Five Favorites: What We Did On Our Summer Vacation

This summer was my Summer of Empty. By this I mean that while past summers I spent a lot of time making lists of what I wanted our family to do, this summer was about being open to just enjoy one another and whatever came our way. Admittedly, a lot came our way. Between an unplanned surgery for me before summer kicked off, and a planned surgery for my mom, things were a little more hectic than I would have liked (aka planned).

The kids sure did have a fun summer though, and even with all the hospital visits, I'd like to say it was a great summer overall. Here are five things I thoroughly enjoyed over the past couple of months:

{1}

Watching the kids enjoy summer.

Because they will never be this young and gleeful again.

{2}

Finishing Up Some Home Projects

We have been talking about painting our door for a long time, so this summer I decided to git 'er done. Also needed - a more stable bedframe for our darling daughter. I found an old bedframe at a garage sale that was in great shape, but not so perfect that I'd feel guilty sanding it down and giving it a facelift. Now all we need to do is actually set it up, but I figured I'd let it rest a week so the paint fumes don't follow it to her room. 

{3}

Gals' Weekends

I suppose calling Edel a "Weekend Getaway" isn't quite doing it justice. It has borne so much fruit even in the short month since going. I am transformed, and I owe it to my sisters. Well, Jesus in the hearts of my sisters. It was expensive to be sure, but it was absolutely the investment I hoped it would be. 

Following up from this amazing weekend away, we held a local Blessed Is She brunch at the beginning of August. If you haven't checked them out, you really should. With daily devotionals on the Mass readings, regional Facebook groups, beautiful images to download as prints or device wallpaper, and women from every walk of life, this ministry has filled a gaping need. It just all continues to demonstrate just how desperately we are in need of more outlets for faith-filled sisterhood. More on that in the coming months. I think.

{4}

Our Mid-Week Getaway

The last couple of years we have taken a short vacation to Grand Rapids on the opposite side of the mitten. It's just the perfect little getaway. This year, we went sans kiddos, and we took time to just walk around by the river and visit the Ford Presidential Museum like the couple of nerds we are. It was swell. Then, of course, we got to meet Fr. (now Bishop-Elect) Barron. That was swell too.

{5}

Soaking in Some Nature

Because . . . pretty!

That's all for this Five Favorites edition here. To soak up some more faves, head over to Jenna's place!

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Five Favorites: Get Ready for Pentecost!

The Spirit is coming! The Spirit is coming! Who's ready for Pentecost? Here are five songs to get you in the spirit for the coming of the Spirit. (Go ahead. Groan.)

{ONE}

Holy Spirit, Francesca Battestelli

Holy Spirit, You are welcome here

Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere

Your glory, God, is what our hearts long for

To be overcome by Your presence, Lord

{TWO}

Burning in My Soul, Matt Maher

Whoa, hear the sound from Heaven

Whoa, a mighty rushing wind

Whoa, we're calling for revival

God let Your fire fall again

It's burning in my soul...

{THREE}

Soul on Fire, Third Day

God, I'm running for Your heart

I'm running for Your heart

Till I am a soul on fire

I wanna be

Till I am a soul on fire

Till I am a soul on fire

{FOUR}

Consuming Fire, Third Day

Set this place on fire

Send Your spirit, Saviour

Rescue form the mire

Show your servant favor

Yesterday was the day that I was alone

Now I'm in the presence of Almighty God

{FIVE}
Spirit of the Living God, Phil Wickham

Spirit of the living God, fall fresh on me

Spirit of the living God, fall fresh on me

Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me

Hope this helps get you in the mood for the firefall of Pentecost. (Do you have any favorites I missed?)

Come, Holy Spirit, come!! Now, let's get out there and love 'em like Jesus!

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5 Favorite Beauty Tips from 5 Beautiful Women

It has been a long while since I have linked up with a Five Favorites, but here I am! With Mother's Day just passing, we sure saw a lot of commercials about what moms want and how beautiful mothers are. I thought about what it is that makes me feel beautiful, especially since I have spent much of my life struggling with body image. I thought about what I want to pass on to my daughter about beauty in contrast to what the world will tell her. Below are the best pieces of advice I have found from some beautiful and powerful women. 

{ONE}
Care for others.

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.

For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day.

For poise, walk with the knowledge you'll never walk alone.

People, even more than things, have to be restored, 

renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; Never throw out anybody.

This is often attributed to Audrey Hepburn. In reality, it is a poem by Sam Levenson which it seems she loved so much that people mis-attributed it to her. The full poem by Sam Levenson can be found here. 

{TWO}
Serve God.

Be humble and pure like Mary so as to live in love and peace with one another and make our families and our world something beautiful for God.

This is an excerpt from the end of a letter Mother Teresa wrote to the women attending the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing. You can read the full letter here.

{THREE}
Don't hide. Shine what God gave you. 

“If a little flower could speak, it seems to me that it would tell us quite simply all that God has done for it, without hiding any of its gifts. It would not, under the pretext of humility, say that it was not pretty, or that it had not a sweet scent, that the sun had withered its petals,or the storm bruised its stem, if it knew that such were not the case.” St. Therese of Liseux, Story of a Soul

{FOUR}

Stay open and allow yourself to experience pain.

If you haven't cried, your eyes can't be beautiful.

Sophia Loren

{FIVE}

Don't compare. 

Being jealous of a beautiful woman is not going to make you more beautiful.

Zsa Zsa Gabor

There you have it! If you want more of what people are loving this week, visit Mary over at Sometimes Martha, Always Mary, who is hosting for Rachel at Efficient Mama, who is hosting for Jenna from Call Her Happy. Got all that?

Now, go be beautiful and love 'em like Jesus!

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Five Favorites: Glitter, Glam, & The Holy Family

It has been a long, long while since I've been tickling the electronic not-so-ivories for a five favorites post. Since we have been soaking in all of our short summer vacation, I haven't really been in search of or just stumbled across anything worth mentioning. Now that we've had a whole summer worth of bumming around, I've collected enough new favorites to join in the fun again!

{1}

Sally Hansen Orange Glitter Nailpolish

Target Clearance

I'm not usually a fan of nailpolish on my hands, but it's summer vacation so I threw all caution to the wind! Plus it was on clearance so if I hated it, I wasn't out a five or ten spot. I love it. It's just the right blend of semi-sheer color with complementary sparkle. Almost looks gold, but it is orange with iridescent glitter. Very fun for vacation, though not the most durable for extended wear - the tips started to fade pretty quickly with all the activity. Still love it for a fun change of pace!

{2}

Purple Sequin Kicks

Meijer Clearance

$10! I just couldn't say no - I JUST COULDN'T! They're an off brand, but really quite comfortable. Brainiac me wore them out of the box on our first day of vacation where we walked around town for a couple hours. The only thing that was uncomfortable was the friction on the back end of the shoe, and that's my fault entirely for not breaking them in first and wearing higher socks. Other than that, they are really comfortable to walk in, so that was another clearance win!

{3}

Antique/Vintage "Turquoise" Earrings

from mom's jewelry box

These have been sitting around our jewelry boxes for decades, just waiting for someone to wear them. I went through my "I don't wear garish jewelry, mom," phase and swore them off, but she left them with me a few years ago, and I've been eyeing them ever since. Now that I'm quite comfortable with "louder" accessories, they don't seem garish at all. I paired them today with the orange dress mentioned below and a jean jacket.

{4}

Contemporary Icons 

by Teresa Kogut

We put up an icon wall in our home, and it's been at a standstill since a few months ago. Clearly we cannot keep getting icons ad infinitum, but it still looks like we need a little more variety up there to fill up the space (as was intended when I designed it!). When we were at Baker Books in Grand Rapids, a friend of the Hubs who works there was giving us a tour of their Catholic section and while the Hubs was perusing all the Bible aids and books, mama's eyes went directly to this and the rest of the artwork they had. Teresa Kogut is a Michigan based folk artist, and the pieces they had were ah-mazing. I'm forever looking for pieces that stray from the traditional icons as we build this space, and her work fits the bill and is beyond affordable.

{5}

Crochet & Knit Maxi Dress

from Target

I love the little detail of the crochet on this dress. It actually hits high enough on the neckline that, while a tank or cami would make me more comfortable, it's not entirely necessary. The back is a slight racer-back, though, so an appropriate bra would be called for if you don't want to cover with a jacket/sweater and don't want straps showing. I covered with a jean jacket for our family photos today and think it worked well. We will see when the proofs come in, of course!!

Find yourself some more gotta-have-'em favorites as well as some warm wit 'n' wisdom over at Hallie's!

If you enjoyed reading this post, follow The Pitter Patter Diaries on Bloglovin, Facebook, and/or Twitter! There are "affiliate" links, insomuch as there are a couple links to product sites. I have not received compensation, nor am I associated with any of the companies or persons mentioned, other than my mom. She birthed me, but is not selling her jewelry. It's all mine. 

F2W2 {vol. 5}: Love, Imagination & Hooked

I'm back with another week of the Moxie Wife Five Favorites / Worship Wednesday Mashup, today with the added bonus of linking up to Conversion Diary's 7 Posts in 7 Days Challenge. Who's ready to see a few of my favorite things? (Speaking of which, did anyone else see that the last remaining member of the actual VonTrapp family died recently? Her name was Maria, but she was portrayed as Louisa in the musical. Talk about confusing!)

{1}

Worship Wednesday

Indescribable by Chris Tomlin

My very favorite part? These lyrics:
Incomparable, unchangeable
You see the depths of my heart and You love me the same
You are amazing God

Isn't that a great fear for so many of us - that people will see all the mess that lies deep in our hearts and decide we aren't worth their time, their love, their kindness? God sees, God knows, and He - the most perfect of all perfection - He loves us the same with or without that "stuff." Amazing!

{2}

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

When Li'l G was born, a friend told me about this program. Designed to bring books to families who don't always have access to the best libraries or those who cannot perhaps afford to bring children's literature into their homes, Dolly Parton started this organization to give access to the stories that light up a child's imagination and encourage reading and literacy. It has expanded now and I believe is partnered with the United Way, and is available to a wide range of families (like ours). I was cleaning Li'l G's room today and while organizing her books, I realized just how many books she and the boy have received, and how many of those books are ones she loves to read. There are the classics, new stories I've never heard, paperback, hardback, simple to more involved plots - such a wide variety. (She has commandeered the boy's books for now too, since for the longest time he was more interested in eating the written word.) I'm so glad we ended up signing up for the program. It introduces us to authors and stories we may never have heard of otherwise! And, of course, reading is FUNdamental! (Who remembers that? Anyone?)

{3}

Once Upon a Time

I'm hooked. A friend recommended it ages ago, and I hemmed and hawed. I thought, "no way we'd find a fairy tale show engaging...or one that the Hubs would watch too." Wrong. Wrong. WRONG! I'm one episode shy of finishing the second season on Netflix, and bummed that season three on ABC.com only has the last five episodes. Not sure where to get the first part of the season (for free). The Hubs has watched it with me (and I think he is just as intrigued), though he claims it is a prime time fantasy soap-opera. I respectfully disagree. I am fascinated by the creativity of the backstories, the complexity of how the characters ended up as they did, the interweaving of different stories. Sure - they have taken great artistic liberties with the stories we grew up with, but so did Disney!

{4}

3M Command Hooks

These are worth gold in this house. I use them for everything! Hanging photos? Check! Hanging baskets? Check! Hanging decorations? Check! Hats? Check! Purses? Check! Worth more than their weight in gold, I tell you. Now they have such a wide variety in all kinds of colors too. Clear, metallic-colored, actual metal, neon colors, kids characters, animals - I may never pound a nail again! (That is false, but you sense my enthusiasm, no?)

{5}

Bible App for Kids

The Hubs showed me this app this morning. It's really cute and introduces children to the basics of the Bible through stories, games and interactive play. Best of all? Free. Good quality and free. Come now, Catholic techies - rise to the challenge, will you? Or how about a Saints App for kids that doesn't cost me a pretty penny (or an ugly one at that)? Please? Pretty please? Pretty please with sugar and gumdrops on top until Lent? (Is there one out there and I just don't know about it? Please do tell!)

This concludes another weekly mashup at the 'Diaries! Head over to Moxie Wife for other faves (so glad their whole fam is feeling better!). Check back next week for more...or tomorrow for the next installment of the 7 Posts in 7 Days Challenge hosted by Conversion Diary.

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F2W2 {vol. 4}: A Work in Progress

It's time for another Five Favorites/Worship Wednesday Mashup here at the Diaries! Hold on to your hats & gloves - here. we. go!

{1}

Worship Wednesday

Sidewalk Prophets, Keep Making Me

{2}

Sacred Scared at Momastery

If you haven't seen this series at Momastery this week, I'm going to HIGHLY recommend it. As we pray for the Lord to keep making us into His image, we have to also embrace the fact that we won't be complete in that way until we pass into the next life. He doesn't intend for us to be immobilized by all the work that is still to be done on us. In fact, he uses our weaknesses for His glory. HIS glory - so ... read this series.

{3}

Yarn-Bombing for Good

Remember this scarf-bombing project that a woman in Toronto started? Remember how I wanted to get a posse together to yarn-bomb Detroit? Well, it seems like while I have the best of intentions, the woman in the article actually got off her duff and did it. Hooray for her, and shame on me for slackin'. It's curious that there is no mention of the woman who started the trend in Toronto, though. Too bad. (Update: Just got a note from a FB friend that she does actually mention the Toronto project on her initial Facebook post.)

{4}

Maia's Series on the Lazy Mom's Guide to Reading With Your Kids

I know - it's a pic of dad, but well...it's so sweet!

Um, why hadn't I thought of this...EVER? Probably because when Audible markets itself to me, it shoots me recommendations for 50 Shades of Grey. Not quite the right sell, Audible. Something went horribly wrong there. At any rate, I had never thought to use Audible or another "book on tape"ish program to have books being read. Here we are always looking for alternatives to television, because there is nothing our little girl would like more than an all-day Phineas and Ferb marathon. What a great way for us to enjoy the wonder and imagination of reading while we are busy with other things! Thanks, Maia!

{5}

Kendra's Lenten List

I've been busily scribbling away at a post about how to be creative with your Lenten sacrifice/practices, and well, the post has already been written, and far better than I could. I love that she includes suggestions at various spiritual levels - how inspired! I can scratch that off my list now and go print off Kendra's 66 suggestions instead.

To see what everyone else is raving about this week, go visit Christy over at Fountains of Home who is hosting for Hallie, who is busy tending to her under-the-weather crew at home. Prayers for a swift recovery for them all!

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F2W2 {vol. 3}: Love Songs

Linking up with Hallie for another edition of Five Favorites 

(plus my own Worship Wednesday feature). 

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, here are five of my favorite love songs for you lovebirds out there!

{1}

Worship Wednesday

Third Day, Love Song

Hits right to the heart - we love because He first loved us, and while our love can mirror and point to His, it does not measure in height, depth, or suffering.

{2}

Josh Groban

When You Say You Love Me

This was our wedding song. I think we all know it was a good thing it was just the music and none of the Groban on video. Of course, since his debut as the Narddog's bro on The Office, I don't see him the same way anymore...


If the following two had been out when we were planning our wedding, they would have been a contender for the top spot!

{3}

Francesca Battestelli

A Hundred More Years

{4}

Matt Maher

My Only Love

{5}

Alison Krauss

When You Say Nothing At All

Now go enjoy a dance with your love - I know I'll be annoying the Hubs soon with this dance list! For now, I'm going to go grab baby J and twirl around the dance floor, dodging blocks and other toys, of course.

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F2W2 {vol. 2}: Love, Snow & Classic Beauty

It's another week of the Five Faves/Worship Wednesday mashup, so hang on...here we go!

{1}

Worship Wednesday

How He Loves Me, David Crowder Band

Leaving the deeply comforting notion of the depth of God's love for us aside, I love the poetry of the lyrics - "He is jealous for me, Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree, bending beneath the weight of His wind and mercy..." Maybe it is just me, but I envision this beautiful lone tree in the middle of a meadow, isolated, branches bare, and God's love pouring out over it with a mighty wind, bringing the limbs to life in a graceful dance that only He can see and inspire. I hope it's not just me... Enjoy and let God's love wash over you!

{2}

Snowdrift Vanilla Porter

Yum. I don't usually like darker beers - I'll confess. I'm a girly beer drinker these days. However, I am really digging the slightly heavier, bitter flavor of the porter softened by the very slight hint of vanilla. It's a good hearty (but not chest hair growing) beer for a cold, snowy winter day. I'd better stock up given this weather we are having!

{3}

Mantle curtain rod & curtain clips combo.

Best.Pinterest.Find.Ever. The initial investment was about $20, but now I can decorate for the seasons so very simply. Dollar Store hearts + silver Sharpie already in my arsenal = $1. I'd say the initial investment is well worth it.

{4}

ModCloth Window Shopping

I suppose it is more like "Windows7" shopping, but I do love the styles they have available. It is definitely beyond my budget sans special event requiring a new dress (which there are seldom any of around here), but I do so love gazing and knowing the classics are still in style.

{5}

Men Who Dislike Boudoir Photos

Thank you, dear sweet baby Jesus, for men who speak out and bring some sanity back into the art of romance. If you're as opposed to this growing trend of boudoir photography as I am*, read and nod along. Thanks again to Verily for championing the dignity of woman (and man) and healthy, romantic, and sacred marriages. Beautiful!  

*Trends like this, I believe, only further the objectification of the human person and encouraging any man to view a woman as a sexual object only increases the inclination to view them as a means to an end (sexual gratification). That process has major implications within society, as well as for the health of a relationship. Stepping off the soapbox now before I slip.

Volume 2 complete. Hope all the northerners are digging out of the piles of snow - see #2 for a frosty beverage suggestion. Stay thirsty warm, my friends, stay warm, and go visit Hallie over at Moxie Wife for more of our favorite things this week!

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Five Faves: Bringing Back the Worship

A few moons ago when I started to write more regularly, I was doing a Worship Wednesday series where I posted a favorite worship song/video. When I started participating in Hallie's Five Faves linkup, that fell by the wayside. On a related note, does anyone know where they wayside is?

Long story short, I'm bringing worship Wednesday back as part of my five favorites. Why not a little mashup for Jesus? So, here are my five favorites this week, beginning with a little ditty...

{1}

Steven Curtis Chapman, Love Take Me Over

{2}

This pencil.

From the Minnesota Science Museum c1980s
PS - Is anyone else finding a full moon Valentine's Day
fraught with frightsome possibilities?

It has been with me these 30+ years. I don't even remember when I got it, but it does betray the little fact that I used to be a bit of a rockhound in my early years. There was a span of time where I wanted to be a geologist and my parents may have indulged me by bringing back rocks of every size, shape and condition from many a family vacation. Note: I no longer want to be a geologist. I do still enjoy rocks.

{3}

Scones

I do heart making scones now that I have "perfected" my basic recipe. Downton Abbey nights are just not complete without a lovely scone treat.

CORE INGREDIENTS:
3 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tbsp corn starch
1/2 tsp salt
6 tbsp butter

3/4 cup milk or heavy cream
1 egg
2 tsps vanilla extract

Flavor suggestions:
Brown Sugar/Cinnamon - use brown sugar and add 1 tbsp of cinnamon
Orange Vanilla - zest two large oranges, use 1/2 cup milk and 1/4 cup orange juice
Orange Cranberry - zest two large oranges, throw in dried cranberries to desired flavoring, use 1/2 cup milk and 1/4 cup orange-cranberry juice mix.

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a large bowl whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt. Using a cheese grater, grate in the butter, slowly mixing and kneading the flour to eventually achieve a coarse, cornmeal consistency. Leave a small well in the middle of the dry ingredients.

In a medium bowl, mix together the egg, milk and vanilla. Pour into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Once dough forms into a large ball, turn dough onto a floured surface. Spread the dough out to form a wheel about 1 inch in thickness. Cut into 8 wedges.

Places wedges on a large, flat baking sheet, leaving at least 1 inch in between slices. Bake for 15-17 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes before serving. Lick lips and enjoy!!

I've added whipped cream and/or lemon curd on the side so far as a little flavor boost. De-lish!

{4}

Anchovy stuffed olives. 

I know, sounds...pungent. So...yum!

{5}

Psych Season 8 Episode 1

Image from yidio.com

Might be the funniest episode they've ever had. Well, it's definitely in the top ten at least. Too bad all the other episodes are locked only to be enjoyed by the bourgeois who pay for cable. We may or may not have found a source online to watch the rest of the season. Then again, there is always Amazon Prime.

That's all from this corner for now. Go visit Hallie at Moxie Wife to see what's got her and the rest of the linkers singing "ooh-la-la!"

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Five Faves: The 2013 Gift Edition

At the Casa, it is still Christmas. While the Roman Rite church has returned to the green vestments of ordinary time following the Baptism of the Lord, the McCormicks are determined to eek out every last bit of Christmas joy by sticking to the old calendar, where Christmas ended at the Presentation of the Lord. We're rebels like that. Who doesn't like the sparkle of the Christmas lights in the wee hours of the night and morning, anyway?

Li'l G fully embraces this extended Christmas spirit by continuing to ask everyone what they would like for Christmas. (If we are honest, her liturgical sensibilities are not quite yet developed, since she also is holding tight to Advent by insisting we sing O Come, O Come Emmanuel at family prayer.) I keep telling her that we aren't going to get Christmas presents for quite some time yet, but she persists in her interrogation of any and all who cross her path. "Let me ask you a question...what do you want for Christmas?!?!"

While I enjoyed all the many gifts I received at Christmas, we all know a gal has her favorites. Before I begin to ponder the inquiries of Li'l G, here's a look back at my faves from this year's festivities, in no particular order.

1) There's No Place Like Home: That was the gist of the note my mom included with the ruby slippers. I think I might have mentioned them on the blog before since it was an unusual gesture from my mom. I do love the sparkle, though I'm now starting to find sequins around the house.

2) Mother & Child Cameo Ring: While it is a lot bigger than the rings I normally wear, I heart this. It doesn't make me feel a bit like Liberace! Someone also commented that they thought it kind of looked like a cameo of the Blessed Mother and Child Jesus. Now I love it even more.

3) Espresso Maker: This was actually a gift the Hubs received, but what he receiveth, I receiveth by way of espresso. We registered for and received an espresso maker for our wedding and have been using that. Lately it had started giving the Hubs some 'tude, so he started looking at replacements. Our new gem of the kitchen dispenses little drops of heaven in a cup. Even the plastic farm animals cannot stay away.

4) Mother's Ring: I had gotten two rings last Christmas for both the kids, but a stone fell out of each one within a few months - boo hoo! Luckily I had not chosen fine jewelry pieces so we weren't out our firstborn's college education. I saw this one while I was perusing stacking rings and loved the unique and understated design and mistakenly put it on my Christmas Wish List instead of my private "things that make me go oooooh" one. Rubies for my boy, opal for my girl. And if you want to go down the Divine Mercy route, you can do that too.

5) Calphalon Dutch Oven: My old pot had seen better days. When I finally couldn't get the crust off the bottom of the "non-stick" surface, I knew it was time to say goodbye. Enter new dutch oven. It is also bigger than my last one since we now have three more mouths to feed since the days of yore when I purchased the other pot. The recipe pictured simmering in said pot was a big hit too, though if you have an aversion to canned goods, it's not the recipe for you...

The Lazy Cook's Sausage, Kale & Bean Stew

INGREDIENTS:
Roughly 1 pound of Sweet Italian Sausage (I used mild, you can spice it up if you like)
2 - 14 oz cans of diced Italian seasoned tomatoes
1 - can of northern beans
1 - can of cannellini beans
1/2 bunch of kale, chopped
Salt & Pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:
In a Dutch oven or other deep pot, brown the sausage. When sausage is 3/4 done, add cans of diced tomatoes and simmer on medium for 5 min. Add kale and beans and stir. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until kale is tender. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve with bread. (Fancy artisan bread if you have it or made it...or crescent rolls if that's what you've got. No judgment here!)

That's it for this edition of my Five Faves link up with Moxie Wife. Go on over to Hallie's to ooh and aah over all the favorite things!

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A 2013 Retrospective: Five Posts With the Most

It's a double link up this week as I join Sarah at Amongst Lovely Things for her "Most of 2013" link-up and Hallie at Moxie Wife for the usual Five Favorites. I've been looking through old posts recently, so Sarah's linkup focusing on different blog highlights of the year seemed a perfect fit. Here is a quick "Five Faves" retrospective based on Sarah's five categories:

{ONE}

Post with the most clicks

I have to admit, I adjusted this to the second most clicks because I am certain based on the amount of spam I get with my top post that there is some machine out there somewhere just sending autobots my way. Thus, I don't count it. The next post with the most click is actually one of my favorites, and one I should read more often myself:

{TWO}

Post With Most Comments

I am the furthest things from a fashion blogger that there could ever be. EVER. However, it does seem that the What I Wore Sunday linkup gathers the most comments. What a lovely, supportive, ego-boosting group of ladies! The specific WIWS edition that gathered the most comments was the Makeover Edition, where I unveiled the blog makeover and a few prayers for a spiritual makeover as well.

{THREE}

Post with the Best Picture

Asking me to pick the "best" anything is an exercise in futility. Additionally, there are so many "favorite" photos of my littles in my posts through the year, how could I possibly pick just one? So...I went with the following favorite photo, not only because it is truly one of my favorites, but also because I am so very overjoyed that on this anniversary of their first sweet baby's return home to the Lord, my dear friends have this little miracle to bring them joy and comfort. God is good.

{FOUR}

Post That Was the Hardest to Write

I know there were several posts that were terribly difficult to write - streaming tears threatening to short out my laptop hard. I cannot for the life of me remember which ones they are now, because with the writing comes some healing. I do know that this following post was my attempt NOT to make a soggy mess of the blog writing about my dad.

{FIVE}

Post That Was My Personal Favorite

Yeah. Right. One personal favorite. Ha! As I was reading down memory lane, I came across so many that made me do a double take and think, "did I really write this??" It is difficult for me to pick just one favorite, but here is one that really resonated with me today, so it will take the "my favorite" title for the night. Just for the night, so don't you other posts cry your eyes out, okay?

There you have it! A look back at five posts that were the "Posts With The Mosts" in some way this year.

It has been quite a growing year for the blog and for me. Looking back over old posts I can see the rhythm of my life - when life was chaotic and when the Spirit took over that chaos. If nothing else comes from my writing, that has been a blessed exercise. However, I scarcely think you could avoid a "The Year in Retrospect" with more of my favorite posts as we approach the start of a new year! Exciting, I know.

Now get thee over to Hallie's for some neato-spiffy finds and Sarah's to read up on others Posts with the Most!

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