{JEI}: Sports and Exercise

Welcome to the weekly link-up recently turned Blog-Hop Just Enough Info: JEI for short. This lovely Blog-Hop is hosted by The Zelie Group and we would love for you to join us! This week we are discussing Sports and Exercise! These are my kind of topics that are close to my heart and dominate mine and my children's schedules. Let's get started with this week's questions:

1. What sports do your kids play?

A better question would be, what sports don't my kids play?! I have some EXTREMELY active children and I absolutely LOVE IT! We just finished football for Little Man (this was his 5th season!) and soccer for Goalie just two weeks ago and the boys are a little sad they don't get to hangout with their teammates as much but they are excited about the sports seasons to come! I believe there will be a basketball season starting up through the boys' school soon.

In addition to these two sports. Little Man has played basketball, t-ball, soccer and is actually running in two different running groups: The 100 Mile Club and Boys on the Run. Goalie has played many seasons of soccer and has been involved in karate and is also participating in the 100 Mile Club. They are both new members of the Boy Scouts too! To say I am proud would be an understatement! I am so glad that I am raising children that are active in sports to encourage team work, hard work and dedication. I believe these are important characteristics they will need to be successful and world-changing adults. I won't bombard you with tons of pictures of all the past and present activities because this post would take you forever to get through! 

2. What do you do for exercise? 

I was born with Spina Bifida, which is a neural tube defect that affects my spine. Essentially I have a hole in my spine. I have been blessed beyond measure that I was spared being in a wheelchair and that I deal with slight to moderate pain on a daily basis versus what happens to most born with this disease. I had surgery as a baby while living over seas and the doctors told my parents I would probably need braces or something to help support myself as I walked. Neither the doctors or my parents can explain how I learned to walk without assistance but I did and I have done everything possible to enjoy my life because I am reminded on a daily basis how blessed I am to have this opportunity. Any day I could wake up and need a wheelchair or be told I can't be active anymore so everyday is special to me.

Obviously being aware that I am lucky to be able to walk, health and fitness have always been important to me. I have always been a runner and a basketball player. I have to admit I haven't touched a basketball in many years but it will always have a particularly special place in my heart. As a mommy, I still run and I weight lift to exercise but since moving to Colorado I have also enjoyed going on many different hikes! I have participated in Mud Runs, Tough Mudders, Color Runs and several other races. I really need to find a good one to do now... I haven't raced since relocating. In addition to running I weight train. I like to lift with my husband but with my return to the work force that barely happens anymore.

3. In the Mom Olympics, what would your event be?

Now if I were in the Mom Olympics and we were being judged upon mommy skills, I would probably be involved in one that entails multi-tasking. I have to admit that I am amazing at multi-tasking. As I finish typing this post, I am currently juggling preparing dinner, Goalie in the shower, Little Man reading out loud (reading homework) and starting the dishes and laundry. I know that might sound a little crazy but I have had no choice in learning this magnificent skill. My kids are never able to complete things at the same time and between therapies, school events, sports and church events I have been forced to learn how to juggle a million things at once. I am also a server, so I get lots of practice at work too!

Thank you for joining me for another week of Just Enough Info!

You have all week to answer this week's questions about Sports and Exercise:

1. What sports do your kids play?
2. What do you do for exercise?
3. In the Mom Olympics, what would your event be?

Next week we will be discussing the Year of Mercy because The Year of Mercy wraps up on November 20th:

1. What did (or can in these last few weeks!) yWhat are you thankful for?our family do to mark the year?

2. What Work of Mercy is easiest or most challenging for you?

3. Do you have a story of mercy in your own life to share?  Or do you have a favorite saint/quote/resource to pass along?

The Zelie Group has some fun questions coming up in the next few weeks so make sure to follow us on Facebook and we would love to hear what you are interested in! What are you looking to learn about? Do you have questions about the Faith? Questions about the Liturgical Year? We want to help and learn and grow with you and your families!

Also stop by the new Page I created on my blog for new information concerning The Zelie Group. It is a work in progress but it has a good start!

Menu Plan Monday: October 17- October 23

This Autumn season has been insanely busy for my family and I have to admit I haven't been able to stick to the stricter Clean eating diet we prefer. After this week things should calm down. We have several Liturgical Feasts, Goalie's Birthday, Little Man's last week of football and tons of Family Fun Activities. Although life has been busy, I wouldn't have it any other way! How is the Autumn season treating you? I am really excited to make some more soups, stews and other easy crockpot meals next week. For now, I guess I'll just enjoy my last week of eating too many carbs and not super healthy dinner options.  Here is my menu for this week's Menu Plan Monday:

Monday: Feast of Saint Ignatius of Antioch

Nacho Mac and Cheese

Tuesday: Feast of Saint Luke

Apple Pork Roast

Wednesday:

Chicken Thighs with Quinoa and Green Beans

Thursday: 

Goalie's 6TH Birthday and Feast of Saint Paul of the Cross

Baked Fish with Rice and Veggies

Friday:

Goalie's Birthday Dinner

Saturday: Saint John Paul II

Pizza or Leftovers

Sunday:

Football Banquet

{SQT}: Marriage, Sports and Much More

I have been MIA from several of my favorite linkups, including {SQT}, because of an overwhelming amount of extra activities that were added to our schedule. This past week was no different but I am doing my best to get back on track with everything that has been pushed to the side. 

{ONE}

My cousin Serina's wedding was this past Saturday! Congrats Serina and Jesus! They have such an extraordinary love story. They have actually been together for 12 years already. They have endured so much and have supported each other through all the good, bad and the ugly. I have no doubt that they will have a long, prosperous marriage and will live happily ever after.

The wedding was in Liberal, Kansas so it was only a 6 hour drive from where we live. We have most of my dad's side of the family living in Kansas so we were able to see a large amount of them at the wedding too. It was a beautiful wedding and a gorgeous reception. Little Man was given the opportunity to altar serve during the wedding. I know he was scared and nervous because he had never served for the priest or at the location the wedding was being held but he was brave and accepted the invitation to honor his family during the Mass. I was and still am so proud of him for stepping up.

{TWO}

We completed our Halloween decorating this week too! My boys love to decorate the house and do seasonal crafts to celebrate. I am working on a post right now about Halloween and being Catholic. I read an article several years ago about how to keep the "scary" in Halloween without losing the important concepts that are the important aspects of All Saints and All Souls Day. Halloween is a day of fasting to prepare for All Saints and All Souls. I think it is also important to discuss purgatory on Halloween and that allows us to have a scary Halloween. 

I even received the boys costumes in the mail this week so now I only have to figure out what my husband and I will wear. This will be the first year we have done a family dress up. The boys are REALLY into Star Wars so they are dressing as a Flame Trooper and Captain Rex. My husband really wants to be Darth Vader and I have absolutely no clue what I will be. Maybe I'll just be a storm trooper too? Suggestions are welcome!

{THREE}

We have TWO football games this week! We normally only have one so it was a FULL week of football. I am enjoying that there is no practice today so I using this time to catch up on old, new and late blog posts! Little Man has really missed having a banner to run through the past few games so I found some banner paper and created a banner for his team. Little did I know that when I bought this paper that there would be over 75 feet of paper!!!! Needless to say, I will be making banners the rest of the season. I might even make one for Goalie's soccer team. 

Painting the banners was actually pretty calming and relaxing until I saw that my cat Lemon was drinking the water I used to clean the paint brushes! I had a mini-stroke reading the labels on the paint to make sure it was non-toxic. Lemon was mad at me for yelling at her so she ignored me the rest of the day. Oh the price we pay for loving animals. 

{FOUR}

Goalie started Dino School this week. I think I may have mentioned once before but it is essentially a group therapy that is held to help teach children with developmental delays about socialization, dealing with tough emotions and learning how to control anger outbursts. 

{FIVE}

Yesterday was the first official day of Fall and I am so glad! I love Autumn! We celebrated with Spiced Apple Pork Chops with Sweet potato and zucchini. Everyone loved it. The pork fell apart so easily from slow cooking all day and the amazing spices made my house smell amazing. We had a football game yesterday too so it really was the perfect way to start the beginning of Autumn. 

{SIX}

We had Soccer pictures this week! Goalie plays for the Memorial Blizzards and he was smiling extra hard this year! I love that my boys love playing on teams. I love his "Shark fin" hair that he requested special for picture day.

{SEVEN}

To end this week, I decided it was best to have a Halloween movie night! This will be one of many because my boys and I love movie nights and we have a list of Halloween movies that MUST be watched before October 31st! We are starting tonight with The Halloween Tree. This was one of my most favorite movies that I watched with my brother and sister every Halloween season. We will be enjoying pizza, popcorn, Halloween ice cream floats and cupcakes! I am finishing up preparations as we speak. I honestly might be more excited about this than my kids! This will be their first time watching this cartoon and it has been years since I last saw it! I love Autumn and all the amazing family activities that come with it!

{SQT}: Welcome September

September is finally here! I had to grab my first Pumpkin Spice Latte today and I am enjoying the amazing cool breeze coming off the tops of the snow capped peaks of the mountains. Yep, you heard me right! We have snow capped mountain tops all ready! I am going to keep this post super optimistic because I have been on a low lately and doing my best to "shake it off." We do have some exciting things happening in the near future but for now, let's jump into my Seven Quick Takes of the week. 

{ONE}

Goalie had his first soccer game! So this will sound funny but we only had one practice before this game and only three players were able to attend that practice. Goalie did a very good job and I was so proud of him and the effort he put into the game. Goalie has a hard time not crying when it's not his time to play in the game. Last season he would cry until it was time to be put back into the game. This time he just pouted but shed no tears! Progress!!

{TWO}

Little Man also had his first football game this week and his game was intense! I have to admit I am that crazy mom that runs up and down the field as the game progresses screaming to motivate and support my baby boy's team. In Florida all the football moms are just like me. It's another story here in Colorado and I am sure I scared a few people! Little Man's team lost their first game as well but it was a great learning experience. Little Man made several amazing tackles and hustled his little booty across that field every play. 

{THREE}

I am apart of a group of mommy bloggers called The Zelie Group. We are blogger mommies that are trying our best to raise our children the best way we know how, through faith. We just started a new Thursday linkup called Just Enough Info (JEI). This has been really exciting for me. I love linkups! I participate in tons but this is the first one I have helped host. If you are interested in learning more or you would like to join JEI, Checkout my JEI posts:

Introducing The Zelie Group and JEI

Back-to-School Edition

{FOUR}

Do you celebrate Halloween? I have always struggled with this concept but I don't want to keep my boys from enjoying the satisfaction of dressing up during October. I have allowed the boys to participate in trick-or-treating and make sure to explain the REAL importance of All Saints and All Souls. I would be very interested to hear how other people tackle this holiday. This is a picture of the two costumes the boys are asking for this year. They have both turned into some really big Star Wars fans and really want us to do a family themed Halloween. I guess time will tell.

{FIVE}

I have been moving around the house this past week. We were planning on moving further north in Colorado but decided it would be best to stay where we are. Goalie needs routine and has too many different therapies to try to reschedule. Little Man is really enjoying the school and sports here. I am working part time and a move just wasn't lining up for us at this time. We are hoping to buy a house in the upcoming year so we will just keep reaching for that goal. 

{SIX}

I fell off the health wagon for a bit this past week. As I stated earlier, I have really been struggling with a lot and just threw everything to the side while I tried to regroup myself. I have been walking more lately and during my morning walk to drop my boys off at school we came across these beautiful sunflowers. Goalie requested to please take the sunflower's photo so this image is the result of that. I have to admit it came out really well and I think the flowers are beautiful. 

{SEVEN}

Today Goalie had behavioral therapy and we decided to try a group therapy session to help him deal with his hard to control emotions and his developmental delays. What is great about the therapy is that there will be other children that live with the same challenges learning and growing with him. I am praying so hard that this group therapy will help alleviate some stress and anxiety of being around peers that just don't quite understand Goalie or his special needs.  

Welcome September. I have been waiting for you. 

God Bless!

{SQT}: Date Your Mate & Loving Family

Life is really never predictable and mine is no different. We have had so many different things going on this week, I don't even know where to begin! Here are my Seven Quick Takes I am sharing at This Ain't The Lyceum for this week.

{ONE}

We have two new additions to the family! Shadow and Cloudy are two cats we adopted earlier in the week. We did not plan on adopting these cats but we saw them at a pet shop and we couldn't resist. I am proud to say neither of these cats are kittens. They are 6 and 10 years old. We learned from the pet shop owner that because of their age and the fact that they were taken into the shelter due to a hoarding situation that they assumed the cats would never be adopted. They have a strong bond so they had to be adopted together, which caused additional placement issues. These two fur babies are the most loving creatures we have ever come across. They are always purring and following everyone around and are always ready to sit in your lap. Lemon, our first kitten is about 2 and is still transitioning but I know they will all love each other soon enough. 

Welcome to the family, Shadow and Cloudy!

{TWO}

This past Tuesday was the first day of school! Little Man started 4th grade and Goalie started Kindergarten. We love the boys teachers and they are enjoying the routine that the school year brings. Both boys have friends from their classes last year and because they are at the same school this year, they are both excited to walk together. We also have a sweet little bot that lives in the complex and he joins us on our walks everyday. 

The only hiccup we are experiencing from the start of the school year is Goalie being super tired in the afternoon. He was taking naps all the way up to the start of the school year and not having one during the day while at school is really been difficult on my sweet boy. I am hoping we can find a way to calm the sensory breaks we are having in the afternoon due to his afternoon exhaustion. Goalie gets home from school in great spirits and then as the afternoon progresses I start to see a steady decline in his attitude, patience and irritability until he breaks. My poor baby will cry and be miserable until bedtime. Prayers for my Goalie while we figure out a healthy solution to keep him happy and focused throughout the day.

{THREE}

This week was the first week of the Date Your Mate Challenge! My hubby and I thought this challenge would be fun and put a focus on us growing our marriage stronger. For our first date this week we had a sushi date! It was nice because it was the first time we have had some quiet time to have adult conversations. We want to set an example for our children about what a happy and healthy relationship looks like and the only way to make that possible is to make sure it is strong in faith and love. This date was an amazing break from our daily routine and was so much fun. We have two more dates, a nature date and an adrenaline date, we are suppose to accomplish plus some additional challenges, writing a love letter to our spouse,  for the week. I'll keep everyone updated with all of our fun activities! 

{FOUR}

As much as I love football season, I am so glad we won't be having practices 4 times a week anymore this season. I am so exhausted from running around. I have been waking up early to help the boys get ready for school, working out, going to work, picking up the kids from school and heading straight over to the football field for two hour long practices. After practice, we rush to get everyone fed dinner and ready for bed. Then I do all the really fun stuff like completing the laundry and dishes. This week has been brutal. At least today there is no practice so I will probably have a movie night with the boys to relax and celebrate the end of a very busy and productive week. Next week we have practices 3 days a week and it's not 3 days in a row! YAY!!

I still haven't heard any news about soccer and Goalie is getting super anxious so I will try to make a call down to the sports office to figure out what is going on and whether we can expect to have a season or not. If there will be no season, I might sign Goalie up for some karate again. 

{FIVE}

I decided that since I am doing all this extra walking from taking the boys to and from school, working as a server and after school extracurricular activities that I needed to up the amount of steps I would attempt to reach each day. My goal was 10,000 steps during the summer and now my goal is 20,000. It's only been a couple days but I am feeling the burn! I am still searching for a new fitness challenge so if you have a suggestion, I would love to hear it! Maybe you would be interested in joining me? We could create an accountability group on Facebook. 

{SIX}

I am starting to stock up on all the yummy fall goodies that are being released. Pumpkin spice coffee and pumpkin spiced chai tea are the first of many delicious concoctions I will be sampling throughout autumn. I couldn't wait to enjoy the delicious coffee my husband got me so I am enjoying my second cup this morning. It's so delicious! I might enjoy a nice cup of tea after work for an afternoon pick me up out on the patio before the boys get home from school.

What other beverages do you drink during this season of spiced beverages? 

{SEVEN}

Last but not least, I completed our Autumn Bucket List. I always find moe things to add to our list throughout the season but we have a very long and exciting list of activities and adventures I can't wait to explore. Today I woke up and it is a crisp 60 degrees F and the high isn't suppose to go higher than 73 degrees! Its suppose to be even cooler tomorrow, however it is suppose to be warming up after this weekend so I will enjoy my little taste of Fall while I can.

What are traditions you do throughout the Autumn season? Are there any things that you think I should add to my families list?

I am excited for the weekend and I hope every one else had an amazing week with their families. Just a short work shift stands between me and my Saturday off to celebrate Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. 

{SQT}: Fall Sports & Back-to-School Edition

It has been a crazy week as predicted and things will only get crazier as we move into the school year. Trust me when I say, I will have tons of picture and videos to share so follow me on Instagram and Facebook if you want more frequent updates or just a laugh or two from social media. For the SQT linkup at This Ain't the Lyceum here are my seven quick takes for this week:

{ONE}

Back-to-work for me! I had to take some time off from working a couple months ago due to some problems with my back but I am feeling better and taking it easy as I transition back into the work force. Until I am 100% sure my back is better I will only be working part-time but it is a start. It's also a relief to be getting more adult time. With the start of school next week, I won't have to be at home alone.

{TWO}

Fall Football 2016 is underway for Little Man and the family! I am sorry to admit that I am one of those crazy football mommies that loves to get loud during football season. I have always been a competitive person and I am vocal. I am glad that I have instilled the desire to work hard and reach for the stars into my children and they love sports so that is where it really shows. This equation of love, sports, hard work and desire is the equation for a crazy football mom. My husband quite enjoys watching me wear eye blackout and my homemade team shirt while I am jumping up and down as our team plays. I still have to make my shirt for this season. Don't worry, I'll make sure to post plenty of embarrassing pictures of myself and my family as the season progresses.

We also just completed our first 4 day week of practice and learned that Little Man will be the back-up quarterback and will be learning some new positions this season. I have to admit that I am so proud that Little Man is stepping up to the challenge and grasping this opportunity with both hands. He has been practicing so hard this week and when we are at home he has really been focused on increasing his protein intake, to gain mass and weight. He has a lot of experience but very tall and skinny. He weighs only 65 lbs right now (He's dropped 3 lbs since last season) and he is playing with boys that have upwards of 20 lbs more weight on them. He is continuously asking to practice outside by himself, with his brother and his friends. If you don't mind, please say a little prayer for Little Man to keep him healthy and uninjured throughout this season.

{THREE}

Soccer season is on hold for Goalie. I was contacted just yesterday that the Sports and Recreation Center is having a hard time finding coaches to fill the need in the soccer leagues. They were calling to ask parents individually to coach teams. I felt so bad that I was unable to assist them and volunteer. I'll be honest, I have NO EXPERIENCE with soccer except what I've learned watching the boys and those rules are modified each season depending on the league and age group. In addition to my lack of knowledge, having one child playing football and the other soccer at the same time makes it just a little too much for me to juggle. I will already be running back and forth between practices and it wouldn't be fair to the kids on the soccer team. I am saying an extra prayer that they find someone able to take on the responsibility of coaching this soccer team. 

{FOUR}

We had a blast celebrating lots of Liturgical Celebrations this week! Saint Dominic, Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, Saint Lawrence and Saint Clare. I am still finishing up my post on Saint Lawrence and Saint Clare so I'll link back to those when I finish them up. Saint Dominic is Little Man's Nameday Saint and he always watches the calendar once August hits. 

{FIVE}

*This contains affiliate links. I receive a small commission if you click the link and purchase something. This does not increase the amount of the product*

I finished my book The Blessings by Elise Juska and I so enjoyed it! In the upcoming week(s) I am hoping to finish The Happiness Project and Just Breathe: Weston Sisters Book 1 (ONLY 99 cents or FREE with Kindle Unlimited). 

I will be sharing my review of The Blessings later this week and I'll link back to this post so stay tuned. 

{SIX}

I have shared my love of autumn many times lately. In the spirit of my excitement for fall I decided to make some Pumpkin Pie Latte Overnight Oats! They were delicious... too much all spice but still delicious. For my first time creating these, I was impressed and I will be making more very soon! Heres the recipe if you are feeling adventurous to try it:

Pumpkin Pie Latte Overnight Oats

1/2 Cup Old Fashioned Oats

1/4 Cup Coffee (Double strength and chilled)

1/4 Cup Almond Milk

1/4 Cup Pumpkin Puree

2 Tbsp Sweetner (I used honey but I might try out brown sugar next time)

1 Tbsp Vanilla Extract

1 Tsp Cinnamon

1 Tsp Nutmeg

A pinch of All Spice (I added more than a pinch of Allspice the first time I prepared these overnight oats and it was a little too spiced for my taste so add at your discretion)

I think I might top this with some sliced almonds too!

Combine all the ingredients in a mason jar or container with a lid. Shake and place in the refrigerator at least overnight. Oats should be good for 3-4 days as long as you keep the lid or top on the container tight.

{SEVEN}

If you read my last {SQT}: The Anticipation of Autumn you read my little rant about the issue I am having getting Goalie registered for school. Since last week I have been able to get copies of Goalie's paperwork from the Preschool office (THANK YOU GOD!) and I submitted it to the School District office Tuesday. It only took 4 trips back and forth between the two offices in addition to the several previous trips discussed in the last post to get this done. I am waiting to get confirmation the forms have been accepted so I can register him at his school location this Monday. I am not happy that this process has been difficult but I am so grateful to know it's almost done.

That was my families crazy fun week. I hope everyone is enjoying their last few moments of summer or having a great time finishing back-to-school prep like us. If you are a special needs parent check out my post Back-to-School Essentials for the ADHD Student. The products discussed in the post are miracle workers and are great for children without special needs as well. Until next week.

God Bless!

{SQT}: The Anticipation of Autumn

This is my first time linking up to This Ain't the Lyceum's Linkup Seven Quick Takes. I am a mom that wears a lot of "hats"; meaning I run around like a crazy person getting from one place to another A LOT. Honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way. With the coming of fall, comes one of the busiest times of the year for me and my family. Back to school, sports, religious education and work! Plus I always create a list of things that I like to do each season. I'm working on my family Autumn Bucket List already!

This week has really become a transition into the fall "season"for me, even including some very nice cool weather!

Here are my seven quick takes of the week.

{ONE}

Little Man started Altar Serving again this week! He altar served when we were in Florida but it was his first time since we moved to Colorado and he was really nervous because they utilize extra servers here during Mass than he was use to. He did great and will be in regular rotation moving forward. It makes my heart melt to see him looking so prayerful and respectful standing next to the Altar.

{TWO}

We had a blast celebrating the Feast of Saint John Vianney yesterday! In honor of him we sent Thank you Cards out to our current priests and our favorite priest from Florida. The boys love arts and crafts and were so excited to "sign" their names on the cards. It's still not too late to surprise your priest with a special gift this week! I also began a novena to Saint John Vianney yesterday.

{THREE}

Back to School preparations are STRESSFUL! I'm going to go on a little rant here. My youngest has an IEP and receives Speech and Occupational Therapies through the school and receives behavioral therapy as well. I was attempting to get all the information we would need to make sure he has all he needs to start kindergarten this year and I was informed the school has NONE of him information. The school district, school, CPCD, and Child Find are searching for it now (after I just completed registration paperwork for a second time). We are in a weird position right now because I do not have a "valid" birth certificate for my children. My husband is completing the adoption process and we had to send the originals with court paperwork. So... Long story short I am waiting... and praying... so please send additional prayers that I can be patient and that this mess is straightened out without me having to search all over for documents to reenroll my son in Kindergarten AGAIN! I always expect that there will be issues with insuring my youngest is receiving the assistance he needs but this has got to be the craziest thing to happen. I dream of being able to homeschool and maybe one day in the future I can.

{FOUR}

I just sent my cousin Serina's RSVP back for her wedding coming up in September! I have to admit I was late getting it in the mail but it was sent off yesterday! I am so excited to see her and the rest of my family in Kansas. 

Congrats Serina! 

[FIVE}

I am training for a challenge! What challenge? I'm not quite sure yet. my husband and I LOVE to participate in Mud Runs, Tough Mudders, Color Runs and 15K-5K races. It has been over a year since we have done something so we are looking into running a Spartan Race or Warrior Dash. We like to keep our options open but what do you suggest?

{SIX}

Contains affiliate links below:

I am currently reading The Blessings by Elise Juska. It is a very intriguing book and I am glad I decided to pick it up. I think it was an appropriate book to end the summer even though it was not included in my Mid Year Reading Challenge. 

{SEVEN}

Ending on a high note: We will end our week with our first football practice of the fall season this evening! I cannot believe Little Man has been playing this game since he was 5... time really flies. I am so proud of how he is entering the season with hard work and dedication. He is such a great role model for his Little Brother who will be playing soccer later in the month. It makes me so proud. Look at the difference! 

Little Man after his first Football Practice wearing Full Pads in August 2013

Fast forward to this year

Spring Football Season 2016

That pretty much sums up my week. A little bit of crazy in every aspect but I am excited to tackle next week and see what is in store for me and the family. I know we have a week full of Feasts coming up, including: Saint Dominic, Saint Teresa Benedicta, Saint Lawrence and Saint Clare. Good luck to all the families transitioning into the autumn season.
God Bless!

#WorthRevisit: Football and Stargazing

Do any of you get excited during the change of seasons? I do! Especially during the fall. I love putting up decorations and changes the scents in the warmers throughout the house and grabbing the full experience of the season. I may even pull out the fall decorations today and prepare the house a little early this year! I also love the strict routine that comes with Back-to-School and the the structure that Football and Soccer season brings for the boys. This will be Little Man's 4th year of Football and Goalie's 2nd season of Fall Soccer. Goalie really wants to be a football player like his big brother but in Colorado, they do not allow you to play football until you are older. 

In honor of this, I decided to share some my thoughts from several Fall seasons ago and ideas to share the Liturgical Celebrations of Saint Dominic and Saint Lawrence.  Here is my #WorthRevisit post for the week, thanks to Theology is a Verb and Reconciled to You :

Sunday, August 4, 2013

Football and Stargazing

Wow! Where has this summer gone?! I have to admit that I love the summer heat and everything that goes along with it. It seems like the school year just ended and we started soccer and summer camp for Little Man.

Well...Soccer officially ended two weeks ago and this is the last week of summer camp. We did end soccer on a great note! Little Man received the award for being "The most Christ-like Player" during the last game because he helped a player from the opposing team up after they fell chasing down the soccer ball. His face lit up when he found out he was being bestowed with such a great honor. In recognition of his achievement, he received a red wrist band that says "Represent". Little Man wore that wristband everyday until it was lost in the abyss that has become his room. I am hoping we can find it because it meant so much to him. We will definitely be having a serious cleaning session very shortly to prepare for the upcoming school year. I am hoping to have clothes and toys to donate to our churches thrift shop.

Approaching the fall, we are entering into a whole new world of exciting life changing milestones. For Little Man, football tryouts just ended and we will be finding out more information about his team and the upcoming season tomorrow! Not only that, but he will be starting the 1st grade at a new school, and starting his Catechism for his first Reconciliation! I am so excited for him and to see how he is going to tackle these exciting new adventures in his life.

For Squishy, which may need a new nickname soon, will be moved up into the next class in daycare and we will aggressively start potty training. I can not believe my baby is becoming a big boy already. I received notice of his transition upward this past week and it nearly brought me to tears. I am so proud of both of my boys but I wish they could stay little forever. If you don't mind could you say a small prayer for squishy too.. he is having a hard time with his molars coming in and his congestion has been flaring up even with his nebulizer treatments.

 

Even with all these new and exciting developments for the boys, I am excited to say that I will be finishing my degree and starting classes this month as well! If you think we couldn't add anymore changes and attempting new things this month you were wrong... Eric has accepted a management position and will be starting management training right around the time the new school year starts.

 

God is showering us with so many blessings and our hearts are so full of happiness and appreciation! I have to admit I am a little nervous trying to figure out how we are going to manage all these new schedules changes and additions but God never gives you more than we can handle so I am stepping aside and allowing him to lead the way.

I touched on football a little but I am really excited about star gazing this week! The Feast of Saint Dominic, which is Little Man's Baptismal patron saint, and the Feast of Saint Lawrence are fast approaching! In honor of Saint Dominic I want to throw together a Star gazing party for the boys. Saint Dominic is the patron saint of astronomers. The story is that Saint Dominic's grandmother saw a radiant light that came from Saint Dominic's forehead during his baptism and he had a great love for learning. I think it would be fun to make star headbands for everyone to decorate and wear as we star gaze together in the backyard. Another fun fact about Saint Dominic is that he has an association with orange trees because it is said that he planted an orange tree at the Convent of Saint Sabina in Rome. I was thinking about having either star shaped sandwiches with chicken and stars soup or possible a star shaped pasta dish served with an orange sherbet punch in honor of this amazing saint. I would love some suggestions if anyone has some to give! At the Catholic Culture website they suggest making Cherries Jubilee in honor of the dream Saint Dominic's mother had of a dog holding a torch that lit the world on fire. I actually have my own dream that I had many years ago that has made me have such a strong devotion to this saint but you will have to wait until August 8th! Coincidentally, I was researching some ideas for the Feast of Saint Lawrence and I feel it really is only necessary to have a barbecue in his honor. We will either have cheeseburgers, hot dogs or some sort of kabob.... like I said I am still in the planning stages. In addition to a barbecue, I found that it is a tradition to wish pray upon a star and invoke Saint Lawrence to pray along with you. I think it is pretty awesome that the next two feasts we are celebrating both incorporate the stars. It will be a nice way to help bring our busy summer to s relaxing close.

So that sums it up! I would love some input on anything anyone has to offer as we start down the new path God has brought my family to travel. Thank you for your continued prayers and God Bless!

Feast of Saint Dominic

Plans for today were rearranged completely since I wrote out a short summary a post or two ago. So far this week both boys have been to the doctor and one has gone to the Emergency Room! Squishy has an ear infection and Little Man has an infection in his gland in his throat. As you can imagine this has obviously created an exciting week of driving to and from summer camp and daycare to doctor to hospital and then to the pharmacy. I have to say my little guys are so resilient, they are both still running around like there is nothing wrong with them :o)

Before I go into detail about our special celebration today I just had to share some adorable pictures of Little Man from today's football practice. It was the first practice the kids have had in full uniforms and they all look so adorable in their little uniforms and football gear! As you can see Little Man was exhausted from such a long practice but he said he really likes his cool practice uniform. While I was trying to entertain Squishy and take pictures during practice I apparently took a video as well?? I have no idea... I guess my phone has a mind of its own at times but I somehow captured Little Man's first tackle attempt. After practice I was told Little Man has a lot of potential and listens well so maybe this will be one of the sports he pursues as he matures in his athleticism.

I love seeing both of my kids blossoming as they grow. I feel so blessed to be their mom. I am hoping we can see a high school or college football game this coming season. Little Man always asks to go watch the "professionals" play. We are big Florida Gator fans! We watch the Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs as well :o)

Getting back on topic... I was able to throw together a nice but simple celebration in honor of Saint Dominic today! I ended up throwing together a couple turkey sandwiches and imprinted them with stars to serve along our chicken and stars soup. I served dinner with some Saint Dominic's Orange Punch, which was the highlight of the meal! I put 2 scoops of Orange flavored sherbet in some glasses and topped it with some ginger ale. I love that the boys were so excited about the bubbly drink. To end our small celebration we had smores! One day I am going to try a flaming dessert but I think the boys my be too little to fully appreciate it and actually may be more afraid than excited, if they saw their food on fire. Plus with all the doctors visits we have had this week I was not willing to try my luck that everyone would keep their little fingers away. 

During dinner I talked to the boys about some cool facts about Saint Dominic. We discussed how he is the patron saint of astronomy (thus all the star symbols in our dinner), his special connection to oranges and the dream that Saint Dominic's mother had about him while she was pregnant. He was a dog carrying a torch and he lit the world on fire. 

We also we unable to do any star gazing or glow in the dark bubbles. After the kids ate and took their baths they literally passed out on the couch together. They are snuggling each other as I sit here typing. I think we will try to move our outdoor activities to tomorrow night.

As promised, I wanted to share my special story about Saint Dominic (Little Man still doesn't know this). When I was pregnant with Little Man, I had planned on giving him a different name than the one he has. One night I had a dream that I was sitting in a church and I was alone in this gorgeous room full of beautiful stained glass. I can see in the middle of this room there is a book lying on the middle of the ground. I hear someone whisper, "Read it". I pick up the book and there was tons of writing but I can only remember seeing the word DOMINIC. All of a sudden the stained glass shatters and I am awaken from my dream. I remember calling my dad the next day and telling him this story and how it touched me. I remember him laughing on the phone and saying he remembers having a dream about having a little girl named Jessica and him telling my mom about it. It is so funny how God's plan is so intricately designed and how it is perfect no matter how much we try to deviate from it. I know that God was talking to me in my dream, just like I think my dad feels the same way about his. And here we are :o) I later learned about the dream that Saint Dominic's mom had about him.

Saint Dominic, pray for us!