Shaking things up ...

I simply had to sneak in one of these before Lent begins ...

So Bill picked one up for me on his way home from buying one of these:

(And yes, this means Bill is feeling much better!)

We bought this new vac, because our old vac finally went kaput last week. We'd had it 10 years and it served us very well - it was worth every penny! (We're the type of multi-boy, multi-cat family that needs a serious vac, lol!) So yes, I'll miss that big ole purple thing ... but this new one seems to work even better. (EB ate popcorn this afternoon - I gave it a good test.)

But what is it with us and appliances lately? Our coffeemaker fell apart over Christmas, and our dishwasher seems to be calling it quits, too. Poor Ollie, we haven't broken the news to him yet ~ if you recall, he's rather attached to our dishwasher.

Now, after all the milkshake/new vacuum excitement, I put the finishing touches on my little Lenten binder ...

It's nothing fancy at all, just a place in which to keep track of our Lenten journey and some of my ideas for the season. I also have a section in the back for the Stations of the Cross - it's my hope we'll do them together each Friday afternoon through Lent. :)

*

Well, I hope you all had a nice Monday, and to those of us in the US, I say a "Happy Presidents' Day!" Are your kids on vacation this week? Much to my kids' disappointment we do not take this week off - mostly because there's really no need to, but also because I like to take time off when it's good for us. So for example, we take time off around Thanksgiving, and we also take off Holy Week, as well as a few days after Easter. It all evens out in the end. :)

Now, for supper tonight I'm making "American Chop Suey" (a wonderful recipe from my friend, Debbie) and I'm serving it with crusty rolls and a simple tossed salad. For dessert ~ "Patriotic Sundaes" which are just scoops of vanilla ice cream, topped with homemade raspberry sauce, whipped cream and a shake of red-white-and-blue sprinkles.

Fun!

So have a good night, folks ... and sincere thanks to everyone who participates in the Downton Abbey discussion. It's just so much fun to compare our thoughts and opinions, and I really don't know what we'll do now that Downton is done ... we need another show to discuss!

(Any ideas?)

Well, thanks for stopping in today, my friends ... I will see you all again very soon!

Comments

[Dawn]

Thank you for these lovely comments, ladies!

Susannah, people often give up something (or take something on) for the duration of Lent - from Ash Wednesday up till Easter Sunday. Technically, Sundays are not part of Lent, so those days don't count. :)

Monica ~ Welcome! Thank you for your kind words!

Philothea ~ Thank you for the suggestion ~ I will definitely check Gosford Park out! (I'm also itching to watch Upstairs, Downstairs which I've never seen.)

Tanya ~ I wish I had good advice for you, but I know getting kids to sit and participate can be tricky. I'd suggest letting them do their own thing ... just asking the kids to gather round and be near. Maybe they could draw, paint or work with clay (or puppets) as you read aloud? (I'm not sure of your older children's ages?) I've always found if I bake something delicious, and keep things as low-key as possible, the kids relax and join in to some degree. Some are more enthusiastic than others, but they're all involved in some way. Even if they're just "soaking in" the activity by watching and listening!

Thank you again, ladies, for taking the time to comment, and as always, for your wonderful support!

Blessings,
~ Dawn

[S/V Mari Hal-O-Jen]

Hello Dawn! Our dishwasher just bit the dust on Friday night headed into the long weekend. Doesn't it figure? I had the call in to maintenance bright and early on Tuesday you can bet!

[Philothea @ Domestic Distractions]

Prescription for Downton withdrawal: Gosford Park. Written by Julian Fellowes, directed by the late Robert Altman. It's a satire of a whodunnit but at the same time is a genuine mystery in and of itself. It was streaming on Netflix last I checked, but if you rent the DVD there is a making-of behind-the-scenes extra that is worth a look as well. If that's not enough to entice you, two words: Charles Dance.

[monica]

Thanks for posting about the Shamrock Shake.I had never had one until today....Yummy!
I have only been reading your blog for a few months.I am so glad I found it as it is one of my favorites!
Monica

[Tanya W]

Hello Dawn :) So glad Bill is feeling better!! Love the vacuum!! We went looking for a new one a few years back and looked at Dyson's (they were our top choice) but ended up with a hospital grade refurbished vac that has been excellent too I'm sure your Dyson will be well used and stand up to the rigors of 3 boys and 2 cats :)

I haven't had a Shamrock shake in years...maybe I'll have to pick one up soonish. I've been contemplating Lent too....I think grumbling and complaining is my focus this year. (I find I indulge in these things a LOT)

I"m trying to put together some Bible time (esp over Lent as as we lead up to Easter) with my three and struggling. As we don't homeschool, I find that the two older ones are less interested in sitting down to do a tea and a craft with Mum. Any advice??

Must fly and make sure all the lights are out in the boy's room. Take care!

[Susannah]

I love Masterpiece, I so wish I had TV right now!! We are watching old BBC sitcom crime shows. They don't seem to be as gory as American crime shows!

Just so you know Dawn, I love that you are so open... I didn't even know what Lent was, so I went to look it up! Very interesting. Do you give up something for the full 46 days? I'm not sure how that works, but what an amazing idea! Good luck!

[Betsey]

I was going to suggest the next Masterpiece, as well!

[Arlene Grimm]

I suggest we discuss the Old Curiosity Shop that will be on next Sunday on Masterpiece. I am willing to give it a go....it will not be Downton but I have really enjoyed hearing everyone's thoughts on the program.

[Ruskin]

Hi Dawn, your new vac will certainly prove to be a valuable friend! I purchased my Dyson in 2003 and it has been going strong ever since (well, more so when I remember to clean the filter...) It's a brilliant piece of engineering! I'll never forgot my first run with it, I had thoroughly vacuumed with my regular old vac then immediately went over it with my new Dyson. Boy oh BOY the amount of dirt the Dyson picked up was amazing and the old vac was sent on its way quick smart :)