I am so happy the weekend is here! For some reason this was a long, stressful, exhausting week. The boys have been bickering and it's felt like one fire alarm after another and that can be so draining. I really try to keep a fun, structured schedule so they boys have a nice mix of learning, playing and doing chores but some days it's just futile. Couple that with some other personal things I'm dealing with and I have been ready for a silent retreat! Lol. The good news is, we ended on a high note with a fun Friday at the William McKinley Monument and Museum. I went with my friend Jen (we did the Reading and Road Trips together) and her kids and explored the "Discover" museum too. It really is a fun place for the whole family! Here are some snapshots from our day.
They had an old-fashioned fire station complete with a poll!
The Discover museum was loaded with animal furs for the kids to identify. I think Grant is ready for his role in "Dances with Wolves"!
Grant, Garrett, and Micaiah atop the McKinley Monument contemplating their own political future.
Given that this was such a down week, I thought an article I read tonight could not have been timed more perfectly (thank you Holy Spirit)! It is a brief explanation of the concept and meaning behind "offering it up". If you know any good Catholics, you have no doubt heard that phrase before! It is a practice to be lived with the intention of drawing closer to God through trials, however small or large. Whenever my kids gripe or complain about something I remind them to "offer it up" and they've had a bit of trouble understanding the idea. To be honest, it wasn't until a few years ago I understood it fully myself. I have been doing that a lot lately, especially with my own personal disappointments and although it's not always easy...it offers immense peace. Also the power to use something bad for GOOD...which is the paradox of the cross of course. From the greatest agony (the Crucifixion of Christ), the greatest good came from it. I understand not everyone will agree with the theology but please know this my blog where I share my life, I'm not trying to be divisive, just be honest about things that have brought me closer to God over the past few years. Faith and Family had a great link that explains "offering it up" so I thought I would post it here. A great one if you want to understand what in the world those Catholics are talking about, or if you want to practice it yourself.:) Click here for the article.
Well, it's been almost a month since our dog Molly died. I am surprised how often she comes in up in conversation and how often the boys say they miss her. It's hard to believe we weren't even going to consider a pet until the kids were older. She sure convinced us otherwise!:) She was such a good girl. The silver lining is that her babies are doing well! It was tough for the breeder because she never had a situation where one of her dog's died, so the babies had no mommy to nurse from and she had to bottle feed and care for them. There was a time when we weren't sure if they would be okay, but thankfully they are doing much better! We pretty much decided we would get a puppy, especially since it would be Molly's baby and then I saw these pictures. Oh my goodness! They are SO CUTE! I wonder if any of them snore like Molly did?!:)
This weekend we were honored to see Tony Melendez in concert. I blogged about him recently and his story. The boys were SO excited, especially Gabriel (I think he is star struck in the photo. Lol). It was an inspirational show and I know we were all blessed by his music and faith. My favorite part of the concert was when he said "lift up your hands in praise, they are MIRACLES from God"!! I was never so grateful to have healthy arms and hands. Here is Tony's official website. Check it out and spread the word!
Also, thanks to Mark who told me about another powerful story. Nick Vujicic was born without arms or legs. He has a ministry called "Life Without Limbs" and he is changing the world! Here is a short clip of an interview with him. You can also find some incredible videos on his website or on You Tube.
We hardly watch any TV these days, but a few times we've caught "America's Got Talent". Nick Cannon is the host and I think he does a great job. Very funny, and witty (which is not always easy)!:) Seeing him on the show made me remember a powerful video he made a while back. It is a true story based on his own life (that almost wasn't). I think the lyrics and video say it all. Way to go Nick!
This week we have been dealing with rain here in NE Ohio. I know it's a bummer for anyone on vacation but we've actually been enjoying it! Thankfully the boys think it's "cool" to watch the lightening and hear the thunder and usually don't get scared. As much as I love roaming free outside, it's a nice change of pace to hibernate inside and uncover activities in the basement playroom. I was looking for creative things for us to do and ran across "Rainy Day Activities" on the Family Fun website.
This is cute! A simple craft where you make chopstick hair ornaments.
We won't be doing this one (ha ha) but it looks perfect for girls. Also, we might do www.Kidsbowlfree.com there is a participating location nearby...sweet!
The only downside to the weather is I haven't been able to get a run in at all this week. I'm ahead in my half marathon training but I'm feeling antsy to get out and get a good workout in. I need to work off the comfort food we've been eating lately!:)
A big thank you to D-D who sent the coolest kids supper idea! D-D is not only a loyal Fish listener but a dear friend and when I get an e-mail from her, I know it's going to be something good!:) It's a hot dog and spaghetti recipe. Granted, it looks a little freaky, but that is precisely why I know my boys would love it! It's already on my meal plan for the weekend, thanks D-D!
Speaking of e-mail, I received a great one from Becky who is a regular blog reader. In her words she is "cautiously" going to give running a try. Yippee! I know it's not for everyone, but good for you for giving it a try Becky! She asked for some tips for a beginning runner and so I figured I would post a few here. 1.Go slow. I have been running for 10 years and may be the pace of a turtle, but at least I keep moving. We all have our own level of competition but in my experience the best thing to do is just take in the blessing of what's around you, push yourself as much as possible but don't demand too much at first, just learn to fall in love with it. The best thing about that is there are always ways you can push yourself further, faster, harder but you want o stay healthy too, and that comes with a consistent growth of base miles. 2.Set goals. I like the website: www.mapmyrun.com. Once I have my route, it somehow makes it easier so I'm not just meandering through the path, I actually have a focused destination. 3.Music! Some runners don't like music and it's safer to not have it actually, but I usually just have one ear bud in and that works fine. Some good tunes (in my humble opinion) are: I Run for Life (M. Etheridge), Go Your Own Way (Fleetwood Mack), Hands of God (Newsboys), also, Rocky Boat by Steven Delopoulos. We had him in studio a few years back and I was blown away by his music. I ended up buying his album and I still love it to this day! He was part of a Christian group called "Burlap to Cashmere" with a song Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth (B.I.B.L.E.-another good running tune). Anyway, the album is super artsy and i don't understand one iota of what he's talking about but I love the haunting, Mediterranean feel of his cd. Click on the link, and if you can tell me what Jungle Trail or Daisies and Sandlewood means, I will give you $5 bucks! Lol. Anyway, I digress. My last running tune to recommend is the Army Ranger Cadence.
I could go on, and on (ha ha) but those are some basics that have worked for me. Again, everyone is different and of course don't forget to hydrate and stretch!:) If you have any tips for Becky, please feel free to leave a comment!
My last little blurb is a great story I saw today on Faith and Family Live. It's about the need for "baby cuddlers". What a job, I would volunteer for that in a heartbeat!:) I love the article, for some reason it made me cry (but then again I cry at everything).:) Here is the story.
The Akron Marathon is just over 12 weeks away. I will be running in the half marathon, along with my new friends from Team in Training! Team in Training is part of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and they help people achieve their athletic dreams while helping fight cancer. You just sign up, raise money for LLS and in return you get access to a coach, training, and great support! It's made for all levels from couch potatoes, to walkers and avid runners. I wish I would have done this years ago! There is more to running that lacing up your shoes and hitting the pavement and so often I have questions and it's great to have personal access to a trainer. Team in Training gets you prepared for anything from a triathlon to a cycling event, full or a half marathon. The other cool thing is the "Honored Hero" you get to know (and run for). Its a person who is fighting Leukemia or Lymphoma who is directly affected by the programs and it's and extra reminder who you are helping (and why you are working so hard)!:)
I am grateful to be a part of the program, especially as a family. We intend to make the training a team effort like last time and the boys know that mom is doing this to help others, and that even "old moms" can achieve a dream like a full or half marathon. The boys and I love reading inspirational stories from the library, and so often I tell them that the people we read about are proof that you can truly do anything. I need to internalize that for myself though too, it IS possible! I like the quote that says: "The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start." I think sometimes that is the hardest part. Once you begin, and the ball is rolling then the motivation comes. So if you have ever thought about doing something like this, this is a fantastic opportunity! You can find out more at the Team in Training website.
Also, have you seen the Evian Roller Babies?! So cute!
I am really bummed with Olive Garden and I can't hide it any more. For years I have been a loyal customer. Our family has celebrated milestones and created memories around the soft, scrumptious bread sticks and Italian ambiance. In fact, for two of my son's births my husband bought me an entire chocolate lasagna cake to celebrate. That is where my love turned cold though. They suddenly and without warning, omitted chocolate lasagna from their menu! This occurred about two years ago, I can even remember where I was and the time of year when the waiter delivered the dreaded news. Things have not been the same since! I truly LOVED chocolate lasagna (clearly a little too much). Lol. Anyway, I really haven't gotten over it but once in a great while we still go back. I enjoy the breadsticks and they make the best chicken Caesar salad I have ever had. Well, make that... DID. On vacation I went to order my one nugget of joy on the Olive Garden menu and it was GONE! Ahhhh, not again! I couldn't believe it! I know it's a pasta place so salad isn't top priority but sheesh, my heart was already broken once! That is so frustrating. Whether it's makeup or a brand you really love, it stinks when it's gone. Anyway, I really need to sit down and e-mail someone at Olive Garden about this distressing turn of events. I was bound and determined when the chocolate lasagna fiasco happened but I just never did. Thankfully, there are some great copycat sites online and they have the recipe posted for me to re-create the dessert. Yes! Chocolate Lasagna will live on!:) Here is a picture:
If you want some GREAT restaurant-duplicated recipes, check out this website. They have everything from the Red Lobster biscuits to Roadhouses' ribs. Yum!
This is fun, the boys and I discovered a new game show that is entertaining and informative. Believe it or not, there is a Catholic TV website with different shows. I was impressed!:) The neat thing about many of the episodes is that everyone can participate, it's just a good test of general Christian knowledge. It's a reminder that the Bible is an endless supply of knowledge and I for one, need to study it more. Anyway, this is a pretty long video (with a long intro) but worth checking out..see how you do!:)
P.S. I am officially committed to the Akron Half Marathon! I ran 7 miles today and it felt great. We'll see how I feel tomorrow! Lol.
If you want to see an amazing musician, check out Tony Melendez! He is coming to North Canton in a few weeks and we are excited to see him live. It's the "Faith and Family Fest" listed on the right of the page of this website. This is a rough recording but I think it still conveys the incredible ability he has, plus it's one of my favorite songs of all time so I am partial.:) Enjoy!>
Here are the pictures of our trip to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. It exceeded expectations, wow! The website says it's the "The World's Largest Aquarium" and it truly delivered. Seeing everything from the tiniest organisms (like garden eels) to a giant squid makes me just marvel at God's creation. It is truly amazing to see the detail and some of the millions of living, breathing things under the water! If you are ever in Atlanta I highly recommend visiting, it was a hit!:) Here is the really slick website. Here is our little slide show. :)
We returned this week from our summer vacation!:) About halfway through we got the news about Molly (below this post) which was unexpected and sad. We ended up coming home a day early and I'm actually glad we did. It's been nice to just lounge at home and enjoy no schedule or immediate commitments. When we walked through the door you could smell Molly (we turned the air off so it had that lovely, stuffy smell).:) Normally it would be like "eww" but this time it was a sad reminder that she isn't there. We are leaning towards getting a puppy but still have not decided for sure.
Anyway for our vacation we went to the Biltmore in Asheville, NC and then spent time in Georgia with Jim's family. On the way back we stopped in Atlanta at the Georgia Aquarium and that was incredible!
The Biltmore was just awe-inspiring, from the vast square footage to the scenery and
the peaceful grounds. The home was built by George Vanderbilt in the late 1800's and it's a fascinating place, Jim and I could've stayed in the home all day just marveling at the detail and history. The boys on the other hand...not so much.:) They did great but I think it's a place more for couples. There is so much to do, from biking to horseback riding, a winery, vast gardens, a petting farm, spa, etc. Here is the website. MercyMe is playing a concert there in August. That is going to be amazing!! Anyway, Jim and I had wanted to go there for years (since we lived in NC) so it's nice to finally say we have been there!:) Asheville itself was less than exciting but that is just my opinion, I guess it depends what you are there for. Here is a slide show of the visit:
I have another slide show to post (from the rest of our trip) but I have to run and make supper. Hopefully I'll get it up tonight or tomorrow. Thanks so much for all of your condolences and comments about Molly.
Well, yesterday was quite a roller coaster. Our breeder picked up Molly last week in preparation of her upcoming birth. If you are new to the blog, we fostered Molly (an English Bulldog) and although she is our dog, the breeder retains rights to her puppies and the whole process before/after. So she was due, via c-section on Sunday. We received the text message and photo, the babies arrived! 3 girls and 1 boy. We spread the word and shared the news and the boys were so excited. Then, last night we received a call that something awful had happened. Molly died! What?! We are still trying to put the pieces together but from what I understand, the trach collapsed her breathing tube and she suffocated. I don't have the full story but I assume it was a delayed reaction because she was obviously okay after the procedure because in the photo (above) she is conscious and nursing. I guess our breeder looked over and her tongue and mouth were blue and she had just stopped breathing. We are all so upset! We didn't even have Molly for a year. She was hands down the best dog we ever owned. Jim and I told the boys this morning and it was tough. Gabriel and Garrett seemed to be okay but Grant had a hard time. When you consider getting a pet, it's part of the process to think ahead and know that at some point, the dog will die. Jim and I talked about that and how the boys would react when that day came and death comes to all of us, we just didn't expect it would happen so soon. Anyway, the breeder offered us one of Molly's puppies but I just can't go there yet. We are still missing OUR dog and trying to adjust to the news. Grant actually asked if we could have one of her babies but that is a big question. Puppies are a totally different ball game. We got Molly after she passed the chewing, potty-training stage and she was already calm and obedient. We'll have to stew on that for a while. Well, I have much more to update but my time is short, I'll be back to update soon.
