7 Quick Takes

1.

It's been a bit of a wild and wooly week or so health-wise, but I think I have an answer and have been feeling quite better following the recommendations (avoiding caffeine and refined sugars and grains) - hypoglycemia. Will have official blood test results in a few weeks. Creative food suggestions and recipes would be most welcome!

2.

Kate will be receiving her First Communion in May! As it works out, my husband and I AND Terri and Bernie will be singing in the choir for that Mass AND Bernie will be doing the cantoring. Cool!

3.

On Fat Tuesday, our parish had a big Mardi Gras party and it was great fun. My husband got to be king (oh woe to me for not bringing the camera, but a friend captured this shot of me and my king). He was the perfect king and seemed to enjoy himself immensely in judging costume contests, leading parades and other sorts of kingly activities. Also, our Terri won the hula hoop contest. :)

4.

This week, I weeded about four bags of Catholic books from our home library and donated it to the parish - and they were happy to receive them. Makes me happy! I really need to do some more purging (including more books), but haven't had a lot of time.

We're in the midst of Irish dance recital prep (for a nursing home in the week before St. Patty's Day, Stations of the Cross Practice, National Latin Exam prep as well as various choir things. Also, we have a seminarian stationed at our parish from South America who is preparing for an important test in English proficiency in May. We've been trying to have him over for dinner and some English practice regularly. Please pray that his preparation goes well. His name is Alex.

5.

The other day I had to drive my oldest (Ria) and youngest (Frank) up to Holy Hill for a late Mass since they didn't wake up in time for the earlier Mass that my husband and I sing at. I was driving along, when I heard a cute little voice from the back seat proclaim: "Mommy, aren't you glad you get to bring at least one munchkin to church with you?"

I love that boy!

6.

I was quite surprised to discover that there are people who think old Latin chants and hymns are only relevant to those who have studied Latin, but the truth is that many of us study Latin because we love the old chants and hymns (and other aspects of our Catholic heritage).

7.

And last, but certainly not least, I have a new great-nephew! His name is Jory. :)

7 Quick Takes

1. I have a new great-niece who was born earlier this week - Anna Philomena! Can't wait to meet her (and at least see photos soon, I hope!). Congratulations M & M!

2. It's been a major book-buying week, between a fortuitous trip to the local thrift store (that was having a two-for-one deal on adult non-fiction) and a big rummage sale we dropped by that had a huge selection of books. I wonder sometimes, if those who look at my LibraryThing account might think we have a large book-buying budget. The reality is that there are all kinds of books that I can't resist when they're priced at 5 for $1. :)

And please keep in mind that just because I own a book (all of which I try to keep track of on LibraryThing) doesn't mean that I recommend it!

Favorite finds this week include a binder full of fun-looking chemistry reproducible activities (think crossword puzzles and such) and a couple copies of "Crossing the Threshold of Hope" to have around for gifts. Saddest finds were a batch of Catholic (some good and some not-so-good) books all belonging to one person (name left in the books) that seemed to tell a story of confusion and withdrawal from the Catholic Church over time.

3. We got a little sixteen-inch non-motorized lawn-mower for the little areas in our yard that the rider mower just can't handle. As expected, this is a huge hit with the kids. Their new-found creativity in lawn-mowing... um... shows.

4. Regina Doman blogged this week about The Midnight Dancers production that several of my girls were involved in. You can see her post here.

5. I can't believe that Ria is turning 16 next week (as well as receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation). I took her out for her first parking-lot driving lesson a few days ago. She did very well!

6. I listened in on Fr. Mitch Pacwa's webinar today at Homeschool Connections. It was very good! A good friend of mine, Dr. Robert Gotcher, will be offering some high school classes there this summer. Hoping to sign Ria up with at least one (they look really good and she thrives on that sort of thing) as she has very much enjoyed his Catholic Lit class this year. More info available at the Homeschool Connections blog.

7. And on a related note (I might have mentioned this already - I forget.) - I'm scheduled to host a webinar myself at Homeschool Connections on Choosing Educational Materials on Wednesday, June 10th.