Answer Me This? What Did I Wear Today?

Last Sunday, Kendra was kind enough to tag me in her Answer Me This  post. 

So, I'm going to be kind enough to answer them!

1. What time do you prefer to go to Mass?

I prefer to go at 9 AM....that is the perfect time to go to Mass in my opinion.  Not so early that you can't eat breakfast first, but not so late that it is running into lunch time or cooking Sunday dinner.  Unfortunately, the closest church to us, where we usually attend Mass (ironically enough, not the parish to which we belong, it is better but further) only has Mass at 8 AM and 10 AM in the morning.  So, we sometimes attend the 8 AM and sometimes the 10 AM. 

2. Would you rather be too hot or too cold?

Depends on what I'm doing.  If I'm exercising, sleeping or eating...too cold.  I hate exercising, working or even just walking outside in the heat.  And, I hate sleeping when it's super hot. I hate eating when it's hot (unless I'm eating ice cream).  However, if I'm just sitting around, I prefer to be too hot...because I don't like sitting around in the cold. 

3. How many brothers and/or sisters do you have?

I have two brothers and two sisters.  I am the second oldest.  My oldest brother just finally, successfully defended his dissertation on Friday, so he's going to get his PhD.  Yay for him!!!  Then there is me, and you all already know everything about me.  Then my sister, she is a Capuchin Sister.   Then there is my younger brother.  He is working on getting his PhD and is getting married in May!  Yay..we are so excited for that!  My youngest sister was adopted from Jamaica when she was six.  She used to own a flower shop. 

4. If you were faced with a boggart, what would it turn into?

It's a toss up between a rat and a cancer cell. Maybe a cancerous rat. 

5. Barbie: thumbs up or thumbs down?

Thumbs sideways?  I really don't have an opinion on Barbie.  I know...shocking..usually I have an opinion on everything.  My girls don't play with it.  They just never got into it, I never bought them any and no one ever gave them any. I wouldn't really care if someone did give them Barbie though.  They did have the odd Barbie-type doll over the years that usually did not make the cut for either a move or a toy purging.  It never really occurred to me to get them Barbie, I guess I think of it as an 80's toy.  My kids don't watch any TV (just Netflix) but nothing with commercials, so they basically have zero clue about "cool toys" or "fad toys" and they have never really asked for Barbie.  

6. If someone asked you to give them a random piece of advice, what would you say?

Just one? I guess, I would say learn to peacefully disagree and don't hold grudges.  I'm Italian, so my family can have some rip-roaring arguments (it's fun for us!), but we never hold it against anyone and those arguments don't cause family strife.  At the end of the argument, everyone is still friends and loves each other.  It wasn't until I was older that I realized that not everyone is like that...that there are people out there who will actually never speak to you again if you get into an argument with them.  Don't be like that. 

Annery also asked some questions...so I'll just go ahead and answer all the questions now!

1.  How many siblings do you have?  (I have 8!)

I answered this above. 

2.  What time of day works best for your prayer/alone time?

Night time...because my kids have the mom alarm and get up as soon as I get up, no matter how early it is. 

3.  Have you endured the Winter Without End too?

It's been super spring-like and warm here in VA the last few days, so I guess it did end. But, yes it was a very, very long and tiring winter.

4.  If you live somewhere warm, how do you feel about me visiting?

Come on down (although VA was pretty cold this winter and next winter we will possibly (probably) live someplace even colder (IN). 

5.  Do you sleep under blankets all year?  Even in the sweltering summer?

Yes, because I am a firm believer in air conditioning. 

6.  Do your kids (or you) eat sugary cereal? (Or am I the only one that lets that happen?)

No, we really don't eat cereal at all, except I occasionally buy Joe's O (like Cheerios) at Trader Joe's.

7.  Do you have any food allergies in your family? What helped you best in learning to cope?

We do not have any true allergies.  Gluten makes me depressed and anxious and makes Greta more anxious.  I think it also affects Heidi.  We stay away from it, but it's not a true allergy.  Our reaction also seems to be dose-dependent....we can eat small amounts no problem, but eating it very frequently does cause a reaction.  I avoid it all together.  The girls only eat it when they are out..like at a party or something. The only gluten we keep in our house is bread, which Ben and John use for sandwiches.  We eat all gluten-free pasta and I buy big bags of gluten-free flour blends to use for baking and make my own bread, pizza, cakes, cookies, muffins, etc., etc.  Occasionally I buy Udi's bread, but it's expensive so we try not to eat too much of it.

8. What's your favorite blog post of someone else's?

This one from Sarah.

How to Simplify the Curriculum.

9.  What's your favorite blog post of your own?

Hmm...probably this one. 

Why this Health Food Nut is A  Little Less Nutty

10.  What would be your ideal birthday present?

An all expensive paid adult-only vacation to a cabin in a tick-less  mosquito-less woods that I could take with my husband and other friends or family member members (but NO kids, so it would include free babysitting from trusted family members (like my parents)  Of course, my birthday is in Nov and frequently over Thanksgiving, so it also has to be someplace that's not too cold then.

I'm not holding my breath on this one. 

11.  Would you rather be surrounded by others without a break or alone all day?

Depends on who the "others" are.  There are some "others"' I would not want to be around all day, however, generally, I prefer to be surrounded by others.  The happiest time in my life was the summer I was a camp counselor in Appalachia with Christian Appalachian project. I was always surrounded by others and loved it.  I also loved living in the dorms in college and being surrounded by others.   Don't get me wrong, I like my alone time as much as anyone, but I only like alone time in small chunks....I would get very lonely with an entire day of being alone.  

12. What did you wear today?

To be honest, neither Annery nor Kendra asked this question.  But, I know your Sunday is not complete until you find out what I wore.  So...here it is.  I'm linking up with Fine Linen and Purple. 

Shirt: New York and Co. (thrifted)...you can't really tell from the picture, but it actually has a small black/white stripe pattern.

Skirt: Old Navy (given to me)

Shoes: given to me

I'm wearing a belly band under the shirt.  I find those bands so useful for wearing under this style shirt, way more useful then for their intended use (during pregnancy, I never actually used them on my belly when I was pregnant) but they work great for wearing under shirts that are a bit more low-cut.

7 Reasons My Kids Play Chess...And Why Yours Should Too

Okay, I'm not going to actually tell you what your kids should do....cause this blog isn't about telling people what to do.

I am, however, going to tell you about all the benefits I've discovered from our kids playing chess.

I'm not a chess player....wait...let me take that back.  Technically I am card-carrying member of the United States Chess Federation and I have a rating (302...which if you don't know, is not very good).   I even won the Third Place Medal in the Kentucky State Women's Chess Championship in 2001.   I lost every single game...amazingly they still gave me a medal...that's what happens when there are only three women players. 

As I was saying, I'm not a chess player...but I married one...a really good one that played in competitive tournaments and won money even occasionally.   So, I started to play a little bit, but I was never that into it.  I just don't have the competitive nature to play chess.

But...my kids are really into chess.  Really, really into it.  I'm constantly shocked at how much time they spend playing chess and talking about chess and studying chess and watching chess videos.   They are constantly coming to me and saying things like Mom, you should see this game I played. I played e4 and he played knight g6 and then I castled and we traded queens and he sacked his bishop and we had the Lucena position and then a rook endgame.  Meanwhile I'm all oh, yes, the rook endgame, fascinating.  

And, if you are a chess player reading this (cough, Ben, cough) cut me some slack if the above makes no sense.  I just made it up...as I said, I'm not a chess player.

My kids have known how to play chess for several years, but it wasn't until we moved to Virginia that there were actually able to play in tournaments....hence when they started to get really into it.  And, since that time, I've noticed some awesome benefits about playing chess.

1.

Chess is cheap, as far as activities go.  Sure, you can spend a lot of money flying to national tournaments and all (and we might do that once we actually have some money to spare) but for now, we just stay local and that is plenty fun for them.  Or, you could spend big bucks and pay a Master to teach your kids, but you don't need that.  My husband got to a pretty high rating in chess, all being self-taught.  The equipment is minimal and tournament entry fees are usually very affordable.   Plus, it doesn't take a huge commitment. You can go to tournaments or not...depending on your schedule...there is no major time commitment involved. There are lots of great chess programs and books and other ways that kids can teach themselves, all very affordable. 

2.

You win some, you lose some.  And that is important.  It teaches kids how to both win and lose gracefully.  Which is a really, really, really important skill to learn.   Chess is an individual game...so you can't count on your teammates to help you during a game...it's just you, so you have to learn to handle pressure and stress and winning and losing all by yourself.  Sometimes you have a good tournament and take home a trophy, and sometimes you lose more games than you win.  And, that's okay, because you have to learn how to handle both situations.

3.

It teaches you to slow down and really think. Good chess players really think about their moves and consider them carefully before making a move.  It takes persistence and practice to really think about your moves and not just make the first move that comes to mind.  I'm constantly amazed at how Heidi and Greta have been known to play really long games...over an hour even, because they (and their opponent) are really taking the time to carefully consider their moves.   

4.

Age and size don't matter.  Every single one of my kids could beat me at chess, easily. Chess isn't about who is the oldest or who is the strongest.  It's pretty funny to see this little kid beat a much older kid, or even adults.  There is some advantage to age, but not as much as you might think. 

5.

Critical Thinking. Chess improves critical thinking skills and logic skills.  You have to anticipate your opponent's move, you have to learn to apply strategy to different situations and you have to think ahead....many, many, many moves ahead. Plus, Ben says that chess helped him during law school...so if you think your kids might want to go to law school, have them play chess.

6.

Improved Math Skills. Seriously..I do think that playing chess has improved my kids math skills.  As a homeschooler, math is our worst subject...nothing against math, it's just..you know...math.  So, improved skills and better retention of math facts is a definite plus.

7.

Chess brings people together. Well...at least other chess players that is.  According to Ben, if you sit down somewhere and set up a chess set, people will come over and want to play with you.  So, apparently there is the whole social chess network, where chess players are drawn to other so they can chat over strategy and games. So, even as adults, it's a good social skill to have.  Plus, my kids spend an inordinate amount of time going over their games with each other and with other kids.  So, it brings them together, because they like to replay their games, discuss strategy and and argue over moves.  Yes, they do argue over moves....it's all part of the fun.

So, those are my reasons why chess is so great for kids.  Any other chess players or chess moms/dads want to chime in with any benefits you've noticed?

(linking up with Jen for 7 Quick Takes Friday)

Why I Read Parenting Books and A Book Review: Beyond the Birds and the Bees, Raising Sexaully Whole and Holy Kids

I've read a lot of parenting books over my 12 years of motherhood.  I know a lot of people don't like to read parenting books.  I know a lot of people specifically advise against reading parenting books.

A lot of people say that reading parenting books are a sure-fire way to make you feel like you are doing everything wrong.  I'm not a lot of people. 

Maybe it's my personality, but I almost never waste time feeling guilty.  I just don't.  Never fear, I have plenty to feel guilty about, but guilt just isn't an emotion I spend a lot of time on.  I forgive myself, I know Jesus forgives me, and I forgive others...so it's all good. 

I don't like to pigeon-hole myself into one parenting philosophy and I don't follow anything 100%, but I do like to have a general game-plan or idea.  I can't just leave my parenting up to my whims.  That would be a disaster, knowing me.  I'd be all loosey-goosey one day and strict, tight-ship the next.  Consistentency is not my fortitude, that is for sure.  

I find reading parenting books to be very helpful, they either strengthen my resolve to keep doing what I am doing, or they give me tools or ideas to change something I am unhappy about.  I'm have no problem taking what I like and leaving the rest.  I find it very helpful to take bits and pieces of other's people's ideas and advice and put them together into an overall game-plan that I can keep in mind to help me get through those tough days.  

I think the main problem that most have with parenting books is that people are complicated.  A person's outcome in life (who they are when they grow up...whether that is a saint or an ax murderer) depends on many factors and their upbringing/parenting is just one among many.  The thing is, parenting does matter...it's just not the only thing and no way of parenting can guarantee a specific outcome, because people are complicated and have free will.  Not to mention the fact that genetics and certain physiological factors can also play a role.  But, that doesn't negate the fact that parenting DOES matter and that we should all be striving to be the best parents we can be. 

So.....here is the latest parenting book I have been reading.

Beyond the Birds and the Bees: Raising Sexually Whole and Holy Kids by Popcaks

I love this book.  I can honestly say that it might just be the most helpful parenting book I have ever read. And, I've read a lot in my time.  If you have just little kids you might be saying, oh, I don't need this book yet, my kids are too little.

But...there is always a but....it's never too early to start thinking about this.  And, they give some really good ideas and tips and advice for different stages of development...starting with infants all the way through teens. In fact, I think their advice for babies and young children is especially helpful.  They address certain sensitive issues (like self-touching in little kids and masturbation in older kids) from a uniquely Catholic perspective that you really won't find in any other book.

The authors do heavily espouse the style of parenting best known as attachment parenting.  While I don't like labels, it is the parenting style which has always worked best for our family.  So, naturally, I agree with a lot of what they say.   However, whether or not you follow attachment parenting, I think they make some good points....points that are well worth consideration that I hadn't really thought of before (things like how a baby learns attachment and to seek comfort from their primary caregivers can help them develop the necessary skills for intimacy within marriage as an adult). 

However, even past that, they have wonderful advice for nurturing your relationship with your child, dealing with puberty, helping teens navigate dating relationships and great tips and advice for just about every stage in between.  And, it's not just about helping your kids have a healthy sexuality, but about forming healthy relationships (and avoiding bad ones), helping your children form an identity statement and helping your children foster their own spiritual life. 

The book is easy to read, but chock full of information and you need to read it slowly to really absorb everything.  A theme of authentic Catholicism is woven throughout the entire book, and the book is written from a uniquely Catholic perspective that continuously references The Theology of the Body and authentic Church teaching. That said, I think even non-Catholic, Christian parents could get a lot out of this book, because it just has some really good advice and ideas in it about nurturing the parent-child relationsip and helping children respect their bodies without ever feeling shame about them or their bodily functions.

There are even some great ideas and information to help parents in their own marriage foster greater intimacy. 

You should read it. 

Linking up with Jessica. 

My Journey Towards Attractiveness

Last Sunday I posted about modesty, and mentioned a piece of advice I read.

Dress to be attractive, but not provocative. 

I covered the provocative part last week, but merely touched on the attractive part.  Dressing to be attractive has been a long, learning curve for me. 

When I was a kid, I basically learned how to dress from this book.

Sad, I know.  My parents were/are completely uninterested in fashion or clothing and didn't teach teach us anything about clothes, beyond the whole wear clothes that are clean, modest and not raggedy.

My senior picture in high school involved me wearing something plaid.  Plaid????!!!  Really???  In my defense, plaid was all the rage in the mid-1990's at my suburban New England high school.   Those were the grunge days after all. 

I'd post it, but I don't want to scare you all.  Plus, I'm too lazy to scan it from my yearbook, never mind that I don't even know where my yearbook is.

Anyway, it's been a long journey for me to figure out how to dress in an attractive manner.  There have been lots of bumps along the way.  And, we won't talk about my bra less, hippie phrase where I was convinced that bras cause breast cancer.  Yeah.

So, okay..moving on. 

The most important thing I have learned about dress, is to dress in a manner that is flattering to your body type.   Not for the body type you want, or the body type you used to have, but the body type you currently have.   And, that changes.  

Before, I had kids, I really liked the look of a fitted, turtle-neck sweater.  Like this.

And, I still like that style, but it just doesn't look as flattering on someone, who thanks to pregnancy and many combined years of breastfeeding, has mammary glands of the rather large variety.  It just doesn't. Something with a v-neck or more scooped neck is more flattering.

The length is great though.  I've learned that I really need skirts and sweaters with more length that go past the hips.   Ones that end right at the hips, just don't look good on me, because my hips tend to be the widest part of me.  I spent too many years wearing too short shirts before I figured that out.

And, I really like this style of skirt.

But, I just don't feel that it is as flattering on someone (such as myself) with larger hips. 

So, I tend to stick with more straight skirts or skirts that flare out/pleat below the hips, instead of right on the hips.

I've also had to do some Internet research into selecting the right pair of jeans for your body type, so as the avoid the dreaded "mom jeans" look.   If you search around, you can find some good information.  I think the biggest thing is just to avoid jeans that are too baggy or have too small pockets that are placed too high up. 

Learning about colors hasn't been as hard.  I have an olive skin tone and even as a teenager I noticed that certain colors are more flattering, so I tended to stick with those colors (for me, things like black, white, brown, red and dark pinks or purples, while shying away from things like pastels, which don't look good with my skin tone. 

And hair.  Oh hair..has been a learning curve.  I have hair that tends to get very frizzy and curly in humidity. And, I have spent most of my life living in a very humid climate. Sometimes I think I should just move to Arizona and solve my hair problems once and for all.   I'm too lazy to blow-dry or straighten my hair, so I've just been on a quest to find hair products that actually eliminate and control the frizz. 

This is the best I found (along with their conditioner).  And, no one better comment about sulphates or dangerous, toxic ingredients in shampoos, because I have my fingers in my ears and I'm not listening. ;)

Make-Up. I've had to basically figure out make-up all for myself.  I don't wear a ton, but do usually wear foundation (yes, it is a non-toxic, mineral brand, so you can all breathe easier on that).  Occasionally some lip gloss, eye shadow or blush, but foundation is basically my staple.   All, this has been a major learning curve for me, because I grew up basically knowing nothing about make-up or clothes or anything like that.

And, I'm still pretty clueless when it comes to accessories.  And nails...I have no idea how to have nice nails. I think that is going to be my next area to tackle. 

I'm definitely not a fashion plate, but over the last few years, I've been striving more and more to look more and more "put together."  I don't think it is beneficial to run around looked ragged and frumpy all the time. I think many people have this stereotype of moms always looking tired, haggard and dumpy, which makes the idea of having kids or having several kids, not all that appealing.  I'm hoping by putting slightly more effort into my appearance, I can help others see how great having multiple kids can be....and that it's not necessarily a sure-fire way to frumpdom. 

So....with that in mind.  How did I do today?  I'm linking up with Fine Linen and Purple, for What I Wore Sunday. 

I'm sure the shirt-tied-in-front look is so last year (or last decade or something) but I really like this white shirt, and it is just a tad too big for me to wear unless I belt it or tie it or do something to make it a bit more flattering. 

My Life is Crazy and Other Quick Takes about Sleep, Lent and Random Questions.

1.

Linking up with Jennifer Fulweiler who says that when she evaluates opportunities she decides if it makes a good story or not. 

Well....this ought to make a great story...some day.  For those of you don't know....it's a long story but my husband was a teacher for 10 years when he decided to go to law school to become a lawyer.  So, off he went to law school....with a lovely wife (that's me!) and 3 darling children in two.  He graduated last year, he  took the bar in Virginia, passed it and moved to Virginia with his lovely wife and now 4 darling children.  However, he was unable to find a lawyer job so ended up going back to teaching. 

Well, he decided that taking the Virginia bar was so much fun, that he's going to take the Indiana bar this summer.  Just finished the application process (which is long and involves basically telling your entire life story in minute detail to the law examiners) . Of course, he's still looking for a job here in VA, but also looking in Indiana.  

Why Indiana, you may be asking?  Don't worry, I'm asking the same thing myself.  Actually, I grew up in Rhode Island, but this past September my parents moved to Indiana.  Ever since then, they've been trying to woo us out there with promises of plentiful Catholic home school groups, cheap living, low traffic and tall corn. They didn't mention the oodles of free babysitting they will provide, but I know they meant that too.  Anyway, who can resist the lure of tall corn? So hi ho, hi ho...maybe it's off to Indiana we go.  Or maybe not....depending on if he finds a job here. 

Anyway, this a long way of pleading, begging, or stealing prayers for us.  For our discernment, for the bar exam and for him to PLEASE find a lawyer job so he doesn't have to spend another year trying to teach Spanish to a bunch of teens who don't believe in school or studying or homework or anything like that.

2.

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the worst sleeper of them all?

3.

Actually she's not the worst sleeper.  She's just the worst alone sleeper.  My other kids were taking like 2 hours naps at this age (18 months).  Not Elsa.  If she sleeps for 45 minutes, I consider it A VERY LONG NAP.  And, nighttime...well she's gotten better.  Let's just leave it at that.  If it weren't for co-sleeping, I'd be a walking zombie.

4.

Let's compare.  Here is a picture of all my kids at around age 1.5. 

Heidi

Greta

John

Elsa

Why, oh, why, oh, why is it only the boy that has any kind of hair to speak of?  Although Elsa is doing better than Heidi and Greta were at the same age.  She still has nowhere near the hair John had.  I mean, he had already had a few HAIRCUTS by that age.  Why does the boy get the best hair? 

5.

Is it still Lent?  Anyone else feel like this is the LONGEST LENT EVER. Maybe because Easter is so late this year, but I feel like we should be done by now.  Or maybe my life is just one, big, long Lent.  That could be it.

6.

Or maybe I'm just too melancholic which is why I say exaggerated things like My Life is One Big Long Lent, when really compared to most of the world, I have a very easy life.

7.

I can't think of a last quick take, so I'm going to make this a slow-take and answer Kendra's questions.  Now, I can double link-up. 

1. Where do you live? And why do you live there?

See take #1

2. What's are you currently watching and/or reading?

Reading: The Theology of the Body for Beginners (Christopher West)

Beyond the Birds and the Bees, Raising Sexually Whole and Holy Kids (Popcaks)

Watching: I gave up watching alone for Lent.  So, I just watch Psych with Ben.  Except I usually fall asleep, so I end up not watching much and never finding out who the murderer was. 

3. What kind of Catholic are you: cradle, or convert? (Or considering?)

Cradle

4. Can you point to one moment or experience that made you a practicing Catholic? (Or want to be?)

Well, I was raised Catholic, but it was through attending Youth 2000 Retreats in College that I began to understand the Catholic faith even more and grow deeper in my faith. 

5. How many pairs of shoes do you own?

1 pair of tall boots

1 pair of sneakers

3 pairs of flats

2 pairs of sandals

1 pair of high heeled pumps (I haven't actually worn these yet, I just got them for my brother's upcoming wedding in May). 

Hmm...that seems like a lot, but it really doesn't feel like that much. 

6. Are you a good dancer?

No. 

7. Who usually drives, you or your husband?

My husband, usually.  He says I'm a bad driver. I'm really a very good driver, except for the fact that I learned to drive from my dad.  Anyone who has ever driven with my dad knows exactly what I'm talking about. 

8. What's your favorite holiday and how do you celebrate it?

Any holiday we spend with friends or family. 

9. Which is correct? Left or right?

Left

10. Do you have any scars?

I have a scar on my right ankle from a roller skating incident when I was a kid.  I also have three scars from where I had three (non-cancerous) moles removed.

11. What's the most famous thing you've ever done? 

Well it's a toss-up between this decidedly un-famous blog or having my name published as one of the authors on a scientific paper published in the Journal of Dairy Science.  Clearly, I am not that famous. 

Cool Stuff

It's been awhile since I've linked up with Hallie for a Five Favorites post. so I have a lot of favorites stored up in my little brain just waiting to be spilled out onto the compute screen,

1.

The Rubba Sweepa Broom

Yes, a broom is one of my favorites. Seriously though...if you've never used a rubber broom, you are totally missing out.  This thing just picks up and grasps dirt *so well*.   It's super easy to use and you can use it to scrub, mop and sweep the floors.  It works really well on my hardwood, linoleum and tile floors.  I hate cleaning and sweeping, but this broom really does make it easier. I wouldn't go so far as to say it makes it fun, but it at least takes less effort to get more clean.

2.

The Barclay Rewards Credit Card

Gasp!  A credit card! Turn away all you Dave Ramsey fans.  I know a lot of people are really against credit card use, but I feel like if you use it responsibly (ie. don't spend more than you can pay for) it can be a good tool.  We always pay our balance off in full each month, so we never have to pay any interest or fees.   And, this particular credit card is so awesome because it gives you double rewards points on gas, food and utilities.  Which is basically 95% of the things we put on it each month.   And, even more awesome, you can use the reward points as a cash back statement credit, so you are getting some of your gas, groceries and utilities for free.  Just to give you an example, on an $88 gas purchase (big vans are expensive to fill!!!) we earned 178 points which translates to 1.78 statement credit.  So, the rewards do add up here. 

3.

Crazy Pictures Kids Take With Your Camera

It is so funny to see what they choose as subject. The following photos are courtesy of Greta.

These pictures are from the Usbourne Children's Atlas.  An awesome book the kids love to read!  Great pictures and lots of fun facts. 

This next set is from Six by Seuss, and I know I don't have to tell you how awesome Dr. Seuss is. 

I love how she artistically set up the book with the compass and the hard drive. 

Gasp!  Is what those turtles are doing appropriate for a children's book???!!!

And, since these are books...I'm waaaaaay stretching the rules here and linking up with Jessica so you can all see what we're reading...or at least what we are taking pictures of. 

4.

SPRING!!

Heidi took this!  Pretty darn good for a 12-year old with a point and shoot camera if I do say so myself. 

Because you can't appreciate the spring and the summer unless you've gone through the winter.  There is NOTHING like those first glorious warm days. I never really appreciated spring until we lived in Florida where it was always summer and never Christmas.  Warm sunshiney days are really only enjoyable once you've gone through the rain and wind and cold and snow. 

5. 

All the Good People of the World

I've seen so many instances lately of both real and virtual continuities rallying around to help those in need,   It just warms the cockles of my normally stone-cold heart.  If you've spent any time on  social media, you know exactly what I'm talking about. In the midst of unthinkable tragedy, the good people have rallied around to provide love, support and financial help to those in need. People really ARE good,