Beautiful Newport, RI

Last summer, Phil and I made plans to meet with friends on "The Lawn" of the Castle Hill Inn in Newport, Rhode Island.  It's a gorgeous place overlooking the ocean, where they serve drinks and appetizers to those sitting on the Adirondack chairs outside on the lawn.  We were so excited to spend some time there, but as we approached the parking lot, they were turning cars away because they were over capacity.  Boo.  We vowed we would go back some day.  Then this guy turned 39 in October, and we started planning a birthday getaway...but with kids sports schedules, work, NFP timing, and making sure someone could watch the kids....it didn't end up working out until this past weekend!  Better late than never!

Newport was on the last day of their Restaurant Week, where lots of restaurants serve three course meals at a reduced price.  We took advantage and headed to The Safari Room for lunch.  Again, the restaurant was in an inn right on the water, just beautiful.  Phil and I both had the french onion soup and then he had a roast beef sandwich, and I had the fish and chips.

7QT: Soccer, Tooth Fairies, Trees, Exercise, Book Club, John Crist, and Pajamas

Wow, I haven't written anything since last Friday!  I guess that's what two back-to-back days of dressing up 7 kids will do to a mom.  Here's what's been going on in our neck of the woods...

1)

Soccer season is *almost* over.  Maggie and Declan finished their season last Saturday.  I would tell you how their teams placed, if their teams kept score during games.  I mean why would a sports game with two teams competing against one another keep score?  Ugh, don't even get me started.

  

Eamon plays in a much more competitive league, and his team is in Number One in his division, and heading into playoffs on Sunday.  JP and Andrew's high school teams are finished, Varsity went to playoffs for States this year but lost in the first game.  

Oh, and basketball practices began three weeks ago.

Of course they did.

Halloween and All Saints Day 2019

Umm, Xander?  I think you need to brush your teeth!

I bought the littles new costumes this year, since they always get the hand-me-downs.  Declan was Aladdin and Brendan was Blippi (a really annoying kid show).

Thoughts During Adoration: Parenting

I know I'm not alone when my mind starts to wander during my Holy Hour in Adoration, I always try to rein it back in and focus, but a lot of times I think these wanderings are God-prompts for some time to ponder life, such as...

Parenting is hard.  While it's less physically demanding having older kids, they are emotionally exhausting if you're doing it right ;)  I am always worried about who they're hanging out with, what they're doing, how they are feeling, what issues they are struggling with, and how they are coping.  Some of my kids open up easier than others, and those quiet ones worry me. 

My Favorite (REALLY Inexpensive) Workout Gear

I don't really have hobbies - but I do workout pretty much everyday - so I believe that qualifies me to suggest the following tested and loved items.

These high-waisted compression crops are my top pick, for sure. 

They have lots of styles on sale for only $12 today!  $12!!  I have quite a few pairs, and order them in Large (size up, as I'm normally a Medium) and they are awesome.  I run in them, do kickboxing classes, PiYo classes, whatever and they stay put!!  They are high enough to cover and hold in my mummy tummy so they are flattering too.

I pair those crops with these tanktops.  

Only $10.50 with code HURRY.  They are slightly loose but still fitted enough to be flattering.  The back has a mesh cut out, which is cute to (barely) show off the next item...

These sports bras are cute and comfortable and get the job done.  No padding, which I love. 

They are only $14 with code HURRY.

Finish it all off with this adorable sweatshirt, and you won't be embarrassed to run to the grocery store right after the gym (story of my life!).  

Also $14 with code HURRY.

Alrighty, now you have NO excuses not to glorify your body through exercise.  And please don't tell me you don't have time, we both know that's not the truth, you just gotta prioritize.   Have fun!

7qt: Open Houses, Old Houses, Reading and Watching and Eating in Houses

Finally Friday! 

 1) For anyone in the area - please come to our high school's open house next weekend!  

2)

I went to a funeral yesterday for a family friend, Jim Crocker.  I used to babysit for him every Friday night through high school and on college breaks, so that he could take his wife out on a weekly date.  So sweet.  He touched so many lives and was a big participator in town and all over the Cape.  Ironically, he died of a big heart, and was only 63.  Hearing his wife and daughters speak about him was a great reminder to just LOVE each other and show it.  Nobody was talking about the size of his bank account, or material possessions, or what he looked like.  They were talking about how well he loved and served everyone.  Relationships are what matter in life, and he was great at them, and we will miss him.