Seven Quick Takes XIX: Snow and Inspiration

Things have been quiet on the business end around here. While I enjoy the lull, lulls always make me worry that there won't be an end to the lull. That may sound a little crazy, but it's okay, I fully accept that I am a worrier, and that it's just part of who I am. Anyway, I've been digging in deep, looking for some inspiration, and here are my current forerunners:

-One-

Cherish This Day, a blog full of those everyday moments. While I'm not doing a 365 project this year, I think it's important to still recognize that each day has it's own importance, despite the fact that us stay-at-home parents often feel like we're just slogging through to the "next" thing. This time that feels like an in-between time to us, is the childhood our babies will carry into adulthood.

-Two-

Snow. I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with snow. I don't like being cold or slogging through mush in parking lots, but I love how beautiful it is, how much my girls love playing in it, and how ridiculously adorable those little girls are in a mountain of backyard snow.

-Three-

Traveling plans. In the distant future (but hopefully before our tenth anniversary), Daniel and I are hoping to make our next big trip to the Czech Republic. My family is from a small village outside Prague, and I have always wanted to spend some time connecting with that past. In the less distant future, I am planning a trip to the South, and hopefully photographing a sweet family for a little "Day in the Life" narrative/shoot. 

-Four-

Two years ago, this petite little lady came into the outside world in the midst of the blizzard. This year, her birthday week has pushed this month into the snowiest February in 103 years. She is hilarious, adorable, and an absolute joy. I am so grateful for her presence in our lives. We have a sweet little Winnie-the-Pooh party coming up this weekend, because I'm all about celebrating these little lives we've been entrusted with, and she already gets super excited when she sees a decoration or piece for her party hanging out.

-Five-

Good food. While visiting my Oklahoma sister, I got back on the meal planning train. My food is nowhere near as exciting or varied as hers, but just having a plan with a few things we haven't put in rotation in a while has been refreshing. I do need to get better at actually getting things out to thaw or dough ready to rise on time, but it's been a happy week full of warm, yummy food.

-Six-

My mom is here! While I adore living in Colorado, the one thing that makes me regret leaving Kansas is the fact that my parents and so much of my family are still there. I am incredibly blessed in that my mom is willing to make the drive out here multiple times a year. There is an actual real possibility that the house will be clean and in order for Colette's party, thanks to this wonderful woman. Plus, everyone needs their mommy sometimes.

-Seven-

Spring. It's still a month off, at least (March is our snowiest month, usually), but it will bring Easter, a garden, roses by Mary, Anni's first big dance recital, the ordination of a dear friend, and more lovely, lovely things. I'm okay with the anticipation of it all, I wouldn't wish it sooner. Just knowing it's on the horizon brings hope and a willingness to settle into this lull with a cozy blanket and a cup of hot chocolate.

Check out more Seven Quick Takes at This Ain't the Lyceum.

Seven Quick Takes XVIII: California Edition

Because I may otherwise not get our awesome California trip into a post, we're just going to dedicate my first Seven Quick Takes in so many months to our California adventure!

-One-

Ah, California.  While I have very little connection to it, my husband's family is completely interwined with that state, so we've been twice in the last four years.  Both of my in-laws were born, raised, and met in LA, my husband was adopted from California, and then they moved back to Cali for the first few years of his life after his Dad finished residency in Colorado.  His grandparents and several sets of aunts and uncles still live there. 

-Two-

Two years ago, we spent almost a week in California for Deda's 80th Birthday (my father-in-law's dad).  This year, we went out for Baba's 80th Birthday (my father-in-law's step-mother). 

Baba's name is actually Ilinka, and she is a tough, outspoken, serious softie-on-the-inside, Yugoslavian grandma.  It was so much fun to celebrate her life and meet her friends and hear stories. I feel that my littles are lucky that they have the chance to know so many of their great-grandparents.

Yep, there was a signature drink, because Daniel's Aunt Jan is fabulous.  The Ilinkatini was a ginger and basic martini and was the one (alcoholic) thing I got a few sips of that... so yummy!

The girls were kept busy with cousins, dogs, and the amazing taco bar.  At one point they were playing "pass the baby".

 

We rounded out the evening with some cake and dancing.  There were so many sweet moments, but I think the tears started flowing as Deda (PopPop to many of the grandkids) danced with his granddaughter, Katie.  She's leaving in a few weeks for college, after years of living just a few blocks away from her grandparents.  So, yes, lots of bittersweet tears.

 

 -Three-

Doggies.

Or, if you're 17 months old and obsessed with them, "Dah-eee!"  

Both of my girls were delighted by all of the doggies they got to interact with on this trip... especially Ollie, a very patient and sweet old dog owned by Daniel's aunt and uncle.

-Four-

Because all of my in-law's living parents live near each other in California, the weekend was filled with great-grandparent moments. 

This last one is one of my favorite moments.  My mother-in-law's mother mostly doesn't know who we are (as far as we can gather), but she recognizes sweet babies either way.  At the end of the evening, Colette was running around barefoot.  Grandma Irene got worried about her little toes getting cold, and tucked Colette's little foot into the sleeve of her jacket.  As worn as her body and mind are getting, these sweet gestures are such beautiful memories to pass onto my girls someday. 

-Five-

The beach.  So many photos to share, but I've got to get this posted, so I'll try to keep it shortish.  We were able to go twice, both times to Mother's Beach, a waveless beach (awesome for our littles) on the Marina.  The first time we went we have no swimsuits with us as it was a cloudy day and we decided to go spontaneously.  It was still lovely, the girls loved exploring!  The second day was "Mommy and Daddy get a sunburn day", with lots of swimming and sandcastles. I've always claimed I'm more of a mountain girl than a beach girl... and while that holds true (the sand gets everywhere!), I definitely enjoyed our beachy time more than any other time I've been. 

-Six-

There were so many cousins to love! Anni didn't entirely remember her cousin Bella from two years prior, but she knew she had one and that she had given her her Rapunzel doll, so their reunion was eagerly anticipated.  They played hard for the few days they had together, and there were many, many tears when they had to say good-bye.  Anni cried and told us, "But, I love her, and she loves me, we love each other!  We are each others' cousins!" A little heartbreaking, but so very sweet.  Anni was also thrilled by her older cousins that listened to her rather involved stories... I am a lucky girl to have married into such a fun family!

-Seven-

You can find more quick takes at Conversion Diary!  For your sake, I hope they are a little more accurate with their "quick" adjective than I was...

Seven Quick Takes: XVII

-ONE-

Seeing the following this week was a big deal.  The truth is, it's all God and Raquel who swayed this mama, but my photo having the littlest part in that?  Felt pretty good. (PS Family: it's a little confusing that they use my family nickname as code for their client... but it's just a coincidence!) 

 

-TWO-

 I photographed a birth yesterday.  Oh, my stars, it was quite the night.  I got the call that my client's water broke in the evening on Wednesday, and then proceeded to stare at my phone, adrenaline pumping, as I awaited the news that she was far enough along for me to come join the party.  After a quick message to let me know she was at a five and they were going to rest, and making some plans for me to come in a couple of hours later, I got a rushed message that she was a 10 and baby was coming!  I hopped in the car so fast, I barely remember it.  Then I hit a nasty, slushy, icy, April snow storm (thanks, Colorado).  As I navigated the roads, I prayed both that I would avoid an accident and that somehow the baby wouldn't have been born yet (without causing any extra trauma to Mama). 

Prayers answered!  I made it into their room at about 5, baby was born at about 7, and I stuck around for a few hours of shooting this sweet littles first hours of life.  I don't know that I will take on many births in the future (the spur of the moment aspect is tough with little ones!) but I am so very glad I did this one.

-THREE-

Switching to the more random and inane: I really, really like Indian food.  Like, really.  Well, the less spicy stuff, because apparently I can't handle it (in comparison to my husband and two daughters who revel in the spicy things).  Last night, Daniel and I split an order after the girls had gone to bed.  so. good. and worth the fact that my previously-in-the-week sick tummy proooobably wasn't completely ready for it.  

-FOUR-

I'm starting to get excited for all of our trips this summer.  Then I realize I have to wear a swimsuit, and that excitement wanes a bit.  But, still, exciting!  A family trip to Nebraska (my family's vacations are definitely on the nerdy, find the diamond in the rough, side... meaning awesome) and a trip to California to celebrate Baba's 80th birthday (Daniel's very Yugoslavian grandmother) amidst several other smaller trips for weddings.  whew.  Maybe I should start planning a nap for the fall?

-FIVE-

We're also in the midst of "hey, everyone, let's puke up our guts".  Luckily, I got it and was over it first, both before anyone else came down with it and shooting the above birth.  Thank goodness!  It's much easier to take care of the littles when I (hopefully) won't get it and am feeling pretty well.  We ran out of detergent last night... and there were about eight loads waiting when Daniel brought some home tonight.  Sheets and jammies were first in... they are desperately needed!

-SIX-

I'm tired and there are funny shows to be watched with my darling, patient, husband upstairs... so let's wrap this up!  I know, things went downhill quickly. 

-SEVEN-

Check out more, much better thought out, seven quick takes at Conversion Diary.

Seven Quick Takes: XVI

-ONE-

Happy St. Benedict's Day!  Or, if we're going to be accurate: Happy Solemnity of the Passing of St. Benedict!  I had to check my much more theologically and liturgically correct older sister's facebook page to get that right.  I'm not ashamed to admit it, my friends.  This is a big deal for us.  Daniel and I met at Benedictine College and out of my siblings and I, five of the six of us went to school there.  We truly are a Benedictine family.  

 

Our celebration was simple (helllooooo long week, or more likely, lazy mommy, but, you know), but we enjoyed it.  The girls both wore their Benedictine shirts.  Please be impressed that they both had shirts in their size.  Then, we made mini pizzas and brownies (gf and vegan) for dinner... yum!    

-TWO- 

 

Anni saw her very first movie a couple weekends ago when we took her Nonna out for her birthday to see Frozen.  It was also her first princess movie.  She has asked for "princess" music nearly every day since (For the First time in Forever is her favorite), and has a lot of questions.  It was okay, even sweet, but I think I can only handle one princess movie for awhile.  Getting to watch her watch her first movie; however, was priceless.  She snuggled on my lap for the previews (which were endless, my friends), and then I reluctantly gave her up to her Nonna for the movie (it was Nonna's birthday, after all.)  I still tried to sit as close as possible to hear all of her reactions and questions (so many adorable, difficult to answer, questions!)

-THREE-

Colette got the best baptism anniversary gift ever.  Actually, I decided to give it as a joint gift to the girls (early for Anni's, but she didn't seem to mind), as Anni will be spending most of the time with it at first.  My incredibly talented friend, Raquel, over at Story of a Rose posted about this Mass book she made for her little one.  We have a Busy Bible that was well used and loved by Anni during her squirmier Mass years, but this, well, it's all about the Mass, and it's amazing, and so well done!  Anyway, long story short (or long story long...) I begged Raquel to make one for my girls since I am craft-impaired, annnnnd she did!  It is beautiful and the girls love it! 

I've begged her to sell them, because I'm pretty sure this is one of the best gifts I've ever found for every Catholic little in my life.  Keep your fingers crossed, and I promise to let you know if/when it happens.

-FOUR-

I haven't been very on top of Lenten activities for Anni, but she got one from the atrium (where she does Catechesis of the Good Shepherd) that has been a great way to tick the days off as we head towards Easter.  There's a Bible verse, a little poem, and then a sticker to put on her (yes, rather squashed and well-loved) crown.  It's been great!  We also have a set of resurrection eggs that need to be re-organized... hopefully I'll get those done by the time Holy Week rolls around!

-FIVE-

Colette will sleep through the night someday, right?  The answer is certainly not tonight since she just woke up to eat.

-SIX-

And that, my friends, means, I'm done.  I don't know if this really counts as seven, but, hey, I do what I want. 

-SEVEN-

Check out more seven quick takes at Conversion Diary.

Seven Quick Takes: XV

-1-

It's St. Valentine's Day, Sts Cyril and Methodius Day ooor just another February 14th, depending on who you are!  We didn't do too much extra today, but Daniel got to take the day off to make up for some evening classes he was gone for last week, so that made the day special, no matter what!  He had a rose waiting for Anni this morning, and let me nap from when Colette got up to 8:30... it was amazing!

Anni spent yesterday afternoon crafting some rather adorable valentines.  Yep, they didn't get mailed until last night, so they'll be late, but, what's a mama to do... get them done early?!  Not happening... or rather, didn't happen.

-2-

Recently, I thought it was starting to look like Anni's eyes weren't tracking together, so, given my family's history and the fact that we really should have followed up on her original eye appointment long ago, we headed into our very, very favoritest eye doctor (we travel an hour to Daniel's hometown to see him, he's that good).  Apparently, I had no clue what I was talking about, because, after being a perfect patient, the doctor said she has 20/20 vision, eyes are converging correctly, all is well.  woo!  He pointed out that eventually, she probably would be near-sighted due to her genes (Daniel and I both wear glass/contacts), but, for now, she's good to go.  I have to admit that a teensy part of me thinks she'd be downright adorable in little glasses, buuuuuut, seeing is better.

-3- 

In honor of Colette's first St. Valentine's Day outside of the womb, let's do a little comparison.  You ready?

Anni in 2010 (around 9 months):

Colette, today, at 11 months:

 

-Four-

This:

-Five-

I think all public bathrooms need one of these wall mounted chairs for littles.  I don't think I need to go into detail to let you know that it totally saved my bacon at the grocery store a couple of weeks ago.  Germy?  Probably.  Less germy than the public bathroom floor or any other option I could think of? Yep!

-Six-

Do you think we would be better parents without the internet/social media?  Sometimes I wonder.  I appreciate the connection, the distraction, and well, skype (as well as a host of business reasons, but that's another thought), but, just wondering if the distraction, pressure and time-suck is worth it.

-Seven-

Brand new outfit for my little blog... what do you think?!  I love how fresh it feels, and that my photos get a little more space to breathe. 

Check out Conversion Diary for more Seven Quick Takes.

Seven Quick Takes: XIV

--- 1 ---

My mama was taken to the hospital by ambulance a little over a week ago.  After a miserable day and a half, an emergency surgery, and several days of recovery, she is home to finish recovering.  The girls and I are going to go spend some time with her, but we are just overwhelmed with gratitude that she will heal.  Here's hoping February is far more sedate than January has been.  No more illnesses, deaths or other bad news would be greatly appreciated, I think. 

--- 2 ---

Superbowl, oh the superbowl.  Did you know that was happening?  Ah, well, my dearest husband is (and has been since, well, always) a big ole Broncos fan.  Since we have no TV/Cable, his options are limited to watching it through his computer orrr finding someone with far better accommodations he can mooch off of.  So far, it's looking like he may be stuck with his us as his fellow cheering section in our little basement... but I'll try to make up for that with some yummy food if that ends up being the case (yummy food includes delivered pizza, right?)

--- 3 ---

We leave in about a week (with Daddy staying behind).  While I'm leaving him with a pretty hefty "honey-do" list, my goal is to unpack the last of the boxes in our room before we leave.  Yes, you read that right.  We moved last July, but there are still two or three half-empty boxes just hanging out in our bedroom.  It's time to reclaim our space!

--- 4 ---

This week was full of that incapable mom feeling.  You know the one I mean, right?  Where my babies are beautiful, my husband is wonderful, but I just can't seem to get on top of anything: work, weight, homeschooling, unpacking the boxes that have been in our room for nearly six months... you get the picture. 

--- 5 ---

Speaking of reclaiming our space: curtains.  The ones the previous owners left are, well, kind of nasty.  It took me a little while to realize it, but even after washing them, they are super stained and yucky.  However; we have small windows placed rather high in our walls, and long curtains interfere a lot with our heating...  I don't even know if short curtains are design-wise, kosher, but they are so hard to find in a non-kitchen pattern!  All I want are some simple, light blue curtains.  That's it.

--- 6 ---

Have you checked out my 365 Photos in 365 Days project?  I'm pretty proud of myself for making it through the first month... only 11 more to go! 

--- 7 ---

This blog needs  a redesign, for serious.  I need something fresh, clean, and photo-friendly.  Because I have time to re-work the whole thing... right? 

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

Seven Quick Takes: XIII

-One-

"I don't want to pray. I just want to dance!"
-Anni

-Two-

I'm boring all of the sudden (maybe I always have been?) so I'm not entirely sure how I'm going to fill seven of these.  Daniel got back from conference and all of the sudden my body went into exhausted and maybe possibly getting sick mode.  Why can't I have my husband and feel motivated to clean, cook and not lie down at every possible moment?

-Three-

Sure, it's tradition to celebrate the epiphany with one of those lovely King Cake's.  I; however, was not going out in the storm last Sunday (and probably wouldn't have attempted one anyway), so, instead we made a giant cookie cake with a "crown" of extra chocolate chips.  It was delicious, so, don't worry, we weren't missing out!

-Four-

I'm getting that "travel" itch.  Daniel loves to travel (and has done a lot of it) and I have barely traveled (mostly just that Ireland trip), but we've agreed we'll try to do big trips every 5-10 years (have to leave a lot of leeway in there for finances and hopeful future babies).  Anyway, we're planning on the Czech Republic as our next locale, someday, so, share any fun travel thoughts you have about that lovely country.

-Five-

-Six-

School kickstarted again this week... so stay tuned for an awesome "N Week" post coming your way... we may have done one of my favorite crafts this week!

-Seven-

My darling grandma's health is failing, so, if you could say a prayer for peace, whatever that may mean for her, I would greatly appreciate it.

Linking up at Conversion Diary.  Check it out for more Seven Quick Takes!