Day at the de Young

Before Jacob headed back to school we took a day to take in the art at the de Young Museum. The de Young is located in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. Directly across the street from my favorite place The Academy of Sciences. I shared our recent adventure there in my 7 Quick Takes #9 blog post.

This was the first time we have visited the de Young. Art museums are not usually our first choice of places to go but we decide to take a leap into the pool of Art culture and actually found that we enjoyed ourselves very much. 

I gave Jacob the camera and as always he took some wonderful pictures even with the inability to use a flash. 

We each had some favorite pieces, including the statue of the man with his hands on his hips (located bottom left in 1st collage), the wooden waterfall (located bottom right in the 2nd collage) and the still life exhibits. 

Currently the museum is hosting an exhibit called Modernism. Both Jacob and I enjoy it but I have to admit that a few of the pieces we thought looked like something Alexa could have created in preschool. I'm sure with continued study on the subject we would be able to understand what made each artist tick and see the true meaning of their paintings. 

Until next time,

Karri

7 Quick Takes #14

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The repairs and painting of our house is done. If you listen to my podcast I shared a bit about it in episode 14. What do you think?

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Look where I'm headed!!!!!

Needless to say I'm very excited.

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This video was in my email the other day

Life Planners go on sale June 12. I plan to be up bright and early to purchase mine.

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Jacob is no longer a freshman.... I've never seen him more happy. Apparently it still stinks to be a freshman!

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Back to my blogging schedule! Woo Hoo! May is a pretty tough month at work, so blogging tends to be put on the back burner. Now it's June so I promise to work hard to continue to bring you fun ideas and posts.

--- 6 ---

My Summer Shape up program at the gym ended this week. I lost 10 pounds!! I still have 20 pounds to go and with my new exercise and eating habits I know I'm well on my way to success.

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Finally, have you had a chance to listen to my weekly podcast? Beginning in Episode 10 I began a new format, the new concept is to encourage families to become "Domestic Churches". Every Saturday I post a new episode sharing ideas to teach and grow in faith with your family. Please feel free to share the podcast with everyone you know. 

Until next time,

Karri

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

7 Quick Takes #13

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How was your Mother's Day? We had a beautiful day: We began with Mass, then off to my parents for a visit, then to Jim's sister's for dinner with his Mom. 

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We have always know that Alexa is a sleep walker. Jim was as a child and so was Jacob, it was only a matter of time before Alexa would start wondering the house at night. What makes Alexa so funny is how we find her in the morning.

This was Monday - 

Here is Friday...

at least she finds her way back to her room

--- 3 ---

I'm half way through the challenge and I've lost 6 pounds. I'm still trying to figure out my eating plans but I feel good about how well I've done so far. I have so much more energy already, I'm going to be bouncing off the walls once I reach my goal weight.

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I'm headed back to school. I really can't believe I'm actually going to do this. All of my family and friends are very excited for me, I however am scared to death. I've chosen the online program at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco and I will be working toward my degree in Web Design and New Media.

--- 5 ---

Best season finale ever!!!! 

I laughed, I cried, I cheered, I screamed. This finale had so much I could watch it over and over again. This is going to be the longest summer ever...

--- 6 ---

I'm a MAC girl now - No not the makeup but the computer. After 20+ years of computing on a PC, I've made the move to a MacBook Pro. I love it! I don't know why it took me so long to switch over.

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Next week I'm headed on a staff retreat in Santa Cruz. It's not really a retreat, but a 2 1/3 day long staff meeting. Please keep my co workers and I in your prayers as we plan the direction of our parish for the upcoming year.

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

Until next time,

Karri

Five Favorites - The Thankfulness Edition

Wednesday's at Moxie Wife, Hallie asks bloggers to share their five favorites of the week. This week I'm please to share the 5 things that made me thankful for the treasures in my life

My Bishop

I attend a mass of thanksgiving for the Canonization of Saint John XXIII and Saint John Paul II. At mass Bishop Barber had so much fun blessing all of us with holy water. He smiled like the cat that ate the canary when he was able to douse the parishioners and they jumped. I just love how truly humbled he is to be our Bishop. 

Alexa's Language

Alexa has her own language, not to far from our own but so cute when she uses her words to describe things.

McDonalds Restaurant is Old McDungles

Her Sophie the First Headphones are called her charger

Polka dots are Colka Dots

Late Start Wednesdays

Twice a month Jacob's school starts an hour and fifteen minutes later then the usual start time. These days I can actually have a peaceful morning and actually eat breakfast at home.

Summer Shape Up

Today was my 1st day of training for the Summer Shape Up challenge at my gym. I'm teamed up with a group of fabulous ladies. We are competing against another team to see which team can loose the most weight in 6 weeks. Wish me luck. (by the way - that is not me in the picture but I hope to be able to bend like that someday.)

Digital Scrapbooking Time

Scrapbooking time is rare right now, so I was thankful I had a chance to create this page to celebrate Jim and my time together for our 20th anniversary.

Until next time,

Karri

7 Quick Takes #12

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We had a wonderful Easter. I hope you did also.

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I started watching season two and I am hooked. I was hoping to watch one episode a day but I can't help but binge watch this show.

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Jim and Jacob attended a playoff game last night. Unfortunately the Warriors list but it was really a great game.

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Jim and Jacob bought Alexa a pink sparkle basketball from the game. It's perfect for our little princess.

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Found this on the wall outside our house today. I really don't think there should be bugs larger then a quarter, don't you.

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I'm headed to this beautiful place tomorrow. I have a Confirmation Mass for a few of my teens in the morning and a mass of Thanksgiving for the Canonization of Blessed John XXIII and Blessed John Paul II in the evening.

--- 7 ---

Sunday is going to be a great day. I'm getting up early to watch the canonization mass.

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

Until next time,

Karri

5 Favorites - The John Paul II Edition

As I wait in anticipation of the upcoming canonization of my favorite Pope, I'd love to share with you my favorite John Paul quotes - 

1.

As I read the headlines of darkness that plague the news each day I can't help but wonder when people will begin to realize these words of truth.

2. 

The call of the domestic church is very dear to my heart. My work in youth ministry has only strengthened my reason to make this my battle cry. There is a huge need for parents to take on this responsibility given to them in the sacrament marriage and at their children's baptism.

3. 

I can't help but giggle at this very true statement. I loved JPII's ability to speak so bluntly. 

4. 

I think this holds true with any talent: artistic, athletic and intellectual talent.

5. 

This quote is what my blog is all about. The Holy Spirit inspired the name My Life's A Treasure long before I had even seen this quote. Finding this quote from my favorite Pope only confirmed God's plan for me and this little blog of mine.

There are many more quotes I could share but since this is my "Five Favorites" post for Moxie Wife I will follow the rules. I would love to know if you have any favorite quotes from John Paul II. Please share in the comments.

Until next time,

Karri 

Linking to Moxie Wife's Five Favorite, Catholic Bloggers Network and some of these great link parties. 

Fun Spots to Visit in Sonoma County

On April 9th, Jim and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary. We spent three fun days in Sebastopol and I'd like to share some of the fun places we visited:

Hungry for a little ice cream head over to Screamin Mimi's 

The ice cream is homemade and delicious. 

If you are in the mood for a pint Hopmonk is the place to visit:

The food was good also.

We took a drive to Bodega Bay and had the most delicious crab sandwich and clam chowder at The Spud Point Crab Company. I've been craving crab sandwiches ever since. 

While driving into Bodega Bay we passed this beautiful church. I was so excited to find it's the local Catholic Church. Unfortunately it was closed so we were unable to see the inside. 

If you need to find a unique gift for someone, Beekind has so many honey related items to choose from. 

We purchased some delicious Forestville Blackberry Honey and a few gifts. We even had a quick lesson in bee keeping and honey harvesting. 

As I have made well known I am a Starbucks addict but I will have to say our morning Joe at Ninja Star Coffee Bar was spectacular and I just loved the heart they made in Jim's cup. 

If you find yourself in Northern California, journey over to Sonoma County and check out these great places.

Until next time,

Karri

How We Spent Easter

I hope that you had a wonderful and faith filled Easter. If you follow me on Instagram you will know we had a wonderful, faith filled and eventful Easter. 

Here is how it began:

Followed by:

Saturday we headed to our hometown for

Because we needed to stay on the Peninsula we got a hotel room

 

Saturday evening was our niece's 25th birthday

Easter Sunday - 

Mass at the parish I had my 1st Communion and Confirmation. Jim and I were also married here. 

Happy Easter from The Reisers

and just think we have 7 weeks of Easter. It's going to be a glorious time. 

Until next time,

Karri

Passport to Paradise Auction

This month our church hosted their annual dinner auction. Proceeds of the auction benefit youth and young adult ministry, religious education programs and our school. 

Since I'm the coordinator of youth and young adult ministry I have a very active role in this event. Each year I am honored to be in charge of decorating. I love throwing parties especially theme parties so this is right up my alley. 

Over the years we have hosted a Mardi Gras night, a western event, back to the 50's, St. Patrick's Day, Hollywood, medival times and last year was Disney.

This year's theme was Passport to Paradise. 

An overview of the room 

We had two sets of tables - the long rectangle for general seating and the round for premium seating. Premium seating included table linens, real plates and silverware and each table had their own server. 

My Mom with the help of some awesome parents volunteers created all the table centerpieces. Thanks Mom! 

The centerpieces on the premium tables each had a beautiful tropical flower. 

Here is a closeup of the centerpieces from the other tables

In addition to the amazing items for auction we always have a secret gift table. Guests could pay $10.00 and pick an umbrella. Each umbrella has a number attached to it that matches a gift on the table. Each gift is valued at $10 or more. The main draw is always a beautiful piece of jewelry that you can win. 

I have to say this is my favorite . I just loved my hula trash cans.

I found this fun Keep Calm sign at  The Keep Calm-o-matic   it fit nicely with this display at the bar.

I think the night turned out wonderful and several children, teens and young adults are going to reap the benefits. 

I am so looking forward to our auction next. I will truly get to play with decorating on this one. Our theme is Vintage Circus. 

Until next time, 

Karri

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