Blossoming Joy

Endurance, Grace, Openness to Life

2012-02-15T10:38:00.000-08:00

It was a long weekend... going down in the family record books for top ten super tough mama endurance tests. Toddlers and youth sport tournaments just don't mix. I am exhausted and waiting for my back muscles to stop seizing up. But my fingers work so I'll post a recap while I just... sit down for a while. Incidentally, I made a lovely list last week of things never to forget when leaving the house with multiple small children (posted here) and forgot about half of it. Duh. For example, while the Chief and Professor were out of town, I ventured out of the house with all the children to a new destination and no GPS. Double duh.

My camera was low on batteries but I managed to capture some moments for the purpose of remembering the weekend with light-heartedness... and identifying moments of grace...

Day #1
5:30 am and time to make breakfast for the traveling Professor. In another few hours, it was Cookie's turn to leave for her games. The hectic tournament schedule was complicated by our weekend mass obligation. "Fit mass in"... as if it's an afterthought. *sigh* But we fight against the insanity and try to cling to faith and to each other.

The photo above was taken from the choir loft of a church close to the tournament site. (Doesn't it look like Noah's Ark?) Tournament schedules are extremely unfriendly to church-going Catholics. In this case, we were able to find a Mass to attend during a long break between matches. The rest of the team (most of whom are Catholics) had a cake and pizza party. We were in our tournament-enduring clothing and I was grateful for my blue jeans and sensible shoes since I would be spending the next hour crawling on wet carpets and tile and running after Cub. The vestibule was under construction and there was nowhere - I mean NOWHERE - to go with a fussing, yelling 1-year old. Except the choir loft. But he didn't like the choir loft and the people in the choir loft didn't like him (or rather, they didn't like his verbal expressions). So...

... we sat in the stairwell. And climbed up. And slid down. And fell down. And spilled our emergency M & M's all over. And took pictures just for a short-lived distraction...

That's a papal flag at the top of the stairs on the right. I know because my darling cherub tried to knock it down. I almost cried at mass. I really almost did. But I was so proud of my other children who sat all by themselves so nicely.

As I waited with aching arms for children to use the bathroom after mass, I admired a statue of Blessed Mother and fancied that she was laughing a little at me. Don't worry, she seemed to say, you won't be standing here forever. Just a little longer, dear. You're doing fine.

I returned to the gym with Cookie and Cub (after handing off the other littles) to find that the concessions had run out. To try and simplify the evening, I had actually planned (against my better judgement) on buying some concession garbage to keep our motors running. With no food, the remainder of the evening became a painful test of pure endurance.

Mercy Moment of the Day:

Shortly after arriving at the gym from mass, an older gentleman approached me and said loudly in front of the staring parents of Cookie's teammates: Are you the mother of five children? Well, six children... but I'm probably the one you're looking for. I cringed and waited for whatever horrible thing was going to come next. Instead, I heard this: I saw you and your children at mass half an hour ago. I wanted to tell you what a joy it is to see families making time for mass in the midst of a busy schedule; and that your kids were so well behaved. Your oldest daughter was wonderful with the little ones. It's hard. I know it is. You just keep putting one foot in front of the other and doing what you're doing and loving God and each other. They are all beautiful.

I laughed out loud. I had just come from one of the most challenging masses of my motherhood and this guy spots me among hundreds of people at a volleyball tournament... and gives me words of grace. God's ways are wonderful.

I was much consoled as I sat on the bleachers with Cub. The man's words had given me new energy. The other moms admired my sweet little guy and we talked about family, volleyball and school. I don't know how you do it, they said. Your kids are so beautiful, they said. And then a mom turns to me with a sly look and with a bitter tone says...

Sooo... are you and your husband done yet?

I've had the exact same conversation a hundred times. It is incredibly uncreative and dull. Small talk, modern family style. Dull and offensive. I smiled and gave her my dull and standard answer and walked away.

Day #2

I awakened at 5:30am to again make breakfast for Professor before his travels to Pennsylvania. After the guys left, I shoveled the driveway in the dark and thought about the 2 hours I had left to try and sleep. But the activity made sleep impossible; so I started my day and then began the second round of breakfast and packing up food and supplies for another long day.

I tried to take pictures but I couldn't figure out how to change the setting on my camera to "action." I used to know how to do this. Cookie is the blur in red.

There was nowhere to sit except bleachers, on which Cub wouldn't stay. I finally found a cold corner in which to give him a nap. The above photo was my view of one of Cookie's games. The following photo is my view of Little Cub...

He was warm and cozy while every one of my limbs went numb. He awakened too soon and spent the rest of the day (several hours worth) on the verge of total breakdown. He wouldn't sit in the stroller. The only place of respite from the yelling and commotion was inside a stall in the bathroom. I perched as far on the edge of the toilet seat as I could and we talked and calmed down and nursed. Every once in a while, he'd wave a hand or foot and set off the electric eye on the toilet. SWWWOOOSHH! And my jeans would get sprayed with incoming toilet water.

He didn't want any more of his snacks (even the emergency goodies) and lost interest in the toys I brought. He had no interest in sitting with me in the bleachers or on the floor. He didn't want me to put him down. And then he'd find some trouble to get into and wouldn't be picked up. He kept pointing to the bathroom, preferring the ugly stall to the screaming mass of humanity in the gym. I was sweating and flustered when a perfectly coifed volleyball mom asks me:

So. Are you going to have any more?

I laughed... and fondly remembered the good man from the previous day who had been such a gift of mercy.

It was dark when we arrived home and my aching body hit the bed with tremendous gratitude; feeling grateful, strangely, that the next day was Monday.

Day #3

Monday. The Chief came home from work feeling terribly ill. I had counted on him taking Cookie to her practice and my heart sank as I realized it was not to be. Gear up, kids. Let's get out of here and let Daddy sleep.

During practice I changed a soiled diaper, kissed a boo boo, nursed Cub, cleaned up spilled water and fish crackers, watched the children play under the filthy bleachers, hit the ball around with Professor and enjoyed a little adult conversation.

20 minutes into practice a woman with whom I'd been conversing asks: So, do you think you're done?

40 minutes into practice, her husband (not being present for his wife's question) asks: So, do you think this is it for you?

After practice, one of the coaches asks: So, you having any more?

Because I guess that's the one thing that people just really want to know about me.

Day #4

St. Valentine's Day. A music lesson. A celebration with friends who actually have more children than we do. A lot of kids. A lot of joy. A puppy dog. Grace-filled conversation. A little bit of Wii. A bunch of sugar. Blessing on top of blessing. Exhausted. Undone dishes that will wait until tomorrow.

The last few days have been a challenge... but it is not the goal of my life to escape challenge. I know plenty of highly challenged, unhappy people with fewer children than I have. To be honest with you, I would be much happier spending an exhausting day with my large and wonderful family than with any fashionable, well-educated, sociable adult who cannot manage to keep themselves from asking...

...Are you done?

At the tournament, my hands were not free to take stats and compare figures with other parents. Not free to fuss with an ipad or phone... but they were full of one of the great joys of my life. It is an honor to care for Cub.

My voice was not free to scream at the ref and hurl profanities at 13-year olds like some of the fathers were doing. It was free from the temptation to gossip and complain with some of the mothers. It was free to be occupied whispering the sweet nothings that a toddler needs to hear from his mama in a strange and noisy place.

My eyes were not free to take note of every single point or error of my child and the children of others. I saw enough to take delight in Cookie's efforts and successes... but needed my eyes to ensure the safety and well-being of Cub.

My arms were not free to relax and be idle. My burning biceps and aching joints instead bore the blessed burden of my squirmy toddler. There could hardly have been a better use for them.

All in all, my occupied hands, arms, eyes and voice kept me from the temptation to many vices while giving me the opportunity to do some serious loving. Difficult? Wow. Yeah. You betcha. But I do not regret one moment and recognize the gift of grace throughout.

Are we done? If the questioner means to ask if we've ruined our healthy reproductive organs in order to ensure that we will no longer have children... then, no. Are we having more? If the questioner means to ask if we know whether or not we know for sure if more children are in our future... then, no, we don't know the answer to that. If the questioner means to inquire whether the Chief and I intend to discuss the intimate conversations and discernment of our married life with anyone who asks... then, no... it's absolutely no one's business but ours. But if they must know (minus details and definitive answers)...

We will never say never. Never close the door completely. We love our children and know that having more, challenging as it might be in some ways, would only increase the love and joy in our home. This is not an easy life but it is mighty good.

7 Quick Takes - TMI /Girls Only Edition

2012-02-10T09:49:00.000-08:00

This is my TMI / Girls Only Edition of 7 Quick Takes. Meaning, if you're not a woman, you may want to skeddadle. It won't be too horrible, I'll keep it brief, but still...

~1~

Kegels. Ladies, are you faithfully doing your kegels? Then stop. Apparently, they don't help and could hurt. What should you do instead of kegels to strengthen the maternally strained pelvic floor? Squats. Now that you're over your shock, go read more about it here.

~2~

Gray hair. My visions of going gray gracefully and naturally are dying within me. Thirty-five used to sound so old... and now that I'm here it just doesn't seem like it should be time to go gray. It's just sprinkled but increasing steadily. The men I know who are going gray look so... distinguished. Mine just looks messy and random.

There used to be a lovely older woman in the J. Jill catalogs with long pretty gray hair. I have long imagined my ideal future older self to have that lovely head of mature hair. Natural, silver white hair blowing in the breeze. Anyway, it's not really like that for me and I guess I'm super vain... because I truly don't want to lose my brown hair yet. I've never had my hair dyed. Never even had highlights. So this is new territory. I have time to think about it since most of my gray is in the middle layer but it's irksome nonetheless. I have no desire to spend time or money fixing this "problem." Neither do I want to be the only gray-haired 30-something I know. If I was on my own, I don't think there would be much of an issue... but it doesn't seem like my husband should have a gray-haired wife on his arm just yet.

Speaking of the Chief, he insists that he doesn't care either way. Which, even though it's meant in a very loving way, doesn't help at all from a purely practical perspective.

I'm still open to graying naturally but I'm going to take it one day at a time. This sweet article helped me shove my vanity under the bed for one more day. Road Maps and Silver Crowns

~3~

Feminine products. Natural is clearly better but I've tried cloth and am not a fan. I've been eyeing a product called the Diva Cup for years and, after hearing good reviews from other moms, am almost ready to start thinking about a purchase... maybe. More input would be helpful from you brave souls who would care to share. Email is cool (left sidebar). I'll take anonymous comments happily if you don't want to leave your name.

~4~

Custody of the eyes. I feel moved to say something about this... even some faithful Catholic men have a tendency to make me blush. Which is worse than being whistled at by a construction worker. Much more embarrassing. If I'm talking to a great Catholic dad who has a lovely wife and 24 children and I'm thinking "HEY! I'm up heeeere"... that's pretty frustrating. I'm sure I don't always reach the pinnacle of modesty perfection, but still... Please, talk to my face. There is currently a popular Catholic speaker who encourages a deep appreciation of the female form and thinks that men aught to be able to look with pure intentions. However... I think it would be best for a man to stick to appreciating his own wife's body.

~5~

Post-partum hair loss. Little Cub is 15 months old and my hair is finally growing back in. It looks funny because there are short bunches of hair growing around my hair line as if I cut it that way. I'm very glad it's growing back and I understand that it's normal but the one-inch growth sure is goofy looking!

~6~

Nursing bras. I have spent a literal decade of my 14 years of motherhood nursing little ones and can't stress enough the importance of a good undergarment. If you buy cheap stuff, it will wear out and fail you very quickly. It took me five babies to finally understand what a significant improvement this investment will make. My current favorite is the Bravado line from which I purchased for the first time this year. I admit it wasn't an easy purchase to make but I am quite happy with it. If you can afford it but your husband objects to the expenditure, please send him to me and I will explain a few things to him for you. If you are currently pregnant, start budgeting now for the purchase. Also, I was able to find brand new Bravado bras on eBay for almost half price which put them right about at the price of the super cheap versions with which I have settled in the past.

~7~

Valentines. Lastly, and since most of the men folk are likely frightened away by this time, I want to share a link to a lovely printable Valentine to give to our darling husbands. Hallie over at Betty Beguiles has put together a sweet letter with fill-in-the-blank prompts. It's a very simple but meaningful way to let our guys know they mean the world to us.

Got Pride? Embrace Motherhood.

2012-02-09T13:13:00.000-08:00

Motherhood is a perpetual walk in the valley of humility. And no, I'm not being dramatic. If a woman becomes a mother and has the good fortune of having multiple children, she will eventually have all kinds of totally embarrassing things happen to her. It's really a good thing, I think. I have definitely learned to laugh at myself and do not suffer nearly as much as I used to under humiliating circumstances.

When Cookie was younger she danced ballet. Every week I would drag the other children with me to sit for an hour in a tiny little room with other mothers and siblings where we would patiently wait. There happened to be one week when I had only my baby and one other mother in that room. As we sat, my charming infant proceeded to loudly pass a tremendous amount of gas and fill her diaper. I laid out a mat on a nearby table to change the child (there really was nowhere else to do it) and the other woman continued to read her magazine. As I began the diaper changing operation, I heard an exclamation of surprise and relief come from the woman across the room. Our eyes met and she said with great sincerity, "Oh my goodness, I'm so glad to see that it was the baby. Really, I thought it was YOU! It does happen, you know. All the same, it's nice that it wasn't you after all." She picked up her magazine again and that was that.

There was the time that Crash got carsick and threw up all over himself (far away from home) as we arrived at his sister's club volleyball try-out. I couldn't go home... and he smelled so bad in a very crowded place in spite of our efforts to wash his clothes in the bathroom sink and dry him underneath the hand dryer.

Or the time when Jellybean wet her pants while we were visiting at someone's home and I had forgotten a change for her.

I recall a Sunday when Button stuffed her mouth full of cookies at a parish function and then coughed, sending mushy, saliva-laden baked goods all over someone's dress shoes.

Then there was the time my firstborn asked an overweight family friend why his belly was so much bigger than other people's bellies... is there a baby in there?

Or the things that kids will say about their parents. To their pastor. And the grocery store cashier.

And the crazy things that they will do in restaurants with ketchup, sugar packets and straw wrappers right after the waitress compliments us for having well-behaved children.

These kinds of incidents have afflicted me by the thousands in the last 14 years. I am largely immune to the emotional trauma by now. I experience an initial (extremely brief) pinch to my pride and sharp intake of breath... and then breathe it all out with my profuse apologies to the offended. I have also noticed that I am no longer totally grossed out when other people's kids pick their noses in my presence... although I do enjoy a private giggle at their expense.

I can tell that I have changed for the better as a mother because I used to suffer greatly under the memory of kid-induced humiliations... and now... I just put them on my blog. And then there are the ones that can't be repeated in public. I share those privately with my husband so that he can participate in the humiliation... and a hearty laugh. Remember when your kid did such-and-such? {cue hysterical laughter}

Note to new mothers: I highly recommend packing the following items into your car/diaper bag (in addition to the regular contents) until your children are at least 12 years old. And don't ask questions... just trust me...

~ Lots of plastic grocery bags (preferably without holes)
~ Roll of paper towels
~ Extra package of wet wipes
~ Hand sanitizer
~ A bucket (or two, depending on your numbers)
~ Pair of scissors
~ Extra clothes for all (including yourself)
~ Air freshener
~ All-purpose cleaner
~ Tissues
~ Anti-nausea medication
~ Super secret stash of really yummy, colorful candy (just trust me)
~ Super secret stash of emergency distracting fun things (like the Game Boy you saved from your childhood that your kids have never seen before.)
~ Snacks
~ Gallon Ziploc bags
~ A warm blanket
~ Bottled water (a multitude of uses)
~ Masking tape
~ GPS
~ Rosary
~ First Aid kit (including antibiotic ointment)
~ Benadryl
~ Ibuprofin (this is for your headache)
~ Quarters and singles
~ Forgiving arms
~ A smile
~ A ready apology
~ A heart full of gratitude

I've missed some things. It's the unspoken law of parental humility that you will have left the scorpion anti-venom serum on the bathroom counter when you most need it. Experienced moms... feel free to add to the list!

Here is the list for things to leave at home:

~ Your pride

This will do you no good when your newly walking angel baby puts a death grip onto someone's (maybe yours) elastic-waisted skirt... and falls. Or when your newborn spits up over your shoulder into someone's purse. Yes, these things have happened to me. They will probably happen to you. When they do, feel free to blog about it so that I can laugh with you and offer thanks to God for the opportunity for you grow in humility. :)

Blog Maintenance Today

2012-02-08T07:39:00.000-08:00

Just letting you know in case you stop by and things look a little out of sorts. :)

Age-Activated ADD

2012-02-07T13:16:00.000-08:00

Funny, funny... but oh, so familiar and lamentable. If this is Age-Activated ADD, then it was activated for me at a very young age. Some enterprising young mommy should remake this video to represent mothers with young children.

curtsy to Fr. V.

The Real Key to Successful Homeschooling...

2012-02-06T17:03:00.000-08:00

My dear friend, Lena, forwarded me a link today... and here I sit in a puddle of tears. That's hardly anything new. The moment I enter the blogosphere and click on page titled anything remotely close to "Amongst Lovely Things", I know I'm at risk. It's just the good Lord touching my heart strings again through the words of one of His own. And sometimes, the words are so good and true that I have to pass them on.

In "Why I'm No Homeschool Superstar," Sarah writes...

"I have become convinced that a peaceful and happy mother is the real key to successful homeschooling. Choosing excellent materials is important, of course. Establishing a healthy daily routine is enormously helpful. Developing an active social life is essential. We can read up on every curriculum on the market, listen to webcasts, devour articles, attend conferences, participate in co-ops or support groups, and otherwise get our ducks in a perfect little row, but none of this will have the same impact on the life of a homeschooling family as a peaceful and happy mother." (Read all of it here.)

So, here I sit in puddles, struck by the absolutely truth of that statement. I know it so well. And yet I keep fighting what I know, chasing on the heels of the ideal of the "homeschool superstar."

I am grateful to Sarah for making it plain again. And to Lena for sharing, knowing that I'd be swimming in the graces of this moment.

As I ruminated on Sarah's post, I asked myself THE QUESTION that I always ask: What do I want my homeschool to look like? My imagination began to run and I saw a lot of smiling, and laughter; I saw gentleness, faithfulness and industriousness. In my weakness, I often think that I can force that... make it happen by putting the pieces together just so. If I only had that art program, my children would have an appreciation for great art and beauty... If I only had the perfect chore system... If I could only... whatever, fill in the blank... then I would have smiling, laughing, gentle, faithful, industrious students.

A peaceful and happy mother. Full of Grace.

You know, I think I can do that. By the grace of God, I can. I've been dragging my heels with my New Year's resolutions and personal goal-setting. It came to me quickly and clearly last year but I've been stumbling a bit in 2012, not wanting to force what wasn't clear. Things just got a whole lot smoother. I have a beginning.

This is not to say that I will be planning bubble baths, chocolate parties, and hours long reading sessions in bed. Not "peaceful and happy" in a sensual, secular sense but the kind that lasts and changes us. What is true about me and my household... and how will that bring us closer to our goals, to each other... and to God.

It's time to open the floodgates of Grace. No more hesitating. 2012 is waiting... Thanks be to God!

Catholic Bloggers' Colossal Share-a-Thon (& Giveaway)

2012-02-05T10:02:00.000-08:00

I'm participating in The First EVER Catholic Bloggers' Colossal Share-a-Thon (& Giveaway) over at the Catholic Bloggers Network. Huge fun. I love having a reason to give something away; they did all the work for me and provided me with an easy 5-minute blog post. Nice!

Since my Etsy shop is sitting empty right now, I pulled these pretty bean bags out from my waiting-for-a-good-home boxes for the giveaway fun.

This is a set of four toddler-sized bean bags (approximately 4" x 5") all wrapped up and ready to give. I call them "Toddler" bean bags because they are the perfect size for carrying, tossing, and learning to catch... and because they are machine washable. I used to make bean bags with organic filling... until it became clear that toddlers will spit up, throw up, and do whatever else they need to do to saturate organic (i.e. stuff that will rot when exposed to liquids) materials. And when it's handmade, it's painful to have to throw it out.

I don't actually know how the fun over at CBN is going to roll out... I just noticed an hour ago that the deadline is tomorrow and came right here to build a link. The giveaway will be live for two weeks once it's open.

Why Komen Flip-Flop is Actually Good News for Pro-Life

2012-02-03T10:19:00.000-08:00

A few days ago, Komen announced that it was no longer offering grants to Planned Parenthood. I cheered and my husband cast a suspicious eye upon the whole thing. They are doing it for the wrong reasons. It won't last. It seems that he was right.

Today, Komen announced that they are going to cave to the significant pressure put on them by various groups and continue funding Planned Parenthood... even though there is evidence showing that abortions increase breast cancer and Planned Parenthood is the number one abortion provider in the world... even though Planned Parenthood does not offer mammograms... even though donations increased significantly after the initial announcement of their severed ties.

The good news is that pro-life life people can no longer ignore the relationship between Komen pink and abortion. There are many Christian people out there who never got the memo, didn't read the memo, or just ignored the memo, about what has been going on. Too many people who did not want to think about the fact that their enthusiastic, well-intentioned fund-raising efforts have gone, in part, to support the murder of innocent children.

The truth is out and all over the news. Most people will now have full knowledge of these facts before they give consent, money and support. There is no excuse for pro-life people to continue to walk with Komen.

Stop buying pink.

Find out more about why Komen and Planned Parenthood contribute to the increase in breast cancer.

"Bella Makes Us Better"

2012-01-29T14:08:00.000-08:00

Many people would love to have a president like Rick Santorum but won't vote for him out of fear. Fear that he can't beat Obama. I agree with Fr. Z. that I'd rather vote for a can of frozen orange juice than our current president, but I can't help but beg the good Lord to give us someone like Santorum.

Please pray for the Santorum family today... little Bella is in the hospital with pneumonia in both lungs. Watch this video about beautiful Bella and consider voting for her father.

UPDATE: Bella Recovering

Obama Facilitates the End of American Liberty

2012-01-29T14:05:00.000-08:00

The Obama administration has teamed up with the Department for Health and Human services to ensure that the American conscience must comply with Big Brother within one year or agree to die.

The time has come for all Catholics to vote. None of this not-voting-for anyone-because-they're-all-evil-politicians business. It is well past time. There is evil and then there is evil. There are important issues (the economy) and there are important issues (the murder of innocent children and the subjection of basic liberty). If we do not use our vote to fight for good (or "less evil" as the case may be), then it is as if we have cast a vote for evil.

If you're not a Catholic, you have a very good reason to stand with us; because this issue is not primarily about our beliefs, but about religious liberty. If the Obama administration is permitted to take ours away, then eventually, yours will be taken as well.

It is not difficult to believe that this has happened... because the signs from Obama have been as subtle as neon. What will be difficult to grasp is if the freedom-loving people in this country agree to stand for it.

Instead of restating the issue myself, I defer to several larger intellects who have already done great work illuminating the problem and outlining the steps to a solution. Please read them all and pass them along...

~The Obama administration has just told Catholics in the United States "To Hell With You."

~ Fr. Rutler: "What Happens When a Government Tries to Chain the Conscience?"

~ ObamaCare and Religious Freedom - Wall Street Journal Op-Ed by Archbishop Dolan

~ Religious Freedom Threatened: Time to Act - Bishop Lennon to Diocese of Cleveland

~ Literally Unconscionable

~ Bishops Vow to Fight Coercive HHS Mandate

Abortion Doctor Calls Abortion "An Act of Violence"

2012-01-28T11:18:00.000-08:00

Dr. Warren Hern is an abortion doctor who, in 2002, received the Christopher Tietze Humanitarian Award from the National Abortion Federation. In the 1980's, after having performed about 300 abortions, he wrote a letter to Planned Parenthood discussing the emotional difficulties of being an abortionist. The letter was excerpted in a 1994 sociology textbook and reads in part:

"The technique creates intense emotional responses in doctors, [and] sometimes leads to moral anguish and nightmares."

"We have reached a point in this particular technology where there is no possibility of denial of an act of violence by the operators. It is before our eyes. The sensations of dismemberment flow through the forceps like an electric current. Some part of our cultural and perhaps even biological heritage recoils at the destructive operation on a form so similar to our own.

Read more here... and please, pray for Dr. Hern, who continues to perform abortions. May he allow God's mercy to free him from the terrible burden of a culture of violence and death.

Sunday Cross-Trainers

2012-01-25T09:41:00.000-08:00

I've always considered my husband fortunate to have such a low-maintanance wife. I spend very little money on make-up, hair, and fashion. The years have altered this slightly since my inevitably advancing age has caused me to view these matters a bit differently. I use a little more make-up, visit the hair salon a couple more times a year, and... I've discovered that I really, really like shoes. Heels in particular.

This does not mean that I purchase very many of them or wear them often. It means that I window shop a lot more and enjoy pulling out taller foot apparel about once a week, generally on Sunday. The rest of the week I continue to pretend that I have not changed. My selection of cute shoes is relatively small and as much as I would love to enlarge it, can't imagine the shock it would effect on the Chief. I have spoiled him, really. This is going to take time to change.

So Sunday comes along and, hoorah! I pull out my favorite heeled boots. They make my feet hurt a bit but it's only an hour for Mass, right? I'll offer it up!

The one thing that I've forgotten is my 14-month old bundle of energy and testosterone. Sit in the pew? Mama, are you insane? The child uses the hour to the absolute fullest, finding every opportunity to run and shout. I have tried to take my own advice and am moderately successful. I am also exhausted at the end of it all.

Interestingly enough, I have discovered that high-heeled foot apparel is impractical for our Sunday adventures. Take the natural resistance that feet in general have to being in such a preposterous high-heeled position and add it to the particular aches and pains of my personal tootsies (i.e. formerly broken toe that will apparently afflict me until the end of my life), and the result is pain.

If it wasn't obvious that this discomfort is a cause of my vanity instead of my sanctity, I would happily carry the burden. As it stands, it is pure vanity; and I bear it unhappily... and stubbornly.

Two weeks ago, we (or rather, I) endured a particularly challenging Sunday Mass. I will spare you the extensive (and somewhat hilarious) details by just saying that it was a battle that involved everything from poinsettia plants to church basements to bathrooms to other people's fish crackers. As I was squatting down on the floor digging unidentified grey stuff from Little Cub's mouth, it struck me that my outfit and shoes were highly inappropriate for the event. Heeled boots that are jarringly uncomfortable. Long skirt that keeps tripping me up. Blouse that has to be dry-cleaned. I look out at the congregation, many of whom are dressed rather casually in jeans and athletic apparel, and think...

Would anyone notice if I wore my sneakers? Wouldn't it be more pleasing to God if I just set aside my pride and wore something more moderate?

Ah, but my pride... stubborn pride. The week passed quickly and Sunday rolled around again. I surveyed the shoe boxes in my closet and did not hesitate to grab the large one right in the middle that held my heeled boots. It's only an hour, after all.

More Christendom Excellence

2012-01-25T08:22:00.000-08:00

Found this video over at Creative Minority Report. As I wrote last week, we are big Christendom fans. Professor is going to love this one.

As I was watching this video, I noticed a yellow "God is Pro-Life" sign in the background and recalled a woman once telling me how offensive she found this statement to be. She gave me an explanation of her position and said something about God not taking sides in a political debate. I guess I would have to agree that it is difficult to imagine Him walking around carrying a yellow slogan banner... but He did carry a Cross for each and every one of us, including those not yet born. He has given us life and loves us and suffers to see innocent children brutally murdered; and in that sense, yes... he's definitely on the pro-life side. If a person invites a doctor to tear an unborn child limb from limb (or to crush her skull or burn her alive), well, I guess I do believe that the good Lord carries a banner for that baby... and that He stands with pro-life marchers as they cry out against laws that allow such evil. He laid down his life for every single soul. And if we are Christians, then we had better be prepared to do the same. Carrying that yellow sign is the least we can do.

Why Abortion Increases Breast Cancer Risk

2012-01-24T09:33:00.000-08:00

Abortion proponents like to focus rhetoric on women's health. And what women's health issue is bigger right now than breast cancer? Instead of dismissing the abortion/breast cancer link out of hand, advocates of women's health should make every effort to fully explore this issue. I've posted this video before but it is definitely worth repeating.

When Life is Hard...

2012-01-23T09:09:00.000-08:00

Some days in life are just so stinkin' hard. The most difficult part of hard days is the part I play in them. The failures that are mine, all mine. If I have twenty balls up in the air and manage to keep ten of them up, hoorah for me, but I still drop the other ten.

Every once in a while, failure backs me into a little corner. Then, like Poe's Montresor, it builds it's wall about me in the catacombs of my soul. Failure hangs a mirror on the bricks in front of my imprisoned heart and laughs. There you are... see what you have become. Failure! Requiescat In Pace!

That would be the end of me, I think, if Someone didn't come along with reliably perfect consistency and unlock those chains and remove the mirror and the walls. He always comes. I know He is coming. And I wait.

Some days He waits longer than others to make Himself known and it is hard. I wake in the morning and Failure is there mocking me. I turn out the light and see it, trowel in hand, building the wall of my demise. But I rise anyway. I work anyway, step by step. I pray anyway, dry and cold. And wait on the Lord.

There are days when He comes like a whisper and nurses me back to life. "Child, you are broken. I will carry you today." At other times He comes to correct and chastise... refining me, reminding me, that true love is not a flicker but a blaze! "Get up! It is time to walk! I will stand with you... but you must rise." If I can only place pressure on the bottom of my feet He accepts that small fiat and carries me again.

What does it mean to lay down one's life? Many holy men and women have illuminated the hearts and minds of the faithful on the subject. Christ Himself went to the Cross to show us. But on those days when Failure tries to destroy me, I have no understanding of the ways of the saints and I can hardly see His face at it's height on the cross beam. With the little will that remains in me, I lay aside myself and offer everything, everything to Him... which is nothing really but a tiny flame that was His all along anyway.

You gave me life, Lord. You made me beautiful in your image. You knew I would falter and still, you created me. That mysterious Love... reason enough to wait upon You when my body and mind are impatient for an end. I know You will come. And I press on for You and for Love.

Love comes and I collapse into His arms, exhausted and suffering. What is it about me that keeps You returning? Don't You see what I am?

No, Daughter... I see WHO you are... and that is enough. I will always come for you. I will always carry you. Do not be afraid.

I used to count my failures, convinced that by identifying and detailing them that I could overcome them bit by bit. Instead of whittling them down, I have seen them multiply. And my trust has multiplied. And my joy. And my peace of mind and heart. Funny. Funny how God sometimes works in ways that defy human reason...

For the hardest days are the ones in which I shout "Yes, I can!" and quickly find out that I cannot. This humility is one of the greatest blessings of my life for it brings me to His Heart again and again. But humanly speaking... it is hard.

"The ignorance of this truth, that the ways of God are very different rom our ways, is the cause of much confusion for the soul. Every time we suffer a calamity in our spiritual life, we grow alarmed and think we have lost our way. For we have fancied an even road for ourselves, a footpath, a way strewn with flowers. Hence, upon finding ourselves in a rough way, one filled with thorns, one lacking all attraction, we think we have lost the road; whereas it is only that the ways of God are very different from our ways.

Sometimes the biographies of saints tend to foster this illusion; that is, when they do not fully reveal the profound story of those souls, or when they disclose it only in a fragmentary manner, selecting solely the attractive and pleasing features. They call our attention to the hours that the saints spent in prayer, to the generosity with which they practiced virtue, to the consolations they received from God. We see only what is shining and beautiful and we lose sight of the struggles, darknesses, temptations, and falls through which they passed. And we think like this: "Oh, if I could live as those souls! What peace, what light what love was theirs!" Yes, that is what we see, but if we would look deeply into the hearts of the saints, we would understand that the ways of God our not our ways."

~ Archbishop Luis M. Martinez, Secrets of the Interior Life pg 147

Abortion Kills Love

2012-01-22T14:07:00.000-08:00

On the anniversary of Roe v. Wade...
Praying in solidarity with those marching in defense of innocent lives.
A repost from January 22, 2010....

Abortion Kills Love

Today we celebrate the sanctity of life, mourn the destruction of millions of God's beautiful babies, and get on our knees to pray for an end to the violence of abortion. It's impossible not to recall and reflect upon the blessing that new life has been to me. It's not always easy. Many times pregnancy, birth and motherhood have brought a great deal of suffering. But it is good and brings a companion joy that is beyond description.

I remember sitting in the NICU watching my preemie struggle to breathe and live. I saw other tiny babies come in and out the doors and felt a deep sadness for so many other little ones, victims of abortion, for whom no one was fighting. All those tubes, nurses, medical supplies and thousands of dollars for one little life. My child. And a baby out there somewhere pierced by instruments of torture instead of lying beside mine, given the chance to live.

This was one of the first times that I held my little Button. (In the picture, you can see her little head resting on an image of the crucified Christ on my T-shirt.) Prior to this, I was unable to even touch her since any stimulation would cause her to fall into distress. I remember being harshly reprimanded for touching her back lightly during her first days. Her vital signs dropped, all the bells and whistles sounded, and a swarm of doctors and nurses rushed in. The doctor was very angry with me. I had been selfish. The best way to love her was to leave her alone.

Button's first day at home. We had to modify the car seat so that she wouldn't slip out of the smallest strap adjustments. I took this photo when a friend stopped by with a meal for our family. I set Button down in her seat and she practically disappeared. She didn't open her eyes for 6 weeks and slept almost 20 hours every day during that time.

Look at her now.

In the NICU...

It was 3am and I was sitting in the rocking chair beside her isolette. There had been a commotion when Button knocked her tubes out and immediately started to struggle, throwing the nursing staff into a panic. The dust had settled and she was again sleeping with plastic pieces intact. I didn't want to leave and stayed to keep vigil and pray. The nurses revealed themselves to be Evangelicals. They lay hands on her (she, miraculously, did not stir) and prayed for half an hour with me for her healing. After a while, they returned to the desk and I was left with a full heart and mind. I thought:

Even if I never get to hold my daughter in my arms, it was a privilege to carry her in my womb. If she does not live past tonight, it is a privilege to sit by her side right now. I would go through all of it again to suffer this moment in love.

A life of sacrificial love is one filled with heartbreak.

Abortion does not end suffering...it just kills love.

7 Quick Takes - High School Homeschool Edition

2012-01-20T23:46:00.000-08:00

Joining Jennifer at Conversion Diary for 7 Quick Takes (somewhat belatedly)...

~1~
BEGINNING

I recently ordered and received a copy of High School of Your Dreams and consider it an excellent purchase. I had postponed buying this because of the price (as I often do with CHC products). Fantastic products but really difficult to budget for, especially when I can't see before purchasing. I've been searching for a used copy and finally found one in unused condition.

The program definitely provides what I need which is clear, basic directions on the how-to's of homeschool high school education. How do I count credits while still maintaining our flexible style of learning? Can a student graduate early? This kind of information is available for free all over the internet and through various books but High School of Your Dreams offers a simple, flexible and thoroughly Catholic approach.

We had already decided that we wanted to continue to use a flexible eclectic approach and that we would not enroll in a program with Seton, MODG or similar programs. But how to do it in a way that pleases a college admissions board? My anxiety level went from THIS to this in about 45 minutes.

We began planning right away and Professor is heavily involved and very excited. I highly recommend this book for those of you who are a newbie like I am, looking to maintain a flexible approach, and unsure where to start. It covers non-college bound, college bound and vocational options which makes it valuable for any student regardless of life goals. Now that I have a good base of knowledge, I have enjoyed browsing additional online resources without the previous anxiety.

Home School of Your Dreams isn't perfect - you will still need to consult a wide variety of sources while you plan and build - but if you are looking for solid guidance I'd definitely recommend buying or borrowing this program. Full price is hard to swallow... start looking now for a used copy.

Update: One of the reasons that I have difficulty with this book at full price is because the included forms (which I love) are not currently available for printing... only photocopying. This produces a not-quite-professional result (on my copier anyway). For the price, I would expect forms that I can actually use for permanent, professional record-keeping. I am hopeful that CHC will provide the PDF files for those who purchase the book in the future. (I did drop a bee in their bonnet about that one so I'm hopeful!)

~2~

PLANNING

One of the first essential questions when beginning high school planning is that of a student's long term goals. The planning of details such as courses and credits depends upon knowing a little about what a student would like to do after high school graduation.

Professor has a strong interest in attending college and is already specifically attracted to Christendom College. He has researched credit and course requirements, minimum test scores and scholarship opportunities and that information is guiding our high school planning. For example, we know that tuition is high and that a couple years at the local community college and a job might be necessary first in order to afford it. If Professor would like to attend for all four years, he needs to explore scholarship opportunities. For Christendom, this can be achieved with excellent SAT scores... which means that Professor is suddenly very interested in adding test prep to his high school coursework.

We will be exploring multiple colleges in the next few years but Christendom has Professor's singular attention right now. Why? Explore the Christendom College website to find out why he's so taken with it. Here's the first of nine parts to Christendom's "Breathe Catholic" video...

~3~

COSTS

How much does it cost to achieve a quality homeschool high school education? It appears that the somewhat unsatisfying answer is: A great deal, not much at all, and anything in between. Enrolling in Seton or Mother of Divine Grace starts at about $700 and can roll into the thousands depending on the courses and services that are required. Online courses can be free but usually aren't. Homeschool Connections is a wonderful resource for Catholics with costs running anywhere from $70 to $200 per live course with a $30 per month archive option. The library is free, of course. YouTube is free. Free takes more work but may be worth it if a family is pinching pennies to save for college. Finding excellent used books is very do-able and the topic really deserves it's own post.

We recently picked up a free audio course called Seven Myths about the Catholic Church and Science from Catholic Courses. They are currently running an offer for receiving a free MP3 audio course (your choice) if you are a first time customer. I don't know how long the offer lasts but it is worth jumping on since it is a $29 value. Professor already has it loaded into his ipod.

Other favorite free resources we have enjoyed are Kahn Academy (we use it for Math only) and select products from The Great Courses that we order from the library or have been given as gifts. Not all their products are recommended... do your homework to find out if the particular professors share your worldview on important topics. Professor loves the music courses taught by Professor Robert Greenberg, who is not Catholic but has vast knowledge and true appreciation for the Church's contribution to culture and music.

~4~

SPORTS

Professor at USA Junior Nationals

As a result of the completely insane emphasis on athletics in our sports-centric culture, the opportunities for high school sports for homeschoolers are extensive. I confess... we are a sports-lovin' family. We occasionally become temporarily insane about it but are doing our best to retain our family and individual identities while still competing. As high school approaches, the opportunities are opening up before us and we can see that truly, if there is a will there is a way. Think Tim Tebow.

Our kids play CYO and they play club sports. Most sports have club opportunities. Professor competes in a sport (boys' volleyball) that is less popular in our area of the country but he still being scouted by a couple area high schools (only a handful have teams). One is an all-boys Catholic high school whose varsity team won the state championship last year. The coach is very eager to work with us to have Professor play for them while still remaining a home-educated student. We're not sure what that means but assume it means taking a class or two. He also has an area public school coach interested in having him play. We do not live in that city but since our city public school does not have a boys' team, we can play wherever we are welcome.

When discussing sports and college, we try to never use the words "athletic" and "scholarship" in the same sentence. Sports have a place... and it isn't first. On my particularly lucid days, I would love to just dump youth sports all together and play whiffle ball in the front yard for fun and exercise.

~5~

PROM

I'm not sold on prom. I've written my opinion before. However, if someone in my area would put together a prom like this one, I would be very happy to participate. Delighted, in fact. You must check out St. Monica's Ball; so beautifully Catholic. Dress code (with photo examples of beautiful but modest gowns). Behavior Code. Even how-to videos on dancing and formal manners! FUN! Talk about dynamic orthodoxy! :)

~6~

DRIVING

I am clueless about this. Is it really only two years away? Is that when the rest of my hair will go gray? Well, at least I will have someone to go on emergency milk runs.

~7~

SUCCESS

Success is a funny word when it comes to education. To define what success is we must define what the goal is. Some people do believe that the proof of the success of homeschooling lies in the test scores because the numbers are the goal. For most home educators, test scores are simply a key to open certain doors... not an absolute measure of success.

As I approach the final lap of my academic journey with my oldest child, I can say (and believe with all my heart) that all I really want for this kid is eternal happiness. As exciting as it is to see him excel athletically and academically, I would trade all those proud parental moments to know that he is at peace with God's will.

The Secret Life of Virtue

2012-01-18T17:08:00.000-08:00

I can only post this photo because the statute of limitations on
posting "irreverent faces made in church"
has long expired for this particular event and child.

I just finished practicing virtue with my children. I mean that literally. We took an hour to role play and practiced being good. I coached them. They coached me. And sometimes we all just stood there and stared at each other... because what should one do when a sibling not only takes your book and loses your page but also hits you on the ear and flings toothpaste at you? They look to me for the answer as if I actually have one. I did not have siblings close to me in age; and life in the trenches of sibling warfare is a lot more complicated than I have been inclined to think.

It's all very simple for mother. Be NICE, you two. STOP poking him in the shin. How would Blessed Mother act? This all makes perfect sense to the third party adult watching children squabble. Honestly though, I often simply forget to teach them exactly what it means to "be nice." What would I do if someone stole my birthday lollipop and then got it stuck on my Pillow Pet? "Nice" doesn't cut it... they need details! And really, few 5-year olds have a well-defined sense of what Blessed Mother would have done if her brother put ketchup in her milk (which just happened to be the last glass of milk in the house)?

So we practice from time to time. It is not enough to say "pray" (although that is essential). We must give them the tools: action steps, appropriate body language, helpful words to use, and proper and effective means with which to defend themselves.

We practice giving apologies and accepting them. We practice walking away. We practice gentleness and kindness. And it works... and lasts... for a few minutes. Then they forget.

Tonight, we included 4-year old Jellybean in the fun. We explained that Crash was going to take away her toy and that she should respond in a soft way instead of an ugly way. Well, as soon as she heard the terrible scenario, she screwed her face up in frustration, stomped around the room a couple times and steeled herself for the impending theft with a frown and folded arms. "He's not going to take MY toy." No, no, dear... you've missed the point. She eventually got it but it's clear that we need to keep working.

We've whittled our approach down to two points since it must be easy to remember in a pinch and in the inevitable flood of negative emotions...

#1 Get on your knees.

This means praying immediately. If you have to leave the room and literally hit the floor, do it. When you return to the scene of the crime, stay on your knees interiorly (meaning to stay rooted in prayer and humility) while you try to resolve the conflict.

#2 Be a peacemaker.

Sometimes this means walking away. Sometimes this means turning the other cheek. Sometimes this means apologizing (even when the other person has more to apologize for). Sometimes this means smiling when you don't want to and using gentle speech when angry words are fighting to come out. Sometimes it means standing one's ground firmly. Sometimes it means running to get mom.

Every situation is different and that is why we practice.

This activity usually centers around situations that might arise in family life but occasionally, an incident outside the home will inspire some creative role play. The children will come across a situation with friends or teammates that completely confuses them and they'll bring it to me. I didn't know what to say, Mommy. We have run into this many times even with other home-schooled kids. It's sometimes more difficult dealing with "good" Catholic kids because the behavior can be more secretive; parents aren't generally in-the-know unless they are present or their own children are brave enough to mention it and sensitive enough to care. Our kids know very well what the exterior standard needs to be but true colors can be more guarded.

One fruitful (but unfortunately necessary) role-playing session in our home followed an incident involving Crash and another home-schooled boy his age (9 or 10) from a solid Catholic family. Good parents. The two were hanging out together at an event when the boy pointed at a girl nearby and said, "Hey, Crash... check out that piece of meat." So it came up at home and we had a rousing session of what-do-you-say-to-Catholic-boys-who-disrespect-girls, which evolved into what-do-you-say-to-non-Christian-boys-who-disrespect-girls and several other meaningful tangents. It was good to see what the boys came up with and how they gained a better understanding of what it means to be a man of God.

Because we are physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual beings, it only makes sense that training in a life of virtue must touch each of those levels. I have known kids who belong to daily rosary-praying, Mass-attending, ultra-pious, clean-living families who have ruthlessly bullied my children. While the mother talks about how loving her 8-year old son is, I am watching over her shoulder as he kicks my little girl and pulls her hair. Another young girl wins the admiration and praise of all the adults for her apparent goodness but I overhear her on multiple occasions brutally ridiculing another child as soon as she thinks the adults are gone. Exterior piety is not intended to be a replacement for character formation but an excellent companion to it. Prayer covers us with grace but we need to activate it with our will. And as parents, we do need to enter the trenches with the kids. We will be a little uncomfortable. A lot muddy. It's eternally worth it.

Oddly enough, I am grateful for those among my children who wear their faults like a neon sign. It can be a bit humbling as a mother but it is quite a bit easier to fight a visible enemy than one that lurks beneath pretty veneer. The ones who care about making a good impression are easier on mama's pride in public but are more difficult to reach when they are struggling. Little ones need parents with four sets of eyes and ears and the determination to use them. Teenagers need mothers and fathers who relentlessly combat veneer. They are entering a time in their lives when they can look at the crucifix and understand in earnest what mercy means... because they need it. It is a new season in a mother's life when she looks into a child's eyes and sees that kind of understanding. He went to the Cross for me, mom. Yeah. You and me both, kid.

The real secret of virtuous people is that they put themselves in the way of a tremendous outpouring of grace... and then they do something with it. I wish I could tell you how it feels to be one of those people. I'm not there yet... but I'm practicing.

"Moreover the strongest support is provided not only to protect the young from evil, but also to rouse them and attract them more easily and gently to the performance of good works. Like the twigs of plants, the young are easily influenced, as long as someone works to change their souls. But if they are allowed to grow hard, we know well that the possibility of one day bending them diminishes a great deal and is sometimes utterly lost." ~St. Joseph Calasanz

"If I had to advise parents, I should tell them to take great care about the people with whom their children associate . . . Much harm may result from bad company, and we are inclined by nature to follow what is worse than what is better."
~St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

Catholic Responses to "Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus"

2012-01-14T17:32:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple decent responses to the viral video "Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus."
The views and discussions have exploded in just a few days time and I think it's a great opportunity to dive deeper into our faith. I've been enjoying the responses (although I have only seen a few). There are many really creative, intelligent and thoughtful Christians out there. I decided to post just these since I don't have time today to look for any more. Please share links in the combox if you've found anything particularly well done.

Untitled from John Hollowell on Vimeo.

And We Long for Home

2012-01-11T10:02:00.000-08:00

"One of God's Littlest Angels" custom painting by Mandi Gangwer

It is wonderful how God consoles a broken heart. Long after the mind and heart have born the original crisis of grief and loss and settled into sad, sweet memory and hopefulness, He works to remind us that our sorrow is not forgotten. He doesn't want us to forget love even when it is a suffering love. His Presence is there. He calls us to see Him in the missing and the longing.

When we lost Baby Matthew I did not suspect how God would use his life to change me. The greatest misconception about miscarriage is that there was a baby and now there's not. The child is gone. Mothers of faith who have lost little ones know that there is more to it. Our children are made for eternal life and although we are unable to hold them and nurse them and raise them, they live. Our bond is strong, God-given, forever. And the mother changes.

The greatest surprise for me is that this bond has not diminished but grown stronger over the last three years. I do not love someone who doesn't exist... but someone who lives. God's grace has blessed this relationship between mother and son and it is nurtured and grows. I am not preoccupied in my thoughts with my absent child; rather, I go through my days with a peaceful awareness that we are not a family of eight, but of nine.

I have occasionally tried to imagine holding my baby. I close my eyes and feel the weight of his small body in my arms. My lips and cheeks touch his downy hair. In my imagination he reaches up to touch my face with his soft hand. In reality, he looks down from heaven and loves his mama.

Recently, a woman contacted me with the hope of bartering for some of my handmade items. I did not see anything of hers that I could use and let her know. A day or so later, she contacted me again and said she understood but still very much wanted to swap. She had no more items to offer but would I be interested in a painting? I'm an artist, she said. It would be a custom painting and she specializes in babies and children.

I don't need a painting, I thought. But I thought about it. What would I like to see on canvas? I have hundreds of photographs of my children... except for Matthew. I would like to see Matthew. Mandi asked for some photographs of my other children as babies and I gave her the green light to paint my little son according to her talents and inspiration.

The photo at the top of this post was taken by Mandi and is of the actual canvas that she painted for me. It is a good photograph but even good photos never do such work justice. The original is so beautiful. I had no expectations and was handed a great blessing. My children all had a similar reaction to seeing the painting. Wondering silence. Their knowledge of Matthew's life combined with seeing the image reminded them that they do indeed have a brother named Matthew. He lives. And heaven is real. The longing to see things of eternity expanded in them and I saw mirrored in their eyes what have been for me the greatest blessings of our loss...

We have gained a son and brother. He loves us and we love him. He is real. Heaven is real. Our Lord waits. And we long for home.

More posts on pregnancy loss:

Miscarriage Loss... And Gain (Practical help for dealing with the loss of a preborn child or supporting others are)
Saying Goodbye to Matthew

Common Objections to Homeschooling: What about High School?

2012-01-10T18:44:00.000-08:00

As Professor enters the final lap of his grade school career, I've noticed a marked increase in anxiety. An increase in my own anxiety, of course, but also in those who remain unconvinced that homeschooling for high school is a healthy option for my son. I don't mind discussing the pros and cons of home education with people particularly when an intelligent discussion ensues. Frankly, I enjoy it! Home education is an exciting undertaking and sharing that adventure with others is often a pleasure.

For years, we have been fielding the high school question. Many people assume that our cute little foray into home-education will end once high school approaches and we wake up to reality. I've been saying the same thing all along: We intend to home-school for high school because we think it is best for our kids, academically and socially. I don't think people believed us. Now that it is just about time, they are unsettled. (So am I but for entirely different reasons.) The big guns are coming out. People are making their final attempts to convince us that we will be wasting the talents of our son if we insist on our current course. And there will be quite a few watching to see what happens. I'm rather curious myself!

Recently, Professor found himself defending our home-school from attacks by an adult family friend. It's not the first time he has been in this situation but this time it was about Science in particular. The core of the argument was that homeschooling is inferior because we could not possibly have a full Science lab in our home. And apparently, lab experience is important. Vital, in fact. While it is true that we do not have an in-home lab (unless you count what happens when the children are left unattended in the kitchen), the argument falls apart when it is exposed to the light of the facts.

Like most arguments against home schooling, this one is fear-based. How can you possibly grow to be an intelligent, well-educated person without lab experience? You'll miss your vocation as a chemist! You'll be a loser!! There is no perfect way to respond to someone who is convinced of these things. But I have to tell you that there's hardly anything, academically or socially speaking, that a modern home-schooled child cannot have access to these days if there is a desire.

You want a lab? You can create one in your home or do high school sciences at the community college.

You want specialized instruction? Standardized tests? Classroom experience? Chess club? Theatre? Sports? Whatever it is, a creative and determined family can make it happen. Think Tim Tebow and the Jonas Brothers.

What about prom? Setting aside how I personally feel about prom, if you want your child to go, there are ways. I know many home-schooled kids who've gone to prom looking like movie stars, socialized successfully, and have pictures and video to prove it.

How about a learning environment where kids are lumped into a same age peer group for years and forced to compete for status control? Okay, I suppose it's possible in home-education... but you might have me on that argument.

Once it's demonstrated in discussion that home-schooled kids can do pretty much anything institutional school kids can do, the attention invariably shifts to the experience of schooling. Socialization. While I acknowledge that there are challenges to providing a balanced social experience for home-educated children, I just gotta ask: Have you seen kids at the local high school? Wouldn't you agree that an uncomfortably large number of them have pretty questionable social skills? It would be easier for detractors if home-schoolers would just agree to being the largest group of socially-maladjusted people in the universe. Too bad it isn't true.

If you have seen home-schoolers who strike you as truly strange, it is also likely that you have been in the presence of significantly greater numbers of "normal" home-schoolers... and you weren't even aware of it. Odds are also pretty good that there's someone in the world who thinks your family is pretty strange, too. Just sayin'.

From a Washington Times Op-ed piece by HSLDA President J. Michael Smith:

"Critics of homeschooling often claim that this form of high school socialization is necessary so students can face the real world. But does the real world look like high school?"

"It's difficult to imagine a more artificial environment for socialization than the public high school. Children are segregated by age and move from grade to grade within a narrow band of their immediate peers. This is a completely foreign environment to the one high school graduates will face. The high school experience does not easily translate to the real world. Home-school critics falsely believe that in order to be properly socialized, a child needs to spend long hours in his or her peer group."

"Home-schooling is a much healthier environment because home-school teens do not have to be exposed to the high school system. The constant presence of peer pressure simply doesn't exist in the overwhelming majority of home schools. It's unnecessary. The home-school teenager is able to focus on gaining an excellent education and interacting with more adults than children."

"But what of the critics' claim that home-schoolers have difficulty socializing? According to a recent study by the National Home Education Research Institute, home-school graduates are happier and more involved in their communities than the average public-school student."

It's a short but good piece. Read the rest of "Socialization in High School Oversold" here.

Our family's super-busy-social season is about to begin with the overlap of athletic teams. I know this question of high school is going to occupy at least 30% of my adult court-side conversations. I know this because it happens every year and now the subject matter is directly upon us. First, there is the surprised look when someone finds out we homeschool, are great at sports, and don't look Amish. Then the period of thoughtful, confused silence... followed by the questions. I'd like to say that all questioners are respectful and positive. Most are. The negative ones always seem to find me at the end of an 8-hour tournament with low blood sugar and a whining brood of dirty, tired children hanging all over me... but the journey of motherhood is an immersion in humility. And anyway, I know those snarky people are just jealous of my ability to simultaneously nurse a baby, carry a stroller, feed a hotdog (without the bun) to my preschooler and brilliantly expound on the merits of homeschooling. I'm sure they secretly admire the messy ponytail look that I sport so effortlessly and marvel at how many things I can stuff into the pocket of my hoody sweatshirt at one time. It's an art and a gift. Hence, the snark from less secure people.

Fortunately for me, my kids are the best proof that home-education is working for us. Many common misconceptions that people have are immediately addressed when they meet the children who are relatively well-behaved (with regular but generally mild to moderate exceptions).

As I gear myself up to be a high school home-educator for the first time, I'm on my knees in earnest. It is a certainty that our high school will be imperfect with imperfect teachers and imperfect students. My prayer is only that our school will be good; that we will be good; and that we will serve God to the best of our abilities throughout this journey. I'll let you know how it goes.

Other Common Objections to Homeschooling:

I'm not a Patient Person
What about Prom?
Various Common objections
Homeschooling is not what you think
What to do with babies and toddlers?

7 Quick Takes Friday - Random Holiday Edition

2012-01-05T22:57:00.000-08:00

Joining Jennifer at Conversion Diary for 7 Quick Takes Friday...

~1~

We went bowling as a family this week. I don't like bowling because I'm really bad at it and it makes my body very sore the next day. And those rental shoes... *shudder* I think one of the most compelling reasons for purchasing a Wii is the virtual bowling. I would emphatically support my childrens' desire for a Wii if it meant that I would never again be pressured into playing a real live game of bowling.

Cub helping mama pick out a weapon of torture.

~2~

Cookie had her first vocal performance this Christmas. My thanks to Mr. Daniel Foran for working so hard to help her reach her goal. She was white as a ghost and admitted to being extremely nervous, but it was the loveliest Panis Angelicus. She wore a pretty burgundy formal gown that we found on eBay for $8 shipped and a lace stretch shrug made by Allison at A Broken Fortress. Such a wonderful moment for my beautiful girl.

~3~

My 4-year old Jellybean drew a picture as a Christmas present for a priest we know. What was it? A nativity? Angels? Hearts? Flowers? What??? Nope. Bombs. The little circles in the big triangle thingies are bombs, Father. Because our family is so holy and focused on the important and beautiful things in life. You should be there at tomorrow's art lesson; we're drawing snipers. Aren't little girls sweet? :)

~4~

Among Professor's favorite gifts this year are a piano tuning kit (which he has already started learning to use thanks to YouTube), a Speedminton set, a Roman Missal, and a 10 pound bust of Socrates that someone found at an estate sale (with Professor's name written all over it).

~5~

Every once in a while I do a "Catholic" search on Etsy and uncover a nice surprise or two. Professor found one of these in his stocking this year (this is a stock photo... I ordered the natural hemp color) and is happily wearing it.

Hemp Twisted Square Knot Necklace with Catholic Scapular

~6~

We used the Saint's Name Generator again this New Year's to choose (or be chosen by) 2012 patron saints. I plan on writing a full post about this since my saint is so perfect for my needs right now that I laughed out loud as I read about her. Last year was the first year we did this and everyone loved it. We even used our annual patrons, the details of their lives and their charisms to help us fill our 2011 Easter baskets. That event was a huge hit and I plan on doing it again.

~7~

Last year around this time, I got to know Lena from Joyfilled Family. That meeting (virtually speaking) turned into one of the most significant details of 2011 as God used our friendship to lead me closer to Him. I encourage you to spend some time at her blog and also to pray for the kind of accountability and growth that true Christian friendship brings. Thanks Lena... Deo Gratias! ALL FOR!!

The Family Bus

2012-01-04T07:05:00.000-08:00

It's official. We are a "big" family. After the birth of #6 we were no longer able to fit in our mini van. For over a year, we have been driving two cars everywhere while we saved and searched for the perfect new-to-us vehicle. I am pleased to announce that the bus has finally arrived!

Bus? Yes, according to Ohio code, our 12-passenger vehicle is technically... a bus. Which is wonderful since we can now sing "The wheels on the bus..." with real feeling.

I have never been particular about vehicles. Cars are tools and it's a bonus if they are comfortable and look nice but the details are not super important to me. My only preference this time was in favor of a van that wasn't white. Of course, white is less expensive and I understand that. It's just that all my friends with big families have shiny colorful vans. White vans are for people who paint and plumb and hammer and like to put ladders on the top of their vehicles. Mine is a mama bus; if it can't be pretty at least let it be not white. We've looked seriously at a hunter green van, a silver van, a navy blue van and a red van...

... but our van is definitely white. Get out the Sharpies kids... mama wants some color! It also has a diesel engine. And it beeps when we back up... which is a very fortunate thing for pedestrians when I am attempting to park but also has the disappointing affect of calling attention to my inevitably sorry parking attempts when others might not otherwise notice.

I haven't actually driven it yet and I confess some trepidation. I see my tiny mama friends behind the wheels of their huge vehicles and think that I aught to be all right. Just don't ask me to park anywhere. Have a good time at your tournament, kids! Mom will just be in the parking lot. Driving around in circles. Yes, I see that parking space. It just doesn't look like it's meant for me. I'm fine. I have crackers and water and I went to the bathroom before we left. Text me! Love you!

We have been trying to come up with a name for our new wheels. Crash suggested "Disaster Transport" (which I secretly find hysterical) and someone else suggested "Bob." I think something a little more Catholic is in order but am drawing a blank.

I am grateful to God for this wonderful gift. I am grateful to my husband for working hard to bring it home. Jellybean and Button are grateful that they no longer have to sit facing backwards (in the station wagon). The older kids are grateful to have another few inches to breath. We are all grateful to be able to travel as a family again.

Incidentally, the timing of our new arrival couldn't have been better as a rear strut (I think) broke while I was driving the wagon on New Year's Eve. Popped right up through the interior next to Jellybean.

Jellybean's new seat in "the bus" next to our new window cling crucifix.

Unexpected Christmas blessing... A Return

2011-12-30T13:27:00.000-08:00

You know, I really didn't want to stop blogging. It was a harder sacrifice than I thought it would be but I figured that emotions were a lousy leader and I aught to stick to my decision. My final post had been up for a few days before the Chief read it and asked me about it. Why did you decide to stop? he asked. You should have talked to me about it first.

That hadn't occurred to me. I figured it was kind of a gift to him, this sacrifice. I would become a better wife and mother. He's always been a bit quiet about the blog... I think just allowing me that space to write on my own. I figured it was neither here nor there in his regular thoughts.

Why did you stop? he wanted to know. I told him I thought I should eliminate such distractions until I could become a better wife and mother. I have a lot of rough edges. Time to crack down.

You should have talked with me first. You should continue. It is a healthy outlet for you.

That was all. I was surprised. And grateful. The reasons for my initial decision still exist but my husband offered me simple clarity and blessing. It was a very short conversation but a great gift.

You should continue. Okay.

So it is with humility that I reenter the blogosphere nine days after I announced that I had left it. I told you I was fickle! Honestly, I was committed to leaving it as it was but for the word of my husband. My deepest gratitude and affection to my steady and handsome Chief!

An End to Blogging... A Conversion to Family

2011-12-21T19:21:00.000-08:00

Never is a long time and I know myself well enough to know that I am fickle...

But for now, I'm stepping away. I am taking one reader's advice and looking to my own beams. (I didn't agree with the comment on the whole at the time... but God works where He will.) I thought long and hard about my beams and asked the Lord what He thought, too. And He seems to be telling me to dig deeper.

Digging deeper does not mean carrying more, doing more, writing more. It means tending more to what I already have. It means silence so that I can actually hear. It means writing more for God and less for myself. It means understanding that a multiplication of ministries does not guarantee holiness any more than blogging about holding babies is an adequate replacement for actually holding them.

I am an experienced mother who is also a new mother. Every day is new. Every child is different. And teenagers are just as needy as little ones; it just takes time and care to see it and respond. I have agreed to accept the gift of these children. It is not time to get off of my knees yet. There will be many more sleepless nights and desperate prayers yet to come. In four years, my firstborn will be 18. Everything with him is a first... and how shall I spend those 48 months? At that time, my littlest will be learning to add and subtract and dreaming of doing big things like his big brother.

Blogging is not wrong. But it may be wrong for me today. Or perhaps it is just not best... which is the same, really, if I have the knowledge I need to make that decision.

Isn't this the place we moms always return to? Back to basics. Back to God. So we can hear again in the silence. Of course, there's not much actual silence around here these days. I seem to have one child in particular who has received not only the gift of gab but also the gift of volume. And she needs me to teach her to sing.

For years, I have prayed for a deeper conversion to Christ and a deeper conversion to the heart of my family. I recognize that my inclination is to constantly be drawn away and so I beg Him to lead me back. It is an ongoing conversion... and requires vigilance. And sometimes the good needs to take a back seat to the better.

I will keep the blog accessible, I just won't be updating posts. I will continue to keep up with my favorite blogs; being able to read your words and catch a glimpse of God's grace working in your lives is a great support and consolation. I am a better person because of those of you who write from your heart for God and mamas like me. I have also been blessed by many readers who have kept me accountable and also become friends. I have seen the face of Christ a little more clearly. Thanks so much for that. Thanks be to God!

Letting it Go...

2011-12-17T14:23:00.000-08:00

I want you to know that if you are on my Christmas list, you probably won't be getting a card from us this year. And those cookies I wanted to make for you? Nope. You see... God has blessed us with an opportunity to simplify during this week before Christmas. That is the silver lining that I see in the clouds of this nasty stomach virus.

I'm not as rattled as I would have been in years past. I've learned that these things happen (every 3rd Christmas or so) and I'm incredibly grateful that it is not actually Christmas day. We will be at Mass. We will be able to visit. And if some things don't get done? I guess that's all right.

This is the first time in 24 hours that I am able to sit upright. It's the first time today that I've been out of bed for more than 5 minutes at a time. I have had visits all day from the rapidly healing children and do you know what? It's been really nice.

Board games on the bed with Crash. Time to talk with Cookie while she knits. Comforting button next to me while she continues to suffer. Nursing Little Cub. Listening to Professor give a magic show to the little ones downstairs. Seeing Jellybean so concerned about everyone she loves. Crash gave me a bell to ring should I need his assistance. Cookie has been bringing me jello.

Last night was brutal. I slept on the bathroom floor. I became so dehydrated that my body wouldn't produce milk for Cub. That is the first time such a thing has happened in 14 years of mothering. And the muscles all over my body (including my fingers and back) cramped for hours until I was able to rehydrate a bit. Chief went to Walmart at 2:00 am for me and came home with 18 gallons of fluids... just in case one thing or another appealed to me more.

Now the Chief is down and the children are waiting on him.

The week before Christmas is generally a very busy and exciting time. But I don't know how long it will take to bounce back... and I'm letting it go.

As we head into this final period of preparation, I'm awfully glad that we decorated the tree earlier than usual. And that we have indoor plumbing and a functioning washing machine and dryer. I'm grateful for my sweet family and the time we have had together in this illness.

Ah, my time is up. Back to bed. There are presents to wrap. Packages to mail. Food to prepare. Clothes to iron.... and I'm letting it go. God is good. Thanks be to God!

Of Dung and Dirt and Little Girls...

2011-12-13T00:30:00.000-08:00

If your little girl wants a horse for her birthday and you don't want to buy her one, just tell her the truth: horses live in smelly places with lots of dirt. The stables they live in smell bad because the horses go to the bathroom there. They go a lot and often. And they step in it and sometimes roll around in it. If you want to hang around horses, you will end up stepping in it, too. And you will have to clean it out of their hooves and brush it off their coats and scoop it up with a shovel every time you want to ride.

Mind you, once the girl gets to ride on the back of one of these smelly beauties they won't care if the whole world is covered in horse manure. But it might help you divert her attention enough to avoid such an occasion.

We did not buy Button a horse but we did buy her some lessons... figuring that a few hours of horsey joy is better than none at all. (I have since become convinced that when her lessons come to an end next month, her heart will shatter into a thousand pieces. Live and learn.) I have acquired quite an equine education watching during the few lessons she's had. Lesson #1 is that horse stables smell bad. Lesson #2 is that stables (even clean ones) are dirty places. Lesson #3 is that no matter how hard I fight against it, I have a strong aversion to both of those things. Lesson #4 is that horses are so cool that kids and their mothers will put up with a significant amount of gross stuff to be with them.

I will hang out with smelly, dirty, beautiful animals for the sake of my children and never let on that I am uncomfortable. I've just got to say though, for the record, that I am super grossed out every time the big brooms are pushed across the concrete floors through the stables and all the dust flies into the air. Dust... composed of lots of unappealing particles of hay, dirt and... manure. And I have to take a breath because the alternative is not breathing. As it travels into my nostrils and fills my lungs I think...

I am a city girl all the way. I am far more comfortable breathing dusty particles of pigeon droppings.

Button looks innocent enough but I know better. She appears in this photo to simply be admiring her lesson horse. The truth is that she is secretly hatching a plot to hide the animal in her bedroom.

Professor and I found a mirror to play with at the indoor arena. See the dirty smudges on it? Worse than my bathroom at home. Mine is just smeared with toothpaste... which is better than dirt.

A picture of tag-a-long misery. Someday, she will have her own adventures to experience but in the meantime, she must just plod along the cold, dirty floor... not even tall enough to play in the big mirrors.

Ah! The moment when all dirt and dung fades from memory and horsey love takes firm root in the heart of the girl.

"Mom, will you buy me a bag of chips?" Nope. So he (unwisely) dipped into his own pocket and bought himself a bag of chips... which came in handy when Cub needed to be distracted from dirt. I felt a lot better about the chips at that point and made a mental note to bring snacks the following week.

Queen of All America

2011-12-12T08:37:00.000-08:00

December 12th - Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

"Know for certain, littlest of my sons, that I am the perfect and perpetual Virgin Mary, Mother of the True God through Whom everything lives, the Lord of all things near and far, the Master of heaven and earth.

I wish and intensely desire that in this place my sanctuary be erected. Here I will demonstrate and exhibit and give all my love, my compassion, my help and my protection to the people. I am your merciful Mother. The merciful Mother of all of you who live united in this land, and of all mankind, of all those who love me. Here I will hear their weeping, their sorrow, and will remedy, and alleviate all their multiple sufferings, necessities and misfortunes.

Listen, put it into your heart, my youngest and dearest son, that the thing that frightens you, the thing that afflicts you, is nothing: do not let it disturb you??Am I not here, I who am your Mother? Are you not under my shadow and protection? Am 1 not the source of your joy? Are you not in the hollow of my mantle, in the crossing of my arms? Do you need something more? Let nothing else worry you or disturb you."

~ Our Lady's words to Juan Diego

Pope John Paul II declared Our Lady of Guadalupe "Queen of All America."
Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us!

Catholic Christmas Gifts and Easy Wrapping...

2011-12-11T18:56:00.001-08:00

In case you Catholic Playmobil fans haven't seen this yet...

Found these just in time for St. Nicholas day. How could I pass up a Playmobil bishop?? They were a huge hit with the kids.

I love the idea of reusable fabric gift bags for Christmas....

Gift Bags photo by Alice Cantrell

It's a little too late for me to make fabric gift bags but I plan on doing this next year for our immediate family. I dread present wrapping night. Thinking about it right now is causing me actual anxiety. I have tried to wrap ahead of time but the paper gets ripped and there is no good place to hide everything. So, the night before Christmas is my time. Hours and hours. Burning back. Bleary-eyed. While the Chief falls asleep in the big tan chair. lol I consider that things have gone well if I'm in bed before 4:00am. It's odd. It never seems like there should be that much to do; but between the extremely late bed time after the Christmas Eve mass and normal familial interruptions, it just gets late quickly. Next year I will just be popping stuff into pretty reusable bags.

Check out these lovely bags at A Number of Things. I could rush this but that wouldn't be any easier than an all-night wrapping party really. If I plan for next year, I'll be able to shop discount fabric and sew well ahead of December 2012.

Cutting Losses...

2011-12-09T14:46:00.001-08:00

Note to self:

When hiding Christmas presents or tucking things away out of the reach of little hands, please remember the following definition.

"A Safe Spot" : The place in the house that you can never actually find at the exact moment when it is greatly needed.

I just found a present that I had put in "a safe spot" for Christmas 2009. Which would be great... if I could also find an item that I need for this Christmas. At least it's safe... wherever it is.

St. Anthony, pray for us.

Craft Show Update...

2011-12-04T22:06:00.001-08:00

It's the strangest thing... the worse I do at a craft show, the more intense my desire to try it again. Remember when I said I would never, never do this again? Well, I've changed my mind. Again. You see, I've got it now. I know exactly what I need to do. I've hit upon the the perfect idea and this year's flop only serves to illuminate exactly what I'm doing wrong and subsequently, what I need to do to make it right!

The problem is that I am a crafty snob. My husband and I figured this out while sitting (and yawning) behind my table. You see, most of the tables that were very crowded and selling like mad had inexpensively priced items that shoppers want to buy. My items were priced to actually bring in a profit and they were items that I would want to buy. The Chief explained that I think I can convince people (in the 5 seconds that they are walking by my table) that they should like (and buy) the same things that I like. So maybe I'm less of a snob than a crafty idealist. I could be completely mercenary. I know how to make all kinds of things. But I just can't bring myself to it.

Case in point: A table an aisle away from mine completely sold out an hour before the show ended. What were they selling? Scented stuffed animals. No offense to anyone reading this who loves these little smelly bears and dogs but I think I would actually pay to have one removed from my house. And they FLY off craft show tables. They are made by dipping a stuffed animal into melted scented wax. Then the animal is fluffed up and dried and... sold. They lose their scent after a few weeks but can be revived with a hair dryer. I could learn to make those bears with ease. But I'm too proud... or snobbish... or something.

I was pouting about the bears (very big of me, I know) when my son chimes in... "You know, those little bears are incredibly flammable! Paraffin is like candle wax. The fur and stuff is the wick; a giant wick. Those things would burn for a looong time!" He was right. The fire starters we make for our wood stove are paraffin and lint. Even the little ones burn a really long time. I love that boy. So now we call them the fire starter bears. It just makes me feel better because I'm a small, small person. *sigh*

But enough about smelly bears. I think my point was that I should become slightly less handmade elitist and more mercenary. My mission (before applications are due in April) is to find a happy medium; something I enjoy making that other people don't have to be convinced to buy. My parish craft show is not Etsy. People who shop on Etsy are willing to pay more for handmade. People who attend craft shows are looking for bargains. And the sweet ladies who sell their hours and hours of crochet labor for pennies because they enjoy doing something while they watch TV (their words, not mine)... well, let's just say they ruin it for the rest of us. No hard feelings though; I buy their stuff every year because it is handmade, beautiful and affordable... lol.

As I've said, I tend to make what I like. I like handmade. I usually make boutique items for babies but decided to try smaller, less expensive items this year to see if I could sell more that way. I like lovely things that children can touch and enjoy in ways that counterbalance plastic dudes and technology. So one of the items I made to sell was bean bag sets (which the children love and I love). I made them specifically for toddlers with a filler that allows them to be washed... since kid drool and spilled milk and water will rot beans and corn. I thought it was cool. And everyone thought they were pretty. But I wish I had a dime for every time someone said something like:

Bean bags... hmmm... so what are kids supposed to do with these?

Which left me speechless. But reminded me that people generally regard handmade toys as boring. Although I did sell a few sets to moms who probably shop on Etsy. And I managed to eek out a sale to a grandma who wished I would just sell her one bag instead of four because what would one child do with four?... which made me laugh.

I said in my last post that it is far easier for me to sell handmade online. The day after the show, I listed a variety of unsold items online to see if I could move them out of my house. Within 20 minutes, I had already sold or swapped 7 of them to very eager buyers. I felt much better after that.

One of the very best moments of the day came when I got to meet a fellow blogging sister in Christ. I do want to introduce you to her properly so I'll do that in another post.

UPDATE:

Professor just walked into the room and saw the photo of the waxed bear on the computer. Intuitive young man that he is, he says, "Are you writing a disparaging blog post?" Caught! Seriously though. I think no worse of any of you for liking smelly bears. I am just jealous. In fact, if you want to make a lot of money next year at a craft fair (or make nice Christmas gifts), click on the bear photo and it will take you to a lovely website showing you just how to do it.

Sweet sis hosting a busy table all day long. :)

My family came up to help me out (assuming I would need help).
Instead, the kids discovered that I didn't need help and dropped cub
off (complete with banana) before seeking their own adventures.

7 Quick Takes Friday - Craft Show Edition

2011-12-01T22:33:00.001-08:00

Joining Jennifer at Conversion Diary for 7 Quick Takes Friday...

~1~

The craft show is tomorrow. Which means a significant amount of stress for a few hours in order to have FUN and make some pocket money. I have high hopes every year and dream of handing the Chief a wad of cash while saying "Here, honey... Christmas is paid for!" Maybe this will be my year.

~2~

A couple kids are finally old enough to help me out so now there will be multiple members of my family experiencing fatigue, sensory overload and an uncomfortable sense that we must have the approval and money of complete strangers in order to be happy.

~3~

I love the mental aspect of selling at craft fairs. It's kind of like a game. A woman approaches the table. She's walking quickly with the don't-talk-to-me-I-know-what-I-want-and-you-likely-don't-have-it-look. She's clutching her pocketbook close to her side. Her scarf is wrapped around her neck. She is cold but rosy cheeked from scoping out the various buildings at a furious rate. You know you shouldn't say a word but are desperate for that first sale...

"Good morning!" She hesitates... not sure whether to walk away or give your items the obligatory once-over. She finally picks up an item that took you 15 solid hours to create and says: I could make one of these myself for a third of the price. She walks away indignant... her pride injured by the brazenness of my salutation.

She didn't buy my stuff... BUT I got her to at least look at it. It's a draw. :)

~4~.

My ideal craft table would be extremely Catholic. Lots of Blessed Mother for sure. The problem is that, even at a parish fair, Catholic stuff just doesn't sell very well. Every good Catholic has a drawer full of rosaries. Catholic mamas love blankies and pillows featuring Mary but are far too frugal to pay handmade prices for them. I have had many lovely bonding moments with those like-minded ladies over a Catholic taggie, but haven't sold a whole lot.

I once had a Protestant grandfather buy a blanket with Blessed Mother all over it. He said he didn't know much about Mary, but she was so beautiful to see and think of that he wanted his newborn granddaughter to have the blanket.

~5~

My parish craft fair is not a cozy family event. It boasts 700 plus tables. Which means that even if you wander around for an hour you still might never find me. It also means that there will likely be at least two other people selling the exact same thing you are. For me, that's a business killer. For others, it seems to make no difference. Case in point? The cheese plate lady who has a table across from mine...

The cheese plate lady (aka Mary) is a tiny white-haired woman who wields a cane and makes cheese plates out of recycled booze bottles. She sits quietly behind her table while customers line up to throw money at her. This in spite of the fact that there is a man about 50 feet from her who sells the exact same thing. In fact, she usually sells out. Looking for a new line of work? Your future is in cheese plates. Get on that.

~6~

Selling online is much more profitable for me than craft shows, although there is something about the craziness of the show that draws me back. I think of it as a challenge. I hardly ever do well enough to justify a return but... NEXT year... that's the year! But I want you all to hear me now and remind me of my words come April when the 2012 applications are due:

I never want to do this again. That's it. No more craft shows. Period.

Just remind me how I can charge more money for stuff that I actually love to make, sell it in greater quantities, and all from the comfort of my home... online.

~7~

Please don't call me today. I'll be busy sewing. And bonding with my family as we work together to prepare for this day of FUN and profit. You might be wondering how I found the time to put this post together considering how busy I'm supposed to be. I might as well be straight with you. it's 3:00 in the morning and I intended to work on a little bit of sewing to ease my mind so that I would sleep better instead of think about sewing. Instead, I'm practicing unhealthy techniques called procrastination and avoidance. I'm also causing myself to stay up so late that I will end up sleeping in and getting even less done in the morning. And the real kicker is that I suspect this is one of those nights when I will fall asleep within 5 Ave's. Perhaps I should put my prayers on Blogger.

Advent Gets Real

2011-12-01T14:41:00.001-08:00

I just could not resist sharing this photo taken by Terry over at Deusprovidebit. She pleads...

Please tell me I'm not the only person on the face of the planet whose Advent wreath already looks like this. Thanks.

If you would, please go tell her that she's not the only one.

This is what I was talking about when I posted about the problems with Advent wreaths and toddlers in my home. And this, generally speaking, has been the basic look of my advent wreaths since my oldest children were toddlers. This is my favorite blog photo of Advent 2011. I'm pretty sure there won't be anything to beat it.

Accountability needed. Please Advise...UPDATED

2011-11-30T15:47:00.001-08:00

Yesterday, I posted some thoughts regarding the new editor at Catholic Digest and some comments/posts on the blogosphere that were related. My intentions and words were seriously misunderstood by some and although I thought I was clear, I obviously was not.

The dilemma is whether or not to remove the post. That particular action won't remove it from the internet (Google Reader apparently lives forever) and it won't clear up any harm that has been done. What I've decided to do for today is to leave it up (with the relevant comments) and ask for input from any readers who might be able to advise. This is also important because many have already read the post. Addressing it (as opposed to erasing it) is the only way to clear up any confusion.

To sum up: I wrote a post commenting on one woman's critical view of Danielle Bean's busy lifestyle. I wrote that I think it is between Danielle and God and her family... but that I can understand how a mother in a similar position would find it difficult to handle such a lifestyle. Specifically, I wrote that I would find it a problem for my specific situation. That was not a judgement on Danielle, only an observation about my own limitations.

At any rate, I have offended some good people in the process. I clearly need an editor. One of the primary things that I write about on my blog is my vocation. Many of you who read what I write know that my writings reflect a work in process as I try to figure out my role. This was one of those posts. Perhaps I should have kept it to myself.

I have consulted one individual I highly respect and was told that there was no lack of charity in what I wrote. But when someone writes to defend their wife... I have to think I missed the mark.

As with all written things, perhaps my tone was misunderstood. I would appreciate the input of all of you who help keep me accountable. I would specifically like to know if the post is too confusing and leads people to the wrong conclusion. Please feel free to leave a comment or to contact me personally via email.

My most sincere apologies for the misunderstanding and any offense. Lord, have mercy.

UPDATE:

I want to express my gratitude to all of you who took the time to offer your encouragement, wisdom and insights both publicly and privately. God has, once again, taken a challenging moment and made it one of grace. Positive or critical comments alike... you took the time at my request and I thank you.

Also, just for the record...
I don't think it's objectively wrong for a homeschooling mother to hold a professional position. God can call us to whatever He likes. That's not what I wrote or why I wrote.

Thanks again to all. I am grateful for every word and prayer. Every single one.

More pretty aprons... on sale

2011-11-30T12:00:00.001-08:00

These aprons from Target are on sale again. I found them for even less than this a couple months ago but the sale price today ($13 shipped) is still nice. I purchased a couple of these for the girls to use in the kitchen and they are so darling. Love the ruffle and the feminine paisley. I told Cookie that she could choose one to take with her to her own home someday. She says she hasn't decided but I've noticed that she wears the pink one the least... leading me to believe that she is saving it for the future. :)

A Memory of Regnum Christi

2011-11-30T10:44:00.001-08:00

I was once seriously discerning the possibility of becoming a member of Regnum Christi. The mission and passion and love of our Lord were contagious. I wanted what they had. My husband and I had worked closely with several of their apostolates over the years and had numerous invitations to join. We were simultaneously attracted and repulsed each time. Drawn by the charism. Repulsed by... something... something we couldn't always put our finger on but ultimately labeled "deception."

Our paths continued to cross as we travelled side by side and our missions within the Universal Church blended. Several years ago, I found myself at a Regnum Christi weekend retreat (one of the most spiritually fruitful weekends of my life) discerning my future with the apostolate. This was a people I wanted to spend my time with, be inspired by, be challenged by. I wanted to know: How do I get it in? What do I have to do?

The retreat was a 3-day silent retreat based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius but at least two of the talks by Father centered around the identity of the Legion of Christ and Regnum Christi. An hour of the weekend was spent learning about the history of the group and primarily about the person of the founder (whose name I don't even care to write). Another hour was "the pitch." There was no secret about it and I welcomed it. What do I have to do? Tell me, please. Pitch it!

I learned the basics about what was expected of a member of Regnum Christi. I don't recall what they were exactly but they were not too difficult; primarily spiritual, some commitment to meetings, heavy on apostolic work, definitely inspiring. One of my biggest concerns was the requirement to be regularly engaged in some kind of apostolic work which is so much a part of their charism and mission. I knew that my primary work had to center around my children and home and that I had very little to give apart from that at the time. All the Regnum Christi women I knew were visible movers and shakers within the Church and their communities. My husband and I had always agreed that any such commitment could only be added if it did not take away from our domestic church. There is an ebb and flow to such involvement within the context of family life... outside commitments are subject to ongoing discernment.

I took my concerns to a member of the lay leadership team on the retreat. She heard me and was sympathetic and encouraging. No, I didn't have to start a group or lead a project or write a book to become a member (although those things were encouraged). Just do what I could do. Prayer is most important.

Okay, good. Prayer is the primary apostolic work of Regnum Christi. And if I can do more, I do it in my own time according to God's will. I was heavily encouraged and supported and told by multiple people how my presence in the organization would be a blessing... my talents a sure gift to the Church.

I continued to pray and was struck by a strong thought that this is the kind of organization that would greatly benefit my disabled sister-in-law. Her disabilities isolate her from many opportunities for such fellowship. I envisioned a community that would support her and draw her further in to true community in Christ. Maybe not as frequently as those with greater abilities, but at least add to her sense of belonging in a faith community and give her concrete direction and positive support in her prayer life and knowledge of the faith. I prayed about it before the Blessed Sacrament and spent time writing it out clearly so that I could talk to her and her parents about it once I returned home.

I again sought out one of the lay leaders of the retreat. She had been involved in the local Catholic scene for many, many years and had offered me the strongest encouragement I had received on the weekend. I wanted to talk about my sister... what kind of place there could be for her.

After I briefly outlined my thoughts, the woman sat silently looking strangely uncomfortable. She began to speak haltingly, struggling with her words. I think I saw her blush. She told me quickly that there was no place in Regnum Christi for a woman with disabilities. "Regnum Christi is a community of leaders. She just has nothing to offer to us." I was a rather taken aback. You mean she has nothing to offer to Christ? I thought that an apostolate of prayer is the most important work. More uncomfortable silence. She explained that it wasn't strictly true... and again, that my sister's handicap precluded her from membership. She then went on to heavily encourage me and my husband to lend our talents to the organization. "You have so much to offer! You are leaders! People like you are the ones who belong in Regnum Christi." This was not a woman who didn't know what the organization was about, but a leader. She knew what she was saying and I suspect that is why she was uncomfortable.

I felt like I'd had a punch to the stomach but was still so emotionally charged from my overall positive experience that I rushed forward in discernment of my desire to take the vows of a Regnum Christi member. The confusion resulting from the rejection of my sister-in-law nagged at me. I regret to say that I was a bit of an emotional basket case about all of it. My husband was patient. He recounted clearly for me all of our previous experiences and how and why we had ultimately declined each time. He reminded me that our family should be united in such an important matter and that he was not interested in having such a thing cause division in our daily lives. They have lied to us many times, Melody. Intentionally. Remember?

He reminded me that what I was really seeking was Christ Himself... and that we could serve Christ without the help of this group that made us so alternately excited and uncomfortable. Time after time we were put off by the small and big deceptions. He asked me to turn to reason and set aside my emotion. I did it. Slowly. Reluctantly. Not very maturely.

Several years later, the scandal broke and I thanked God that we had not committed ourselves. I don't think the people I have known are bad. Quite the opposite. There is a very good reason that what they do and who they are is so attractive; anyone truly serving Christ is going to be attractive in that way. I do not fault the love of the people (many of whom are my friends) but only the method of outreach that involves deception and exclusion in various forms. And since that time, we have all learned that this deception is not isolated but part of a fundamentally decayed system.

This post is not a condemnation of anyone in Regnum Christi or the Legion of Christ. It is a reflection on a memory... written in gratitude for the wisdom of my husband and in sorrow for the deception that has hurt so many in small and horrific ways in the name of Christ. It is a reflection on the tendency that I have to want to be a busy "do-er" in the larger Church when Christ calls me first to my home, my domestic church, where I will cultivate little apostles. We are the weak, the strong, the talented, the hidden, the popular, the rejected, the wealthy, the poor, the disabled, the athletic, the struggling, beautiful Body of Christ. And He is always calling us to Truth... to Himself. Thanks be to God.

Christmas Apron

2011-11-29T12:32:00.001-08:00

I've become a big fan of aprons. It's about time. My laundry pile has significantly decreased. I think this one is sweet for this holy season.

Homeschooling Mom of 8 New Editor for Catholic Digest

2011-11-29T09:17:00.001-08:00

I was stunned and thrilled to read that Danielle Bean has been named editor of Catholic Digest. Talk about a positive change! I can't wait to see what she is able to accomplish.

I admit that my very first thought after "Hooray!" was "How on earth does a mother of 8 manage such a thing?" But I dropped it there because I assume she takes her vocation very seriously and that she's not going to abandon her children for a magazine. I gave no more brain power to the thought... until I read this post from Elizabeth Foss in which she responds to this comment:

Do you really think you should be congratulating Danielle on taking on yet another job? She has a TV show, too. And she's homeschooling 8 kids? That's ridiculous and you know it. Shouldn't we be praying she stays home with her family?

Elizabeth was somewhat annoyed with the comment. She knows Danielle Bean and knows she takes her motherhood and the will of God seriously. She knows she wouldn't take this position if it were detrimental to her family. Her response is worth reading and I agree with most of what she says. But the comment got me thinking again...

The commenter says "That's ridiculous and you know it." Yes, I know it. I would never be able to do what Danielle Bean is doing and be able to properly serve my family. In fact, I can't think of any homeschooling mother of many (who I personally know) who could without extreme stress on self and family and loss of sleep (unless multiple children have grown up and moved out). I see women perpetually struggling in these areas. I see them looking perfect and successful and energetic on the outside.... and then I catch a glimpse of the cracks that begin to form under the pressure. And it ain't pretty. Nobody can do it "all."

So, yes, Danielle's life seems unreasonably overcommitted for someone like me. I am losing sleep over a one-day craft show for crying out loud! Even a little blogging is a bit much to be totally honest. I don't know how she does it. I don't know how she can find the time. But she does it. And I can't speak to her life, her energy level, and God's will for her life.

That's the key. What God wants for her. And there's no way for me to know.

I'm going to assume that she is highly organized (much more than I). That she needs less sleep than I. That she is naturally more energetic than I. That she has a home that runs more efficiently than mine. That she has at least some children who can take care of their own physical needs and assist younger ones. That her husband is more available than the average. Or that they very much need the income... or have a much greater income than most and can afford help.

If she's like me in any of those categories, I do think she's doing the wrong thing. Because the Catholic Church will not fall to pieces without the Catholic Digest, but we know for sure that God has called her to take care of her family. The woman who made the comment sounds more like me. In fact, I am guessing that most women are more like I am than they are like Danielle Bean. Because I've seen their tears and heard their words of anxiety and desperation and depression. The more people I meet, the more I realize that very few people and families are equipped in that way; to do all those things well enough, all at one time.

I will join Elizabeth Foss in praying for Danielle Bean. And in assuming that this is exactly where God has called her to be right now. I will also look forward to actually buying a subscription to Catholic Digest which, I assume, will be going through some awesome changes in the near future. :)

Sweet Pattern Sale

2011-11-28T15:28:00.001-08:00

Here's a head's up for those of you who love to sew... 25% off sale at Sense and Sensibility Patterns. Sale only runs until midnight so move if you want something. I have used these patterns and am smitten. I have made a Regency Era gown for myself and also in a couple different sizes for little girls. On my current wish list is this Girls' 1780's Portrait Dress Pattern.

I used the Recency pattern many years ago when I was a beginning sewer and had absolutely no problems with it. What I really like about these patterns is the ability to alter fabrics and embellishments to create a modern piece with a classic feel to it. NOT just for costumes. So lovely. Check out their show and tell section to see what people are doing with the patterns.

The Problem of the Advent Wreath: Solved

2011-11-28T13:45:00.001-08:00

Toddlers are the darling little monkey wrenches in holiday decorating plans. And in a large family there always seems to be one around. Thanks be to God! Now go get the ornament out of his mouth. Have you ever decorated only the top half of your Christmas tree? Then you've had a toddler and you know what I'm talking about. So the Christmas tree/ornament dilemma is solved (for the most part) but there remains the challenge of the Advent wreath. There never seems to be a safe place for it.

I've mulled over the idea of a toddler friendly fabric wreath with detachable velcro flames. But, I don't know... I just couldn't really get into it. We did flameless LED pillar candles last year. They were pretty but we couldn't find them (affordably) in purple and pink. And the little ones liked to walk off with them. And there still was no good place to set them up without curious paws wrecking the whole lovely set-up. I've considered a paper wreath on the wall but I ran into the same feelings that I had about fabric wreaths.

So... I've taken a linear approach to the problem. I finally have a fireplace and mantle and although the Professor is greatly troubled that my design is not technically a wreath and is giving me endless grief about it... we're good. I even tested the "toddler view" to make sure that the set up was partially visible to Cub. Here's the view. Not perfect but better than nothing, broken or burning.

Here is a closer view. I originally made sweet purple and pink bows for the candles, decided it was far too girly a thing to foist upon the Chief, and turned them around to the back. The crucifix in the middle will hopefully be replaced on Christmas morning by a larger one for the wall. I talked to St. Nicholas about it... he agrees that the Chief should prioritize this item on my wish list. I'm sure they'll chat.

Lovin' Change

2011-11-28T07:57:00.001-08:00

I absolutely love the new changes at Mass. I wasn't entirely confident about my part when I walked into the church but I was no worse off than anyone else. I really don't know why any lay person would fuss about it. The changes are all printed in bold for us to see and are actually rather minor from a technical standpoint (as in, there's really not much we have to actually change). I found it really exciting to have my attention called back to the Mass in this way. How easy it is to become complacent with the familiar! And now we have this opportunity to really look at the prayers and have our minds and hearts called to attention. Wonderful!

The Professor was talking to Father before Mass about the changes and Father admitted he had been mighty nervous before the first one in the morning. "Like saying my first Mass!" he said. I appreciated his energy and positive demeanor throughout in spite of his jitters. :)

We generally sit in the front of the church. I couldn't see what anyone else was doing because I had my nose in my book but I definitely heard participation. The back and middle of the church were a different story. Little Cub and I do a lot of traveling around the church these days and I get to see a lot. What I saw was that a disturbingly large number of people didn't even bother to pick up a book. They just stood there with mouths clamped shut... same old, same old.

I've been thinking about the predicament for the poor Christmas and Easter Catholics. Some are suggesting that these twice-a-year visitors are going to be completely surprised or unhappy. Based on what I saw from the back of the church I'd be surprised if most of the twicers even notice. Perhaps they'll just think the Mass is fancified for the holy day, no?

I'm very grateful today for this breath of beautiful fresh air. God is so good. Always calling us closer... and higher.

Fr. V.'s comment on his first Sunday with the changes, complete with his wonderful cartoons...
Monday Diary: Launch Successful!

Giveaway winner...

2011-11-28T07:53:00.001-08:00

The winner of the copy of A Book of Saints for Catholic Moms is....

BRENDA

I need some way to contact you, Brenda... I looked but couldn't find a way to get to you. Please email me as soon as possible. :)

7 Quick Take Friday - Black Friday Edition

2011-11-25T08:25:00.001-08:00

Joining Jennifer at Conversion Diary for 7 Quick Takes Friday...

~1~

Internet shopping was invented for people like me. I fail to share the interest that some others have in being physically present at a Black Friday brick and mortar store shopping event. Perhaps it is the cowardly, introverted, lazy person in me... but it sounds far nicer to sit at home eating leftover turkey. Did you read about the woman who pepper sprayed a bunch of other shoppers (including children) while attempting to get her hands on a video game system? I rest my case. Pass the gravy, please.

~2~

Please don't forget to enter my giveaway for A Book of Saints for Catholic Moms. The deadline is tonight at 11:59pm. It would make an outstanding gift for any Catholic woman you know. Come on, fellas... the wifey would love this!

~3~

I have to give a plug here for some Catholic bloggy mamas with businesses...

Allison at A Broken Fortress sells the most darling baby lovies, custom designs, girly things at her Etsy shop...

Custom name pillow

Cam at A Woman's Place sells headcoverings, rosaries, jewelry and dress-up clothes for girls in her Etsy shops... 25% off this weekend with the coupon code GiveThanks25...

Holy Baby Dress-Up outfit

Terry at Deusprovidebit sells the sweetest crochet stuff ever in her shop...

Heather at Happy Mom Online sells great stuff for kiddos and moms in her shop...

Play sling for kids

~4~

The Chief spends time in the Fall of each year developing a computer spread sheet for our birthday and holiday shopping. It can get incredibly confusing and expensive if we're not careful so I greatly appreciate his efforts in this area. Items are color-coded to indicate when they are just in the idea stage (blue), purchased (green), arrived and ready to give (red). He also has a color for items that we have purchased on behalf of other people and for which they owe us money (purple). Once they pay us back, the color is changed to red. And oh, how nice it is when everything on that page is red!

~5~

For the crafty types among us, this weekend seems like the perfect time to catch up on our handmade gift to-do list. I am not doing so well this year with these plans. The primary obstacle is that I am committed to doing a craft fair in one week and I'm not even close to ready. So most of my crafty energy has been consumed by the obligatory... and the experienced among you know how that kills crafty enjoyment. I was determined to be ready this year and avoid this stress... alas, it is not to be. Someone please remind me not to do this again, eh?

~6~

If you need some items to add to your Christmas wish list, it's a very good time to get a jump start on your New Year's resolutions...

I just did the video this morning. What a great feeling to have completed a workout and a Rosary.

~7~

I know the world is occupied with shopping this weekend, but I am going to be super busy tomorrow cramming for the changes in the liturgy. In spite of all the great videos and explanations and resources out there, I have not been a very good student. Don't get me wrong, I am super excited about the revisions. And I figure I'll get the hang of it eventually. But since we do tend to sit up front, I was hoping to look a little cooler than I likely will. Of course, most people won't be looking at me... they'll be staring at their own books. Honestly, this is not only a lovely and good change, but it's just fun! A great little shake-up for the comfortable Catholic. It will be interesting to see if there will be fewer people sitting in the front of the church than usual. :)

Making Time for Prayer: Guest Post by Lisa Hendey

2011-11-23T08:20:00.001-08:00

I'm thrilled to be hosting Lisa Hendey today as she makes the rounds on her blog tour. She's written a guest post on the super important topic of prayer time for moms. (I'll be honest and admit that I'm struggling with this right now and asked specifically for these words of wisdom.) And don't forget to enter the giveaway for her new book, A Book of Saints for Catholic Moms... deadline is Friday.

Prayer Time for Moms

by Lisa Hendey

I thank Melody for inviting me to post here today at herblog on the topic of quiet prayer times for moms. The truth of the matter formost Catholic moms is that regardless of our good intentions, all too often ourprayer lives take a back seat to the busyness of caring for our families. Wemay ensure that our families say grace before meals, that our children haveprayed before their bedtimes, and even that they are receiving religiouseducation in school, in the parish and at home. And yet, many of us feel anagging dissatisfaction with the amount of time weourselves are able to spend in prayer.

I wish I had a perfect “one stop shopping” solution for thisage-old quandary. The truth is, I too often struggle with my prayer life. Forthis reason, I’ve learned to cling to some precious routines in my own dailyschedule that keep me in an ongoing conversation with the Blessed Virgin Mary,the communion of saints, and the God who loves me so greatly. I thought I’dshare just a few of the ways I prioritize prayer in my life in the hopes thatthey might be of support and encouragement to you in your daily adventures.

For as long as I can remember, it’s been part of myspiritual discipline to rise at least fifteen minutes before the rest of myfamily for morning prayer. For me this time includes reading the dailyscriptures (available online at http://www.usccb.org),reading about the life of a saint (typically the saint who is being celebratedon that day of the liturgical calendar (check http://saints.sqpn.com)for great resources, and working my way (very slowly) through a stack ofdevotional books a page at a time.

Our family ritual of “car prayer” time used to happen in thecar on the way to school. Once my boys hit the driving age, it began to happenin the garage before they left. Along with my prayers recited with the boys are silent prayers for their protection andthe care of my wonderful husband. Honestly, almost every time I find myself inthe car alone, the quiet time will prompt me to take a few quiet moments inprayer. This may include praying the Rosary, reciting Novena prayers or simplytaking time in precious silence – an all too limited commodity in my life.

Another favorite aspect of my prayer life is seeking theintercession of the communion of saints through formal novena prayers (nine dayseries of prayers for a particular intention) or simply “conversation” withthese holy men and women who have gone before us. When a particular issuearises in my life or in the life of a loved one, I often do research andbeseech the intercession of a saint or blessed for that intention.

So many of the canonized saints who have gone before uslived lives every bit as full and busy as those we face today. In them, we findrole models of sanctity who show us that our busy days, our work, and our timespent in the service of others can indeed become our prayer. I love the wordsof one of my favorite saints, Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, who said, “Whatmust we do to become saints? Nothing extraordinary – only that which we doevery day – only do it for the love of God.” For moms, we have ampleopportunity each day to offer our work, our service to our loved ones, and evenour unexpected trials as a sign of our love for God.

Handmade Christmas: Fabric Covered Notebooks

2011-11-22T10:27:00.001-08:00

I just finished a pretty pile of fabric covered composition notebooks for Christmas. These are easy and relatively quick, not too expensive and simple to customize.

Supplies Needed:

*Fabric
- Cottons or other lightweight fabrics that can be ironed... preferably dark since the pattern on the notebook tends to show through lighter fabrics
- Main fabric will be approximately 12" x 18"
- Scraps for optional appliques

*Heat 'n' Bond Ultrahold
- Fabric stores carry this and it can be found online but I've found that Walmart has the best price per yard.
- I have seen people use spray adhesive instead but that just seems too messy for my tastes.

*Composition Notebooks
- You can really use any notebook but for bulk projects, these are nice; inexpensive, smooth binding, stiff covers

*Ribbon for bookmarks (optional)

*Scissors

*Rotary cutting tool
- If you don't have one of these and you craft with some frequency, you will not regret the purchase. I don't think I would make these if I didn't have this tool!

Directions:

There are two ways to do this: You can make wrapped corners which are durable and lovely or just cut along the edge which is still nice but a whole lot faster. The instructions that I am posting are for the second option.

1. Measure main fabric for your cover. This only needs to be a little bigger than your notebook.

2. If you are going to use an applique: design, cut out and iron these onto the right side of your main fabric using Heat 'n' Bond or some other kind of fusible web. *note* if you want to add stitching to these pieces, you'd better use something other than Heat 'n' Bond since it is not intended to be sewn through. Bloody, aching fingers... trust me.

3. Attach optional ribbon to the outside of the book spine (about 1 - 2" from the top). You will be applying the main fabric over this and it will stay just fine. The ribbons will act as bookmarks once the project is complete. I did not do this because... well... I just totally forgot... but you can find a nice pic in this tutorial.

4. Follow the directions on the Heat 'n' Bond and apply it to the wrong side of your main fabric piece.

5. Remove the paper and line up the outside of the composition book with the wrong side of the fabric. Straighten, smooth, tuck and then iron the top side first. Make sure you get the edges. Flip the book and iron the back and spine. After a couple of books, you'll be a wiz.

Lining the book up to before ironing.

Fabric is completely affixed to the book.

You can see here what happens when you use a lighter colored fabric. It's still cute but the book does show through.
This photo shows a completed book that is just waiting to be trimmed.

6. Trim the edges with the rotary cutter (on a self-healing mat, of course). I take little sharp scissors to the top and bottom edge of the spine to get it clean and pretty.

That's it... Finished!

I do like to use a warm iron and check the edges just to make sure everything is sealed tight but it's not strictly necessary.

There's really a lot of fun that could be had with these. I love the idea of adding an applique initial and ribbon book marks. But the simplified version is definitely faster and still a thoughtful gift for anyone who uses notebooks. Lovely teacher gift. Even if you don't add any embellishments, a bit of pretty packaging can go a long way...

If you have time and want to make a thoughtful gift of a covered notebook or binder, I've collected a few nice links. Spend a bit more time with Google and you'll find about a hundred more...

Fabric binder cover
No-Sew version
With pockets
Reusable fabric notebook cover
With closure and pen holder

A Book of Saints for Catholic Moms: Review and Giveaway

2011-11-20T16:42:00.001-08:00

My relationship with the saints has been a bit of a tumultuous one over the years. It has taken me many years to see them as more than just plastic statues with picture book lives. I wanted desperately to be like them but was not able to see myself in their shoes... or visa versa.

Fast forward a dozen years or so... I have finally discovered a real treasure in my heavenly family; and now believe that I, too, can walk where they have walked. With my failures and struggles and bad hair days and even worse mama days... right into the arms of God.

Lisa Hendey just did a beautiful thing for moms like me. She wrote a book specifically designed to help us grow closer to the saints of God as we walk the path of our vocation. The book is called A Book of Saints for Catholic Moms and it does provide a wonderful opportunity for busy moms who are always looking for ways to grow in holiness through their vocational call. Think you've got enough books about the saints around your Catholic home? Maybe. But I think you might discover that this is the one you didn't even realize you were missing.

Definitely buy the book for yourself or someone you know. And don't forget to enter my giveaway for an extra copy to keep or give. (More info on that below.)

Before I go on, I just want you to watch a brief trailer (2 minutes and 15 seconds) for the book. Lisa Hendey is a wonderful and faithful Catholic mama. She is the founder of CatholicMom.com and author of the popular Handbook for Catholic Moms. She is also a world-class sweetheart and I would love for you to hear from her own mouth why she wrote this book for us...

The book is arranged in 52 chapters with one saint for each week. Each chapter includes stories, traditions, quotes, Scripture, prayer for the individual and for the family, reflection and action steps for bringing the spirit of the saint into our motherhood. Long enough to provide plenty for the searching soul. Short enough not to unduly burden the busy daily schedule.

In addition to offering a free copy of A Book of Saints for Catholic Moms to one of my readers, Lisa will also be writing a guest post here on Wednesday (11/23) on the importance of carving out quiet, prayerful time in our domestic day.

On to the giveaway... you have TWO chances... I'll make this super easy...

~ Entry #1: Leave a comment telling which of your domestic duties you most need a patron saint for. For example: I am currently searching for the patron saint of toilet scrubbing. I need an attitude adjustment in this area... and a whole lot of grace!

~ Entry #2: Leave a separate comment telling which of your duties brings you the most satisfaction. For example: I am so grateful for the blessing of nursing my babies. In those moments, I feel like a very, very good mother. As close to perfect as it gets.

~ Deadline for entry is Friday, November 25th at 11:59pm.

~ Winner will be notified on Saturday, November 26th.

Thanks so much to Lisa for this super opportunity and for blessing the lives of Catholic moms everywhere. :)

7 Quick Takes - "Firsts" Edition

2011-11-18T09:14:00.001-08:00

Joining in with Jennifer at Conversion Diary for 7 Quick Takes Friday.....

"FIRSTS"

~1~

This month marked the first time that I have ever made a birthday cake to resemble a pumpkin. And the first time that I thought it would be a good idea to put a cake on the floor "just for a moment" while a busy toddler was about. Fortunately, his finger was only attracted to the middle of the number one.

~2~

First encounter with a birthday candle. He didn't quite know what to do with it (we forgot to practice). The good news is that he now blows at everything including lightbulbs and gas stoves. He also sings a remarkably accurate version of "Happy Birthday." Ha mmm ma mmm ha mmmm maaa mmm... Pure musical genius.

~3~

The first time in years that I've felt energetic enough to make two birthday cakes in short succession. And the first time I've made a blue frosted cake (per the birthday girl's request).

~4~

The first time she received life experience for her birthday instead of stuff.

No complaints heard.

~5~

The first time he received a birthday gift several months early. The timing was perfect. In his words, "This was the most fun I have ever had in my life."

~6~

The first time he ever faced a foot high pile of dung without complaining... much.

~7~

First time playing in the leaves. And yesterday we had snow. Does Autumn really have to end so soon? I do love the changing seasons. I just wish we had a little more time with the three that are not Winter.

And giving thanks to God for all of these things. For all the blessings, challenges, grief and joy. It's all God's. It's all grace. Blessed be God!

Postpartum Fitness: One Year Mark

2011-11-15T13:58:00.001-08:00

I have just recently reached the one-year postpartum mark and, all things considered, I'm fairly satisfied with my level of fitness. I have reached some of my goals and tanked on others. It's time for some accountability. Time for a regroup and a renewal...

Goals reached:

~ I have reached my target weight and have maintained for about two months without significant difficulty. BMI is solidly happy.

~ I am fitting in my "normal" wardrobe again, including jeans and pretty dresses.

~ I was able to play beach volleyball with my husband. Not in the Summer sun (thanks to a delay from a broken toe) but 40 degrees and rainy is better than nothing (or so I was repeatedly telling myself on the near frozen court). My play was rusty but it was good to be outdoors, moving and laughing with the Chief (before he broke his toe, too, of course).

~ My energy level is higher than it was. Not as much as I'd hoped but I'll take a little over none.

Needs improvement:

~ In spite of being at a healthy weight I am weak, weak, weak. Watching caloric intake is not nearly as challenging as living an active lifestyle. The first is simply not eating too much... the second is hard work.

~ I have barely exercised since I broke my toe. Yes, I was derailed. It has been hard to get back on track.

~ My food choices have been lousy. I know how to keep my calories in a good range; however, replacing a meal with cheesecake and leftover All Saints' candy is not ideal. And cereal. I eat a lot of cereal. I would eat cereal for every meal if I could.

~ Low energy. This is obviously affected by my lack of exercise and my terrible diet.

Beginning Again:

Getting back on track used to scare me a bit. Can I do this? I'm no longer intimidated. I've done it before and I know what to do. The body is a little older but it'll work out. Sickness, injury, fatigue... all probable. Keep the game plan flexible.

My plan is to heavily incorporate The Catholic Workout into my routine. It's a great program and keeps my focus on Christ, which is just where it needs to be.

I'd like to come up with some measurable goals and mark my progress here. In the meantime, the thing is just to begin.

Free Gooseberry Patch Cookbook (Kindle Edition)

2011-11-14T15:46:00.001-08:00

Yummy...

The price is currently marked at zero... not sure how long it will stay there. If you love gingerbread, now's the time.

And for all of you who love the classics AND your kindle... free, free, free...

Jane Eyre
Little Women
The Count of Monte Cristo

Incidentally, I do not own any kind of eReader but it is on my long-term wishlist.

What is Real? The Velveteen Catholic meets the Saints

2011-11-10T10:44:00.000-08:00

I have always been a Catholic but did not fully practice, understand or embrace the faith until adulthood. I married at age 19 and had my first child at 21; so when I say "adulthood" I do not mean mature adulthood. I knew I needed to grow and figured that the best place to start was with the saints, my brothers and sisters in heaven, who had been where I stood and had "made it."

In our first home we had two shelves full of saints books that my husband had purchased for our infant son. It would be a few years before he would read them but I dug in and spent hours rocking my baby and getting to know my heavenly siblings. Wonderful! Inspiring! If only I could be like that! But there's a significant problem with many saints books written for children, and that is that they are subject to some serious literary airbrushing. The saints are too often depicted like fictional beings who seem too fantastical to be true and distant to a growing sinner. I became discouraged. That is not for me, I thought. I can't possibly become a saint. Heck, I can't even keep the kitchen sink clean.

I wanted desperately to be like those lovely sanitized holy men and women but I knew that I could not. I tucked my failure deep into a corner of my heart and pressed on with a shaky faith; walking forward, seeking God's will, growing slowly in love and commitment to my vocation.

What is real?

As my family grew and the challenges of life increased, I repeatedly turned to the example of the saints and then turned away. They appeared in my mind like cartoons and the pastel pictures in my son's books; unblemished statues with flawless stories. Those images had spread into my faith life to a degree that my entire vision of church and faith would occasionally falter... so that everything that was once real and beautiful to me appeared as a smooth blond airbrushed plaster statue of Mary. With blue eyes, of course. And the smooth hands so unlike mine with my nails roughly bitten down to the quick.

Like the Velveteen Rabbit I began to wonder what was real. I was real. And I could not be a saint. I knew this because I knew the lives of the saints were an impossibility. I couldn't make it through the morning without messing something up let alone live such an untarnished life until the end. Unless God directly intervened, it was hopeless for me. And He didn't seem to be taking any significant action in spite of my pleas.

The Saints were Crazy

Over the years, my understanding increased a little and my reading level also rose. I began to read biographies of the saints that were written for adults; accounts that revealed the real humanity and weaknesses of these men and women who became such great friends of God. I remember reading a book about St. Francis of Assisi during my lunch breaks at work. As I made my way through the volume, a very disturbing thought kept recurring to me: This man was crazy! I had attended a Franciscan high school and everyone there knew all about St. Francis. We were experts. He was something of a religious mascot to us. He loved animals, right? What more do we need to know? He was gentle and little birdies and wolves listened to him. The real story is much more intense and cool and... totally crazy. This man loved God so passionately that he did extreme things for that love. I became increasingly convinced through my reading that many people who knew St. Francis during his lifetime did not think of him primarily the nice animal guy. And that a lot of people probably thought he really was off his rocker.

As my education increased, I learned that all of the saints had a similar quality; this intensely real marriage of tremendous love and messy humanity. They were all willing to be considered odd or extreme or reviled or misunderstood... if it meant glorifying and serving the Lord.

The Saints Suffered

I continued to read and met with the suffering saints. Boy, did they suffer. The kids books gloss over those points (and maybe they should, I don't know) and consequently, I imagined that real suffering for Christ would be easier (humanly speaking) than suffering without Him. But it seemed that I had the wrong idea. A suffering Christian is not spared actual pain, but they are given hope. There is nothing about the crucifixion that modeled a tolerable type of suffering. And the saints suffered like Jesus in ways that seemed too hard for me.

I prayed for a miracle. I knew that I did not want to be considered strange and reviled by others. And I did not want to suffer like that. I did not really want to be a saint. Not a real saint. Maybe just a nice saint... with blonde hair, blue eyes and immaculate hands. I took my secret and tucked it back into that corner in my heart.

I continued to pray and to go through the motions... but I always stopped short of giving God everything. After all, I had been learning a lot about what happened to His closest friends. Most of the time I tried to ignore my lack of trust. But occasionally, I would pray more deeply and He would draw me closer... and I would face my fear. And stop short.

I have had a very good life and love my family and vocation; but there is no question that life is just plain hard sometimes. And sometimes, we all suffer... with a capital S. During one of those very human moments in my life, I found myself awash in tears and desperate prayers and faced with that uncomfortable moment again; the one at which I had always stopped before. But this time, I crossed that threshold and finished my prayer.

Lord, change my life forever. Take me anywhere. Just don't let me go. Because I am afraid. Please lead me wherever it is You want me to go. I will go. I want to be a saint.

I'd love to tell you that I changed significantly immediately. The reality, however, is that I hardly changed at all exteriorly. If anything, I am a worse housekeeper, more forgetful, make more mistakes and am lacking in discipline more than I ever have been before. My vocation requires a bit more of me than I seem to be able to give. Sometimes I open my eyes in the morning and groan, wondering what the good Lord was thinking when He gave me this job. You know I can't do it, Lord... I guess You knew that from the beginning. All right. Here we go. You better not drop me.

What has changed is that I feel free to approach God and to love Him freely in spite of my ugliness and sinfulness. Human perfection is not required to be a friend of God. He wants me even if I can't keep my sink clean. Want to know how badly He wants my friendship and yours? Take a long look at the crucifix. He didn't do that for perfect people.

The Saints were Real

Some notes about the saints:

* They were clumsy
* They were forgetful
* They had tempers
* They upset people
* They had allergies
* They had disfigurements
* They had chronic illnesses (sometimes brought on by their imprudence)
* They had serious disagreements with people (sometimes other saints)
* They made errors in judgement

In short, God calls us to perfection; but this does not mean that we shall never drop a dish or have a disagreement or lose our tempers or spend a week with the flu.

Sainthood is About Love

A priest at our parish once reminded us that "You can be the greatest saint." For the first time in my life, I believed him. I won't ever be canonized (since my life would just scandalize the faithful) but I can be a near and dear friend to Jesus. And as long as He holds my hand, I am no longer afraid.

My heart is free from my secret now. I no longer see the saints as separate from my reality. And my life has dramatically changed. As I said, I seem to be getting no better humanly speaking, but I have God to open the door for the work of grace in my life. Sometimes that simply means having the courage to get through a very difficult day and falling asleep with the name of Jesus on my lips.

Now I can look at a beautiful blonde statue of Mary and take delight in it. I get it. Saints are beautiful because God is beautiful. Their disfigured humanity was beautiful because it was for Him. They spent themselves in His service. Gave up their beauty sleep and took lashes from their enemies for Him. Their perfect pastel images are beautiful because they symbolize something greater. I'm still wary of books about saints for children... but I recognize the need for them to become familiar with simple beauty... and I'm careful to keep it real.

Deliver me....

2011-11-07T20:07:00.000-08:00

Litany of Humility by Danielle Rose...

7 Quick Takes Friday - Music, Sports, DIY

2011-11-04T10:00:00.000-07:00

Joining Jen over at Conversion Diary for 7 Quick Takes Friday...

~1~

Something strange has happened to my teenager. The Professor (who will be 14 very soon) has become passionately interested in music. Classical music. Sacred music. And... opera. No kidding. He says to me yesterday: "I used to hate opera but now I see that it is one of the highest form of musical expression." *my jaw hits the floor* He is also completely captivated by the Dies Irae and is intent on memorizing it.

Full disclosure: When he talks about music, I usually have only the vaguest idea of what he's talking about. I have a great appreciation for these types of music but I am not very knowledgeable about the topic. He has discovered this interest on his own and is pursuing it on his own. We just support him.

~2~

Speaking of music and particularly the Dies Irae... I saw this post at A Reluctant Sinner and had to share. The author was privileged to participate in an All Souls' Mass set to Mozart's Requiem and said, "This evening witnessed one of the most profound moments of my entire life. I beheld, in an immediate and very real way, the height of human civilization." I can't wait to show the Professor.
Read more HERE.

~3~

People steal stuff. People cheat. I know these things. It is why I write names and memos on everything from clothing to volleyballs. But it is still surprising somewhat when it happens. Perhaps because I am accustomed to hanging around honest people.

Yesterday, the Chief and I played in our beach volleyball playoffs. I watched the referee cheat. He pretended to turn the score on a number of occasions; ruffled the floppy plastic a bit before leaving it just as it was. He intentionally made bad calls to move the games along. It was just a little thing. It's just a game after all. But it was still disturbing. It stuck in my mind and I regretted that so many adult activities are full of cheating and profanity and excessive use of alcohol. People behave poorly and disrespect themselves and others... and leave me happy, happy, happy to be returning home. Kind of like life on the whole I suppose; and as much as I love my life, I will be happy, happy, happy to go home when it is my time.

~4~

Have you seen the latest rage among crafty folks? T-shirt yarn. I admit being a bit captivated myself. As soon as I get a free moment (so it might be a while) I'm going to dig out some t-shirts to cut up. Don't even ask me what I'm planning to do with it yet. One step at a time, you know?

~5~

Anyone with a fireplace or wood stove knows the value of fire-starters. Instead of purchasing expensive starters or fat wood sticks, we're going to be making our own using items we already have around the house. There are a few versions out there but they generally all involve wax, lint or dust, and some sort of cardboard. I haven't decided which we are going to try this season (maybe multiples) but like this video tutorial... Green Fire-Starters

~6~

Club volleyball try-outs have now concluded and one thing is very clear: there is nothing easy about youth sports. Gone are the days when talented kids can play just for the enjoyment of it. We have talented children who can play on the teams of their choice, but even choosing a team becomes a complex game as parents wait to find out who signed a contract with which team. Coaches wait to find out if their team this year will be nationally competitive or if it will be a developmental "growing year". The phone rings frequently and texts fly. Talent starts to gravitate in one direction or another and suddenly - again - we are looking at our talented young daughter and wondering at what price success aught to be purchased.

"Take your time," the coach says. "Even if we fill up our roster, we will make space for your daughter to play on this team." Actually, we have only three days left to decide.

Practice on Sundays? Well, it's no worse than CYO. An out-of-state tournament over Easter break? Outrageous. What will we do? She wants to play. And she is talented. I do believe these questions will only get more challenging over time. And it isn't just this sport. We had a swimmer ranked in the top 5 in the nation in multiple events. We quit cold turkey, determined that sport would not destroy faith and family. And our family healed, thanks be to God! St. Sebastian, pray for us!

~7~

To my kids:

I pray you always remember the final goal. Don't forget that there will always be someone faster than you. Always someone stronger. Always someone who can jump higher. There will be times when you lose because someone cheats; when you lose because someone on your team gives up; when you lose because you just didn't give your best; or because of injury. There will be times when people hate you for your success and times when they will attempt to hurt you because of it... you have felt that sting. You know. There will be times when you give everything you have and it will not be enough. And times when people give you too much credit, too much attention and praise... and you will be tempted to forget to Whom proper gratitude is due.

Remember the lessons of the pool: "What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul?" ~ Mark 8:36

Do not forget the final goal. Pursue goodness. Pursue truth. Pursue beauty. There are millions of other people pursuing success in your sport. If fighting for success costs you permanent things, then let those people have success. And let it go. It is fleeting... and you will never regret the prize you have gained in its place.

Must See Video in Defense of Life

2011-11-03T09:40:00.000-07:00

I never get tired of watching the beautiful Gianna Jessen speak in defense of life. She is a survivor of a saline abortion: "born during a saline abortion." The doctor signed her birth certificate. She was born with cerebral palsy as a result of the attempt on her life... but she calls her disability "a gift" and it certainly does not prevent her from speaking powerfully and eloquently. This is a must see video.

I discovered this particular video at Creative Minority Report.

All Saints' Day 2011

2011-11-02T18:58:00.000-07:00

All Saints' Day was a wonderful treat for the whole family this year. Sometimes we're all sick in bed... and last year I was too pregnant to plan much... but this year was action-packed and costume-ready. A party with the cousins, evening Mass in costume, and a festive dinner. A few pics of the party...

St. Agatha's costume was a hand-me-down from St. Elizabeth of Hungary... but a few new accessories and a different beautiful face made it like new.

St. Elizabeth of Portugal helps St. Helena talk about her life.

St. Camillus

St.??? We couldn't decide which saintly king he should be so he was all of them and we had everyone think of as many saintly kings as they could. Constantine, Louis, Stephen and Edward were all suggestions.

I wasn't able to be in costume this year like I wanted to be but I did manage to help my sister-in-law doll up as her favorite Little Flower.

St. Therese, St. Elizabeth of Purtugal and St. Raymond Nonnatus

Pin the Halo on Saint Francis. A little bit higher there, Cub!

Bobbing for Apples... the water looks like much more fun to play with than the apples.

7 Quick Takes Friday - Christmas Shopping Edition

2011-10-28T02:33:00.000-07:00


7 Quick Takes Friday: Christmas Shopping Edition



I know. I know. It's not even Thanksgiving yet! But with 6 kids and multiple holiday season birthdays, planning way ahead of time is the key to my sanity. Of course, Christmas is not really about stuff, but stuff does seem to find its way in there. Some good planning does help prevent overbuying and overspending. Here is a little peek into my pre-Christmas brain...
--- 1 ---

I admit...I'm about 70% done with my shopping with another 15% ready to purchase. I feel distracted and stressed if I enter Advent with too much shopping to think about. Did you KNOW that you only have 2 more months until Christmas? I refuse to leave my house on Black Friday... my shopping will be done by then!

For more about how we stay sane and Christ-focused on Christmas morning, read HERE.


--- 2 ---


In an effort to get away from collecting too much STUFF this coming Christmas season, we have been trying to come up with special activities or lessons to give to the children that we don't usually spend money on. Some ideas that we have been considering for birthdays and Christmas:

~ Riding lessons at a local equestrian center. We can't afford this long term but we can splurge on a few lessons for a special birthday girl. She's always dreamed of riding horses (what little girl hasn't?) so this is a great opportunity to give her a taste of that dream. Grandma and Grandpa are helping with this and her godparents have purchased a pair of used riding boots.

~ Seed money and supplies for starting up a small business. The kids always have entrepreneurial ideas but without a steady source of income, the start-up costs are challenging to come by.

~ Laser tag. We have a very cool laser tag facility close by and the kids would rather have a day there than almost anything other fun activity or toy.

~ Short term or one-time Lessons for something the child enjoys such as cake decorating, jewelry making, sewing, shooting, etc.

But sometimes you just want to have something to wrap for someone. Here are my favorite ways to shop...


--- 3 ---


Handmade. I'm a sucker for anything made by someone I can talk to, email, or shake hands with. I love supporting small family businesses and particularly those who use their talents to support those in need. Handmade is not usually cheap, but is often worth the expense for a special gift. Just found today on Etsy...

Violin String Necklace - A Lucky Puddle

$3 from purchase supports pro-life

Blush Rose Quartz and Pearl Sterling Pro-Life Bracelet

30% of her profits go to pro-life


--- 4 ---

Pre-owned (aka used). And of course I do not mean nasty, dirty used stuff. Craig's list. Ebay. Online and local swapping sites. Garage sales. If there is something specific that you are looking for, chances are that someone else is trying to get rid of one. I can't tell you how many times I have been tempted just to knock on my neighbors doors and ask if they happen to have fill-in-the-blank. Don't tell Button, but I just swapped some clothes we don't use for this beautiful Christmas dress for her. She's going to be so surprised and thrilled.


--- 5 ---

Ebay. I used to generally avoid ebay. The idea of an auction format really stressed me out and I always missed the end of the auctions anyway. I have grown... and learned my way around well enough to get some really fantastic deals. It takes some patience and planning but does pay off. It is important not to get caught up in the race for stuff; if you can separate from that mental madness, it's a great place to shop. I have learned to be patient and have been rewarded recently with several purchases for the minimum bid of $.99 plus shipping. In one case, the poor lady paid more to ship my item than I paid to purchase it!

Ebay is not only useful for used items but also brand new items. A little internet research will go a long way in saving money this way.

Most recent Christmas ebay find:

New in Package Pottery Barn quilts with shams (Karina)for the little girls. $30 for each set. Retailed at PB for $150. I cannot wait for Christmas evening when they happily make their matching beds and snuggle into their new nocturnal finery.:)


--- 6 ---

Homemade. Different from someone else's handmade because it is made in my own home. We've got talents in this house and we like to use them! I highly recommend investing a few dollars in a pocket knitter for a crafty kid (I think it's easier for kids than a round loom)... and then watch the Christmas scarves come flying off the pegs! Get yarn on sale and this is a very nice gift for kids to give to relatives.

Food gifts are nice. Professor loves to make peanut brittle to give. If I can dig up the recipe tomorrow I'll post it. Crash made peppermint bark last year. Both fun to do as a family and delicious.


--- 7 ---

I wish I could say that I am completely uninterested in receiving Christmas gifts but, alas, I cannot honestly say that. It is true that I don't need a single present to open in order to have a blessed and joyful Christmas. Jesus satisfies completely. It is also true that I do enjoy receiving gifts from my loved ones... especially because they love giving them. The best packages to receive are the ones lovingly given by my kids. The second best are the ones that loved ones pamper me with.

So... here are some hints... because I just want to make life easier for everyone involved. :)


For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

All Saints' Day fun for Mama...

2011-10-26T09:44:00.000-07:00

The kids ask me to dress up for All Saints' Day every year. I don't have an objection to this other than the fact that it usually takes every bit of time we have to get the kids' costumes ready. I have dressed up in the past and it's always fun.

This year, the Professor had a good idea. He suggested using the Saint Generator that we used for choosing our annual patrons to choose an All Saints' patron. Sure! Why not? I went to the site and prayed...

Dear Jesus, please choose a saint for me.
Help me find a friend who will lead me close to thee.

The first saint that came up was St. Andrew Avellino and my son and I shared a belly laugh when we read that he is the patron of those afflicted with apoplexy. God has a good sense of humor. If you would have been in my house yesterday when I lost my temper just a little (Lord, have mercy!), you would get the joke.

We agreed that I should not have to dress up as a man and I tried again (and again) until I came up with a female. And if I manage to get everything done by All Hallows' Eve *sigh* I will be dressing up on All Saints' Day as...

St. Teresa Margaret of the Sacred Heart

St. Andrew and St. Teresa, pray for me!!

If anyone has a ready template or great fitting idea for a quick adult veil, I would love it. I can certainly piece one together with fine results but time is short... no sense in reinventing the wheel! I need to make one for an adult family member as well so this would be mighty helpful. I'll share pics if I end up with something really cool.

Pontifical Council Adds to the Confusion

2011-10-25T13:28:00.000-07:00

"Occupy Rome" Destroys Statue of Mary

Somebody please give the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace something to do! The council members apparently have too much time on their hands and have used it to come up with a bizarre suggestion to hand over global financial authority to... the U.N. Read it.

These people actually think that putting a group of highly corrupt, scandal-laden, mismanaged, anti-Christian, anti-family, elitists with a lot of money in charge of, well, everyone else's money... is a good idea. A "supranational authority" they call it. The United Nations -- the international governing body that says its member states must allow abortions -- is endorsed by Catholic clergy as a fine group to lead the world's economy.

This is the kind of stuff that makes evangelization very difficult in middle class America. On the heels of the abuse scandals it makes it well nigh impossible to engage neighbors and co-workers in serious discussion.

And just in case there is any doubt out there, please spread the word that this is NOT the official teaching of the Catholic Church. Read more about that very relieving fact here.

Allowing my mind to wander on the ridiculous...

Perhaps the council members can get together with the Occupy Wall Street people and have engaging discussions about the warm fuzzies of socialism, class warfare and Che Guevera.

Maybe a cardinal can share a glass of Italian wine with a nice middle-aged Occupy lady sporting a capitalist designed hair-do and a capitalist-sewn down jacket... and sit on a capitalist sleeping bag with a fired up college student wearing Abercrombie blue jeans. They can talk socialism together and talk peace... or money... or the French Revolution...

No, it clearly won't work out with those two groups in spite of their collective absence of common sense. The protesters will just think the prelates are one of the rich elite and reject them (or worse); and the prelates will try to convince the protesters to submit to a higher authority... the U.N. Ah well, it was a thought... you know, peace and harmony and all that.

The good council members would like to hand our lives and freedoms and wealth over to the despots peacefully. "Gradually." Through "free and shared agreement." The Occupiers don't really have a long-term plan... they would just like to be angry and united until someone who has money gives it to the people (in down jackets and relic watches and cell phones) who don't. Or until it starts to snow.

The vile decay of the French Revolution is unearthed. Where faith departs, something must step in. To quote Father Z: "Coming soon to a neighborhood near you..."

I thank God that my husband has a job. But if he did not I wouldn't be out in the cold just hanging and shouting and breaking stuff with the socialists, anarchists, and other angry people. I would be trying to find a way to make ends meet. And I definitely would not want the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace to ask the U.N. to come on in and fix it. *shudder*

History tells us that these battles are not new and that they are never really won. Until we have a Christ-centered populace, we will continue to fight... and both sides will continue to lose. Lord, have mercy!

"If we are behind either Capital or Labor, at what point will either stop in their demands? Or is there a stopping point? Did Capital ever decide for itself, when it was in the saddle, that it would take no more than ten per cent profits? Capital took all the profits the traffic would bear. Now that Capital is unseated and Labor is riding the economic horse, what limits does Labor set itself? Is there a wage beyond which it will not ask? Are there certain minimum hours below which it will not seek to work? They too will get all the traffic will bear. When self-interest and class-interest become the standard, then who shall say there is a right and wrong? As the old Chinese proverb put it: "No good rat will injure the grain near its hole." ~ Servant of God Fulton J. Sheen

Stop buying pink!

2011-10-20T12:03:00.000-07:00

Pink is one of my favorite colors. Easily top two. But I've had enough of Komen pink. It is time for the fad to fade. I would be delighted with all of this pink if it weren't for the fact that the Susan G. Komen Foundation gives large amounts of money to Planned Parenthood. If you do not already know this, please pay attention. It's time to end this madness.

Fact: Abortion dramatically increases the odds of developing breast cancer. This includes chemical and medical abortions. It is scientific fact and abortion advocates are lying if they dispute it. It is very simple:

"When a woman has an abortion she interrupts the natural process of estrogen production and breast development. When a woman first becomes pregnant her body produces a Type 1 carcinogen, cancer causing agent, estrogen in order to nourish and provide for the baby. If the mother has her child, her body stops producing as much estrogen and her breasts mature. However, if that process is interrupted, the estrogen production continues and her breasts stay in an immature state, making them more susceptible to breast cancer." More here
A more detailed explanation here.
Video explanation here. *highly recommended for sharing* Scroll to bottom of post to watch.
More video here.

Fact: Hormonal Contraceptives increase the odds of developing breast cancer. This is not complicated to understand since most people have a good idea that ingesting excessive hormones is risky... but a more detailed explanation can be found here.

Fact: Planned Parenthood is the world's largest provider of reproductive services including abortion and contraception.

Fact: Komen gives liberally to Planned Parenthood.

Fr. Daren made the comment on his blog today that "By "thinking pink" and donating to the SGKF, one does little to erradicate breast cancer and in fact helps spread it." It really is that simple.

It's incredible to me that this pink craze has not died out yet. It takes an awful lot of money to perpetuate a commercial fad for this long, even for a good cause. That is one reason for the extended hype (and periodic appearance of pink shoes on NFL football players). The other reason is that many women are sick and dying of breast cancer. Unprecedented numbers at younger and younger ages.

Consider this fact: If a woman has an abortion, it takes approximately 7 years for the cancerous cells to develop and be diagnosed. The number of women who are developing breast cancer in their twenties and thirties is rising. Do the math, eh? A 2007 study published by the Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons showed that, among seven risk factors, abortion is the "best predictor of breast cancer."

Becoming educating and telling everyone who will listen about the abortion/breast cancer connection is a great way to stop the spread of this disease. Wear pink if you want to... but please don't buy it or wear it if it says Komen.

More information on the link between abortion and breast cancer HERE.

In Which Christmas Presents Come a Little Early...

2011-10-20T08:44:00.000-07:00

We have been on the lookout for an inexpensive piano to give the children for Christmas. The question of how to transport it in a timely and hidden fashion did arise... but we figured it would all work out. So when grandparents called from an estate sale and said "now or never and we'll buy" there was nothing to do but say yes. The piano had to be moved within three days. We tried to think of places to hide a piano but are not silly enough to think it is possible with six children in the house. We thought of hiding it in someone else's house but how to get it to ours on Christmas morning? And here's where we saw the sense in not letting our preferences interfere with blessing...

The piano arrived on a Tuesday in October and was moved into position while the children cleaned their rooms and I guarded the stairs. They never heard a thing. The two oldest (to whom it was gifted) were blindfolded and led into the family room. "Merry Christmas!" The floor is still bare concrete but no one seems to mind; it is good for racing Hot Wheels and causes the sounds of a piano to resonate and linger. The children were completely surprised and absolutely thrilled. The house has been filled with the happy sounds of a slightly out of tune piano ever since.

Professor and Cookie know that they will not be opening a gift with their siblings and cousins on Christmas but they don't mind. They are busy practicing the music they intend to play that day in honor of the birth of the Christ Child. Glory to God in the highest!

So many of God's gifts to us come in a similar fashion; not at the desired time and place or with the preferred packaging or company, but so good and beautiful nonetheless!

All Saints' Day Preparation

2011-10-17T10:23:00.000-07:00

This is going to be one of those years when the costumes come together in a frantic kind of way. I'm not sure why I can't seem to organize myself in any way these last few weeks... but that's the way it is. I wander around my house aimlessly until the phone rings and someone on the other end reminds me that I've missed another appointment. I have large sections of my memory bank that are a complete zero.

In spite of all that, I do intend to give the holy day my best shot. The candy is purchased (the Chief is in charge of that being the expert that he is) and the party time set. We still need vigil Mass times, costumes and food. I'm sure it will all "fall into place" in the crazy sort of way that everything gets done around here lately. I'm starting to think that preparations wouldn't be fun at all without the "frantic" element.

At any rate, I can't post much beforehand this year about our prep but I can post some relevant links, new and old... Enjoy!

All Saints' Day Celebration Ideas
Mother Teresa Costume DIY
More Costume ideas at Catholic Icing
Caramel Apple Crisp
Pumpkin Carving sanctified!

Incidentally, I'm often asked if we celebrate Halloween and if not, why not. The short answer is this:

We do not observe a secular Halloween. I'm not into scary for fun but I am into cool holy days. Since I have neither the resources nor the time to do both, Halloween (properly All Hallow's Eve anyway) gets the boot. Totally reclaimed holy day. My children miss nothing. They dress up in crazy stuff around the house all the time and dad makes sure they have a month's worth of tooth destroying candy. :)

Homeschool snapshots...

2011-10-05T09:04:00.000-07:00

Snapshots of a day in our homeschool. You won't see many images of children studying... please just assume that it is going on in some quiet recess of the house where cameras don't go.

This is our white board. If you homeschool and don't have one, you should probably stop what you are doing and order one right now. Every day, at the top of the board we write the date, the feast or memorial (if there is one) and the daily Scripture. Below that, pretty much anything goes. This is the miracle board for children who dislike writing anything (with an intensity that confounds me). I have one like that and he no longer acts like he is dying... just gives tiny little indications of his frustration (note the unassigned word "unhappy"). Reading he will do for hours on end and exceptionally well. But I have backed off of paper assignments and am just trying to allow him to develop a better relationship with the act of writing. I can't believe I have waited this long for this most excellent tool. Lovely. Buy one.

This is lunchtime. You don't need to see anyone else eating. This pretty much describes the whole scene. Food everywhere. Spilling. Sometimes flying across the room.... no, it isn't that bad usually. However, lunch is a favorite distraction for the children and I suspect they spill jugs of juice just to extend their pleasure.

Naptime. For one of us, anyway. The child goes until he can't go no mo'... then he usually falls asleep in someone's arms. Sometimes he falls asleep in bed... but odds are someone's noisy shenanigans will wake him prematurely anyway. Going with the flow. Happy in loving arms.

Daddy takes a vacation day. I know what you're thinking. You're thinking: "This is all about the baby!" Indeed, when there is a baby in the house, that is often what it is. You'll have to excuse us... we are smitten. You would be too if you heard how he says "uh oh" and tried to stick his fingers in your ear and bonk you in the head with his and tried to do a somersault on your floor. It's a hopeless case for us. But school is better this way... Lessons in love.

For dusty days...

2011-10-04T08:32:00.000-07:00

For those dusty days...

"Be not afraid to tell Jesus that you love Him; even though it be without feeling, this is the way to oblige Him to help you, and carry you like a little child too feeble to walk."
~ St. Therese of the Child Jesus

Thanks, Lena. :)

Dry as Dust...

2011-09-29T11:35:00.000-07:00

Just put one foot in front of the other, dear Mama. Such is the sage advice that I offer to myself this fine day. It's not that life is particularly difficult right now. I'm not depressed, injured, ill or unusually anxious. Just a little flat on emotional enthusiasm... which probably just means that I'm busy and tired.

I approach the keyboard and nothing flows. It's not that I'm not thinking; I'm just not thinking well. I approach my planner and am not inspired to fill it. I step onto the court to start playing the game and immediately wonder how long it will take to conclude. I approach the sewing machine... and then walk away. I approach the stove and wonder why the food looks so unappetizing ...

I approach my God and take it one slow step at a time, apologizing for my lack and asking Him to pull me through the strangely arduous task of spending time with the Him; the Beloved.

But again, it would be a mistake to say that I am unhappy or depressed right now. I'm fine although perhaps a little tired. I remember those times when the Presence of God was something I felt in my very bones and I sigh wistfully. I am not whining loudly but I have a small complaint embedded in my heart; like the little girl who used to feel wronged by the world when she was permitted to have a burger, fries and a drink... but not in a happy meal box.

The Chief and I were walking and talking recently about the crush of worldliness in our lives. He feels it in a particularly strong way as he juggles the obligations and responsibilities of family and the demands of his job. It's like having two families, he said. So we walk and talk and reconnect. We have established a weekly date night where we play volleyball together and burn off a little steam and laugh together. And then yesterday morning he fell down the stairs.

It was a short set of stairs that he approached carelessly early in the morning. A few bandaids and a broken toe later, he is fine but frustrated. "Like a big paper cut" he says. "Not the worst thing that could happen but terribly annoying." He doesn't know how good and healing it is for me to walk with him alone in our neighborhood and how very hard it was to set that aside when my own toe was broken. And he doesn't realize how all of my desire to play volleyball tonight just disappeared since he won't be there. And so I whine for those preferences even as I sit at his strong and loving side while he ices his blackening toe.

It seems that when we start to step away from God a little, He allows it to progress to an uncomfortable point so that we are faced with a choice. Do we muster up the courage and energy that we barely have to call out to Him again? Or do we let it all slip away like sand? I think choosing a life of faith and love can slip away as easily as that. We are tired. We are bored. We stop praying. We stop thinking. We have a dry day. A dry week. A dry year. A broken toe. A broken heart. A preference that becomes larger than our love.

Lord, I can feel myself slipping. Thank you for letting me see it. It is time to stand up in your grace and fight for the Life that You have given to me. I just need a moment... one moment to rest...

Of course, if I take that moment, I will take another. And another. Now is the moment of grace. Just like every moment. Starting again like a baby, I will need His hand for every step.

God forgive me for whining about my happy meal box when I have everything I need and everything You desire to give me... which is enough.

When my children clean...

2011-09-26T09:53:00.000-07:00

Would you like a peek into my house today? Check out this video...

My favorite Bert line: "You're actually cleaning up? Be still my beating heart."

7 Quick takes Friday

2011-09-23T11:28:00.000-07:00

Joining Jennifer at Conversion Diary for 7 Quick Takes Friday...

~1~

I finally have my answer to my question on the buying and selling of sacramentals. Professor contacted a priest we know who is currently studying to be a canon lawyer and here, much abbreviated, is his answer:

1. Can you buy an object known to be blessed? No.

2. Can you buy item if you are not sure whether or not it was blessed? Yes.

3. Is it permissible to purchase blessed items in order to rescue them from being thrown away or desecrated? Yes.

4. Is it permissible to sell or purchase relics. No. Relics are not collector's items or things to be acquired. They can only be given and money only accepted upon issuance as a donation for postage or a case. Father has commented that the efforts of some groups to purchase relics in order to "rescue" them does not seem to prevent abuse; it only seems to increase the market for the items sold by unscrupulous people.

Also, items lose their blessing if they are desecrated, broken beyond usefulness, or publicly sold for profit. If an item is sold without profit being made or given to someone, it does not have to be re-blessed.

~2~

Hooray for my long-awaited weekly date night with the Chief! We are playing in a sand volleyball league and I am slowly improving. You know you live in Cleveland when no one bats an eyelash at playing in 40 degree rainy weather in bare feet. Eventually the feet do become numb and the pain disappears. To all of my California friends who wear fleece hats and coats when the temperature gauge hits the 50's: Spoiled! Spoiled, I tell you! :)

~3~

Regarding highly competitive spouses playing on the same team. This arrangement has its limitations but is probably better than highly competitive spouses being on opposite teams. I'll say no more... only that he was clearly out of position and if he had stayed in his position I wouldn't have this tremendous bruise. ahem

~4~

We did not have Cookie play CYO volleyball this season for a number of reasons but the club season is fast approaching for both boys and girls. Professor had tryouts last weekend and accepted a contract for a 16's team. Cookie will have her tryouts next month. That means that I will soon have to start driving a lot again. *sigh* I am grateful for my Garmin. It's not that I am always getting lost... only that I am always making wrong turns. I insist that there is a difference.

~5~

Funny "homeschooler meets public school teacher" moment:

One of the coaches doing evaluations during Professor's tryout for the 16's team was favorably impressed by the boy's performance. He had not met my husband (also a coach) before that day since we are new to this club and he decided to share his thoughts with his new peer...

"See that kid right there? He's the most athletic kid out on that court. AND he's only 13! AAAAND... he's HOMESCHOOLED!" *look of shock and befuddlement*

At that moment another coach walked up, pointed to my husband and said, "That's his kid."

The Chief found the highly awkward moment extremely humorous. It turns out that the coach who made the comment is a public school teacher and is quite genuinely confounded by the idea of homeschooling... and by any thought that a homeschooler could be socially adept or athletic. This is what an educator might call a "teachable moment. :)

~6~

Anyone need size 11 shoes?
We have a used pair of leather Born Susy mary janes that were used by Cookie. They were rather expensive but I can't really sell them since one of the small loops that holds the straps down is missing. She says the deficiency does not affect how they fit. The only reason they need a new home is because her feet have grown again. So... anyone looking for a used pair of comfy, serviceable size 11 shoes, please contact me. I will send them along to you for the cost of shipping which will be about $10. More pics available.

~7~

Archbishop Fulton Sheen cause moving along as a tribunal of inquiry investigates miraculous healing. Read more here about a baby who was without a pulse for 61 minutes at birth... and who celebrated his first birthday this week, healthy and happy. Servant of God Fulton Sheen, pray for us!

What bothers Fr. Pavone...

2011-09-18T17:22:00.000-07:00

What Bothers Me the Most
by Fr. Frank Pavone

Well, friends, here in Amarillo I am working hard at my computer on various pro-life projects as I await further instructions from the diocese. Nothing yet, but being I take my “traveling office” with me to four states a week, there’s never a “nothing to do” moment.

It’s so encouraging to see so many people on the same page with me, loving and respecting the Church and, out of that very love and respect, supporting the pro-life mission we are all engaged in together. Amidst the many expressions of support, many say to me that they are praying for me “in this difficult time.”

But what’s difficult about it?

Sure, it’s distressing to have to endure false suspicions, inaccurate media reports, and disruption to a mission which is at the core of my life. That’s all the temporary distress of what’s happening in these days.

But that’s nothing compared to the distress I experience every day because my unborn brothers and sisters are being butchered by abortion. Tears, sleepless nights, anger, righteous indignation – this and more come to me each day because something is happening to the youngest members of the human family. “Typically, the skull is brought out in fragments, rather than as a unified piece,” said abortionist Martin Haskell in 1999 court testimony, describing legal abortion.

This is not happening to strangers. It’s happening to my brothers and sisters.

That’s what bothers me. That’s what makes my days difficult, every day, long before this current problem and long after.

The images of their mangled bodies accompany me to sleep and greet me when I awake; the cries of their silent voices mingle in my ears with the voices of those who speak to me; their aggrieved rights come to the forefront of my mind when anyone’s “rights” are discussed.

That, above all else, is what constitutes “a difficult time” for me.

The consolation is that there are things I can do to stop this holocaust; things we can all do together.

I’m sitting here in Amarillo right now because I’m a faithful and obedient priest, as I promised to be long ago. But there’s a more fundamental reason I’m sitting here, and it’s for the children that nearly everybody forgets and ignores. I’m here because cooperating with Church authority at this moment is the best way to preserve the mission I lead to save these children, a mission aimed precisely at increasing the Church’s awareness of and response to this holocaust.

But let’s be clear. Nobody needs anybody else’s permission to save a human life, to rescue a child from dismemberment and decapitation. In fact, to fail to do so is to fail miserably as a priest, as a Catholic, as a Christian, and as a human being. God deliver us from that fate.

Read at Priests for Life

Catholic Barter: Update

2011-09-16T21:07:00.000-07:00

It has come to my attention that even such a thing as "Catholic Barter" for blessed items might not be permissible since it is still an exchange of temporal goods for spiritual.

I think we need an expert to weigh in here. Anyone?

Catholic Barter: looking for crucifixes

2011-09-13T23:43:00.000-07:00

As I get closer and closer to being able to finally hang stuff on my renovated walls, I find that I am in need of things to hang. I have pictures and religious art ready to go but find there is a dearth of... crucifixes. I prefer to have one in every room but it seems that almost all of the ones we own are either broken irreparably or missing (given away, perhaps?).

Once upon a time, we had too many crucifixes and kept our "spares" in a cardboard box. Eventually, that supply dwindled. One was knocked off a shelf by a curtain on a windy day. Another was taken to bed with a frightened toddler and dropped onto the floor in the night. The little San Damiano cross that hung in our tiny bathroom was ruined by flood water shortly after we moved in to this home. Stuff happens. Now, we have more rooms and fewer crucifixes... and I'm on the lookout for replacements.

I counted our needy rooms and have discovered that we need 8 or 9 crucifixes of various sizes. Yes, even the utility room, basement, garage and bathrooms count. Just a small sign of His great love will do. A reminder that He is why we breathe and work and wash and laugh and sleep... and of our hearts' desire to have Him at our side always.

Eight or nine crucifixes. Well, I know that's not in our budget so I thought second-hand would be a nice option. The trouble is that any used crucifix that is being sold has likely been blessed at some point. Since buying blessed items is a no-no, I have a challenge ahead of me. If ebay uses the word "vintage" when describing a Catholic item, odds are it's been blessed!

There is a Catholic shop in our area that has a special room reserved for Holy Barter. That is the room where previously owned Catholic articles (even blessed ones) find new life and new homes. A customer can choose a blessed rosary to take home (for example) without purchasing it in one of two ways: by bartering for it or by making a donation to the missionary work of the store in amount of their choice and placing it in the basket next to the register. It's a wonderful idea and works beautifully. We have discovered a number of household treasures and gifts that way.

After making some excellent secular online trades on Swapmamas, it occurred to me that the Catholic mamas of the world could definitely benefit from such a system. There is a Catholic group on that specific site but none of the members are active. I think it would be a lovely way to share and swap the blessed items from our homes with others who will treasure them. And not just blessed items, but books, CD's, clothing, holy card collections, kid stuff... and whatever else would be profitable for our homes to give and receive.

It's just an idea... because I know that some of you have extra crucifixes in a closet or box somewhere that are ready to see the light of day. :)

7 Quick Takes

2011-09-09T10:28:00.000-07:00

Joining Jennifer at Conversion Diary for 7 Quick Takes...

~1~

I have just about reached the fitness goals that I set for myself in April. Not quite as astonishingly impressive as I had hoped but at least I am moving forward. Yesterday marked the first time I have played on a beach volleyball court with my husband in years. FUN. Perfect date night. In spite of being a bit rusty, I was happy overall with how I played and remembered how much I enjoy the feel of sand between my teeth. :)

~2~

Cupcakes for Blessed Mother's birthday... in the fashion of Our Lady of Guadalupe: pink cake (pink dress), blue frosting (blue mantle), yellow, orange and white sprinkles (stars on her mantle).

~3~

School starts for us on Monday. The kids are actually pretty excited and I am as well. I am planning on doing a four day academic week and then reserving the fifth entirely for them to pursue other interests. What I can't decide is whether to make that day Monday or Friday. Friday makes the most sense to me intellectually; but taking Monday off feels better since Sunday nights are usually late for us. I guess I'll play it by ear.

~4~

A while back, Allison introduced her readers to a site called SwapMamas. I love the idea of bartering goods and services. I signed up but was a little overwhelmed with it and let it sit unused for many weeks. This past week I finally took the plunge and listed 3 items. Within a day, I had swapped two of them for things nice enough to give as Christmas gifts. It's a lot like shopping garage sales in that it takes some familiarity and time and smarts to find the right items... but super fun once the ball gets rolling. Oh, and you have to be able to say No in a nice but decisive way to nice people you don't want to swap with. The only money involved is shipping costs. My average expense for five swaps so far has been $3. Well worth it to get rid of stuff I have just sitting around and acquire items that I can actually use and gifts in the process.

~5~

The kids and I had our annual planning meeting a couple weeks ago. When it came time to talk about Professor's art curriculum for the year, his countenance drooped as he imagined all kinds of painful occasions involving shading and painting and whatnot; he didn't even like coloring when he was a tot. But I surprised him... This year for art, Professor, you will be working with... *big resigned sigh heard from his direction*... Adobe Illustrator. His eyeballs got as big as saucers and he grew about 3 extra inches in height. Happy, happy kid. So happy, in fact, that he got up early the next morning to clean the kitchen so that he could begin. Armed with two Illustrator "how to" tomes, he is getting along quite well.

~6~

Another addition to his core studies this year will be time spent with Khan Academy for mathematical sciences and test preparation. Each video is about 10 minutes and I'm allowing 30 "school" minutes a day to watch and test to earn badges, with the understanding that he can spend more time if he completes his core math work early. I anticipate that the result of this arrangement is that he's going to attempt to complete that math as fast as humanly possible since Khan is more "fun". As long as he manages to learn his material well, I guess I have no problem with that.

~7~

My dad and brother were expected at an event in New York yesterday (9/8) but were stopped at every turn by the horrible flooding. They tried multiple routes but were completely shut out by a "wall" of water wherever they went. Missing the event was a great disappointment. One small consolation to my brother was being able to film a rooftop rescue by the US Army.