I feel like I’ve spent the better part of January reminding myself I need to get my act together. How can it already be the last week of the month? Holy smokes. Let’s play a little catch up, shall we?
1. I am BESIDE myself with glee about who I get to meet tonight. If you’re a fan of Food Network and Bobby Flay, then you might know Fr. Leo, aka the Cooking Priest. He’s coming to our Diocese tomorrow for a few Catholic Schools events. Word on the street is I get to taste those world-famous fajitas. My goodness, when I shake his hand, any suggestions on what to say? And don’t you worry, I’m taking the fancy camera so I’ll have fun pics to share next week!
2. On the same belt of awesome was my oldest daughter’s First Reconciliation a few weeks ago. Isn’t she the picture of holiness?
Our brand-new sanctuary was just a couple of weeks old when more than 100 second graders broke it in with all their sweet confessions. There was a lot of joy in that place, particularly on pew four.
3. We finally had Christmas with my brother and his family. They trekked all the way from Destin, Florida for the shindig. It was a quick visit, but it’s always fun to see the cousins play together. I miss seeing my brother (he used to live here in Austin), but I’m grateful for the time we had. Eek, and I think I forgot to mention my SIL is pregnant with baby #2? She’s 22 weeks along and we are so excited to meet our new niece/nephew come late May!
4. They are finally done. All 50 prayer boxes. Sanded, painted, pictures taken, holy items blessed and placed, packaged and ready for delivery. Whew, what a project. Several second grade mommas and I gathered to get this one done. It’s a fundraiser for our children’s school and even though it is work, the end result is one-million times awesome. Here’s proof (oh, and I photoshopped out the names but every box features the name of the student).
5. Did you hear? My friend Bonnie is hosting some pretty fabulous blog awards. Check it.
6. Last week I started a parenting series, Love and Logic. Oh my stars. It has been a complete 180 in how I discipline (and love) my children. I have SO much to learn, but the tools I’m gaining and the vocal cords I’m saving from not screaming are shocking. Why did I not fully discover this until my fifth child? Someone? Anyone? I’m definitely a believer. I’ll keep you posted on my progress.
7. Here’s your sneak peek of the Harry Potter birthday party, coming soon. If I could I would totally invite all y’all over for Quidditch and butter beer.
For even more fun takes, go visit Jen. She knows some pretty cool folks.
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Here at Team Whitaker, I blog about life as it happens: big families, carpool, Catholicism,Texas Aggies, prematurity, DIY/organizing projects, sanity checks and the occasional glass of wine at 10am. You get real Kathryn. Unedited, honest and hopefully funny. Motherhood and our faith lives are a journey, join me. 
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
We love Fr. Leo! Years ago we attended a Catholic family conference in Kokomo, IN of all places and he was the guest speaker. One of our sons (who has special needs) was invited on stage and it was one of the first times in his life we’d ever seen him interact completely typically in that type of setting. It was a double blessing and a lifelong happy memory!
Did I miss love and logic on this blog or is the series posted somewhere else? I need my vocal cords saved. Now.
I only mentioned it last week. It’s a parenting technique by Dr. Charles Fay. I am LOVING it. So logical, yet so full of empathy and love. I need to do a whole post about it, but I wanted to wait until I was a little further in the 7-week course. Right now, I’m two weeks in.
My Mom uses and enjoys Love and Logic in her classroom. Good luck!
Those boxes are adorable!
I am so obsessed with Fr. Leo! He actually works at the seminary at my college and has married a few of my friends, and I always loved his homilies and approach to bringing the Gospel. I was so spoiled getting to go to his Masses for four years, but he always rightly made the point that you shouldn’t go for the homily, for the priest, or for the music, but for the Lord. His humility really inspires me. Have so much fun!
Oh, and I almost forgot; I wrote a post today about his new cookbook!
http://captivetheheart.blogspot.com/2013/01/love-notes-sugar-and-spice.html
Oh girl, I am green with envy. I saw him first on Bobby Flay and I have loved him ever since. Getting to meet him tonight will be so fabulous. SO!! FAB!! I just read your post and what a great book. How did I not know about that?! Thank you so much for sharing!
I’m interested in learning more about love and logic. Is it a dvd/book series? I need some encouragment (help!) in this area.
What lovely boxes. The children are blessed you would put so much thought and time into their gifts.
I will definitely be blogging more about it Meghan. So far, I love it. I’m two weeks into a seven-week course. There is a book. We are doing the workbook, DVD with a facilitator and group discussion. So many great ideas. I only wish I’d done this about a decade ago!
The boxes turned out even better than we hoped. I cannot wait to see the kids’ faces!
Whew! That was a whirlwind. Is anyone taking nominations for SuperMom? I cannot wait to hear about the parenting tactics you are currently using. Our children’s school is offering a seminar as well and we were probably the first to sign up!
Take care!
#4 The boxes are awesome. I’m going to make the girls something like it. Thank you for the idea.
#6 I, too am a fan of Love and Logic. (I mix it up with some of Dr. Ray’s golden advice.) My kids still aren’t perfect, mind you but it makes sense.
Love the Love & Logic book. We started with Ava as a toddler. Taking the course in Feb finally as our Montessori school is hosting & made it affordable.
As a teacher and a parent I am a HUGE fan of Love and Logic, my husband has taught courses on it as well. It.just.makes.sense. Glad you are enjoying it!!