on Christmas eve, morning, or other? We open gifts with Brian's family on Christmas Eve at their place. Christmas morn we celebrate just the three of us here (keeping the focus on Jesus b-day and our gifts to Him) but we open our gifts to each other at my parent's house on Epiphany.

9. Favorite holiday tradition? We just started a new one this year - attending the parish Las Posadas (it was so beautiful!) At home it would have to be (for Advent) singing carols and decorating the house with a blazing fire and hot chocolate. (And don't laugh - I love sending out our Christmas cards!) For Christmas day it would be the Jesus birthday party.

10. What do YOU want for Christmas? That's easy, the same thing we've been praying for - A BABY!

Thanks for the fun survery, Zellie!

The Friday Five is no more.

I haven't done this in awhile so here's the friday five.

1. What do you do for a living?Full time mama and part time webmaster of RoL.

2. What do you like most about your job?Yesterday afternoon Bella and I were leaving the house to go somewhere and Bella waited for me to lock the door then she took my hand and said, "Mama's my friend." My heart completely melted. (I'll remind her of that when she's a teen!)

3. What do you like least about your job?Not enough hours in the day to get everything I want done.

4. When you have a bad day at work it's usually because _____...I'm acting like an idiot - cranky and impatient with everything - usually the result of not preparing spiritually for my day.

5. What other career(s) are you interested in?Unless God tells me otherwise, this is it.

I only come around here 2 or 3 times a week but it seems like Fridays are always one of those days so here are today's friday five: If you...

1. ...owned a restaurant, what kind of food would you serve? Mexican, hombre.

2. ...owned a small store, what kind of merchandise would you sell? That's easy since it's been Brian's pet dream - a Catholic bookstore/ coffee shop.

3. ...wrote a book, what genre would it be? A non-fiction book relating all the funny stories of growing up in a household of 11. Although some book stores may mistake it for science fiction.

4. ...ran a school, what would you teach? It's a tie. One would be for Preschoolers. They are so great at this age and (usually) still have their innocence and take in all you have to teach like a sponge. The second would be a School of Parenting, teaching Catholic parents the incredible responsibility of their job. Lessons could include everything from how to change a diaper for the first time to how to make your home a domestic church or how to grow in holiness as a parent and spouse.

5. ...recorded an album, what kind of music would be on it? Okay, supposing I actually had a voice worthy of a place other than the shower or the car I'd record an album with soul searching lyrics and "alternative" feel. Not a fluffy pop hit nor screaming angst and anger, just the right blend of "edge" and beauty.

Man, it has been such a hective day. I just finished my online banking and I need five minutes of drivel to clear my mind so how 'bout a quick friday five!

1. What was the last song you heard? "Treason" by Kutless was the last I heard on purpose. The last I heard by force (have you seen the power of a begging 2 year old??) was VeggieTales "The Song of the Cebu."

2. What were the last two movies you saw? The Mayor of Casterbridge (the full CD edition not the cut TV version - and I still cried at the end) and Suspicion with Cary Grant and Joan Fontaine.

3. What were the last three things you purchased? Groceries, beach toys for Bella (the sun has arrived!) and the soundtrack for the Passion.

4. What four things do you need to do this weekend?Attend my monthly women's "mini-retreat" in San Jose, wash my car, go on a (promised) picnic with Brian and Bella, and try to ignore the FULL inbox until Monday.

5. Who are the last five people you talked to? Bella, Brian, new friends Allison & Cindy (who will join me to San Jose) and the checker at Costco, where a milk run turned into a $50 receipt.

Time for the friday five. What was...

1. ...your first grade teacher's name? That took awhile to remember but I think it was Ms. Hunt.

2. ...your favorite Saturday morning cartoon? Scooby Doo on Saturdays and Popeye on Sundays (with Super Chicken, Tom Slick and George of the Jungle.)

3. ...the name of your very first best friend? Man, I'm drawing a blank. I can't think of a first friend although I loved playing with my neighbors Kevey & Elizabeth and I was going to marry John Schmidt in kindergarden so I guess they'll have to do.

4. ...your favorite breakfast cereal? The "special day" sugary kind like Trix or Coco Puffs. I also liked when my mom got the REAL Cheerios, not those cheap store brands. I don't care what she said, they did not taste the same.

5. ...your favorite thing to do after school? Rollerskate and bike outside or if I was inside play "store" or "bank". Ahh, the memories of innocent bliss. (Now I enjoy the days when I can avoid the grocery store and the bank.)

When I checked out the usual Friday Five I decided to skip it since it was about astrology and such. Thankfully Terry at Summa Mamas provided us with an alternative F.F. so here it goes. (Thanks, Terry!)

1. What did you have for breakfast this morning? If you didn't have breakfast, why not?An egg and piece of toast. (Unusual for me but my sisters were visiting so I skipped the cold cereal.)

2. What's your favorite cereal? Cheerios.

3. How often do you eat out? Do you want that to change? About twice a week. Want to change? - No. The first eat out is as a family treat; the second eat out (or take in) is usually when I'm working all day on the new/old house or helping Brian's elderly aunt, in which case not cooking is for my sanity.

4. What do you plan on having for dinner tonight? Got a recipe for that?Usually I'd make a Mexican or Italian dish on a Friday night but tonight we're taking out my visiting sisters for BC's birthday.

5. What's your favorite restaurant? Why?Hmm...we have a lot of favorites but we went to a new one tonight, which I'd recommend if you're ever in town. It's the Chart House in Monterey, CA. (There are a number of them in the U.S.) The food was excellent (known for their fresh fish and steaks) and the view was beautiful - we had a window table looking across the bay. It's a little too pricey for us to visit often but great for those special occasions. I actually wouldn't have known about it if it weren't for my father-in-law who gave us a gift certificate for Valentine's Day. Thanks, pop!

Sorry I haven't been around in awhile but I had "computer overload" and was burning out so I needed to stay away from the computer for a bit. But I always know time is up when I start getting emails asking "where are you?" and "is anything wrong?" I'm touched that you care and I'm a little amazed that anyone even notices. Well anyway, I'm back and it's time to post here, update RoL and answer emails again but before I start... let's have a moment of fun with the friday five. If you don't have a weblog but want to answer, feel free to add your own answers in the comment box!

The friday five: At this moment, what is your favorite...

1. ...song? Breathe by Jennifer Knapp. I've only heard of her recently and just bought her newest CD A Diamond in the Rough: The Jennifer Knapp Collection and I'm really enjoying it.

2. ...food? Hmmm...the spicy chicken platter at our favorite local Mex restaurant.

3. ...tv show? Hard one since I don't watch TV shows per se - but we're old movie addicts (thanks to TCM channel) and I've been on a A&E binge. I just saw Daniel Deronda and am now reading the book. And I'm almost done with my "favorite literary adaptations" list.

4. ...scent? LizSport by Liz Claiborne - has a "clean" smell without being too "foofee". But the bottles almost empty so I may try something new.

5. ...quote? "If you are what you should be, you will set the whole world ablaze." - St. Catherine of Sienna. It's something I need to remind myself of often!