Small Successes: June 18, 2009

by | Jun 18, 2009 | Catholic Family Camp, Small Successes | 9 comments

“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 baked a double batch of Nestle Chocolate Chip Cookies, half with walnuts (my favorite!) and half without (hubby’s favorite!) to take to camp with us. I was so surprised when it ended up being 10 dozen cookies, EXACTLY what the recipe was suppose to make! I don’t think that has ever happened when I’ve baked cookies before.

~ 2 ~

I brought dinner to a friend of mine who delivered twin boys a couple weeks ago. We brought Baked Chicken; Cranberry, Feta, and Roasted Walnut Salad; Roasted Garlic Bread; Apple Pie; and Vanilla Ice Cream. This would have been a HUGE success had I actually been able to prepare the dinner myself, but then, I’ve hardly been able to make dinner for my own family these past few months… Gotta love Costco!! 😉 While I was there I picked up dinner for us too. It was delicious!

~ 3 ~

I took the time and filled out the forms required to suggest a title (or rather 52!) for our library to add to their collection. This is only a small success since they only agreed to purchase one of the books I suggested. I haven’t given up yet though!

I know that was three, but do you mind if I just keep going?? After such an exhausting week, seeing some of what I have accomplished on “paper” really is motivating! Hummm… I bet I could possibly turn this post into a 7 Quick Takes!! I think I’m going to give it a shot… especially since I have a few BIG SUCCESSES I’d like to share with you all!

~ 4 ~

Last Thursday, since we were had a little time to kill in town, while waiting for Summer with the Saints to begin, I stopped by a glass store and finally found a can of A-maz!! I’ve been looking for this stuff for YEARS!!! (The company I use to purchase it from went out of business, and I was searching for Amaze online with no luck…) Anyhow, I didn’t know if their was much of a chance that I’d be able to get the horrible water spots off our shower door. However, after a good solid hour (at least!) of scrubbing it looked SO much better! Hubby gave it another quick scrub (or 3!) as well and was able to get even more of the spots out. This stuff truly IS amazing!

The Challenge:
The Results:
Before and After ~ Please tell me you can see the difference!

~ 5 ~

Speaking of spots, it took awhile, but I was able to get lots of Red Kool Aid out of Rascal’s favorite polo shirt. I didn’t think it was possible!!

~ 6 ~

I really dislike packing, to put it mildly! It seems to overwhelm me more than anything. The last couple times we have gone on a family “vacation” I have needed help to finish my packing so we could leave on time. Last time my friend Marci came and helped me before we traveled to CA for my Grandfather’s funeral, and last summer my mom and sisters helped me finish up the night before we left for our 3 week trip to Nebraska, then Arizona. I don’t know what it is, but packing is SO HARD for me… ALL the decisions!! 😉

Anyhow, we leave this afternoon for Family Camp, and I had my children ALL packed by last night; the food is ready to pack in the cooler; the sleeping bags and other supplies are on the coffee table ready for me to check through them one last time; my camera battery is charged; the kitchen is clean (dishes done, floor mopped); the laundry is all caught up; and once I have my own bag packed (which shouldn’t take long since I have so little that fits!) we should be ready to load the car and go. I can’t believe it!!

~ 7 ~

I survived the week and somehow found time to blog about it all some of what we did! I am really looking forward to the next few days. We will be away from all electronics and household projects, attending daily Mass, listening to talks given by great priests, and visiting with lots of other Catholic families. I hope you all have a great weekend!

What are your Successes this week?

Stop by Faith and Family Live to read more of this week’s Small Successes.

UPDATE: Well, I now know why I was amazingly able to get most of the packing accomplished… I’ve spent the morning on the phone with our car insurance, mechanic, and am now waiting for the tow truck to arrive. I sure wish our children would listen when I tell them (DAILY!) to not leave their bikes in the driveway. That little scooter was just small enough not to be seem, yet big enough to put a hole in something under the car. I am just praying that it isn’t too expensive to fix and that we can still leave this afternoon.

9 Comments

  1. Kelly

    Wow, wow, wow! You go girl!! I am in awe of all that you've been able to accomplish.

    The shower glass looks fantastic! I need to find me some of that stuff.

    I'm very impressed with you being all packed and ready with the laundry and kitchen clean. I know how you feel, it is SO much nicer to leave the house knowing that you don't have to come home to a mess and behind on laundry.

    I'll say a quick prayer for you to be able to get the damage on you vehicle fixed on time and that you may have a very enjoyable and safe trip.

    Many Blessings to you Jessica! You are such a joy 🙂

    Reply
  2. Kristyn Hall

    Your shower definitely looks cleaner and clearer. 🙂

    Oh dear… our kids have broken the lawn tractor more than once with junk left in the yard. It is so hard to get them to remember to put things away. Saying a prayer for you all to be on your way soon.

    Bless you, Jessica,
    Kristyn

    Reply
  3. Jessica Gordon

    Thank you Kelly and Kristyn!

    Hubby will be home anytime, and we will load the van and we will be off. Thankfully it was hubby's car that was, umm, damaged this morning so he took our mini-van.

    The tow truck arrived, and the mechanic called. Thankfully the scooter JUST missed the fuel tank. Whew! There are a few other things that need to be replaced (a carbon something or other, and some sort of fuel exhaust pipe — I think.) But thankfully the parts should be in on Mon or Tues and we will have the car back Tues night. I was also relieved to hear that the cost will be around $200. (It could have been MUCH worse!)

    Now, to wrap up the packing and head out for the weekend!! =)

    Reply
  4. Anne

    Wow! Awesome week! Your shower looks amazing 🙂

    Reply
  5. Angela

    The shower looks great!

    Have a fun trip!

    ~Angela

    Reply
  6. Anshi

    Ooooooooooooh my gosh!
    Jessica you must rename this post as "MY BIG SUCCESS!". I can't imagine doing so much stuff. You sure have a lot of stamina and loads of blessings for sure.
    Enjoy your trip and have a safe one.
    Happy weekend 🙂
    Love… Mary

    Reply
  7. Lillian

    Your shower looks amazing! I'll be keeping an eye out for that stuff. Have a wonderful trip. Enjoy reading your blog when I can.

    Reply
  8. Christine

    ah Jessica you blow me out of the water with all that you do. I love how much energy you have and spunk for life. You have a heart full of gold. Just have a safe trip!

    Reply

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Hi! I'm Jessica, a Roman Catholic wife and home educating mother to our nine children. I was home educated myself, along with my eleven younger siblings. I have a special devotion to St. Therese, through whom I have been given much help and many blessings--the beautiful "Shower of Roses" that she has sent my way! Here I will record a few of the blessings I treasure. Please remember that what you see here is just a little glimpse at our lives, so please say a prayer for us, as we continue to strive for holiness.

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