7 Quick Takes 10/4/13

--- 1 --- 

It's Friday, and I'm off work.  This hasn't happened in.. well... forever.  I had some errands to run and a house to clean, but that's about it.  I love days when I have nothing on the schedule!

--- 2 ---

Source: memegenerator

I was so hot late this afternoon that I had to turn on the air conditioner.  In October.  In Ohio.

In other weather-related ranting: We have outdoor family pictures scheduled for Sunday.  I have long sleeved shirts and sweaters picked out for everyone.  Not only is it going to be hot, but there will also be intermittent thunderstorms.  These may be some interesting photos!   ;)

--- 3 ---

Prayer requests:  for both my husband and myself in our jobs.   He has a serious situation going on at work that needs to be resolved.  As for me, after 18+ years, circumstances at my job have led me to decide that it's time to find a new job.   This has not been an easy decision.  I sent out my first resume this week. 

--- 4 ---

source: SneakHype

Did you hear that the government shutdown is preventing military priests from celebrating mass?  And that they could actually be arrested for celebrating mass during the shut down?  It's ridiculous.

Between that and the WWII Veterans being locked out, it's like this is all just one big game to the politicians.  I live about two minutes from an Air Force base, and I know several people who are currently furloughed.  What a mess.  Ugh.

--- 5 ---

I'm happy with the fall tv line-up.   I don't actually obsess about tv shows, but I like to have something decent available to watch at the end of the day when I want to relax.    It's about time that sitcoms made a come-back.  It seems for about ten years now we have been flooded with every conceivable version of "reality" tv shows, most of which I do not have any interest in watching.   Give me a sitcom any day.

--- 6 ---

I experimented for supper.  We loved Melty Chicken when I tried it two weeks ago, so tonight I did the same thing with pork chops.  It was good, but I liked the chicken better.  (Pork chops and apples were actually on our menu for a couple of days ago, but some things came up this week that put us off schedule. Since the pork chops were thawed out and we're out of apples, an experimental dinner was in order! )

--- 7 ---

#7 is late, as in being written on Saturday evening, nearly 24 hours after I wrote #1.  While I was writing this last night, I got distracted with my husband and kids (priorities over the blog, of course) and never got back to finish/post this entry.  So while it has not been quick, nor has it been posted on Friday, I'm about to hit "post" anyway.  ;) 

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3 Reasons I Love Catholicism

1.) Traditions & History.   First, let me say, I know that we are supposed to trust in the Lord and not lean on man's traditions.  I get that. It's a confusing issue when you talk to Protestants and Catholics, but we believe that our traditions are taken from Scripture.

 The way we Catholics do things is traditional... some would say even old-fashioned... and has been handed down for generations.  Who else in this modern age of instant messaging would rely on white smoke for a major announcement?   I love that.   I love knowing that our ancestors sat around and waited for that same white smoke after they attended a mass that was very similar to ours.  I love knowing that every year at Easter the music becomes joyful again (my favorite time of year in the church), and that every year on Ash Wednesday you can identify your fellow Catholics on the street by their "dirty" foreheads.  

Sometimes I feel like I'll never have enough time in my life to learn about all the beautiful-- and the not-so-beautiful-- history of the church.

2.)  The Mass.   The older I get, the more I understand what each and every piece of the mass means.   And I love that I have this universal bond with Catholics everywhere-- I could walk into a Sunday mass at any parish and fit right in.

The mass gives us an opportunity each and every week to hear Old Testament, New Testament, and Psalms... all right there, tied together for us. 

I attended a long service at a church of another Christian denomination a while back, and after sitting for more than an hour during the sermon, I found my mind wandering and my attention drawn more to the church's decorations than to the minister's message.  It was then that I finally understood why we Catholics sit, stand, and kneel.   Sitting for long periods allows your mind to wander, whereas in a mass you are fully engaged in worship- physically moving, verbally responding, etc. 

3.)  There have been Catholics studying God's word for hundreds of years.  All those years of Bible scholars and great leaders (and some not-so-great) have led the church to where it is today.  When I am not sure about something I am reading in my Bible, I can turn to the church's teachings to explain it.  I could spend every moment of my life studying the Bible and still never have the understanding that has been passed down through the church.

There are those who don't think that Catholics are true Christians... others mistakenly believe that we worship Mary, that we added extra books to the Bible, and that we're not true Christians.   None of those things are true, of course.  I feel like I am defending my faith more and more lately, but still, I'm proud to be Catholic!

Link up with Micaela at California to Korea to share your own reasons!

 

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Seven Quick Takes 3/15

I have a rare day off without any appointments... so until the kids get home from school, I have a few hours to myself.  I plan to catch up on blogs and tackle a few cleaning projects around the house. Clearly you can see which of those things I wanted to do first... LOL!

--- 1 ---

I, like many others around the world, watched this week's conclave and election of Pope Francis with excitement.  I love all the old-school traditions that go into the election process: no electronics, the secret ballots, the smoke signals.  When Pope Francis was announced, I felt an overwhelming sense of joy that I truly did not expect.   After all, I knew nothing about the man before that moment, yet I felt very emotional, filled with such a feeling hope and joy.  I pray that Pope Francis' humility and grace will be just what our church needs to overcome some of the issues that face us today.

--- 2 ---

I'm a little confused as to why neither of my children, students in a Catholic school, had more in-depth lessons over the last few weeks on how the Pope would be selected, what a conclave is, etc.   Sure, they got to watch some of the announcement on tv at school, but really?  Nobody could work this huge moment in history into a lesson plan??  My mini-lessons over supper each night were ok, but I was just surprised they didn't do more at school.  I'm guessing it had a lot to do with it being the end of the quarter and having standardized testing coming up next week, but still.

--- 3 ---

So, Google Reader is closing.  This was disappointing news, as I have used & enjoyed this service for several years now.   I'm taking Messy Wife, Blessed Life's suggestion and moving to Blog Lovin'.  I'm taking it as an opportunity to weed out the blogs that I no longer read regularly and to cut down on my overall number of subscriptions... something which is long overdue!   

--- 4 ---

News flash: bathing a 65lb. dog is a very wet venture.  She's currently sprinting through the house in her traditional after-bath craze.   The next hour or so will be filled with her racing around, rolling on her towel, and me repeatedly trying to brush her.   I'm glad she enjoys her baths- I don't think I could keep her in the tub if she really wanted to get out!

--- 5 ---

Speaking of news, while I was typing this, I saw one of my husband's best friends being interviewed on the local news.  Isn't it funny how that's always a little thrill to see someone you know on tv?  :)

--- 6 ---

This.  YES.  I can't even tell you how many times I've had this conversation already!

Thanks to http://www.phatmass.com/ for the great graphic!

--- 7 ---

Tonight's meatless meal:  I'm finally getting around to trying one of the very first things I ever pinned on Pinterest: this crockpot Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup.  The kids and I will have grilled cheese sandwiches with it, and DH (who isn't Catholic) will probably have a cold meat sandwich with his.  Tomato Basil Soup is one of my favorites, and adding Parmesan seems like it should only make it better, right?  I guess we'll find out tonight!

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5 Question Friday 11/2

 1. What terrifies you the most?  Something happening to my kids.  With my daughter, I worry specifically about her blood sugars, especially at night-- she's had two diabetic seizures, and I worry constantly that she'll have another and I won't catch it in time.  

2. Favorite fall/winter drink?   Pumpkin flavored coffee.  Mmmmm....   

3. Do you and your spouse have the same political views?   Kind of.  We're both conservative, and we both enjoy following and talking about politics.   It's funny to us, because years ago we were very much political opposites and prone to loud debates on various political topics.  Over the years I have become much more conservative.
 
However... he knows a lot more about politicians and history, and can debate anyone on any topic, recalling issues from years ago and how they affect things now.  He's not pro-life and he's not Catholic... two things that I very much am.  I get involved with issues I believe in via protests, letter writing, petitions, and online debates, and he doesn't... partially because of his job in law enforcement, and partially because that's just not his personality.   So yes, our core political views are much the same, but what we do with them is very different. 

4. What was the last book you read? Was it any good?   I received Faithful to Laura (A Middlefield Family Novel) in the mail this week to review, and I sat down and read the entire thing that evening.  I love Amish fiction, and I haven't had a new one to read in a while. :)   So yes, it was good.

5. Do you look forward to the snow each winter? Why or why not?  NO.  I hate snow, which is a problem, since I live in Ohio.  Snow and being cold both depress me. I hate driving in it, I hate not being able to get out and do things, and I hate keeping the kids cooped up in the house. I'd like to have a few pretty, fluffy snowflakes on Christmas and be done with it, rather than the months and months that we have to endure.  It snowed here earlier this week, by the way. 


Share your own answers to these questions at 5 Question Friday!

 

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Menu Plan Monday 5/21

 It's the last week of school- I think we'll be running all week long between ball games and other things.  I stuck with tried and true recipes this week, with all ingredients that I already have on hand. A crazy week like this is no time for experimenting!

• MONDAY: CheezIt Chicken Tenders, Peas/Carrots, Noodles  My 9 year-old wants to make this dinner herself- the chicken is a favorite of hers!  It's easy enough that she'll be able to do it with very little hands-on help from me... just some supervision and help with the stove. 
• CheezIt Chicken: This works with any kind of cracker, of course, but CheezIts are our  favorite. Sometimes I use a mixture of whatever is on hand.  It's a perfect way to use up slightly stale crackers, too! Crush approximately two cups of CheezIts in a large zip-top bag. Beat two eggs and about a tablespoon of water in a medium sized bowl or shallow pan.  Use 1-2 lbs. chicken tenders.  Dip each tender in the egg mix, then drop it into the bag of crumbs and shake to coat.  Bake on a sprayed cookie sheet for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.

• TUESDAY:  scrambled eggs, hash browns, bacon
• WEDNESDAY:  Crockpot Pizza Joes, French Fries, Salad
• Crockpot Pizza Joes:  Combine one pound browned ground beef, one small chopped onion, one small drained can of diced tomatoes, and one can of pizza sauce (or spaghetti sauce).  Cook on low 4-5 hours and serve on buns. 
•  THURSDAY: Crockpot Creamy Italian Chicken over bow tie pasta, green beans
• Crockpot Creamy Italian Chicken:  Place one pound of frozen chicken tenders in the crockpot and pour light Italian salad dressing to coat.  Cook on low all day.  One hour before serving, chop up the chicken with a fork, add salt and pepper to taste, and stir in one brick of light cream cheese and one can cream of chicken soup.  Serve over pasta.   Can also add in onions, mushrooms, or other veggies of choice.
• FRIDAY:  Last day of school!  We'll let the kids pick what we have for the celebration dinner that night.  I'm guessing they'll want homemade tacos, but we'll see.

And, as usual, I've got one "back up" option in the freezer if we decide we don't want one of these meals or run really short on time.  Frozen ravioli takes less than five minutes to cook, and with jarred sauce and frozen vegetables, I can get that meal on the table in less than ten minutes. 

What are you cooking this week?  Link up at Menu Plan Monday to share your own menu and get ideas from others!

 

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5 Question Friday 5/4

1. What did you wear to prom? Include a picture if possible.   Jr. Year Prom: a sky blue "Scarlett O'Hara" dress.  I LOVED that dress. You can see for yourself how awesome it was- ha ha!  

2. Would you rather be on the biggest loser or a food eating challenge?  Biggest loser, for sure!  Food eating contests/ challenges gross me out.


3. Done fave sonic drink? Refreshing summer drink?    I heart Sonic-- that's my go-to place when work is stressing me out and I need a quick break.  I hit them up during happy hour (half price drinks in the afternoon) for a Vanilla Diet Coke.  It's like $1.16 or so for a giant cup.... totally an affordable treat once in a while!


4. What was your first car, and what did you call it?   My very first one was a beat-up, rusty, falling apart Buick Skylark on loan from my dad... but that one wasn't really mine.  The first one I purchased myself was a purple Saturn sports car that I loved dearly.  I can't remember if she had a name, but I know she was a girl.  ;)


5. What's one thing your child or spouse does that sends you over the edge?     One thing?  No, just kidding.... the thing is, I do things that annoy him, too, so I really don't feel that it's very respectful to air that sort of thing here in "public". 

Head on over to My Little Life to share your own Five Question Friday answers!

 

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5 Question Fri-Sat-day

1. How often do you shave your legs in the winter?   Hmmm.  Probably about every three days.

2. Valentine's Day cards for your spouse: funny or romantic?  Funny, I guess... we usually don't buy each other cards.  We have never really done much for Valentine's Day at all, actually- we kind of regard it as one of those "Hallmark" holidays.

3. What are you most looking forward to about spring?   Warm, but not hot, weather.   I HATE snow with a passion.  Seeing Easter decorations in a store the other day made me really happy... Easter ranks right after Christmas as my favorite holiday.

4. What's your favorite way to pamper yourself?    A gourmet coffee is my most frequent small treat.  But if I really have time to relax, I love to spend time soaking in a hot bubble bath and reading a good book.

5. Does your tax return go into savings or do you spend it instantly?   We usually have it designated to pay for something we need or pay off a bill. 

 

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5 Question Friday

1. What is the weather like where you are and do you like it?  The last few days here in southwestern Ohio have been crazy... sunny and in the low 50's.  We didn't wear coats yesterday or today.  This is unheard of-- we should be shivering and shoveling snow by now!

2. When you're sick what do you seek comfort from?    My warm electric blanket, hot soup, and mindless tv if I have to be awake.

3. What do you need to do before the end of the month?   Finish putting away the Christmas decorations.  :)

4. Have you ever served on a jury?  No, but I've been called four times now.  Each time I had to call in to see if I was needed each day, and I never had to go.

5. If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?  An indoor cat, because they are typically pretty spoiled and get plenty of quiet time when they want it. 

..................................... This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links. You can read my policy here. I always provide my honest opinions.

Five Question... yep, on Saturday, again.

Just one of these days I'd like to actually get Five Question Friday done on a Friday.... ah well.  The questions are still fun even when I am chronically a day late.  :)

1. Do you prefer your ice cream in a bowl or in a cone?    Hmmm.... it depends on the ice cream, really.  I like both.  I definitely prefer a good sugar cone (pointy end) over those wafer things, though.

2. What three things do you love the smell of?   Freshly washed laundry. (Preferably Gain, please... detergent is one of the very few things that I insist on spending more to buy the name brand.  I have had BAD luck with the cheaper stuff-- mysterious blue spots, anyone?)    Baby powder.  And this awesome lavender/vanilla reed diffuser I have in my office at work.

3. Giftcards or no? (In regards to gift giving...)   YES!  Personally, I'm happy to receive a gift card, because I don't usually have money to spend on myself, and when I have a gift card I enjoy shopping guilt-free.   It's even better if the giver has gotten a card to one of my favorite stores, which shows me that they did put some thought into it.    For my birthday last month one of my sisters got me a gift card to one of my favorite stores, and I was able to use it towards a pair of brown pants that I had been wanting for quite a while.  Perfect!

4. What sports did you play in high school if any and do you still play them?  Ha ha ha.  No sports for me.  No athletic talent here.   Does chasing my kids count as a current sport?

5. Were you in band in high school? What instrument did you play?  Band, on the other hand, was my life.  Marching band, concert band, pep band... well, except the one year when I got kicked out.  ;)   I played clarinet. 

Share your own answers, even if it's Saturday, at Five Question Friday.  
 

..................................... Join me here each week for Tinseled Tuesdays to share your holiday gift ideas! And don't forget to visit my new blog, The Sugar Sharks, all about our life with Type I Diabetes. ..................................... This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links.  You can read my policy here. I always provide my honest opinions.

5 Question Fri- Saturday 10/1

1. Do you apologize to your kids if you're wrong?  Yes.  But it's rare. ;)   I think it's a great teaching opportunity.

2. Do you have a class ring, Letterman's jacket, or similar obscenely priced high school "must have"?   I still have my class rings from both high school and college... though my college one was an artsy one, not a traditional looking class ring.  And yes, back in high school, I had my Letterman's jacket. It was weighted down by all the buttons I collected with funny sayings on them.   I'm not sure what ever happened to it- it's probably still in my parents' attic.

3. If you could be one age for the rest of your life, what age would you choose?  Ha!  Well, for several years running I stayed 29 on my birthdays.  Now... I don't know.  Every age has brought different challenges and different blessings, so I'm not sure there's any one age that I'd like to stay.

4. What is your favorite (unused) baby name?   Haley.  If my son had been a girl, he/she would have been Haley Johanna.  Johanna was my grandma's middle name.

5. If you could make your child like something what would it be?  Reading!  I think reading is such an important thing in life, and people who read tend to be more educated and better informed about the world.  Happily, I think we're finally getting there.  I have been confused by my daughter's dislike of reading... she had the ability, but just didn't enjoy it.  I, on the other hand, devour books weekly and as a kid I was always getting in trouble for reading when I was supposed to be doing other things.   In the last month or so, though, my daughter has suddenly started picking up books and reading for long periods without any prompting from me.  We've found some fun new-to-her series at the library, and she's really getting into them.  (Among others, she's discovered Choose Your Own Adventure books, which were a favorite of mine as a kid.  I didn't even know they were still around!)   I'm so glad... now I just have to start working on my son!

..................................... Have you heard? I've started a new blog, The Sugar Sharks, all about our life with Type I Diabetes. ..................................... This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links.  You can read my policy here. I always provide my honest opinions.

Invisible Illness Week as a D-Mom

There's a meme floating around this week about Invisible Illness Week and how these silent battles impact our daily lives.  You can check out my answers regarding my daughter's Type I Diabetes over on my other blog!



..................................... Have you heard? I've started a new blog, The Sugar Sharks, all about our life with Type I Diabetes. .....................................

5 Question Friday 9/9

1. What ringtone do you have on your cell phone?   I have several.  My main ringtone is a snippet of the song Blessed Be Your Name by Tree63.  I love that song.    I also have some silly tones, like one that sounds like an alarm and says "Alert... Alert.... Your Husband is Calling". 

2. What is your favorite memory from this summer?  My sister's wedding.  No one particular moment, but the whole thing... the fun we had making her bouquets with my mom and sisters, decorating the hall, the perfect wedding ceremony, the fun reception.... and just knowing that my sister was marrying a wonderful guy.  Ever looked at two people and just known that they were perfect for each other?  Yeah, that's how I feel about my sister and her husband.  I like to remind her that I pointed this out even before they ever started dating, back when she swore they were "just friends".  LOL!  :)    (Go say hello to the newlywed on her new blog HERE!)

3. Paper books or ebooks?   Well, as of my birthday yesterday, both!  I read a lot.  A LOT.  There are quite literally stacks of books in every room of my house.  (Well, ok, not the bathrooms, that's just gross.)  Part of those books come from writing book reviews, some from the library, some from thrift stores, some passed on from friends... you get the idea.  I have a lot of  "real" books.   Some I swap out after reading through PaperBackSwap.com, some I share with friends, and some I just keep.
     I've mentioned on and off my interest in a Kindle in passing conversations with my husband, but never, ever thought I'd own one... it's just not in our budget. Well, my wondeful husband surprised me with one yesterday.  I was totally shocked and very happy.  As soon as I get done playing with blogs I'm headed over to the Amazon site to snag some FREE Kindle ebooks! I have a feeling that I'll still enjoy my "real" books, as well, but I am really excited to try out my new Kindle. 

4. If you could have one home upgrade what would it be and why?    I'd have someone "do" our yard. I would have a deck with a cover and a fence built out back so that our family could make use of our empty lot of a yard.  The yard has nothing... no landscaping, no trees, no fence.  I'd LOVE to be able to use that space!

5. When was your first serious boyfriend/girlfriend?   Ha ha ha. Oh, the stories I could tell.  I was 15 and in high school, so I'm not sure the term "serious" should apply, but back then I sure thought it did.  We had lots of drama and long, whispered phone calls full of Pink Floyd music in our moments of deep, serious thinking.... AKA: teenaged drama.   That drama is exactly why I don't understand people who say they'd like to go back to high school again.... no thank you!  

Share your own 5QF answers HERE!

.....................................  Have you heard? I've started a new blog, The Sugar Sharks, all about our life with Type I Diabetes. ..................................... This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links.  You can read my policy here. I always provide my honest opinions.