Saturday, February 20, 2016

Happy, Springlike Thankfuls! TTot Week 140

I think I've figured out why I haven't been writing much lately, besides the fact I have been busy. I don't have anything funny to say. There's been all sorts of not devastating but not funny stuff happening around us lately. The only posts I have in my brain to write are not funny ones. They are just things I want to get off my chest. It's not nearly as fun to write those sorts of posts, and it certainly isn't any fun to read them. So I don't write. But then I can't get unstuck. So, I sat down and wrote a get-this-off-my chest post today. It's almost ready to publish. I'll post it next week. Then, I'm hoping my funny bone will be released, and I can get back to what I like to write the most. Thanks for hanging in with me.

On to the point of the post...

The Thankfuls!

1. Bryan and I had a nice, relaxing day and a half to ourselves last weekend. I felt bad that the view from our hotel was Bryan's office, but we didn't run into anyone we knew, and if we didn't look out the window, we could forget that we were in downtown Indy.

We went to the Eiteljorg (Museum of Native Americans and Western Art),


drove through the beautiful, historic Crown Hill Cemetery,





saw the musical Once at Butler University, had a delicious dinner at the boisterous Greek Island, and had a nice time trying out all sorts of wine at Tastings. The next morning we slept in, read the newspaper in bed, and didn't leave the hotel until they made us at checkout time.

All told, a lovely weekend with my darling husband.

2. My mom made it home safely. When she left our house on Sunday, it was snowing. Really, really snowing. We begged her to stay the night, but she had plans with her friends later in the day. Her normally 2 hour drive ended up being a 4 hour nightmare, with slide offs and accidents all the way home. She was fortunate to not be involved in any of the mishaps, especially since one car spun out right in front of her.

3. The volleyball tournament Phoenix was supposed to play in this weekend was cancelled. It was a one-day tournament over three hours away in Illinois (requiring an overnight stay on Saturday). We get to save some money, and now Bryan can come to our school's dinner with me on Saturday night.

4. The weather has been warmer the last couple of days, so the little boys have been able to play outside while waiting for Giant to finish middle school musical practice. The school's playground is getting remodeled and is off limits, which is where the little boys would normally play with a gaggle of other kids. Instead, it was just Turken and Star on the blacktopped parking lot. Thankfully, they are perfectly happy simply kicking a ball back and forth to each other for an hour.

5. Ever since last year's high school volleyball season, everyone has been worried. Only one senior graduated, so there was the potential for a lot of kids to get cut. Thankfully, things worked out so almost all of the kids could stay, including Phoenix. He gets to keep playing, and he's happy.

6. For Lent, one thing I decided to do was attend at least one weekday Mass each week as well as the Lenten Bible study put on by our parish. The day just goes better when you start it with Jesus. As for the Bible study, it is a very interesting video series. I've already learned a lot in the first two weeks.

7. High school track practices have started in earnest, and I actually have a kid running!! Track was my sport in school. From 7th grade through college, the track was my place. Even now, when I smell a rubberized track, I want to break out into a sprint. But except for Star taking a short, one season stint in 4th grade, I haven't been able to enjoy any track meets. No longer! Star decided that freshman year is his chance to give it another try. They pulled him up to run with the upperclassmen at the last practice, and he is having a ball lifting weights and getting as buff as a 5'10", 110 pound kid can get.

8. I tried making something very outside my normal meal making last night using a recipe from the internet. Fish tacos with a cabbage slaw. It went over very well with the family.

9. Phoenix and Buttercup are competing in Mock Trial today. They've had fun preparing over the last many months, and I've had fun watching them become even better friends through the shared experience.

10. A robin flew by my car the other day!! As if that wasn't enough to get my IT'S SPRING excitement going, it is supposed to be 62 degrees and sunny today. Glorious, I tell you. Glorious.

Your turn! Tell me all about your thankfuls!

Have a lovely day!


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35 comments:

  1. Frist yay .. i missed you... and yes i get it boy do I get it ...but sometimes you have to give in to that muse ...these words are not really ours they come out because yes we show up, but because they need to be said..so go with it - let it go you'll be very surprised...
    your weekend sounded wonderful the places you visited sounded great - having a Lenten promise is wonderful i'm trying to figure mine out too... ( i know I should get going ) i'm thinking of praying the rosaries every day... but i'll come up with something for sure ... for now we are not eating meat on Wednesday's and Friday ...and i am not swearing any more not even under my breath...it's a start however I get the everyday downers and what it does to us we become jaded ..well I do
    let's keep the faith and how right you who wants to hear about the bad stuff
    except hopefully it will be accepted with empathy and hopeful words.

    enjoy your spring weather looking forward to your post:)

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    1. I know. I do just need to write it down. But I don't want to publish anything that makes assumptions, hurts feelings, or isn't done the right way. It takes a lot longer to write those. :)
      Not even swearing under your breath. Ha! I like it. I have done a daily rosary before. A very good way to start a day, end a day, or take a break in the middle of the day.

      We were outside all morning, and I'm looking forward to going out again in a bit.

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  2. two words: 'It's still (a little) light out at 6:00pm'*

    So, what events did you run? (the Doctrine would have us thinking: anything that involves sprinting and/or chasing fleeing life forms. 100 yard dash?

    *as long as it's not cloudy

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    1. The amount of daylight is definitely getting better.

      Yes. I ran sprints. 100, 200, and 400. You'll love the fact that I was the last leg in the 4x400 relay, and it was my favorite event, even though it hurt worse than any other race in a meet. :)

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  3. Yay for spring and fish tacos. Your weeks are always busy. I'm glad you and Bryan had a mini-vaca in the city. Couple time is always necessary and fun. Your Mom's a champ, putting social get togethers ahead of hazardous driving, my kind of woman. Have a good week and I'll look for your ketchup post.

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    1. Ha! She is a social lady! And she loves to spend time at the beach. She even has a time share, where she will be spending a month this fall. You two would get along swimmingly. :)

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  4. So many things to be happy AND thankful for in this post. Your mom making it home safely, hubby time, the kiddos being active, involved and happy, attending mass AND spring like temps! We've had spring for over a week now and I think it's here to stay! Yay! Good to see you posting again. Sometimes posting the other stuff is cleansing. It is for me anyway. I quite enjoy the art of the vent. Now if I could figure out a way to do it without dropping the F bomb every other word that'd be awesome. That was top on my Lent list. I failed miserably.. Ugh. I will forever be a practicing Catholic because I'll be practicing every nanosecond of the day! Happy Spring!

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    1. Lucky you! Spring isn't here for good, but it's getting closer! I'll take these odd, springlike days for now.
      Funny, you are the second person to comment that you gave up swearing for Lent. Lucky for you, we're all practicing our entire lives. It's kinda expected. :)

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  5. I always love your thankful posts. That's why I do thankful Thursdays. I love it that you had a wonderful weekend with your hubby. That's so important.

    The fish tacos sounds awesome. I'm sure you'll be making those again. There are so many great recipes on line.

    Have a fabulous day and enjoy the spring weather. ☺

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    1. These thankful posts are quite the pick-me-up, aren't they?
      We agree. These kids are going to grow up and move on. Gotta make sure Bryan and I are still friends when that happens. :)
      I will definitely make them again. And it will go faster and smoother, now that I've done it once. I've been in a cooking rut, and nothing better than new, yummy recipes to shake things up a bit.
      Thank you!

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  6. Ahhh so glad you got a lovely weekend with Bryan. It sounds like you had a completely gorgeous time, and I'm glad you got to indulge in spending that time on just the two of you.

    SO happy the weather is getting a bit warmer for you, and more clement. It makes all the difference in the world to mood and the options available to do. I'm hopeful it's going to be sunny tomorrow, as I'm taking Niece and Neff out. We're going to go to a local arboretum, and I HOPE they will enjoy it, and tire themselves out walking around so they later sit through a movie I want to show them.

    Glad you've begun getting things off your chest. It makes a lot of difference, and it IS worth writing...and reading. Promise :)

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    1. It was so nice to have the time alone. It doesn't seem to happen all that often, so we take advantage when we can.

      I saw a photo. Looks like you and the kids are having a good time. I knew you would. We have some nice weather these days. I have no doubt it won't last. There's always a last burst of winter before spring really gets here, but I'm OK with it. We've been very lucky so far this season, so I will not complain.

      Well, we'll see. :)

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  7. Nice...glad you enjoyed some down time...wow your mom is either a real trooper or a die hard partier!

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  8. Nice...glad you enjoyed some down time...wow your mom is either a real trooper or a die hard partier!

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  9. You don't have to be funny all the time to write interesting posts, I love reading about your life and family, even the mundane stuff.

    I'm glad you and Bryan had a great weekend together, getting away from the kids once in a while is definitely good.

    Hope your early spring weather is continuing; I've noticed here that the days are gradually getting longer as I can now drive to work at 5pm without needing to put the van lights on. We recently had five consecutive very cold and frosty, clear and sunny days but the rain returned yesterday and it's now blowing an absolute hooley - I'm just glad I'm not out in it!

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    1. Thank you for the encouragement. I am really going to try to write more often.

      It is good, and I'd venture to say probably necessary. The kids won't be living with us forever, and we need to make darn sure we're still friends when we're here all alone. :)

      The longer days definitely help pull me out of the winter funk. The chickens, too! More eggs are being laid! :)
      Well, for you, 5 days of sun is some sort of record, is it not. ;) I love that expression "blowing an absolute hooley", but being stuck in one is no fun. Glad you can stay home.

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  10. Your mom's trip home gave me a flashback. Glad she was able to come stay with the kids AND get home safely. Those must have been some plans to be willing to drive in those conditions to get home!
    Just make sure Star doesn't compete in the 4x400; it's always the last event of an already seemingly endless track meet.
    I have nearly the same writing slump you do. The things I think of to write about aren't interesting to anyone, apparently even including me, because I haven't written them. Making a real effort to jump start my low writing battery.

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    1. She just loves hanging out with her friends. Willing to risk life and limb to do it, too, it seems. :)
      It is HILARIOUS that you say that about the 4x400. I know exactly when it is in the meet, as I anchored it all through high school and college. It is the most fun (and painful. Oh, I can still feel the pain in my butt.) event in the entire meet! I would love it if he were able to run in it!
      From the looks of my feed, there are more than just the two of us in the slump. Lots of people are writing less. The A-Z will certainly change that!

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  11. Dunno why this won't let me reply in the right place, but yes, the weather held (even though it was gloomy) and we had a blast. They enjoyed the walk and the play and the movie, and were mostly well behaved. I don't think there were even any tears!

    Time to yourselves must be so precious and I'm glad you got some.

    And yes, we'll see :) Looking forward to it :)

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    1. Sounds like a wonderful day!

      I'm reworking it. Again. I'll get it done, though. :)

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  12. Oh I hope that your release post almost ready for releasing re-releases your funny bone. And that you're okay. Here's to time alone, museums, warmer weather (here too!) and all of it. I love fish tacos by the way. Just saying.

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    1. I really want my funny bone back. Seriously. It's getting ridiculous.
      Fish tacos are awesome.

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  13. Glad your mom's trip turned out OK and she made it home safe. And hooray for a kid=less weekend together. Those are important.
    Lent is certainly upon us. Zilla celebrated her first reconciliation right at the start, so she's been pretty keen on getting to confession. Have to admit I'm one of those who doesn't go as often as I should so I'm happy she's been asking to go. I've been more times this month than I have in five years, I think. :D OK, not funny, but still... She's also asked to go to church after school a couple of days a week just to sit and pray. I love it. I'm attempting to give up swearing for Lent (again) but perhaps this time I'll manage.
    Fish tacos are a favorite here. And it's funny because the first time I suggested them to my husband he was all "eew I won't eat that." He used so say "if it's from the sea it's not for me." Whatever - he asks for fish tacos weekly now.
    SO ready for spring.

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    1. They are very important. True true true.

      I don't know many people who take full advantage of it. I certainly don't, which is a pity. Do you have a perpetual adoration chapel in a parish nearby? If so, she would probably love to go. Sounds like there are quite a few people are trying to give up swearing. It's not easy. At least I can just not buy the junk food I gave up. Words just pop out of your mouth. Lots harder to manage. :)
      Ha! from the sea, not for me? Guess he didn't know what he was talking about. :) Bryan used to say he hated spinach. One day, I didn't tell him and made a spinach salad. He ate it up, then asked what it was. He had no idea people ate spinach that wasn't cooked.

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  14. Hi Christine,
    What is the name of your Lent video course? Could one get hold of it online?
    xxxMargaretha

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    1. The videos we are watching are from Ignatius Press. Here's the link for one of the DVDs: http://www.ignatius.com/Products/FOGA-M/footprints-of-god-abraham.aspx
      We've watched the Abraham and Moses DVDs so far.

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  15. Fellow Hoosiers sure get the irony in a post that talks one minute about a terrible snowstorm (that was NASTY driving! We were at a ballgame, and had to drive 30 minutes. My sister had left the same game with 2 small children for an 1.25 hour drive in good weather, and I called her and told her to turn around and spend the night! I saw one slideoff, my hubby too, and she had to avoid a wreck on 465! ) And then a week later, almost 70! Wild. I can't wait for SPRING to stay!

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    1. Hahaha!! I'm so used to it, I didn't even give it a second thought that I talked about horrible snow and spring in the same week! Ha! Blast this Indiana weather! :)
      Yikes. Glad your family, including your sister, were alright.
      We have definitely entered the confused weather of almost spring. Did you see it's supposed to snow on Wed/Thursday? If not, sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

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  16. All couples, and especially those with kids at home, need time away weekends now and then to spend with each other. I'm so glad you got to do it! I'm very glad your Mom made it home safely again. Spring weather this time of year in Indiana? It would be wonderful it if would last, but even a taste of it is heavenly I know. I remember how long winters lasted growing up in Dakota. More often than not we froze in our Easter dresses! I always enjoy the updates on your kids, it seems like they are growing up fast right in front of us!

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  17. Forgot to say that I so appreciate the way faith is an integral part of your family and your daily lives, rather than just a Sunday church stop as it often is for so many. The most precious gift you can give your children is growing up seeing faith in action!

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  18. I love the movie "Once" -- I bet it is wonderful live show.

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  19. Glad your Mom is okay! What an experience she had. What an amazing entrance to that cemetery! I would have enjoyed walking among the old tombstones. I so agree with #6 that the day's goes better when you start remember to start by communicating with the Creator. Glad you are going to sort of relive some of your track days through your Star. I've never had a fish taco, but I hear they are delicious.

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  20. It sounds like you had a fabulous weekend Christine. I would love to go to that museum!
    Your Mom is crazy! Or a scott lol So glad she made it home safely and withou mishap :)
    That's pretty special, Star running in his Mom's footprints :) Enjoy those track meets!

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  21. Sounds like a lovely get-away with your husband.
    :-)
    Glad your mother made it home safe.
    Awww, robin. I love those little guys.

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