I have been unhappy with our phone situation for some time. We have a cell phone and a land-line, and the cost seems extremely high for how much we actually use our phones. Since I am primarily at home, the thought of getting rid of our land-line seems illogical, particularly when I find cell phones more difficult for conversation. Unfortunately getting rid of the cell altogether isn’t really an option either. I could switch to a no contract cell phone... Read more
On the day that Caroline turned 4 months old, I began feeding her “solids”. I know, I know, in many circles it is considered best to wait until baby turns 6 months old before introducing solids, and with Christopher and Maria, I waited much longer before introducing “real food”. But Christopher and Maria were terrible baby eaters – they wouldn’t eat any pureed food, and until they could pick up pieces of food and put them in their mouths, nothing... Read more
Did you read the interview at National Review with Mary Anne Marks, who delivered the 2010 commencement address at Harvard in Latin? Here is an excerpt (and conversation that I believe all of the builders have had in one form or another–more on this in another post in the coming weeks): KATHRYN JEAN LOPEZ: You are a Harvard graduate. Aren’t you surrendering all the possibilities that entails by entering a convent? MARY ANNE MARKS: Yes, if one doesn’t see becoming... Read more
There are smiles… there is play… and there are definitely plenty of kids!! Thanks for the wonderful visit, Red and family!! Read more
The other day, I was in the playroom with my girls. Maria, almost 3 years old, was having a great time playing peek-a-boo with her baby sister, Caroline, now 6 months old. I told Maria that I needed to take Caroline away for just a few minutes to change her diaper, and Maria protested, saying, “Mommy, please don’t take Caroline away, she’s my best friend!” Of course, these words melted this mother’s heart, and I imagined all of the fun... Read more
What am I cooking tonight? We are going out to dinner! What am I reading? Middlemarch by George Eliot, more New York Times lately, very few blogs What are my weekend plans? We are at The Farm, so my plans include long walks, running, canoeing on the pond, reading, mass. What are my prayer intentions for the day? My girls have a fever, and I am praying for patience (for me) and a quick recovery, so this does not spoil... Read more
It isn’t often that I enjoy a movie, particularly when I’m watching it in lieu of a Phillies game. But on Saturday night Mr. Red and I watched Finding Neverland, and we both thoroughly enjoyed it. If you haven’t already seen the film, I highly recommend adding it to your Netflix Queue. And then today I came across an article, The Parent Trap: Art After Children, which was also excellent (h/t to Shannon), and hit upon many of the same... Read more
At dinner tonight Dash , our 5 year old, exclaimed, “You HAVE to make this meal for Daddy to show him what a good cook you are and how smart your brain is!!” Let me qualify that by saying that when Mr. Incredible is out of town, as he is this weekend, we tend to lower some standards, especially around meal time. Usually we do a breakfast of scrambled eggs and pancakes for dinner. Tonight, after a rough day, even... Read more
Grocery shopping has always felt like a battle I couldn’t win. Back home in Philadelphia, I paid sitters a small fortune or spent my nights at the grocery store so that I could shop alone and actually focus and go to several stores to get the best prices. I tagged along with friends to Costco and Sam’s Club to stock up on essentials to avoid frequent bulky shops. During the past 5 months in Europe, I have had to shop... Read more
What am I cooking tonight? Bowtie pasta with marinara sauce, broccoli, and leftover birthday cake for dessert. I’m loving Barilla Plus pasta lately – lots of protein for my meat-averse daughter, and tastes great! What am I reading? Just finished Dearest Cousin Jane, and next on my list is Death of a Pope (I’ll give you my take when I’ve finished reading it). I’m also enjoying my new Everyday Food magazine… What are my weekend plans? Swimming at the neighborhood pool,... Read more
Building Cathedrals
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