The best part of this is that my work crew and DH get along splendidly. He hasn’t been able to attend many functions due to the distance of Ventura County; but this one was in Orange County. I love seeing DH enjoy himself!
Happiness Is…
Thursday, July 30, 2026
Spaghetti and Meatballs and Cobbler.
Dinner as a family.
Unless you’re this guy. In that case, you’re sad about eating meatballs which aren’t dinosaur shaped chicken nuggets.
Minion bath bomb from Lush.
Transformers with the Fourth.
Dates with my Love.
Free tequila shots after a grueling Friday of having the difficult conversations required for growth.
Still the only one I want to do life with.
SoCal views.
Respite, limoncello, and Jesus.
Home Improvement
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
If you remember that wall we put up over thanksgiving break, DH finished it this week.
One, Two, and Four all helped with the plastering, painting, or preparing.
It required several rounds of plaster, sanding, and primer before we could paint.
I thought I needed to do it when suddenly DH took the reins and knocked it out.
It is always amazing to me how much easier anything physical is for DH. For example, he did not need a step-stool to reach the top of the wall.
He covered more ground with a stroke of the arm. He wielded a drill like a boss.
He was kind enough to let me replace a bad Offer Up purchase I made in our white bed frame. When we unboxed it, it required about 5 hours of assembly and still looked like scrap metal.
This time around, I found an excellent solid walnut wood frame with under bed drawers (low storage in our home) for $80. Perhaps the best find was the geometric duvet cover, which is one of DH’s favorites: art deco, contrasts, and geometric shapes.
Having a nice bedroom is really important to me. There are so many sacrifices in the married and parenting life that having a sanctuary to meditate and recover is a must. We need it to do the rest well!
Good Times
Monday, July 27, 2026
Have I mentioned our kids have become funny all of a sudden? Sometimes it’s intentional, sometimes not. 😂
Summer Mornings
Sunday, July 26, 2026
“… creation awaits with eager expectation the revelation of the children of God.”
-Romans 8:19
Boys Camp No. 3
Saturday, July 25, 2026
He came back noticeably sun-kissed and happy.
One of us is on texting terms with our rector:
This is what Frater Dominic read:
At Saint Michael’s summer camp, we are intentional about focusing on and fostering the virtue of magnanimity in the souls of these young men. This virtue is a “strength of soul” which combines the desire for greatness with humility and kindness. For boys to become men, they must acquire this virtue of magnanimity, but first they must see it modeled in their peers. Our camper of the week, Isaac Ambrow was this example for the whole camp. He was a model by using his athletic abilities to win the various games and activities for his team while having the maturity to realize that nothing should get in the way of showing true Christian charity to his teammates and opponents. Isaac was also a leader in all aspects of camp. He led his peers in faith by his beautiful devotion. He showed great zeal for God during holy mass, the rosary, and prayers throughout camp. Isaac also led his peers by showing great respect for the priests and fraters at camp. He was always respectful and attentive when anyone was giving his council instruction. He also showed great maturity by subtly and gently correcting his peers. Isaac, you may not realize it, but the young men at camp were looking to you and saw you as a strong and manly leader. Our Lord says that “to whom much is given, much is expected.” Isaac, you have been given many talents and graces but your counselor, the fraters, and the young men at camp have great confidence that you will continue to lead and show the great virtue of magnanimity. God bless you, Isaac!
His siblings wrote a short humor script highlighting his less flattering qualities while he was out, lest you think we’re beatifying or picking favorites over here; but he does do great when given freedom and responsibility outside the home.
Meanwhile, Sol puked and the Engineer gave him a bath and tucked him in. So everyone is growing and maturing over here. We are so proud of our kids!
Blossom
Friday, July 24, 2026
A summary:
This is the only place she’s allowed to be a girl. She “became famous” this year with her BFF because they went on stage together and did a tiny bit. They worked in a joke about Sweet Pea’s ADHD; and everyone laughed and treated her like it’s the superpower we’ve been telling her it is. Afterward, every one of the 200 girls were greeting her and calling her by name like a celebrity. She’s always been our celebrity; but we’re glad she’s been discovered.
She also discovered sleep spray which apparently works. She brought magnesium and melatonin, which helped her sleep better than the other campers, a HUGE win for our energy generator!
She was given this shirt from one of her counselors.
Gratitude
They that hope in the LORD will renew their strength, they will soar on eagles’ wings. They will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint.
-Isaiah 40:31
The hooded orioles are still all over our back yard. Summer mornings always remind me of the little big ways the Lord provides for all creation. So often I can’t see it!
Boys Camp No. 2
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
This is from last year and was all I could find. The Eldest didn’t go this year, but here you can see the big 3 boys:
Mr. Serious:
Profundity from the Progeny
Monday, July 20, 2026
Walking into yet another crowded auditorium, one exclaimed, “I am SICK of doing things I don’t want to do. Like 75% of the things you make me do I don’t want to do!”
I know, Bud. It’s the human condition.
What?
It’s a result of the fall. There are a lot of things in life we have to do that we don’t feel like doing. We’re not living for this life.
————
Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light. -Matthew 11:28-30
Freshman Formation Weekend
Sunday, July 19, 2026
The Eldest arrived at 5:45 a.m. in a white t-shirt and shorts the last two mornings and returned to us at 8:30 p.m. tonight as an official Servite friar.
The enthusiasm and energy of 214 boys warms my heart. They are so simple, so capable, and desire to be heroic. I love them so much! God knew what he was doing when He gave me 5 sons! 🙏🏼❤️
#Humility
Friday, July 17, 2026
The only problem with everyone telling you that you’re awesome all the time.
DH responded that humility is recognizing one’s talents, not self-abasement. Kid knows he’s cute.
The Eldest dotes on him and then calls him “Sweet Fart” to ensure he doesn’t become “too cocky.” At one point I asked Sol if he liked the name Sweet Fart. He made his flirty face and said “yes.”
They directed 3 people to him for his hair cut today, 2 to distract him and 1 to cut his hair. He is perhaps our most hyperactive kid. (Wherever does he get that?! 🙄🤣) These two distracted him:
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