My Daybook, a Day Late - September 29, 2009

For Today... Tuesday, September 29, 2009, The Feast of Saint Michael, my patron

Outside my window... it is forty-five and party cloudy. It finally feels like autumn. My sister-in-law got married this past weekend (which explains my long absence from blogging) and her reception was held outside. Friday was pouring down rain and quite chilly as we were helping her set up. Sunday was chilly and pretty windy as we were packing up to head home. But Saturday was an absolutely gorgeous fall day -- sunny and warm. The reception was held in the couple's backyard, and her gardens and decorations in the tent were exquisite. I told her if I had known her better ten years ago when I married her brother, I would have put her in charge of my flowers and decorations! (Here's a family pic from the day!)

I am thinking... about girls' dresses. I have the hardest time finding dresses for The Girls that both they and I like. They're either something I wouldn't want my eighteen-year-old wearing, so why would I put my eight-year-old in it, or something out of a fairy tale ball -- way too dressy for most of our occasions. When we were looking for something to wear to the wedding, I tried Target, Kohls, Herbergers, and Macy's before settling on the ones pictured above from JCPenney. But I'd like to find some other dresses for Mass this winter. Any suggestions? (BTW, I can't spend a fortune either.)

I am thankful for... the completion of a long-worked-on chapter of the dissertation. It ended up being four months of labor and about a hundred and forty pages. I think my DH is going to mail it to his director today. One chapter to go (plus the introduction and conclusion)!

From the school room... the book basket has been restocked with books on the ancient world, maps, angels, astronomy, and Giotto. I love our book basket -- it gives the kids an opportunity to feel like they're reading what they want to read, but they're really reading what I want them to read since all the books in the basket are related to what we are currently studying. They spend twenty minutes a day reading from their choice in the basket. During our afternoon rest time and before bed, they can read what they like.

From the kitchen... it's another week of feasts! Tonight we are trying the apple chicken I read about on Jessica's blog, along with devil's food cupcakes in honor of St. Michael's great victory. This week we will also be celebrating the feast of St. Therese, the Older Girl's patron, so she gets to choose dinner -- spaghetti and meatballs (ALWAYS) -- and eclairs, Therese's childhood favorite, for dessert. On Friday, the feast of the guardian angels, we will be feasting on angel hair pasta and angel food cake.

I am wearing... jeans, a red long-sleeve tee, my favorite cozy hooded sweater from my sister, and fleece-lined crocs.

I am creating ... Jesse tree ornaments. I started these two years ago, and only finished about a third of them. Then last year, with the pregnancy and moving, I didn't get around to any more. I am determined to finish them by the First Sunday of Advent. We usually try and get our Christmas tree cut down and in the house by then. We decorate it with purple lights and pink and purple ribbon for Advent, and then add one of the ornaments each night after reading the corresponding Bible story. I'll post more on this later, along with pictures.

I am going... to take The Girls to their first Little Flowers club meeting this afternoon. While they're there I am going to take The Baby to get her six-month shots.

I am reading... work-related stuff, mostly marriage cases.

I am hoping... The Baby's first teeth break through soon. She is pretty miserable, not sleeping well, has a drippy nose. I can see the two on the bottom through her swollen gums ... it's just a matter of time. And I could use a good night sleep again!


I am hearing... the three older kids sitting at the dining room table working on St. Michael coloring sheets and The Baby in her swing.

Around the house... We're recovering from a weekend away. You know how it goes -- in and out, throw stuff around, pack and unpack ...

One of my favorite things... this hat.


A few plans for the rest of the week: Today The Girls have their first Little Flowers club meeting and I have to bring The Baby to the doctor's office for shots. Tomorrow and Thursday evening are dance nights. Friday, an aunt and cousin will be visiting from New York for the afternoon. Friday night I have plans to go out for a glass of wine with a friend. Saturday, The Girls are dancing at a local parish's fall festival and we are going to some friends' house for dinner. Plus, I am hosting Little Flowers next week, so I should start planning that. And the fall decorations need to be brought out from the basement and the summer clothes put away (finally) and the winter ones brought out. (One problem with this rental place is the lack of closet space!)

Here is a picture-thought I am sharing...

Handsome Man at the Wedding Reception

For more daybooks, visit here.

My Daybook - September 21, 2009

For Today... Monday, September 21, 2009, The Feast of Saint Matthew

Outside my window... it is seventy, cloudy, and dark. It still feels more like summer than September in Minnesota. I shouldn't complain because winter's cold will be here soon enough. But I do so like the fall.

I am thinking... about September 21, 1996. I was with my husband (then a college seminary friend) in Florence, Italy. We were studying in Rome for the semester and had traveled to Florence for a long weekend. We each had a backpack full of our stuff for the trip. It was necessary to padlock our zippers together to keep friendly fingers from snatching our passports or money or whatever else valuable we had to travel with. As we were standing in line to visit one of the art museums, Matthew noticed that he had inadvertently changed the combination on his padlock and had no idea what the new combination was, and thus he could not get into his backpack without cutting it open. We said a prayer to Saint Matthew, who's feast day it was, he gave the numbers a spin, and ... it opened! Thank you, Saint Matthew!

I am thankful for... our dear friend, Father Paul. He was able to join us last minute this evening for dinner. And he brought a bottle of wine to share, too.

From the school room... Thanks to Jamie and Sarah, religion class is going much better. We are doing the Faith and Life series one day (instead of all five), The Great Adventure for Kids Bible Study one day a week, the Baltimore Catechism one day, and Feast Day/Saints stories and activities wherever they fit. The kids are enjoying the variety, and I'm not hearing as many complaints.

From the kitchen... I tried a great new lasagna recipe from my Italian Cooking Encyclopedia. It will be the one I make regularly -- layers of noodles, bolognese, bechamel, and parmesan. Mediterranean salad and garlic bread were our sides. And, since it was my husband's feast day, I made a pecan pie and served it with vanilla ice cream. We feasted tonight!

I am wearing... jeans, an olive-colored T-shirt, and flip-flops.

I am going... to bed as soon as I post this.

I am reading... In the Presence of Our Lord: The History, Theology, and Psychology of Eucharistic Devotion.

I am hoping... the weather is nice for my sister-in-laws wedding this weekend. The reception will be held outside.

I am hearing... my husband cleaning up the kitchen (he insisted that I blog instead of help him) and the girls finishing their snacks after dance and heading off to the shower.

Around the house... My desk STILL needs to be cleared off.

One of my favorite things... giving The Baby a bath and watching her try to catch streams of water that I pour onto her belly.

A few plans for the rest of the week: It seems like each week is the same in this category: get our schoolwork done, get my job work done, get the laundry done, feed everyone three meals a day, keep the house picked up. This week we're throwing in finding clothes to wear to the wedding on Saturday and helping set up for the reception. (BTW, what do you wear to a wedding after Labor Day when it's still hot out? I feel weird putting the girls in their Easter dresses and white shoes, but if it doesn't cool down, they're going to roast in their fall dresses.)

Here is a picture-thought I am sharing...

Okay, it's not really a picture, it's a painting: Caravaggio's The Calling of Saint Matthew.

Have a good week! For more daybooks, visit here.

I Must Be Doing Something Right

Daughter: Mom, we're not going to Mass today, are we?

Me: No, we usually don't go on Saturdays.

Daughter: Can I go to confession?

Me: Of course. You can walk over to church with your sister this afternoon.

Daughter: Good. I want to bring the flowers I picked for Mary.

Me (a little dense, I guess): Mary who?

Daughter (with a hint of exasperation): Jesus' mom!

Thank you, Lord, I must be doing something right!

Quick Takes - Volume 4

--- 1 ---

We recently got a new pastor at our parish. Father Humberto Palomino came to us from California, but the religious order he belongs to is Peruvian, Pro Ecclesia Sancta. He has already been such a blessing to the parish and to our family. My children LOVE him, and the two brothers who are also living in the rectory, studying at the nearby seminary. All three of them joined us for evening prayer and dinner on Monday evening. It was the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, so we had a lemon-flavored, cross-shaped cake for dessert -- I forgot to take a picture of it, but it was delicious.

(This picture is a little fuzzy, but you get the idea.)

They brought us chocolates, made by some of the women religious of their community. The chocolates are raisin, cherry, or pecan (yummy!), and each one is wrapped with a Scripture verse. They also brought rosary bracelets for the kids, and a beautiful framed print of the Sacred Heart of Jesus for our family.

--- 2 ---

Last night, my husband and I attended a dinner and lecture at the University. The speaker was Father Paul Murray, an Irish Dominican who teaches at the Angelicum University in Rome. The lecture was entitled Aquinas at Prayer: The Interior Life of a Mystic at Campus. My husband and I met Father Murray eleven years ago when we were studying in Rome. He counseled us through and blessed our engagement. It was such a treat to see him again, and a JOY (for me) to attend a lecture. I know, I know, it sounds kind of nerdy, but I loved college, and I love academia. And Father Murray is an especially good lecturer. Being married to a university professor has its perks!

--- 3 ---

My in-laws came over to watch the kids last night while my husband and I were gone (thank you, thank you, thank you!). They brought with them a bag of tomatoes and a bag of zucchini and squash from their garden (thank you, thank you, thank you!). These zucchini are ginormous, so I think I'm going to make some muffins for breakfast next week. Yummy!

--- 4 ---

I generally try to get the kids out for a field trip on Friday afternoons, somewhere related to something we're studying. And on Sundays, we generally try to get out of the house together as a family. When the weather is nice, we're likely to be enjoying the outdoors. But, Minnesota winters are LONG and COLD. As of last week, we are all set for winter field trips and Sunday outings. We have memberships now to the St. Paul Children's Museum, the Minnesota Zoo, the Science Museum of Minnesota, and the Minnesota Historical Society. Later this afternoon we are off to the zoo to classify animals.

--- 5 ---

Does anybody have any good ideas for getting a five-year-old boy to use the toilet consistently? The Boy is driving me crazy with waiting too long because he doesn't want to take the time to go. He rarely has a full-blown accident -- he goes just enough in his underwear to relieve the pressure. But sometimes he waits so long that he can't stop -- and we're talking number one and number two. Help!

--- 6 ---

My dad came over this morning for Science Friday with Papa. He loves science and he loves spending time with the kids; I love not having one subject to plan; and the kids love having a different teacher once in a while. This morning he also brought me a mocha. I love my dad!

--- 7 ---

Our weekend plans include running errands, my niece's sixth birthday party, and visiting with a priest friend who will be in town for a few days from Washington, DC, where he is also working on completing his dissertation.

Enjoy your weekend! For more quick takes, visit here.

Thursday Thoughts from Pope Benedict XVI

During my holy hour last night, I came across this passage in my prayer journal. It is from Pope Benedict's address to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, given on February 10, 2006.

Jesus Christ, who is the fullness of the truth, draws to himself the heart of each person, enlarges it and fills it with joy. Indeed, truth alone can take possession of the mind and make it rejoice to the full. It is this joy that increases the dimensions of the human heart, lifting it from the narrowness of selfishness and rendering it capable of authentic love.

Jesus is the Truth. Truth fills our hearts with joy. Joy increases our ability to love. Beautiful!

Night Picnic and Language Arts Field Trip

As I mentioned in a previous post, we are using Total Language Plus for language arts this year. One of the things the integrated curriculum does is provide extra "enrichment" options to supplement the language arts lessons. These enrichment activities could be in the form of a geography or science lesson, for example, or an art project.

Last week The Girls read the first two chapters of The Courage of Sarah Noble. The book is about an eight-year-old girl who travels with her father from Massachusetts to Connecticut, where he is going to build a house for their family. Sarah volunteers to go along to cook for her father. The rest of the family remains in Massachusetts because the youngest member of the family is an infant and not strong enough to make such a long journey through the wilderness yet.

There are many times on their journey that Sarah finds herself feeling afraid, and she has often to remember her mother's words as they were departing, "Keep up your courage, Sarah Noble." In the first chapter, for example, Sarah is sleeping outside with her father and is scared by all of the unfamiliar noises.

One of the TLP-suggested enrichment activities for this chapter was to sit outside at night and listen to the sounds. So, Saturday night, after we were done with our work for the day, we drove to a State Park and had a picnic dinner while we waited for it to get dark.

We had a great evening! As soon as it started getting dark, the picnic ground cleared out -- we were the only ones there. Unlike Sarah, we had a nice campfire to enjoy while we listened to the sounds of the night.



Sarah had heard an owl, a fox, and a wolf. We heard crickets and frogs and birds (and an occasional motorcycle and some fireworks in the distance). One of The Girls was a little nervous about the darkness, and I reminded her of how dark it was for Sarah and her father -- no lights, no campfire -- it was so dark Sarah couldn't even see her father sitting next to her.

In addition to our field trip exercise, we also enjoyed ...

... glow-in-the-dark bracelets,

s'mores,

roasted marshmallows,

star-gazing, and

sparklers!

I wish this picture of The Baby's souvenirs from the evening had turned out better. We woke up Sunday morning and she had two matching mosquito bites -- one on either cheek -- and one on her nose. It was hilariously cute! (If you look closely, you might be able to see them!)

Moments Like These

Last night as I was getting The Baby ready for her bath, I noticed that she had a very. full. diaper. I then realized I hadn't changed her. all day. My husband was appalled. (It was not a poopy diaper, by the way.) Getting defensive, I said, "Hey, I change her most days." He laughed at that.

Please tell me I'm not the only one who's done this!

Quick Takes - Volume 3

--- 1 ---

One thing I did not figure into my school year schedule is time for blogging! I have so enjoyed this these last couple months. It has been a source of fulfillment for me. I have been able to record special moments in my children's lives with words and pictures (something I had been wanting to do in the way of scrapbooks since my eldest was born!). I have made time to reflect on life, which has given me a deeper appreciation for the everyday and helped me to keep things in perspective. I have been able to share what our family is doing with friends and family out-of-state. I have "met" some wonderful Catholic women and found more inspiration and affirmation than I could have imagined.

--- 2 ---

Tuesday we celebrated Our Lady's birthday by making the blueberry cheesecake I read about on Shower of Roses (it was delicious!) and by praying a family rosary.

--- 3 ---

One of my favorite times of the day is family reading time. Most nights, after everyone is in their jammies, we say our bedtime prayers and then read together as a family. I know this is also one of the highlights of my husband's day. This week we sadly (yes, I even shed a real tear) finished The Last Battle, the last in the Chronicles of Narnia series. Lewis is such a great author and has such a gift. The kids always groaned at the end of a chapter -- "That can't be the end of the chapter!" -- they couldn't wait until the next night. In fact, last week, before school started, all of us thought the same -- I think we read four chapters in one night! Last night we started the first in the Harry Potter series. I know this series is controversial. I've read them all. I enjoyed them. A lot. I'd love to know what you think.

--- 4 ---

One of the things I have desperately missed lately (for years) is a weekly holy hour in front of the Blessed Sacrament. There is a parish nearby with Perpetual Adoration and part of our new fall schedule allows for Mommy to have a holy hour on Wednesday nights while the girls are at dance. A whole hour of silence with Our Lord. every week. I am so excited! This past week was my first visit in ages, and it was blissful. (Although I am pretty tired by six-thirty in the evening, since I have been getting up at five o'clock, and I spent most of my time reading to stay awake!)

--- 5 ---

I think I've mentioned before that around dinnertime my nerves are shot and my patience is beginning to wane. To alleviate some of the noise and dinnertime battles, we have started again listening to something on CD for at least part of the dinner hour and then discussing it together. On Mondays we will be listening to a selection from the composer-of-the-month. On Tuesdays we will be listening to a chapter from The Story of the World, our history curriculum this year. After clean-up on Tuesdays we will complete our history lesson and work on projects together. On Wednesdays we will be listening to a recording from Greathall Productions (right now we're listening to A Treasury of Wisdom: True Stories of Hope and Inspiration) or one of the Glory Stories, stories from the lives of the saints.

--- 6 ---

The girls are trying to find ways to raise money for horse camp next summer. They have been collecting aluminum cans on the way to and from Mass and at the park (living near a college campus, there are no shortage of beer cans around!). I'm afraid that's not going to be enough, though, and they keep asking me how they can raise money. I don't really believe in giving them an allowance. And I'm not going to pay them to do things they are expected to do as part of the family. Suggestions?

--- 7 ---

Tonight I am going with my best friend to visit my sister-in-law, who happens to also be our hairdresser. We are getting our hair highlighted and cut (one of my FAVORITE things) and, since my sister-in-law has her own place, we are bringing wine and cheese and chocolate to enjoy at the same time. I am so looking forward to it!

Have a great weekend! For more quick takes, visit here.

The First Week of School

We've made it through three days of school!

This is the first year I've had more than one set of lesson plans because The Girls, being so close in age, have always done everything together. But now The Boy is a kindergartner. He joins the girls for some subjects, but for others, like reading and math, he's on his own. I was a little apprehensive about fitting everything in, especially since The Boy tends to only want to do what he wants to do when he wants to do it. But so far, so good. (I'm hoping the novelty doesn't wear off.)

My children, like their mother, thrive on routine. I think everyone is happy to have one again. The kids know when they are supposed to be doing school work, and what they are supposed to be doing, thanks to our lesson plans. They know when they're supposed to be doing chores, and they know what those chores are, thanks to the posted daily schedule. And they know when they can play and when they can rest and when they can eat. They even know what they're going to be eating, thanks to a weekly menu on the refrigerator. Tranquillitas ordinis!

And, so far, it's working. It's a lot of work, and I don't know if I can keep this pace up all year, but I have looked at my beautiful children working together and sighed contentedly numerous times this week. I have observed them from a distance delve enthusiastically into a new book and I have smiled. I have watched The Boy's face light up with pride as he sounds out a word he's never read before. I have been happy to have a clean house and a hot meal ready for my husband when he returns from the University. It is a lot of work. But I love it. (Most of the time.)

Tuesday evening one of The Girls said to the neighbor, "I love school time!" (I smiled, patted myself on the back, thanked God, and gave the neighbor a thumbs-up.)

I do have a few rough spots in my curriculum and in my schedule that need smoothing out. And so I pose these questions to you other Catholic moms (or dads) out there, especially you homeschoolers:

First, what do you do for religion class? I have used the Faith and Life Series in the past. I like it, but the kids aren't nearly as excited about it as they are about their other subjects, so I'm looking for other options. I really don't want them to groan when I say it's time for religion. And I don't really know what the problem is. I don't know if it's the way I'm presenting the material or the material itself. I've tried asking them. They tell me they like it, but I'm afraid they think if they say they don't like religion class it means they don't like God. Poor kids.

Second, since I work full-time and homeschool, I have to run a very tight ship. Each day is very structured in order to get everything done. We have been attending Mass daily. Our parish is within walking distance and Mass is at 10:00 am, the perfect time for a break in our schoolwork, some exercise, and, most importantly, time with our Lord. In the past, we were gone for an hour, from the time we left the house to the time we were back in the house and ready to start again. We just got a new pastor, however, and Mass is now twice as long as it used to be, which means another half an hour out of our already full day. I love taking the kids to Mass, but I just don't know if I can make it work. Suggestions?

Finally, what's more important for mom -- an extra half hour of sleep in the morning or a half hour of exercise?

Thanks everyone for your help! I'm praying for all you homeschoolers out there! Blessings upon you, your families, and your schools!

My Daybook - Labor Day 2009, Back to School

For Today... Monday, September 7, 2009, Labor Day

Outside my window... it is still 75 degrees and the sun is going down. It felt more like a it's-still-summer-go-to-the-beach kind of a day than a it's-September-tomorrow-school-starts kind of a day.

I am thinking... about how fast the summer went, about how The Baby is already six months old, about how soon we will be celebrating the end of graduate school and looking for a job again, about how quickly life can change. I am wondering what we will be doing next year at this time. Will the dissertation really be defended and the PhD completed? Will we be moving again? Where?

I am thankful for... the fall and the cooler temperatures and the return of the school year and a routine and rhythm to our days.

From the school room... last years school books are finally put away and the desks are filled with empty notebooks and folders, ready for filling.

From the kitchen... chicken fajitas and corn-on-the-cob from the farmer's market. Tomorrow we're making blueberry cheesecake for Our Lady's birthday.

I am wearing... cargo pants, flip-flops, and a lavendar tank top.

I am creating... lesson plans for the first two weeks of school.

I am going... crazy -- so much to do, so little time! I am also going to get a bowl of chocolate peanut butter ice cream when I'm done with this!

I am reading... Witness to Hope. I've started this biography of Pope John Paul II at least twice and I am determined to finish it this time. I am currently reading about the first years after his ordination and marveling at what a wonderful young priest he was.

I am hoping... to get through this first week of school without having a breakdown. I am hoping my dear hubby can do the same. I am also hoping we can manage to go camping at least once this year!

I am hearing... the dishwasher. And The Boy ... still not in the shower.

Around the house... everything is finally in its place, with the exception of my desk. I hope to clear that off before heading to bed. Or maybe not.

One of my favorite things... sitting out on the porch with an early morning cup of coffee before the kids are up, or in the evening after they're in bed with a glass of wine, enjoying my dear husband's company without interruptions.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Start our school year and our new fall schedule. I think that's enough!

Here is a picture-thought I am sharing...

Last year at Ocean Beach, California
I hate starting the school year feeling like I need a vacation! Keep us in your prayers, please!

For more daybooks, visit here.

Quick Takes - Volume 2

--- 1 ---

The basement is done! It's been mostly done since Monday, but now it's official -- I am unpacked and moved in and organized, with the exception of hanging things on the walls. And I'm not sure how much of that I'm going to do -- it doesn't seem worth it if we're likely moving again in a year, but it does make it seem more homey.

Before ...

... and after!

Before ...

... and after!

Before ...

... and after!

Okay, I know I'm a little neurotic about the plastic bins, but doesn't it look beautiful!?! And they're all labeled!

And there's room to jump this winter!

I can once again tell you where everything is in my house. (sigh of relief). Tranquillitas ordinis!

--- 2 ---

Now that the house is organized, I am ready to start planning the school year. (sigh ... not of relief). I do have most of my books. And I am really excited about using these for the first time.

--- 3 ---

I am also really excited about our new language arts program.

TLP offers literature-based, discovery style learning designed for Christian education. Our authors select exceptional literature and integrate the separate parts of language arts: spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and writing, as well as critical thinking and communication.

I'm most excited about the integrated approach to the various language arts subjects -- instead of having separate workbooks for spelling/vocabulary, grammar, handwriting, phonics, and reading comprehension, which we have had in the past, all of these subjects are in one workbook, and all of the lessons are based on a work of literature -- we're starting with The Courage of Sarah Noble.

Has anyone else tried this program?

--- 4 ---

I came across this quote from the Greek philosopher Plato this week:

The most effective kind of education is that a child should play amongst lovely things.

I started to think about the lovely things I wanted my children to play amongst: nature, music, and art. Besides getting outside as often as possible (which sometimes isn't all that often in the cold Minnesota winters with an infant), we are going to try and have fresh cut flowers on the table as often as possible. We are also going to choose one composer each month to learn about. We'll start with a biography and then listen to and become familiar with various compositions during dinner time once or twice a week. (Listening to something together during dinner has been a huge blessing in my effort to lessen the noise factor around here in the evenings!) We are also going to continue using Artistic Pursuits for art -- this year we're doing stories of artists and their art. When I was little one could check out framed prints at our local library. I wonder if they still do that? That would be a great inexpensive way to get art in our home.

What lovely things do you surround your little ones with?

--- 5 ---

My girls both dance competitively and have received about fifty medals and ribbons each already! I came across them when I was unpacking and now they're sitting in a box on my desk. Does anybody have any clever ideas of what to do with all of them?

--- 6 ---

Another first for The Baby:

the Johnny Jump Up!

--- 7 ---

My friend John posted some awesome commercials on his blog today. I don't know anything about the organization Catholics Come Home, but if their commercials are any indication ... check it out!

For more Quick Takes visit here.

Queen for a Day

Sarah tagged me for this award -- my first! Thanks, Sarah!

For this meme ...

1. List seven things that make you awe-summm!

2. Pass the award onto seven bloggers you read religiously.

3. Tag those seven bloggers.

So, here goes ... Seven Things That Make Me Awe-summm!

1. I am married to a wonderful man, who also happens to be a graduate student, and we are surviving living the trial ordeal journey of graduate school together rather well. (At least I haven't been institutionalized. yet.)

2. 3. 4. 5. I am building four cathedrals. at the same time. How awe-summm is that!




6. I am able to home school AND work (from home) full time (25 hours per week) in order to help with said graduate school journey -- pretty awesummm. (I don't recommend this, however.)

7. I am a Defender of the Bond [of Marriage] -- what an awe-summm job title (and responsibility!).

Now the problem is who to tag -- I've noticed that many I read religiously have been tagged before. So here's seven blogs I read, and if you've already received this award, I second it, and I dispense you of your responsibility to participate again!

Seven Blogs I Enjoy During My Coffee Breaks

1. More Than Enough

2. Lord, Make Me A Saint

3. Meet me at the gates

4. Shower of Roses

5. So ... This Is The Road I Am Traveling On

6. Ecclesia Domestica

7. Lunch Break (John, my IRL awe-summm friend, you can be a king if you want.) lol