Lent, So Far...

Well.  Just when you think you know how things will go... 

This was March 14, I kid you not.

We all had our Lenten sacrifices planned.  I had the purple cloth neatly arranged on our family altar. 

And then we got some news that took our offerings to a new level. 

OK, I'm being a little dramatic here, so let me just state the facts.  One of our children has been diagnosed with a bunch of pretty severe food allergies.  I have always felt really sorry for families who had major dietary restrictions, but never quite imagined it could be us.  I mean, we like food waaaay too much for that to happen around here. 

But, alas, we are in the thick of figuring out how to feed a child who can't have any grains except quinoa, corn, seeds, nuts, or legumes.  Thanks be to God we can still have dairy and eggs.  And bacon.  I mean the rest of us can still have whatever we want, but we're trying to be in solidarity here. 

On Wednesday night, when Joy was gone, we ordered pizza as fast as our little fingers could dial the phone. 

So, that's that. 

In other news, we can finally see the (brown) grass in our yard!!  Spring weather must be right around the corner.  In desperation the other day, I pulled out an oldie but goodie to keep Baby occupied.  I sort of forgot that in our other kitchens, we had vinyl or laminate or tile...  something other than hardwood! 

playing with my camera settings.  see how I managed to capture the splashes?

 So, we ended up with some puddles on the floor, but little Man was super happy playing in a tub of water for a long time. 

the shirt says it all.

 After a while, we decided to ditch the soggy clothes. 

 And then Big Sister, who just couldn't resist, joined in the fun. 

 

Never fear, kids!  Before you know it, we'll be at the pool! 

 

 

And then, Spike had his final basketball tournament of the year.  They even pulled out a win to make their record 2-11.  Everybody knew it would be a building year.  :)

 

The family cheering section!

time out

a baby and his cousin

Spike and I  (I was tempted to write 'me and spike' but my homeschooling self wouldn't allow it).

biggest fan

chillin' with Grandma, Pada, and pizza between games

Hope things are thawing out (if they were frozen) wherever you are!! 

Looking Forward

Spring teased us this week.  She showed up for a few days, giving us reason to bring the lightweight jackets out of storage and roll down the windows in the van...  Then she disappeared again behind today's resurgence of winter...   Oh well.  At least we know she hasn't forgotten us completely.

I've had about enough of posting snowy pictures, though, so today I'll focus on looking ahead to warmer days...

Here's a list of some things I'm looking forward to:

1.  My brother and sister-in-law moving home from abroad with their 3 little boys in 11 days.  We're counting the minutes.

2.  The rest of Lent.  Love Lent.  Love the sacrifices and focused prayer that make Easter all the sweeter.  I'm off my favorite ipad game, and I'm trying to wear skirts on Fridays.  Check out Skirting up for Lent at femgenius.com.

3.  Our parish's annual fish fry.  It's the best, and I'm not just saying that.  Everything is homemade, home fried, so yummy.  And I love the crowded church hall with people from all around our church's little community, Catholic and otherwise, gathered for food and friendship. 

4.  Tulips and daffodils.  Kid 118 and I planted bulbs last fall, so I'm really hoping for colorful flowerbeds in a few weeks.  If they don't come up, we'll just enjoy the neighbors flowers, and I'll try not to be too sad...

5.  Pool days.  Flip-flops.  Coat-less weather.  Planting the garden.  First Communions.  Easter Dresses.  Spring Cleaning. 

Happy Wednesday!

Sunday Morning... In Like a Lion

We went to Mass last evening in anticipation of another snowfall overnight.  We thought there might be a chance that CCD (Sunday School) would be cancelled today, and we were correct.  The weather situation isn't horrible, but when  your church is on a county road in the middle of a cornfield, it's one of the last places the snowplows visit. 

Hence, this morning has been an unusual Sunday morning at home...  I documented the day and the weather from indoors, of course, since Daddy was home to get the snow blower fired up.  I offered, but since he insisted...  Baby and I decided to stay in our jammies as long as possible. 

the view from inside our front door

Some of us preferred to stay in the house...

looks like we need to do a little more child-proofing



all that white outside the window...  hope it's gone by the end of the month!

Some ventured out...  But not Mommy, so we only have pictures of comings and goings...

note the pink cheeks

the messy mudroom. 

funny.  faithful about wearing her new glasses!

hammy - sneaks in whenever he can!

It's a pretty snowfall, actually, and not as cold as it has been.  Here's hoping, though, that the old adage comes true...  March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb...

living room view.   this is what happens to your house when you raise  your kids to be bookworms.  This is less cluttered than usual, actually. :)

trouble, I'm sure.

finally dressed!

serious on purpose.

a little warming up with some tea and the Drudge Report

Later this afternoon, we're making a family trek to see Frozen!!  Baby and I are the only ones who haven't seen it yet.  This will be Baby's first time in a theater, and my first time in a theater since I saw The Help with my sister-in-law about 2 1/2 years ago...  You bet I'm getting popcorn!!

I think I made it 6/7 on my 7 posts in 7 days promise...  Maybe I'll sneak in another later tonight to make up for my failure yesterday...

Happy Sunday!!