Small Successes

Danielle Bean says, "It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."

1) I cleared out our hanging files, something I try to do every January. I recycle/shred all the stuff we don't need anymore & put the rest in file boxes to store away. It's amazing how fast paper can pile up, isn't it?

2) I baked some super easy muffins. You only need 2 ingredients. Mix one box Devil's Food cake mix w/ 15 oz. of pureed pumpkin (canned or fresh). Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Eat as is or top w/ cream cheese frosting. I know it sounds like a strange combination, but they are delicious! (My mom also made them, but she used a spice cake mix. She said it was good.)

3) I registered for our parish's upcoming study of Jeff Cavins' A Quick Journey through the Bible. I'm really looking forward to this 8-week series.

BONUS: I actually got this post & my Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings post done up ahead of time (Monday afternoon) & scheduled to post on their days.

Please hop on over the Faith and Family Live to share your successes & see how others are doing w/ theirs.

Small Successes

Danielle Bean says, "It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."

1) Even though we've fallen off our meal plan for a bit, I've still managed to make some decent meals w/ what we have on hand this week.

2) For the most part, I've been staying on top of the dishes this week. Now, the island, kitchen table, counters, & floor are definitely ANOTHER story!

3) We finally put our tree up last night. We usually do it Thanksgiving weekend, but time just got away from us this year. A couple of years ago, we needed a new tree (yes, we are artificial people right now!) & decided to downsize. So we have a nice, somewhat thin 6ft tree & just have the munchkins put their ornaments on it. They did a great job, too. I only had to move a couple around to fill in spaces.

Have you had a successful week? Check out Faith and Family Live every Thursday to share yours & see what others have been up to!

Small Successes

Danielle Bean says, "It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."

1) I cleaned parts of the basement. No, not the toys...the cobwebs from most of the ceiling & the dust/lint around the washer & dryer. It's amazing what a big difference just those things can make!

2) I made a GREAT main dish for dinner Tuesday night...pasta! It's so versatile that everyone in the family was satisfied. The older boys ate buttered noodles, Casinodad had alfredo sauce w/ imitation crabmeat & asparagus in it, & The Princess & I had the same but w/ sauteed onions added (just like you see them do on the cooking shows...Mmmm! The kitchen smelled so good!) The Saint had the same, but mostly ate the crab & asparagus.

3) I learned some lessons from an Adam Sandler movie!!! I wrote up a review & my reflections about the movie 50 First Dates HERE. Warning: If you haven't seen the movie, my review does contain numerous spoilers.

Small Successes

Danielle Bean says, "It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."

1) I did not freak out when the wicked weather blew through our state yesterday w/ tornado warnings & extremely high winds. (Although I probably would have if I'd known at the time that there was a tornado touching down in the next township over from us.)

2) This is a HUGE work in progress, but I've been really trying to reign in my temper when it comes to The Archangel. We've found that he has ADHD & much of his aggressive behavior, attitude, & goofing off are caused from it...not that it's an excuse, but an explanation. From that, we are working together w/ doctors to find solutions.

3) The exercises I've learned in physical therapy seem to be helping so far & I've been doing them at least once a day for the past week. Isn't it sad that it takes an injury of some sort to actually get me exercising? If I'd done more exercising in the past, I probably wouldn't have hurt my back!

Has it been a successful week for you? Check out Faith and Family Live to share.

Small Successes

Danielle Bean says, "It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."

I'm back after getting our computer repaired...it caught a virus in answer to my prayers to back off on my computer time! God has a wonderful sense of humor, doesn't he?

I was hoping that one of my successes would have been to avoid the colds a couple of the munchkins had this week, but that didn't happen! Thankfully I didn't get it too bad, but I am definitely wiped out! Now for the actual successes...

1) I finally went through all of the munchkins' clothes, including those in the crawlspace, to see what they had for fall & winter. All the excess is being donated to a center that helps those less fortunate in southeastern Ohio.

2) My mother bought us a large bottle of fabric softener. I usually don't buy any so I decided to use it just for sheets & towels. So, Tuesday & Wednesday I spent washing the munchkins' sheets, mattress pads, pillows, & comforters. WOW! Their rooms smell incredible!

3) I finally made an appointment to see our family doctor about my lower back pain, which I've had for over a year. I have a high pain tolerance, so I kept putting it off (mostly to save money) until it just got too bad. Thankfully it's nothing serious & a little physical therapy (along w/ minor changes in my sleeping & sitting positions) should be able to help it.

Has it been a good week for you? Please share at Faith & Family Live.

Small Successes

Danielle Bean says, "It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."

1) Yesterday I was quite the little homemaker! I made a new batch of baby wipes, another batch of crock-pot applesauce, chip dip & a few dozen chocolate chip cookies to share w/ friends who came over, AND kept the downstairs straightened up! GO ME!

2) I rearranged the living room furniture so that the munchkins wouldn't argue over who sits closer to the TV. Now the couch is even & they each sit the same distance away!

3) I rearranged The Princess' room when she asked me to do it.

Care to share your successes? Check out Faith and Family Live every Thursday for this great exercise in celebrating those small things that make a big difference in our lives!

Small Successes

Danielle Bean says, "It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."

1) I made pancakes for the munchkins this morning...and they didn't even ask! Not only did I make pancakes, I made chocolate chip pancakes w/ almond extract instead of vanilla. It's the little things that make a BIG difference in taste!

2) I allowed The Archangel to have a pet...a caterpillar that he found outside yesterday. (I'm not much of a dog person, Casinodad is allergic to cats, & we really don't have a decent spot for fish right now, so we've not gone the pet route w/ the munchkins.) It's a light brown one that he's keeping in a container w/ leaves & a twigs. He's named him Fuzzy & is taking very good care of him. The Archangel was so worried about Fuzzy when we went to the library. He kept saying, "I hope Fuzzy is okay. I can't wait to get home & check on Fuzzy." When he first started getting Fuzzy's "house" together, the munchkins were talking about how they'll care for him. The Archangel said that Fuzzy was his alone, but would welcome any help. The Princess said that she would babysit.

3) I've been making an attempt to get up earlier this week, read the day's readings, & shower before the munchkins are up. I'd gotten out of the habit, preferring to sleep in because I don't sleep well anyway, but felt that I really NEED that time to myself in the morning. I WISH I could get up even earlier, but I don't see that happening...YET!

Has it been a successful week for you? Stop by Faith & Family Live to share the joys of your accomplishments...no matter how big or small.

Small Successes - Back to School Edition

Danielle Bean says, "It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."

1) I got "Welcome Back to School" letters written for the older three munchkins. I'm going to mail them this year instead of handing them out on the first day.

2) I printed out all the narration ideas & put them in a decorated coffee can. Now, when it's time for a narration, the munchkins will pick a slip & do what's listed. (Examples besides the usual retelling & dictating to mom: "Write a review of the story including a summary & your thoughts," "Predict what you think could happen next," "How would you have done things differently?" "Write an obituary for a character," & "Build a Lego or block model.")

3) School supplies & textbooks are purchased & ready to be used. I'm thinking of starting either this coming Monday or the next. It just depends on how everyone is feeling & if I can get motivated enough to get everything ready.

Care to share your successes? Join Faith and Family Live each Thursday. No success is too small!

Small Successes

Danielle Bean says, "It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."

1) I spackled! We have MANY holes & scratches on the walls around our house, including around our new patio door, so I patched them. Painting the house is out of our budget at the moment, so we'll have to face some white spots for a while. But it's a step in the right direction, right?

2) After I spackled around the new door, I drilled holes & hung up our new curtains. They're a few inches off the kitchen floor, but w/ four munchkins & the kitchen table right near the door, I don't think that will be a problem!

3) I took our camera to our family reunion on Sunday AND took a lot of really good photos! This is a success because I usually forget that we have the camera until the last minute.

Have you had any successes this week that you'd like to share? Stop by Faith & Family Live.

Small Successes

Danielle Bean says, "It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."


1) I set up our new printer & it actually works!!! YAY!!!!!!! (Our old one wouldn't play w/ our new computer, so we've been w/out for the past couple months.)

2) I got the house in order for The Saint's birthday party on Friday an hour BEFORE guests arrived. This is a BIG accomplishment for me...usually I'm scrambling to put away those last minute things. BONUS: I mowed the lawn that morning, too!

3) I've stuck to our four week meal plan. What made it easy was to plan the shopping list weekly instead of longer. Keeping it simple makes it less overwhelming.

How are things going for you? If you'd like to share, go to Faith & Family Live to join in.

Small Successes

Oops! For some reason this posted Wed. instead of Thurs.



Danielle Bean says, "It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."

1) I went through all of our crayons, markers, & colored pencils to get ready for school this year. I tossed all those that didn't work or were too broken to use. I even have some crayons from when I was a child, some 30 years ago. They were a much better quality back then, weren't they?

2) I condensed our family medical files from 5 hanging file folders to 2. Do we really need 10 info sheets on the vaccinations the kids & all those multiple copies of privacy policies? I think not!

3) I said yes to each of the munchkins at various times this week even when I didn't really want to, whether it was for painting, baking a dessert for the family, or sleeping in the basement (although that one didn't last the night!)

What's gone well for you? Share & check out others at Faith and Family Live.

Book Review - How Do You Tuck in a Superhero

Rachel Balducci is a mother of five boys & one baby girl. She is a regular writer on Faith & Family Live, as well as her own blog, Testosterhome. (Isn't that a GREAT name for a blog?!?)

In How Do You Tuck in a Superhero, she describes the adventures & antics associated with raising boys. Wow! I thought my boys were adventuresome at times! They say that laughter is the best medicine. Well, when you have boys, a sense of humor is a MUST, as she proved in her book. I found myself laughing out loud throughout much of the book.

On page 75, she has a list of rules she can't believe she had to make for her family. Page 114 has a list of things that no longer sound crazy (to her) -- "You can try to invent a jet pack, but I will not buy the fuel for it."

The book is laid out with quick, easy to read passages, but I dare you to read just a bit at a time! I couldn't put it down...except when I had to find out what my own boys were up to!!

I love this quote of hers from page 109 (about 1/2 way through the book):

"We women with boys (and it's a heck of a lot of us, really), we need to encourage each other. Yes, it's tough. Yes, boys can be wild. But, it's worth it. You're doing great. You're going to make it.

"You are raising tomorrow's men. Make warriors, not wimps."

If you have boys in your life, whether sons, grandsons, nephews, etc., check out this book. You'll either empathetically nod you head & say you've been there or you'll thank God for the peace you have in your life compared to Rachel.

Small Successes

Danielle Bean says, "It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."

WOW! It's July 1st already! Where has this year gone?

1) I finally got our garden started.

2) Using cherries from our tree, I've made two cobblers that turned out really good.

3) I made a tough decision...I'm taking a "computer break." My spiritual well is starting to run dry & I've been neglecting some of my family duties, so I NEED to take a break. Other than checking my email, I will be stepping away from blogs, Facebook, etc. for the next two weeks.

How's your week been? Check out Faith & Family Live to share your success stories & see how others have fared. See you in a couple weeks!

Small Successes

"It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."

1) I cleaned a large portion of the garage. We almost have enough room to fit the van back into it.

2) I helped the boys clean up the floor of their room & underneath their beds. We can now walk to their beds w/out stepping on anything. Next stop...their bookshelf!

3) I'm surviving on instant coffee! Once again, the carafe of my coffee maker broke, so until I can budget another one, I'm using instant. I have the worst luck w/ those things, although this last one did make it almost 2 years before it broke!

Small Successes

"It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that.

1) All eight loads of laundry I've done in the last two days have been folded AND put away! What is wrong w/ me?!?!

2) It's been about a week since the deep cleaning on my bedroom & it still looks great!

3) I pulled the couch, looking for missing school blocks. Didn't find what I was looking for, but I did find a bunch of stuff to vacuum...so I vacuumed!

Check out Faith & Family Live for more successes!

Small Successes

"It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."

1) Yesterday I made up a new batch of laundry detergent.

2) After making the detergent, I did four full loads of the munchkins' clothes. Yes, I was a "little" behind. (Don't tell me that's never happened to you!!) Oh, I also washed a handful of Lego mini-figures that The Archangel had left in his pocket. Don't worry, they survived!

3) I got our new computer up & running, w/ the exception of our printer. I think we need a new one.

So, how are things in your neck of the woods? Share your successes & check out more at Faith and Family Live.

Small Successes

"It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."

1) Casinodad & I went on a date Sunday afternoon. Our nephew played Laurie, the lead male in his school's production of Little Women the Musical. He did such a great job! We are very proud of him.

2) We are getting a new computer this week, so I've spent the past few days cleaning up photos & other files on our old one, deciding what to keep & what to trash. Wow! There was so much stuff on there that hasn't been touched in years! (Our old computer is seven years old!)

3) Went shoe shopping yesterday. I bought two pairs of tennis shoes, one pair of dress shoes, one pair of casual shoes...and none of them were for me!

Your turn...Share your successes & see others at Faith and Family Live.

Small Successes

"It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."

Oops! Missed this last week, too! So, why am I having so much trouble thinking of my successes. I should have two weeks worth, right?

1) I've been doing well this Lent in keeping away from Facebook & constantly checking blogs that I read.

2) I cleaned our master bathroom sink, counter, mirror, & toilet. 'Nuff said!!!

3) Other than Tuesdays when Lost is on, Casinodad & I haven't been turning the TV on in the evenings. We try to spend that extra time talking, reading, or just sitting together.

Your turn! Share your successes at Faith and Family Live. While you're there, check out others' successes.

Small Successes

"It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."

1) I finally finished a book I've been reading for several months...My Life with the Saints, by James Martin, SJ. Taking some saints & other famous holy people, he compiled this book to share how each of them had an effect on his life. It was an easy read. I think it took me longer between regular mother/household stuff & wanting to take time to absorb it.

2) We've had a great week in catching up on The Prophet's schoolwork. We'd gotten quite behind due to illnesses, doctor appointments, & life in general. His K12 teacher set us up on a schedule to catch up. While I didn't use hers exactly, we have managed to make a huge dent in his lessons.

3) The Princess & I hosted a very nice tea party on Saturday to celebrate her 5th birthday. It was just her grandmothers, aunts, & the two of us. She was such a little lady, daintily drinking her tea & opening her gifts. We dressed up, listened to Baroque music (Vivaldi's Four Seasons), had three different types of tea, & had a small luncheon of finger sandwiches, veggies, & fruit.

Check out the ladies at Faith & Family Live for more successes.

Small Successes

"It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."

1) At the Women's Conference on Saturday, I went to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This was a HUGE step for me as I have not been in a LONG, LONG time.

2) I loaded up the back of our van (& the passenger seat) yesterday w/ about 1/2 of the recyclables from our garage & took them to the fire station's drop off. They've been piling up lately & we haven't been able to make it because of the snow.

3) Several times this past week, I've had the opportunity to respond to Casinodad in a not-so-nice way, but consciously chose not to.

What's your week been like? Check out Faith and Family Live to share & see other successes.