February Learning Room

Wow, February flew past us in a flurry didn't it? Many tend to rejoice in the shortness of the month, but I am a bit sad to see it leave us so soon. Maybe it's because Spring has already sprung here in the Northwest that I haven't much to whine about regarding the weather. I am extremely sympathetic to all who are still receiving their share of winter weather, however, and my prayers go out to you who are wishing it away :)

We have fully immersed ourselves in Lent and are enjoying the quietude of this beautiful time in our liturgical year. Daily Mass and the Stations of the Cross devotions have truly been a blessing for us all.

In the background, we have had some firsts: Sean-Paul has taught himself to roller-blade!

He is one proud boy to be hanging in the ranks of his older skating brothers!

Another first includes Violet being accepted into her ballet school's summer program which she auditioned along with over 100 other girls. She is very excited as we are :)

What's happening around the Learning Room? 

Sean-Paul dove into to a couple of different themes this month in his little corner ~

Everyone has been reading up a storm. So many good books, I am very thankful for Goodreads to keep it all in one place :)

Me ~ Anne of the Island, Violet ~ just finished Jack and Jill by Louisa May Alcott, Matthias ~ almost done with Twenty Thousand Leagues, Seamus ~ Boxcar Children, Beverly Cleary books, Sean-Paul ~ he's enamoured with all our Richard Scarry big books right now!

We rearranged the reading corner (yet again) and cleared out a bunch of goodies for a certain someone with alot of little girls! We are relishing our learning room declutter and purging of well-loved items that have either been out-grown, or just not used anymore. So much the better if someone else can put them to good use :)

March is coming in like a very Spring lamb and we are praying that you enjoy the remainder of Lent as we prepare for the sorrowful death and glorious Resurrection of Our Lord come early next month!

Here is an easy recipe to try for delicous Roasted Vegetable Soup for a super yummy meatless meal ~

Roasted Vegetable Soup w/Croutons

• 2 medium Leeks cleaned and halved, then sliced
• 1 large or 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 3-4 medium parsnips, peeled and cubed
• 1 medium yellow onion chunked
• 1 head cauliflower broken into florets

Prepare all vegetables and place on a sheet pan. Drizzle generously with olive oil and sprinkle with about 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, toss well to coat. Roast in a 375 degree oven for about 30 minutes or until the veggies are tender and slightly carmelized. Let cool slightly and then puree with vegetable broth or a combination of vegetable broth and water to make a smooth velvety consistency. Warm through on the stove and serve with homemade croutons or sliced crusty bread. It is truly delicious and satisfying, even for the little ones :)

I'm out of time for tonight, but plan to share some of Violet's great Marine Bio happenings soon and a few other fun things with the boys!

Thanks for dropping by today! Happy March and many blessings in your week ahead! 

Comments

[Jennifer]

My daughter is reading Anne of the Island and insisting I read the whole set when she's done. Congrats to Violet and to all the roller bladers. I can rollerblade quite well but I can't stop - at all. I literally have to run into something to stop myself. I'm sure it's amusing to everyone else at the park. Any tips from your boys?

[Betty]

Oh, your soup sounds soooooo yummy! Gotta try it! I'm savoring the last of our cooler days cause the hot, humid weather will be here all too soon!

Blade Boy...look at you on roller blades!!! I still can't roller skate!!! Y'all continue the FUN!!!

[Betty]

I have to add that I LOVE your Divine Mercy picture and tell Sweet Violet congratulations on being accepted into the summer ballet program...so multi-talented, that girl! Happy reading to all of you!

[SuzanneG]

And, we thank you VERY MUCH!!! *wink*

Yea!!!! Roller Bladers!!!!!!

We had Roasted Cauliflower Soup tonight, and it made SUCH a difference to "roast the cauliflower until slightly carmelized!!!!" What a difference! It was really good.

Hope you have a great weekend! The girls are still swooning over their "Violet-dose" and loving everything and talking about her!

Hugs,