7 Quick Takes Friday 7/19

---- 1 ----

Yay for Friday! My husband doesn't have to work this weekend, so we will cherish every moment! There is nothing like long hard weeks at work to make you really enjoy being a family again. Now for showing off my two toddlers. Peter got is first haircut, so he considered himself and man and decided to walk! Too many changes in one week over here!

Every time I turn around he's into more dirt or something! Now I thought I wanted to have all boys - but im not so sure what to DO with this energy! What do I do with this little creature called a boy?!

---- 2 ----

Have you ever read anything about the effects of birth control in our waters and environment? Make sure to read all about it, there's some interesting stuff! I added this banner to help spread the awareness - it fascinates and concerns me!

---- 3 ----

A dear friend of mine has a ministry in which she and three other ladies write and print a journal for mothers. The journal is encouraging, uplifting and has beautiful drawings! I have been reading it for a year now and love it! I added their little button - check out Soul Gardening, order a journal or donate to a great cause!

Soul Gardening

---- 4 ----

On Monday my little babes and I watched my sister take her first vows and receive her habit as a Servant Sister of the Home of the Mother. I could barely contain my tears as I watched over the webcam! I am so inspired and humbled that young people, such as my sister have the courage to take the leap. It requires great faith and trust in God. If you are interested, I wrote a little reflection about her. We love you, Sister Mary Rose!

---- 5 ----

Don't forget to enter my second GIVEAWAY: Eat Fat Lose Fat. One of my favorite food books. You don't have to know anything about food to understand what the authors are saying, it's great! There are only a few entries so you have more of a chance! Also, are you on Pinterest? It's a wonderfully evil place, don't you think?! If you want to find the real foodies over there, check out this post. Add your own link if you post real food recipes as well!

---- 6 ----

Now for some words of the wise:

Believe it or not, Mother Teresa had a very hard time and suffered greatly. When I have a hard day (or week, or month) it's people like her that inspire me. I don't have to change the world, I don't have to do big things, but I can certainly change that diaper or clean up that mess one more time for the love of God. Thank you Mother Teresa for keeping it real!

---- 7 ---- 

 Im excited because soon you will see me over at Dyno-mom writing about Kombucha. It will be my second guest post, you can read my first over here!

I couldn't resist sharing:

Have a blessed day!

Linking up at Conversiondiary.com

7 Quick Takes

Check out Jennifer's Blog here!

---- 1 ----

It was a long week over here. Everything seemed to go wrong. My children were more difficult than usual, my patience shorter and I was down right exhausted! What got me through this week? Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. I made myself go, I know it was the graces I received that got me through the week. That and the rosary. It's very hard to make the time to pray, but it does wonders in my life!

---- 2 ----

My dear friend Kate wrote a wonderful post for ladies on her blog, check it out! My family also featured our first guest post. Learning to Love, A Story of Hope. If you take the time, it's worth reading and pondering. 

---- 3 ----

What did you cook for the 4th of July? Holidays are always fun to try new recipes! I cooked nothing. nothing! It's a long story but I feel pretty silly. That being said, this is what I wanted to make. Doesn't it look amazing? Please let me know if you attempt the recipe, I would love to know how it taste!

Berry Tart

---- 4 ----

Lately I have been lurking over at Betty Beguiles, a lovely mom blog. This week she wrote a free e-book on Stay at Home Date Night Ideas. Her ideas are great! It's the little things we start to neglect when we are busy or tired, like having fun with your spouse! Thank you, Hallie!

---- 5 ----

Want some more serious health reading? This article on caffeine is really interesting. I LOVE my tea. I can barely get through the whole article because right now I need my caffeine!  I know I feel better off caffeine, but it's so wonderful at the same time! Do you drink it?

---- 6 ----

Check out my super simple summer smoothie recipe. 2 ingredients. We don't get very complicated over here, I mean we couldn't even manage to make something fun on the 4th!

---- 7 ----

This is about where I'm at right now:

I know it will get easier when the children are older . . . but man it's tough! My mother had six children in six years so I have nothing to complain about . . . but, but, but . . . I still do.

I can't wait till their naps during the day but I miss them when they sleep at night. This vocation rocks and I know it will get me to heaven!

"To maintain a joyful family requires much from both the parents and the children. Each member of the family has to become, in a special way, the servant of the others." - Blessed John Paul II