Recently in family chit chat 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.

Sorry for the absence of posts but family life has been all consuming! I'll catch you up to date using....

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

Happy Birthday, Bella!! It's hard to believe that my baby girl is now eight years old. I can still remember the day I found out she was growing in me. We spent a year trying to get pregnant but with no luck. Then at the end of December/early January we went on a pilgrimage to Rome. I remember at one cathedral we lit a candle and said a special prayer asking God to bless us with a baby. Two months later, on Valentine's morning, I finally had a positive pregnancy test. I went into the kitchen and told Brian to close his eyes and I would give him his Valentine's gift. He did and I placed his hands on my stomach and told him to open his eyes. It took a minute for it to register but he understood what I was telling him. Tears of joy flowed from both of us. And we're still thanking God for his miracle of life.

I've been the most worried about Andrew and how he would adjust to not being the baby of the family anymore. It was a little rough for him the first few days but I think he has adjusted well. We have been making sure he is given lots of love and attention and extra playtime when we can. He loves to "help" me in the kitchen so today we made some banana-carrot bread together. It was a bit messier than I would have liked but he loved it! And my reward was when he rubbed my arm and laid his head upon me. His silent "thanks, mom" was worth the mess. :-)

What can I say, I am in love with my little guy. Granted it has taken some time to get a routine down and I have to accept that I cannot get on the computer or take a shower until Brian comes home and the late nights will sometimes leaving me crying because I am so exhausted... but in the end, I love my little guy. And taking care of him, and the kids, is just what I need to work on my selfishness and impatience and pride and whatever other vice you want to name. Right now my role as mom (and wife) is the greatest tool God can use to form me into the person he desires me to be. And just when the forming gets tough, God sends some encouragement, such as John-Paul's first smiles. So cute!

Thanks for all the prayers for my pregnancy and baby. John-Paul was born August 24 at 6:40 pm. We're all doing well and adjusting to our new (sleepless) life. I'll post more later as times allows. :-)

Hey guys, just wanted to give you a quick update since it is harder for me to post right now. I am still pregnant with only 11 days to go until my due date. Although, I feel like things are happening sooner so I'll just have to wait and see what God has planned. My mom flew up from So Cal yesterday to help me out before and after the birth so that has been a huge blessing. Say a prayer that all goes well and I'll keep you posted! Love, b

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!

I've been running around all day and now that I am home I have no energy to even get out of my chair. So I thought I'd give the quick take Friday thing a try.

I just received my order of Pampered Chef items. I am looking forward to trying them out. I especially want to make the mini-quiches we had at the cooking party. I have to laugh at the recipe since it lists all their products within it, but regardless, they were delicious.

My mom is flying up from Southern California on Sunday and she will spend a week with us to help me with some pre-baby things - finishing the nursery (which is a corner of our bedroom), wash the baby clothes, do some bigger chore housework etc. Most of all I just love having her around and hearing her laughter. I can't wait! (And as I think more about the upcoming labor, it is also comforting to know that if she could handle nine labors, I can surely handle my third.)

I was looking at a friend's photos of their trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and it made me miss not going there more often. So I finally bought an annual pass for the whole family. Bella has been excited to see the new Sea Horse exhibit and I know Andrew will love the hands on kid's zone. Hopefully I can take my mom while she is here.

What I Am Reading: I took a break from my Agatha Christy novels when I borrowed a copy of Left to Tell by Immaculee Ilibagiza. I had started it but never got to finish. If you haven't read it, I highly recommend it!

What I Am Watching: I love old B&W movies and am leery to watch remakes of the old classics. Case in point - I rented the new version of The Women and it was so bad I couldn't finish it. Don't even bother. Rent the 1939 version with Norma Shearer and Joan Crawford. It's an interesting (and at times heartbreaking and at times humorous) view of female cattiness, marital infidelity, forgiveness and the "bad guy" getting his (hers) in the end.

What I Am Listening To: Matt Kearney's City of Black and White. Loving this disc right now.

Brian will be home in a few minute so I have to keep this last one short. He works so hard for us and even when he is tired he'll help me out with the kids or cleaning the shower or scrubbing toilets because it is hard for me to bend over with my growing belly and he doesn't want me smelling cleaner fumes. Sometimes I forget that it's all the little things he does that says he loves me. So tonight I have one of his favorite meals and the kids are going to bed early so we can have a little one-on-one time after a long and busy week.

Have a blessed night and weekend yourself!

We're on our way to Lake Tahoe so I'll post more when I return. Have a great week! Love, b

it is hard to believe that two years have passed by so quickly but my little baby is growing up - and will be a big brother by the end of summer! Happy Birthday, my sweet little Andrew!

That was then...this is now.

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.

We've been out of town to attend the weeding of my brother Rob to his fiance Maria Rangel. The wedding was beautiful and Bella had the honor being the flower girl. (The most touching part was when Brian leaned over and whispered, "It was almost as beautiful as our wedding," and then he kissed me. It's nice to know he can still make my heart skip a beat after ten years of marriage!) Anyway, here is a pic of Bella with the bride and groom and Andrew dressed like a little man.

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.

Hey guys, sorry I haven't written in awhile. We've had a cold/flu virus running through the house and it has been a bugger to get rid of completely. There were a lot of sick days taking care of kids (and ourselves) so computer time was at a minimum. However, we are slowly doing better - just trying to get rid of the last of our coughs.

The pregnancy has been going well and so far, the baby is healthy. Thanks for the prayers - please keep them going! (We're praying for you too!) And I hope yo have a blessed St. Patrick's Day! We're not too much into the corned beef and cabbage thing but I'm making enchiladas with lots of green guacamole. That should count. :-) Take care! love, b

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.

The other day Bella came home from school and told me that along with school fire and earthquake drills, they now have lock down drills. The state is mandating all schools to have them. It makes me sick to my stomach to think Bella has to be prepared in case some psycho gets on the school grounds and starts shooting or killing people. But then you hear in the news stories like the one about the man who attacked a day care center and it is no wonder that these precautions have to be taken. It can get disheartening.

I hope you had a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year and a blessed Epiphany! We took some time off from the computer to spend with family and loved ones over the Christmas season. Now we are back home and back to work so hopefully posts will be coming regularly again. :-) I hope life is going well for you. God bless!

Hey there. I hope you are enjoying your Advent season and aren't too stressed out! We have our new computer up and running again and it is great to be back online.

The other day I was reading through these older RoL articles.

"Keeping Christ in Christmas" Ideas Part I

"Keeping Christ in Christmas" Ideas Part II

Check them out for some great reminders & ideas. (Do you have your own idea to share? Let me know!)

In the meantime, have a blessed feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe!

October has come and gone but we had a lot of fun! Since we celebrated (a modified version of) Halloween and All Saints' Day, we have to prepare two costumes. This year we were able to get one main costume and change it up a bit to suit both occasions.

Here we have Bella as Dorothy and then later as Bl. Jacinta of Fatima.

Here we have Sheriff Andrew and then Bl. Miguel Pro (in one of his disguises.)

Hey guys. We've been out of town for the last week and we had a great time in So Cal with my family. Now we're back and trying to catch up on everything. I'll be making posts again in another day or two. In the meantime, have a blessed day!

Happy birthday to my precious Bella who turns seven years old today. It's hard to believe. It seems like such an incredibly short time ago we were celebrating her first bday. (As seen in the first pic.) I love you, Sweetie Girl! Happy birthday!

Man, I can't believe it is Friday already! (And I just realized that the Cure's "dFriday I'm In Love" is playing. How appropriate is that?) I feel like more has happened in these last three weeks than the whole summer - Bella started first grade (my baby is growing up!) then my sister had a baby (she is so stinking cute!) then Brian injured his back (but is recovering nicely) then my other sisters came for a visit (loved it!) then we all were sick with colds (more of a minor nuisance) then my little brother had a bad car accident (his car was totaled but thank God no one was hurt) then we had numerous workmen at the house fixing our deck and replacing windows (we had to stay out of the house during the days) then my other bro called and told me he was engaged to be married (to a girl I love! yeah!) Well, those are the highlights but I just feel like so much is going on. Thankfully, most of it is great and the serious stuff could have been a lot worse but I have been feeling emotionally and physically drained. I laid down on the couch with Andrew this afternoon and we both knocked out for over an hour. It felt so good to just sleep! Anyway, it's too late to do any real posts but I just wanted to check in. Take care and hopefully by Monday I'll be a bit more regular about posting again. Have a blessed weekend! Love, b

Hey, guys. Just a quick note to those who have emailed asking, "Where are you?" I am still here. Last week Brian hurt his back and he has been out of work this week. This is not the first time this has happened and but thankfully his back is much stronger than the first time he did this and it is not as bad. However, he is home out of work so that means I've had to do more at home (I never realized how much he helped me out!!) and it has consumed all my time! So computer time has been non-existent. However, right now everyone in the house is asleep so I had a few minutes to post. I hope you are enjoying your September and are enjoying back-to-school mode! Thanks for the prayers for Brian. You are daily in ours! Take care. Love, b

It's been a busy day in the RoL house! We got an early morning text announcing that I am an aunt for the first time and Bella and Andrew have their first cousin! Congrats to my sister EL who gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. Maybe when she gets back on her feet, she'll write the story of the birth since it was pretty amazing!

Secondly, today was Bella's first day of first grade. She was thoroughly excited and no butterflies! Congrats, my big girl! (Andrew decided he wanted to have school fun too - let's just hope that by the time he does go to school, he is bigger than the back pack!)