Daybook October 27th, 2008

For Today....the little boys need to go to the dentist and I have a big laundry job to take care of. I think our washer and dryer were planning mischief together because they both broke on the same day! ( add that to the broken refrigerator and my theory that things break down in three's is sound) The dryer just needed a new belt, but the washer Tim can't figure out.....
so it's off to the laundromat with about 4 days worth of unwashed clothes.

Outside my Window… dark, windy and COLD.

I am thinking…..the Chinese.

I am thankful for….. I really am thankful that we get our refridge replaced at no cost! It's taking awhile, but you can't look a gift horse in the mouth.

From the kitchen….we had our first turkey of the season last night! :) I love turkey. You are nearly always guaranteed that there will be enough food for dinner without thinking too much about it and since it was only 74 cents a pound, a good deal for us!

I am creating…..I don't think this is going to be a very creative week.

I am wearing ......black knit capri's, grey hooded sweatshirt. Haven't dressed for the day :)

I am reading.... Well, I gave up on Imperial Lady after reading three quarters of it. Forgive me for critiquing the great Pearl S Buck but I just don't like her writing style. I can't think of a better word to describe it, but too "frilly" for me. So, I found an actual biography of Empress Cixi and started reading that ( and perusing some other titles on Chinese history). I also took out *The Last Emperor* dvd from the library and although I already watched this a few years back, it makes more sense to me now that I am starting to ponder China. A bit, anyway.

I am hoping…..I can keep everything straight this week. There is a lot going on.

I am hearing....quiet.

Around the house…well, we had a rip-roaring day on Saturday. I started painting the hallway, and George, who has been itching to do this, started breaking up the tiles in the kitchen. He really gave it his all and just about finished ( which is impressive because the kitchen/hallway is a good bit of real estate in this house) I helped the little boys clean up their room ( ugh!), made further progress switching out the summer/winter clothes ( more bags to send to Good Will:) cleaned out my attic closet ( another ugh!), organized/cleaned the dining room ( always a wreck after a week of school) and ran to the store, library and farmer's market.

One of my favorite things: a soft, newborn babe :)

A few plans for the rest of the week…..dentist appointments, soccer tournaments, family parties, and oh yeah- Halloween! ;)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…

Loved this.........

"I think it's good to be aware of what is happening in the world and then to do whatever we need to do (or can do) to care, to help those who need help, and to bring about change. But I also think it's wise and good to continue to find joy and beauty in the daily blessings, as long as we have them. To refuse to be all-consumed with circumstances, to overworry about them, and to focus on them so intensely that it keeps us preoccupied or brings us low.

In fact, I think there is something beautiful about a person who can carry on well, with a lovely spirit, in spite of difficulties, big or small, both in the bigger world, and in their personal lives. Those who continue with traditions, rituals, and routines, making the most of what is available at a given time. Those who choose gratitude and trust in the Lord rather than fearfulness and complaining, either about what might happen or about what is happening."

from " The Art of Carrying On"


http://starryskyranch.typepad.com/starry_sky_ranch/

Seen in a local paper....

SHORES DEMOCRAT FAVORS ABORTION, GAY MARRIAGE, DROVE FOREIGN CAR



ahhhh----life in Detroit!

Daybook October 20, 2008

For Today....Went to Aldi, went to the library, did school, tried to clean up :) made banana bread and sugar cookie dough for pumpkin cutouts tomorrow. A usual day.

Outside my Window… it was bright and sunny earlier, but kind of cool.

I am thinking…..about the election.

I am thankful for….. maybe a bit odd, but "re-inactors". We had a grand time at the Civil War encampment on Sunday......the park was so beautiful with fall descending upon it and with the old mill and all in their 19th century garb, you could almost imagine yourself in another time. It must be such a labor of love for those people. They do such a nice job at giving the public a glimpse of history. Clap, clap, hurrah!

From the kitchen…..as stated, banana bread, pumpkin cut outs. I was on the list to make Mr Mc Alpine lunch this week and for such a small thing, it was fun. I found a cute basket and lined it with a matching cloth napkin. I used some fall-ish paper plates and napkins. I packaged everything up and felt like a caterer. Maybe I am a bit sheepish about how *into* I get about these things.....;) I made him a bbq chicken wrap with grilled onions, greek salad, a plate of assorted cheese and crackers, 7-layer bars and an apple. :)

I am creating…..well, the kids and I made the ever obligitory paper pumpkins to hang on the window ( not obligitory in a cranky sense, just that we do it every fall). We did a *TMNT turtle" ( wonder who's idea that was?) A "Larry Boy" ( ditto!) and Ella just made a plain old jack o lantern. We also tried making fire chasers ( which is what people in the Colonial period used to warn of fire). They sort of turned out like an Indian instrument....but the boys had a blast punding holes in the bottle caps :)

I need to make Noah a halloween cape. I think I have made a cape every year for *someone* at Halloween since Alex first started going out! ( He started it all off by wanting to be Batman:)

I am wearing ...jeans, a black shortsleeved babydoll top with a black, blue and lavendar under-long sleeved t-shirt.

I am reading.... "Imperial Lady"

I am hoping…..we get a new refrigerator at some point. It's rough only having one with our brood! :) Ditto on that one, there has been some progress with Maytag replacing it but it's always held up with bureaucratic nuttiness :)

I am hearing...."Cars" and Ella crabbing.

Around the house…still need to paint and re-cover the dining room chairs.

One of my favorite things: A good BBC drama. Found another one--Bleak House. I finished it last night and am sorry about that!

A few plans for the rest of the week…..I really hope to just stay around the house this weekend and catch up on housework. It looks to be the kind of weekend that will be good for :)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…Ella Belle and I at a recent trip to the zoo. Nita commented that we were dressed alike and I guess we sort of were. I didn't realize it as we got dressed, but I guess I just think in a certain color scheme depending upon the day ;)

A likely story ........

Mom, walking into the room to find the tv on.

"WHO turned on the tv?"

Manny-- "Mom, I'm watching John Mc Caia!" ( Mc Cain :)

Daybook October 13th 2008

For Today....Had to super clean the kitchen since the refrigerator repair man was scheduled to come this afternoon. He decided to come early. :( So, I spent about a half hour running around in a frenzy. When will I ever learn?
Whisked the littles out of the house so the repairman could work in peace :) ...but it was awful nice getting to go to the park today! George George was especially lovely with fall descending upon it. Lots of errands after that.

Outside my Window… Dark now, but it WAS the quintessential perfect fall day.

I am thinking…..about too many things these days. I have to remember thoughts don't always equal reality.

I am thankful for….. peace reigns again here at the Vrazo house :)

From the kitchen…..lots of cookies and cupcakes this week, some to give away, some to keep. The cupcakes today were to celebrate Columbus day. I was going to try and make them look like little *worlds*, but I think I am too tired now. Eating them will do :) We DID have spaghetti last night ( which was officially the day Colombus landed, and he was from Italy...there's the connection...right?

I am creating…..I really organized my closet on Saturday, which is fun to look at :) Not very creative, but it gives the same feel to me :)

I am wearing ...peach skirt with gray, gold and cream flowers ( some burgandy, too). gray knit shirt with a white one under. burgandy flip flops.

I am reading.... nearly finished "American Scoundrel" and really enjoying "Imperial Lady"

I am hoping…..we get a new refrigerator at some point. It's rough only having one with our brood! :)

I am hearing....The Red WIng game.......what else this time of year? ;)

Around the house…still need to paint. I think we are having the family over in a week or so, so maybe that will motivate me to get going ;)

One of my favorite things: an unseasonably warm fall day. I love the way the leaves have a tangy scent when the hot sun hits them. I was also able to finish some outdoor painting!

A few plans for the rest of the week…..I think we might revisit Stoney Creek again tomorrow while Noah and Naomi have their classes. It is supposed to be nice one more day. Civil War Muster at Wolcott Mill.

Catechism meeting tomorrow night. I think that is all that is scheduled. Lots of errands when able.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…brotherly love :)

The Happy Homecoming Couple ;)

Dyl and Rachel

Big doin's---Jed lost his first tooth!

Daybook October 5, 2008

For Today....We stayed home and did all the school we possibly could. My head hurts.

Outside my Window… Damp and rainy, but not too chilly.

I am thinking…..about Franciscan spirituality

I am thankful for…..good textbooks. There is such a big difference between the feeling of success while teaching with a good book and one that isn't working or is difficult to understand. Duh.

From the kitchen…..celebrating apples this week, I think. I made apple dumplings for the first time. They were mighty tasty, so much so that when I came down to eat one after bathing the babies, there weren't any left! That nice Jackson gave me what was left on his plate :) ( don't feel too badly, I made applecrisp, too ;)

Today we made applesauce and chocolate muffins ( with applesauce in the recipe).

I am creating…..I made a wrist corsage for the first time in a long time. I don't know if Dyl was just schmoozing me, but he said it was a hit. I used white ( with flecks of red) alstromeria, red mini carnations ( which aren't my favorite, but after hitting two places for flowers....and being sorely disappointed in the selection and quality, these did fine), black velvet ribbon and some little opaque do-dads I found at Micheal's. Dyl and Rachel were wearing black with red accents.

I am wearing ....brown, cream and turquoise skirt, turquoise knit top, crocs ( well, these are my house shoes :) and brown and turquoise drop earrings.

I am reading.... American Scoundrel and Imperial Lady. First Lady had to go back to the library, so that made my decision for me.

I am hoping…...my energy holds out for the rest of the day!

I am hearing....Sponge Bob and Ella chattering.

Around the house…still need to paint. I think we are having the family over in a week or so, so maybe that will motivate me to get going ;)

One of my favorite things…...finishing our school day! I still have papers to check, but it is nice to have it over and done with.

A few plans for the rest of the week…..Yesterday we took Noah and Naomi to their classes and went over to Stoney Creek. We happened upon a wonderful trail in the nature center area. We were all in awe of the sights we beheld. It was beautiful and idyllic. Off to the library next.

Took the kids to catechism later on, took Noah to drivers ed and went to mass and a Fransciscan Third Order exploration meeting.

Tomorrow is a high school graduation planning meeting for Dyl ( already! :) and lunch with my mom before she heads off to Italy. Friday we are hoping for the zoo. The last of the soccer games are this weekend.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…

What I am thinking about this week...........

As we become increasingly banal and captivated by shallow things that cannot sustain us, we tend to grab at more and more banality and, in effect, adopt the banality as essences.

http://www.ericscheske.com/blog/?p=6315

From "An Unlikely Existentialist"

I am so much more sensitive to the marketing teams whose main goal is to make me feel like my current state of being is not good enough. They want me to want something. They scheme all day long on the by putting “want creators” on TV, internet, billboards, junk mail…it’s rampant.

From "Compact"

http://walkslowlylivewildly.com/category/compact/

But does LOVE = NICE?

Of course Jesus was loving. He is God after all and God is love (1 John 4:8). We also know that love does not always equate to NICE. God allowed Paul to have a thorn in the flesh to keep him humble (2 Cor 12:7). Three times Paul prayed for it to be removed. God said NO. God was not acting very American. He certainly wasn’t very nice about it.

From "Was Jesus Nice?"

http://www.catholic-convert.com/Default.aspx

Apple picking!

It just wouldn't be fall without a trip to the apple orchard to grab some fresh, fall apples ( and some cider and doughnuts, too! ;) George up in the tree searching for some crunchy goodness.



Jed and Manny


Me and Ella........yes, it was chilly that day!


The apple pickin' crew :) ( sans our faithful photographer)


Don't know what was on the sign, but it was of great interest to baby Elle.


mmm, mmm, good!


So much fun getting to pick YOUR OWN apple off a tree!

2 Things.....

Now the 2 things meme:

Two names I go by:

Krissy (not by choice :) A lot of my family calls me this, so it is alright :)
Mom

Two things I’m wearing right now:

Grey slacks
Pewter hoop earrings

Two of my favorite things today:

Strawberry rhubarb jam
Gabriella giving me Eskimo kisses

.

Two things I want at the moment:

a nap
for Gabriella to nap :)

Two favorite pets I have had:

I had two guinea pigs I was rather fond of, since then, I've not been much of a pet person.

Two things I did last night:

Read
Made dinner

Two things I ate last night:

Salmon
Coleslaw

Two people I last talked to last night:

Dylan
Jackson

Two things I will do tomorrow:

Go to mass
Go to the boy's soccer game

Farthest trips I have taken in the last 5 years:

Nebraska
Florida

Two favorite holidays:

Christmas
Thanksgiving

Two favorite beverages:

Ice Tea
Real Lemonade

Daybook September 29th 2008

Don’t forget to stop by Peggy’s for all the links entered in this week’s Simple Woman’s Daybook.

For Today....going to a symposium on Michigan immigration with my Dad. Library book sale this evening.

Outside my Window… still dark and chilly....I think fall has really arrived, and yet the cool weather clothes are still packed away in the attic.

I am thinking…..feeding 12 people on a daily basis. I have been noticing over the past few months I am not making enough food for dinner. We rarely have leftovers and often there isn't left anything for Al when he gets home from work! I guess we are going through a *shift*. More big people than little now. 3 adults, 4 teens ( although I would wager my 3 teenage boys eat more than the average adult :) 2 preteen boys and the 3 under 5.

Time to revamp quantities!

I am thankful for…..Tim working at home.

From the kitchen…..spice cake, brownies, meatloaf, ....the newly fixed oven is getting a good workout!

I am creating…..yay--I get to revisit my floral designer years this week as Dyl is going to a homecoming dance and asked me to make the corsage ( or nosegay....whatever she decides ;)

I found a great Colonial crafts book at the library with actual useful and crafty things I think the boys will like.....all while tying in what life was like in the Colonial time :) I'm geeked! ( enough to order metal bottle caps off the internet last night for a project.......you can get just about anything off the internet...can't you? :)

I am wearing ....blue track pants, brown track jacket with blue trim, crocs.

I am reading.... Finished The Stuart Dynasty. . .. this one pretty much made my head swim. If ever there was a case to be made for keeping religion out of politics, there was ample evidence here. On the other hand, I surely know that what one believes shapes ones politics, and rightly so. How to accomplish some balance without chopping off people's heads or burning them at the stake ( figuratively or irl) is the goal :)

Trying to decide to keep on with "Imperial Lady" or "Varina Davis, First Lady of the Confederacy".

I am hoping…I can overcome some bad habits which are relentlessly staring me in the face this week.

I am hearing....Jax, Jed and Manny are watching the "Hobbit"

Around the house…painted the benches in the family room. They really aren't all that aesthetically pleasing, but sturdy AS CAN BE. I painted them a brownish color (Chippendale) and it is definitely an improvement. Finally put the finishing touches on the laundry room and sewing room.

One of my favorite things…...cool and rainy fall days.

A few plans for the rest of the week…trying to find a way not to run all over town for grocery shopping *deals*. Every store has them, of course, and they are hard to pass up when you need to stick to a budget and feed lots of people! Soccer marches on. Naomi has an art class tomorrow, but maybe I can get Dyl to take her!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…my new grand nephew, Graham. (with mom and dad) What is sweeter to a family than the addition of a new little life?

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