Just Me

Time to say goodbye...

2011-09-19T11:46:00.002-05:00

...and hello! I'm closing this blog. I'm in need of a fresh start! I know I could have just tweaked things around here, but sometimes it just feels good to make a completely new start. Sooo, I have begun a new blog and am feeling refreshed at the change!

God bless you!

Detachment

2011-08-02T11:06:00.003-05:00

I just finished reading my friend Nancy's book, Olivia's Gift. I really enjoyed all of the St. Therese quotes at the beginning of each chapter. This one is my favorite, and so important to me:

While on this earth, we must be attached to nothing, not even to the most innocent things, for they will fail us when we least expect it.

An incredibly urgent message to all of us who wish to keep God at the center of our lives. Thanks, Nancy, for putting this in your book, and of course to St. Therese for the reminder!

Ozzie hangs up his skates

2011-07-20T08:49:00.008-05:00

My favorite goalie has retired...thanks for the memories!

Eat your veggies...

2011-07-18T22:07:00.003-05:00

I recently found a great snack...vegetable chips. Like potato chips, only "healthier." Hey, they are! They have beet and spinach powder in them. To me, that IS eating vegetables.

So I have to laugh, albeit somewhat sheepishly, that Mr. C says we should eat vegetable chips all the time. "Because they have vegetables in them, Mom!"

I can't admit to them so early on that I would rather eat vegetable chips than most vegetables....

Prayer

2011-06-27T07:43:00.003-05:00

I attended a conference in April and had the opportunity to hear a priest talk about prayer. Several things he said stood out for me, "a-ha" moments if you will.

Facing Christ and meeting him means seeing the truth about ourselves as we truly are (think of Peter: "Leave me, Lord, I am a sinful man")

This was very profound for me. Sometimes, as ridiculous as it is, I try to make myself look better to the Lord than I really am. (AS IF he doesn't know the truth!) This is the reminder I need to lay it all out there trusting that He will not reject me for my faults and weaknesses. After all, even with Peter's weaknesses, Jesus still appointed him the head of the Church.

We don't always know how to pray because we don't know the person we're praying to.

It is so important to get to know God through scripture. I think many of us trip up in our spiritual lives by looking at prayer as a wish-granting time, or a time to make our wishes known and expecting them to be granted the way we want. I am still learning that sometimes the best prayer is to simply ask God to do with us what He wills. He wants us to be happy and He knows best of all how to make that happen.

Our longing is prayer.

Oh, how freeing this is! I have many times been caught up thinking that I have to form all of my prayers in perfect-sounding sentences, as if I'm taking a language arts exam! No, truly our desire is a form of prayer, and the longings that we unite with the Lord are ways of communicating with him.

I do not remember the priest's name, but I am so thankful for all he shared that day.

Earth Day

2011-04-28T19:59:00.003-05:00

I want to share this article written by one of my favorite bloggers. As she so often does, she tells so beautifully how I feel.

For Catholics, every day is Earth Day

ELIZABETH FOSS

4/27/11

I pulled up beside the big van in the parking lot of one of our favorite natural parks. On its bumper, a sticker proudly proclaimed “Treehugger.” Out of the van spilled half a dozen darling Catholic kids and their homeschooling mom. These kids are passionate about nature, a passion they’ve learned, no doubt, from their mother. And they are passionate about their faith.

Why is it that so often conservative Catholics scoff at the environmentalists as if care of the earth — and appreciation of the earth — is solely a “liberal cause?” We have been entrusted by the Creator to be careful stewards of creation. Earth Day belongs to the Christians. And really, every day should be Earth Day.

Every day should be a new opportunity to be mindful, grateful, purposeful citizens in the garden of the Lord. As Catholics, we understand that God has created every living creature and, indeed, all of creation. We understand the value of life and the call upon us to protect and preserve it. We understand the proper order of environmentalism, so that we are unlikely to distort the mission, saving the baby whales and aborting the baby humans. This is the world God created for us and He intends for us to enjoy it, to be sustained by it and to sustain it.

Blessed John Paul II was the foremost defender of the culture of life in our time. He was articulate and unwavering. He was also passionate about the life we find in nature. An avid outdoorsman, a lifelong proponent of quiet with God in nature, he set a personal example of living, breathing, being in the garden of God.

In the encyclical Centesimus Annus, he wrote:

“In his desire to have and to enjoy rather than to be and to grow, man consumes the resources of the earth and his own life in an excessive and disordered way. At the root of the senseless destruction of the natural environment lies an anthropological error, which unfortunately is widespread in our day. Man, who discovers his capacity to transform and in a certain sense create the world through his own work, forgets that this is always based on God’s prior and original gift of the things that are. Man thinks that he can make arbitrary use of the earth, subjecting it without restraint to his will, as though it did not have its own requisites and a prior God-given purpose, which man can indeed develop but must not betray. Instead of carrying out his role as a cooperator with God in the work of creation, man sets himself up in place of God and thus ends up provoking a rebellion on the part of nature, which is more tyrannized than governed by him.”

There is a clear call to all Catholics to be good stewards of creation and the natural world. There is also a clear call to be leaders among those who work to appreciate and preserve the earth. It’s a daunting task. It’s a big world and the environmentalists who most readily come to mind are radical hippies who throw blood in the name of protecting animals. We are not they. We are not they any more than we are the radicals bombing abortion clinics.

We are peaceful. We are respectful. And we are teaching our children well to live that respect. My friend with the Treehuger bumper sticker? She is a tree hugger. Literally. She and her family travel to old trees in Virginia, legendary trees with a history and they learn about them. They touch them (they might even hug them), absorbing the grace He gives in the natural world around those magnificent, enduring plants. They don’t worship the trees. They worship the astonishing Creator who has bestowed riches upon riches on us in the natural world. Goodness.

Conservatism is not just an economic way of life. It’s a moral one. Catholics are rooted in natural law. They are ideally equipped to defend life and to live according to the principles of subsidiarity. That doesn’t mean paving over forests. It means protecting the fragile flowers that live and grow there. And it means that as parents we have a responsibility to think deeply about all of God’s creation, to teach our children to respect and protect it, and to remind our families, by the way we live, that for practicing Catholics, every day is Earth Day.

Foss is a freelance writer from Northern Virginia.

Easter Blessings

2011-04-23T20:51:00.002-05:00

Spring in Wisconsin

2011-04-20T12:57:00.003-05:00

Gotta love the unpredictability of spring in Wisconsin. These photos were taking about 10 days apart!

Myths about tornadoes and severe weather

2011-04-11T11:35:00.001-05:00

This is a great resource to learn more about tornadoes and severe weather. There are many myths out there that could prevent you from being safe during severe weather. Be educated!

New bike

2011-04-07T22:26:00.003-05:00

Well, I guess we're still rookie parents. We didn't notice that Mr. C had outgrown his bike until last fall when he was sitting on his cousin's bike...all of the sudden, his bike looked sooo small! So, we vowed this spring to get him one that fit him better than the bike his grandparents bought him when he turned 3. Hubby did some research (of course he did!) and found one at a local store that he thought would work well.

Not telling Mr. C, we said we had to do some errands (to which he replied, "Do we have to?"). We stopped at the store and casually went over to the section of the store where the bikes were and had him sit on a couple. He was excited about it, but when I said it was time to leave, he said okay. (I was so pleased about that...he was fine sitting on them, but fine leaving them behind, too.) Then I said, "Or we could buy this one right now." For a minute, he was confused, then a big smile broke out across his face. It was fun to see him ride it all the way through the store to the checkout line! (He's not using training wheels anymore, but they were attached...that allowed for a safe cruising altitude to the check out.) Lots of people around us smiled to see him enjoying such a classic moment.

The really blurry picture below was taken as he realized he would be leaving the store with the bike. In my own excitement, I forgot to put the flash on and it came out blurry. But I still think you can see how excited he was.

Have we really sunk this low?

2011-04-03T21:00:00.001-05:00

I keep thinking it won't get worse, but it does.

Happy Birthday, Little Man!

2011-04-02T20:08:00.005-05:00

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of this active, fun-loving, and yes, even crazy-at-times, 3-year-old boy! Today we thank you for the privilege of being his parents. You are so awesome!

Writer's block

2011-03-30T12:47:00.000-05:00

Just working through some writer's block. Be back soon, I hope!

Semantics

2011-03-19T16:51:00.002-05:00

Me: Mr. C, you lied to me.

Mr. C: No, I lied to Dad.

(Ohhhh, that's okay then.)

I feel the most loved when...

2011-03-11T09:29:00.002-06:00

Inspired by this blog, I'm taking five minutes on Friday to write about a pre-picked topic. Writing is something I have always loved to do but I've gone in seasons as to how often or how well I do it. Sometimes I need a little push, so here goes. The prompt for today is I feel the most loved when...

No doubt for me, it's having hubby's undivided attention. It doesn't happen very often, but I treasure it when it does. If I had to guess, I'd say his answer to this question would be the same for me. I'm trying hard to do better at this. I also feel unbelievably loved by the Lord when I receive some blessing that I wasn't expecting. It's at those times I can barely lift my eyes heavenward to say thank you, knowing I don't deserve it but am so thankful for it.

Five-year-old wisdom...

2011-03-08T12:23:00.003-06:00

...says that if you don't have a napkin, it's just fine to wipe your hands off on your hair

...says that getting a disgusting smell on your hand, having your little brother smell it, then wiping it on the couch is a-okay

...says that telling mom she's the best mom in the world makes everything okay (yeah, it does)

I just love five-year-old wisdom! (Well, most of the time.)

Hubby

2011-03-07T15:06:00.000-06:00

Well, I've been very immersed in the characters of Christy lately, as I explained in my previous post. Hubby was into it, too, though I believe I have since surpassed his level of interest! So I just want to thank him for letting me be excited about this and keep talking about it and even for not laughing when I told him I'd found some YouTube videos that other Christy fans have put together.

Love you dear...yes, even more than Rev. David Grantland!

Into some stories

2011-03-07T14:45:00.001-06:00

I have always gone in cycles with reading. When I was in school, I read what was required and had no time to read for pleasure. That was what I looked forward to the most when college graduation loomed...I would finally regain my free reading time! As my hobbies have changed and evolved, my free time spent reading has changed also. I have almost always had something to read..for a while it seemed all I read were magazines, then I went on a tear where I had to read all of Jane Austen's novels. Then I was into more spiritual reading and heavy fiction. And now with homeschooling, I am reading everything that will help me do the best I can to teach and learn with my kids.

But also lately, I have gotten into a major flow of reading fiction. I started out reading Marta Perry's Pleasant Valley Amish Series (go here for the list of books). Then as I was waiting for book three to arrive at the library, I stumbled upon another book that I felt I had to read...a sequel to Pride and Prejudice called Mr. Darcy's Little Sister. I got so into that book, that I let out a gasp when it was finished! (I was fooled, see. You know how on the last page of most books, the text ends kind of far up on the page so you have warning that you're almost done? Well, the text on the last page of this book went all the way to the bottom, leading me to think there was just a bit more....)

And while all of this is going on, hubby and I rented Christy from Netflix and kept the discs coming until we had watched them all. And I'm not exaggerating a bit when I say I was not only sad when we had watched the final episode, but at the outcome! And I made the mistake of going online to look up some more details about it and discovered how the book ends as well, and that's sitting on my night stand just begging to be opened. Even though I now know how it ends, I simply must read it. (And frankly, I'm planning to rewrite the ending, even if it's just for me!) And I have to be honest and say that I developed quite a fondness for Rev. David Grantland in the series. (We're planning to rent the movies that were made later to tie up the whole series. I don't have a lot of hope for them because most of the main cast will be different but dang, I just have to see how it was done. But I just don't see it without Kellie Martin and Randall Batinkoff!!)

I'm really enjoying losing myself in these stories. I know it won't last forever and I'll find myself in another place with reading someday, but I am just loving this right now.

An accomplishment

2011-03-05T20:36:00.003-06:00

I have wanted to learn to sew for a very long time. Various people have worked with me on projects, but what I learned during that set time was never enough to carry me through the next time I sat down to sew alone. I have set my desire to sew aside many times, but it always comes back.

Last fall I decided to get my sewing machine tuned up. It was a gift from my in-laws many years ago when a local high school dropped its home economics program; it was several years old then. I discovered that it would cost only a few dollars more to get a brand-new machine, so I decided not to get it fixed and instead to purchase a new one when I could. In January, I purchased a Brother CP6500 with the plan to, over time, learn the machine and do some simple projects. And then maybe someday, do some of those bigger projects I dream about.

I don't have a lot of time to spend learning the machine, but the first thing I made were some bean bags for the kids to play with. I was so excited! This small project made me very happy. Next, I made a napkin out of some very special flannel material...the same material from which a dear friend (now deceased) helped me make a nightgown for my then 2-year-0ld niece. And then, something I'd dreamed about doing since I saw the material...I made a reading pillow for my bed. You know, just stuffed with fluff and big enough to support me when I'm in bed reading or watching a movie with hubby. So I made this pillow out of the CUTEST Snoopy material ever and am so, so happy with how it turned out! So, while I'll never be a great seamstress, I'm learning to celebrate these little accomplishments along the way.

Everything we need

2011-02-21T13:49:00.002-06:00

"What if we believed that we have everything we need?" I read this on a blog today and it's sticking with me. I want to believe that I am a simple being with simple wants and needs. I want to be someone who isn't tempted by "stuff" I see that interests or excites me. But the truth is, I do get tempted by "stuff" and frankly, if I had more money, I know I'd spend it on more "stuff" that wouldn't ultimately make any difference in my life.

What if I believed that I have everything I need right now? Not "I'd be happy if I just had that one more thing..." but right now. Is it possible? Do I trust God enough to step back and say, "It is enough because this is where you have me?" Not enough for six months from now or a year from now, but right here and now. Do I believe I have everything I need?

I am always on a quest to simplify my possessions, a little tricky when there are wee ones around. But really, how much do we need? Not all that much. I keep thinking that the next block of uninterrupted time I have at home (when I'm not exhausted), I can't wait to pull out more of my craft stuff and downsize to a small but meaningful stash. It is always so exhilarating to thin out...the challenge is to keep it that way.

What if we believed we had everything we need right now?

Ten years ago

2011-02-09T02:39:00.004-06:00

It was cold and wet and snowy, typical for February in the Midwest. I woke up right around this time of night (3:00am) with the feeling that something wasn't right. I didn't recognize the signs at the time, but my water had broken and I was in labor at 21 1/2 weeks. Eighteen hours later, I delivered a little girl who went straight into the loving hands of the Father. The hour-and-a-half that we held her as her heart slowly stopped beating held precious and awe-inspiring moments, even in the midst of intense grief. I couldn't have imagined then the journey God would lead me on. I didn't have a crystal ball (who would want one, anyway?) or even a clue where He would take me. But I think even then that I knew that He was God and I could trust Him.

Fast forward to now. There are two miracles sleeping upstairs. (My hubby is a miracle, too, but I'm not counting him now!) Two energetic, vibrant, beautiful boys whom God entrusted me to care for and nurture as their mom. I did not carry them inside of me for nine months, but I have loved them forever and will with all my heart until the day I go to meet the Lord. Even then if I am still able to love, I know they will be with me for all of eternity. And God-willing, there will be another miracle sleeping up there with them someday.

His plan was and is the best for me and for us all. It is not a back-up plan. It has not been without pain, but there is no love without pain, without struggle, without being a bit broken. Out of that pain and brokenness is a plan so awesome and beyond our understanding, that all we can do is hold out our hands and say humbly, "Thank you, Lord. You know us and you love us and you give us all that we need."

These are the moments to stand with our eyes turned to Heaven and ask, not with anger or pain but with humility and awe, "Why me, Lord? What did I do to deserve these blessings?"

So, thank you, Lord, for the gift of our daughter whom you gave us to love for a short time. Help our boys to see that she is their big sister in Heaven, praying for them and loving them. Help them to know how much we love them and are thankful for the many ways they healed our hearts and brought us joy where there was once only pain. Help them to see your hand in their lives and to discover the unique purpose for which they were created. I don't know what we would do without them, Lord, so thank you. Amen.

Super Bowl Champs!

2011-02-07T11:11:00.004-06:00

It was SOOO exciting to see a team I like so much win the Super Bowl! It was not without its tense moments, but they came out victorious. Go Pack Go!

(So sorry Jennifer!!!)

PS...now for the Lions...

Cabin fever

2011-02-05T11:00:00.001-06:00

I've never been one to have cabin fever. I do enjoy being outside, but I enjoy so many indoor activities that it's never bothered me too much.

But add two little boys into the mix? We've got cabin fever BIG TIME. You can see it in their eyes! Where ARE you spring????

Photo Friday

2011-01-28T14:07:00.004-06:00

Well, I'm finally working towards getting caught up on my photos. Ever since I decided to do Project Life as my primary scrapbook (I'm still planning to keep separate life books for the boys), I've been able to keep up reasonably well AND I really enjoy it. But when we started to have trouble with our old computer, I had to let the photos go for a while. But now that we have our new one up and running, I am going to *attempt* to get caught up. We'll see. :)

So, I thought it would be fun to post a few photos of the boys from the last few months. Enjoy!

One of my very, very favorite blogs

2011-01-24T12:36:00.002-06:00

One blog that I just love reading is this blog. The link is to her latest entry. I don't know, she just always touches me with what she writes. If you have a minute, it's well worth reading.

Here's to words and their power to change lives for the better.

God bless your day!

Goin' to the Super Bowl!

2011-01-23T19:37:00.002-06:00

Go Packers!!!! I am so excited that a team I follow is going to the Super Bowl. It was a close one, and there were several times I went to the kitchen to listen to the radio instead of watching it on TV (it helped that the radio was "ahead" of our TV so I could learn a few seconds before the TV what was going to happen).

SO very excited!!! And it's also the day I will lector at Mass for the first time. Looks like the makings of a great day!

I Have a Dream

2011-01-16T21:10:00.002-06:00

His dream lives on.

A little bit of this, a little bit of that

2011-01-06T20:34:00.002-06:00

Lots on my mind these days, lots going on. We've had a couple of really crazy days around here and my brain is seriously scattered!

We've knocked down a wall in the house, Little Man is sick which has required doctor visits, major screw-up with our new health insurance, we haven't been outside much at all, Hubby might be getting sick, my area of the house is in total disarray as we move things around, we're waiting for the moment to get our new computer so I'm in limbo with a few things in that regard (haven't downloaded pics of my camera in many weeks, for starters), homeschool plans are swirling around in my head as I try to use a new electronic method of planning, I re-started immunotherapy today (allergy shots) with a 7-hour "rush" marathon (this knocks off 5 1/2 months of weekly visits in ONE day!!), training to become a lector in church, plus more that I'm quite sure I'm forgetting.

Hoping to get back to a more settled state of mind soon. VERY soon! (If you don't think I ever will, please don't burst my bubble!)

Merry Christmas

2010-12-29T10:03:00.003-06:00

I haven't blogged in a while, but want to wish you all a merry and blessed Christmas, and a wonderful new year. May we all remember that the Lord is with us always and cares for us more than we can ever understand!

Breathtakingly beautiful snow

2010-12-15T23:00:00.004-06:00

Well, less than three weeks after the Tornado Watch, we had a Blizzard Warning. I'll never be bored in my life if all I do is keep tabs on the weather! I've never been a big fan of snow, but life with two little boys has helped me like it a bit more. I wish I could share a picture of how stunning my corner of the world looked after this storm (our USB ports are broken, so there's no downloading going on here). The approximately 6-8" inches of snow was preceded by rain and followed by wickedly cold temperatures and wind chills, along with blowing snow. Not possible to bundle up enough to enjoy being outside, but it was so beautiful to see the snow still clinging to the trees and branches because the rain had created a surface for it to cling to. Truly breathtaking.

We got our Christmas tree today at a new place...hubby cut the tree down while the boys and I yelled "timber!" The big storm hit on Sunday, and today the world still looked like a winter wonderland. For the photographer in me, it was painful not to be able to take pictures! Oh well. The sights will be on my mind for a long time. Until spring, that is. :)

Eight years old

2010-12-08T12:32:00.005-06:00

I guess it's all about perspective. An eight-year-old child is considered young. An eight-year-old car or dog is probably more middle-age. An eight year old house is also considered pretty young. A shirt you've had for eight years? Old. And apparently, a computer you've had for eight years is not only considered old, it's laughable. We're talking OLD. Dinosaur-like. At least that's what I found out the other day.

I like electronics but I don't keep up. I have an ipod but it's 5+ years old. Ancient, I guess, in tech years. I have a flip cell phone with a camera that I have used only a couple of times, and when I text, I don't have a keyboard. (I keep my messages short!) And this computer? Eight years old. A bit slow, perhaps, but still does most of what we want it to. That is, until last week. Our printer (yes, also eight years old) had a jam that I couldn't clear. I heard a 'clunk' sound and thought, okay, is this it? I tried to clear that jam for a few days. I unplugged it and plugged it back in. No luck. So, a little research and we bought a new HP printer with a copier (woo-hoo!). Hooked it up, ready to go. For one day. Then it stopped working. Uninstall, reinstall. No luck. Back to Best Buy for another. Install. No. Call HP tech support. Spend 45 minutes on the phone. "Your computer doesn't have enough power to run this printer." Okay. Now what?

I called the store where we bought it and explained what was going on. He didn't laugh, but I could sense some incredulity in his voice. "We can't really do anything for you. A new computer costs $510." As he's talking, I'm remembering when we bought this thing and they told us it would never be obsolete because we'd be able to add new components, etc. "Well, too much has changed in eight years. Uh, you've missed about three or four generations of computers." I was a little embarrassed! I felt like I showed up at the prom in 1993 wearing my hair sprayed stiff and carrying a bubble purse. (Actually, I never went to the prom but if I had, I probably would have sprayed my hair stiff and brought a bubble purse! Oh, and worn a few rubber bangle bracelets.)

So, back here to reality. Let's try to re-hook up our old printer and see if the jam has cleared yet. Yes, it has! (I guess riding around in the back of the car, bumping all over the place, helped to clear that jam.) And in the days since that, our USB ports have begun to fail and I now have no way to download any pictures. I think it's time. So, now the real fun begins. Researching a new computer and trying to navigate all of that. We can't do it just yet so we're going to try to limp this old guy along a bit more.

I wonder if the new one will last eight years? Just in case, I've got a name picked out already: T-rex.

Advent/Christmas book list

2010-11-30T15:46:00.008-06:00

I *may* have mentioned before how much I enjoy books! A well-written kids' book or a good one written for an adult, doesn't matter. A couple of years ago, we began a tradition of reading a Christmas-themed book after dinner each night during Advent, and into the Christmas season as well. A friend of mine recently asked me what we were reading this year, so I thought I'd post them all. Some are new to us, others are old favorites. We have found most at our local library, but some are part of our home library. Enjoy!

NOTE: I've added some notes and updates for myself for next year. Those that I'm deleting are not necessarily poor books or ones that we didn't enjoy...but sometimes it's good to make space for new books!

A Child is Born (I really, really like the illustrations in this book. They show the Holy Family as an African-American family and I think it's just beautiful.)

When It Snowed that Night (Christmas poetry...we've only read one so far. A bit different, but we enjoyed the one we read.)

UPDATE: delete for 2011

Jingle the Christmas Clown (Tomie dePaola wrote this one...he has so many great books!)

The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey (This story proves that underneath a tough exterior is a heart made for love.)

Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree

UPDATE: delete for 2011

Christmas Tapestry

Legend of the Candy Cane (I really enjoy all of these "Legend" books.)

Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree (This is just plain cute.)

Legend of the Christmas Stocking

UPDATE: delete for 2011

December (Eve Bunting writes a lot of good books.)

Miracle of St. Nicholas (Great book!)

The Baker's Dozen: A Saint Nicholas Tale (Another good one...gotta love a book with a bakery theme.)

The Legend of St. Nicholas: A Story of Christmas Giving (I allowed myself to buy this book new for Advent as there were no well-priced used copies available. I hardly ever buy new kids' books, so this took me a long time to decide. In the end, I bought it and am excited to read it on the Feast of St. Nicholas next week!)

Legend of the Christmas Rose (I remember liking this quite a bit.)

The Christmas Candle

The Bears' Christmas Surprise (I loved the message of this book! So unlike many Christmas books.)

The Christmas Knight (Mr. C is big into knights, so I had to add this to the list. A new one for us!)

Night Tree (This book gave me such a great idea about what to do with our Christmas tree when we are finished with it.)

A Small Miracle (This book takes my breath away every time.)

An Orange for Frankie (A bit sad, but a great message.)

The Lady of Guadalupe (We really enjoying celebrating this feast!)

The Legend of the Poinsettia (Another really good one.)

Bells of Santa Lucia (A new one for us this year to read on the Feast of St. Lucy.)

Hanna's Christmas (Another book for the Feast of St. Lucy)

Lucia Morning in Sweden

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (We've never read this book to our kids. I know it's considered a classic, but since we don't do Santa Claus around here, I didn't see much reason to. But, I'm planning to read it this year because it is considered such a culturally classic story and it does have a good message. We may get REALLY crazy and show the DVD. :) We'll see!)

UPDATE: didn't read (or watch the DVD) in 2010; revisit for 2011

The Clown of God (Oh, a painfully beautiful story!)

Christmas Tree Farm

UPDATE: delete for 2011

The Little Fir Tree (Very touching story.)

Legend of the Christmas Tree

Nine Days to Christmas (A neat story.)

Who Was Born This Special Day?

UPDATE: delete for 2011

The Christmas Donkey

Christmas in the Forest

Mary's First Christmas
UPDATE: delete for 2011

Gift of the Christmas Cookie

Candle in the Window (New to us this year.)

B is for Bethlehem (Really neat pictures in there.)

The Donkey's Dream (A sweet story.)

Only a Star

The Crippled Lamb (So far, no Christmas book has touched me as much as this one. It has brought me to tears more than once! A beautiful story with a message for everyone.)

Christmas Eve Blizzard (If you like birds, go get this one!)

Christmas Eve

The Night of Las Posados

Good King Wenceslas by J.M. Teale (I really enjoy this story, too.)

Bright Christmas: An Angel Remembers (A neat story.)

The Twelve Days of Christmas (New to us this year, we read an Easter book by this author and the drawings were exquisite. I'm hoping for the same from this book!)

UPDATE: Didn't end up reading this in 2010. Already have Jan Brett's version so delete for 2011.

One Christmas Dawn

UPDATE: Delete for 2011

The Christmas Bird

Mary, the Mother of Jesus (I love that our library in a liberal town carries books like this!)

The Story of the Three Wise Kings

They Followed the Star

The First Christmas (I have had this book since I was a kid, but don't recall ever reading it. I hope to change that this year!)

The Last Straw (How can I ever forget a camel named Hoshmakaka?)

Danny and the Kings

Add for 2011:

St. Francis and the Nativity-Myrna Strasser

The Christmas Sky-Franklin Branley

So, there's our list for this year. I also have some board books for Little Man, but really enjoy exposing him to these great picture books now. Those that have no comments after them doesn't mean that I don't like them...some I simply can't remember from last year, or we've not read them yet. Happy reading!

PS...if you have any favorites not on this list, please share!

Presidential photos

2010-11-28T21:35:00.002-06:00

As someone who has enjoyed photography for a long, long time, I thought it was neat to get a peek at the variety of photos this particular White House photographer captured from President Obama's first year. As I move closer to finishing President George W. Bush's book, Decision Points, I am finding anything presidential very interesting these days.

Tornado Watch

2010-11-22T22:02:00.006-06:00

Okay, there aren't many times that we'll have a Tornado Watch here in Wisconsin three days before Thanksgiving. Or that it will also be almost 63 degrees at 2:30pm. Or that I'll wake up to a thunderstorm. Or that I'll see a rainbow, followed by an amazing cloud race! For someone as interested in weather as I am, this was a pretty fabulous afternoon. Just for fun, I took a sequence of cloud photos 10 seconds apart in the same location, simply to show how quickly they were changing.

What I'm thankful for

2010-11-19T20:12:00.008-06:00

As we approach Thanksgiving, I want to thank God for all of His wonderful blessings to me! Here are some, in no particular order (and it's not an exhaustive list by any means, just what's on my mind right now).

Clouds...I just thoroughly enjoy watching the clouds! Summertime clouds are my favorites, and those that accompany strong weather systems.

Trees, flowers, and acorns!

Great music...I need to inject some new music into my life, but some longtime favorites are Russell Watson and John Denver. (It's very odd to hear Mr. C singing around the house: Thank God I'm a Country Boy.)

Hubby, who works hard and loves me in spite of all my quirks and shortcomings...and who doesn't get mad when I say I just want to have enough money to buy a bunch of books!

Mr. C...he's a little off his game right now and going through an unpleasant phase (I hope it's just a phase!!). But when he's on his game, he's on and is so caring, kind and fun.

Little Man...what a guy! He can be sweet and he can be sour, but I love him so much!

Books. Books. Books. Did I mention books?

Maps.

Our freedom!

Presidents who give all they have for their country. Even if I don't agree with his policies, I appreciate all of our presidents who have taken on this enormous responsibility. I'm currently reading Decision Points by George W. Bush and am just awed by all that a president must be responsible for. (Oh, and I highly recommend Spoken from the Heart by Laura Bush...her insight into the presidency is fascinating, too.)

Homeschooling. You need books to homeschool, you see, and well, I really like books. Did I mention that already?

Computers. Could I live without mine? Sure. But I would miss it.

Change in seasons

2010-11-19T16:45:00.003-06:00

The change in seasons are really amazing. Here it is, not even 5pm (CST), and it's dark enough for me to close the curtains for the night. Just a couple of months ago, we'd still be outside playing, working, eating dinner, or making a bonfire! I do enjoy the cocooning aspect of late-fall/winter...goes pretty well with my personality. BUT, come spring, I will be so eager to get outside again for those looong days: cleaning up the yard, doing projects, putting the garden in, etc. We have an ambitious and exciting list of projects for spring 2011! But I am learning to enjoy whatever season we're in and, truthfully, with two energetic, young boys, being outside at any time of year on a nearly-daily basis is a must. :)

So, here's to making the most of whatever the season of life we're in!

Fairy houses

2010-11-11T22:11:00.004-06:00

Mr. C and I had SUCH fun building two fairy houses today, inspired by the book Fairy Houses; there is also an accompanying DVD (our TV/DVD watching is rare, so this was fun...it inspired us to go outside right away and build our own). My creative juices were flowing, big-time! And it was so great to see Mr. C excited about it, too. Little Man, however, was interested in DE-constructing....As the day went on, Mr. C and I had conversations about whether fairies are real or not. I told him no, they're not, but we can have fun with them in our imaginations!

Meet Olivia, if you haven't already...

2010-11-10T22:15:00.003-06:00

Today I'm promoting a new book by my friend (and author), Nancy Carabio Belanger. Her previous book, Olivia and the Little Way, has garnered awards and much positive attention in the Catholic world of books. Read on to learn more about the sequel to her first book...

* * *
In Olivia and the Little Way, Olivia Thomas was the new girl in school when she felt St. Therese of Lisieux enter her life. Now her relationship with the Little Flower has blossomed into a beautiful friendship as she prepares to follow the Little Way into 7th grade. School is out for the year and it's time for a fun beach adventure with friends. However, Olivia discovers that it can be difficult to be a good Catholic when you're in middle school, and that she needs God and St. Therese more than ever. In this beautiful novel that celebrates modesty and the precious gift of life, Olivia learns that it takes blind faith every day—and that God is never far away, even on vacation. This captivating story is accompanied by Sandra Casali LewAllen's lovely illustrations.

* * *

To order this book, please click here.

Trusting God...

2010-11-08T22:04:00.002-06:00

... is like leaping into darkness. This is one of my favorite non-scripture quotes. Isn't it so true? I don't know who wrote it, but thank you (whoever you are!) for putting my feelings into words.

Election Day

2010-11-03T22:02:00.003-05:00

So, yesterday was Election Day. Lots of changes all around the country...so different from this time two years ago.

My first experience with politics was in 1992 when I was in college. Bill Clinton, Ross Perot, and George H.W. Bush were vying over the presidency. My school hosted one of the U.S. Presidential debates that year and I was chosen to be a volunteer. What a rush! I still remember that day, when I skipped all of my classes to participate in a once-in-a-lifetime event. I was a supporter of Bill Clinton then, and later when he won, it was a great feeling.

Well, much has change for me since then. First of all, I no longer vote Democratic. While I like some of the things they stand for, I find their support for abortion completely unacceptable. I end up voting Republican, though I don't consider myself a Republican because there are things in that party I don't like, either. I do the best I can and pray that God knows my heart.

I wish all of the newly elected men and women well...I hope they give us their very best! Because truly, that's all we can really expect from them. I simply don't believe that any of them will be able to deliver on every campaign promise. Actually, I wish they wouldn't say all those things anyway because has anyone ever really done EVERYTHING they said they would do?

Just once, I'd like a candidate to be real and admit that they're not going to make everything great but that they will simply do their best.

Hey, I can dream, can't I?

Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha chaplet

2010-10-29T12:30:00.004-05:00

Cath Swap members...here are the photos of the Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha chaplet I'm selling. (To my blog readers...sorry for the blog-interruption! This was the best place I could think of to post photos.)

Dedication of the Statue of Liberty

2010-10-28T22:11:00.004-05:00

On October 28, 1886, the Statue of Liberty was dedicated, a priceless gift from the French...a show of solidarity and friendship over our respective freedoms. This evening, we read a book called Emma's Poem, a story about Emma Lazarus, the writer of the now-famous words we associate with Lady Liberty.

As I read the book aloud to my family after dinner, I struggled with the words I was reading. It took me a moment to realize that I was holding back tears! This from a woman who didn't care a lick about any kind of history as a student. Thankfully, that is no longer true. I see how precious our history is and how important it is to know about it and appreciate it. I am so thankful for FREEDOM and all that allows me to do. I want to learn more.

So, as I read this book, and Emma's words, I couldn't help but think of the sometimes vicious words that are leveled at immigrants who simply want a piece of what our great country has to offer. Should immigration be a legal process? Yes, of course. Especially nowadays when threats are coming at us from many places. But do we have to be so hateful, so territorial over this land that does not truly belong to us? This is God's land that He has given to us to live on for a relatively short period of time. And let's not forget most importantly of all...if not for our parents/grandparents/great-grandparents, etc. who were themselves immigrants once, we wouldn't be here. This country is built upon immigration, for goodness sake!

I want to close with Emma Lazarus's beautiful words in her poem, The New Colossus:

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,

With conquering limbs astride from land to land;

Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand

A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame

Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name

Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand

Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command

The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.

"Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she

With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

Men of Honor

2010-10-25T21:42:00.002-05:00

Back in the mid-1990s, I had a friend who was a total movie buff and she'd often invite me to go along. So I was much more up on new movies then than I am now. Case in point, I just saw the movie Men of Honor (2000) this past weekend! But my blog entry is not about my relationship with the movies. It's about how this particular one touched me deeply. It's the story of Carl Brashear and the odds he overcame to become the first African American Master Diver in the United States Navy.

Now I have to say...the language was rough. I mean really, really rough. As in, normally that movie would have been turned off about two minutes into it! I simply cannot tolerate profanity in the movies. So why did I stay tuned to this one? Because of the story of this brave man who was abused in every way possible by white men who had no reason for hating him other than the fact that he had dark skin. And that he persevered. He humbled himself big-time to achieve a goal. He never gave in. The scene when he remained underwater for 9+ hours putting together the final project that would allow him to become a U.S. Navy diver, after it had been intentionally tampered with in hopes that he would fail....I don't know. I know prejudice has been around a long time, but it still shocks and upsets me to my very core. And seeing it on screen like that, knowing it was based on a true story, I simply had to see this man succeed.

I know I am not African-American. I know I will never know that kind of prejudice first-hand. But I hate it, too. I will not change the world, but I hope to do my part to fight prejudice and injustice in my little corner of it. Thank you, Carl Brashear, for your courage and sacrifice.

Bullying

2010-10-11T20:03:00.003-05:00

The tragic stories of how bullying can affect children and teens has been evident in a number of news stories over the past weeks. Any person of compassion cannot help feeling saddened to see the number of suicides committed by these young people who have simply had enough of being humiliated by others.

Children are always being told: Deal with it...it will make you stronger...sticks and stones...that's just how kids are. And yet, is this what we want for them? Is this really the best we can offer them? To just sit back and accept something so unjust? We shouldn't teach our children that it's normal to be teased and, conversely, that it's normal to tease and humiliate others. We shouldn't tell them to buck up and deal with it. Humiliation of this kind is not normal and should never be tolerated.

It would be wrong to sit back and watch a friend be abused by a boyfriend/husband while we stood in the background saying: Deal with it...it will make you stronger...sticks and stones...that's just how people are. And yet we expect young, innocent, fragile children to be able to handle what we wouldn't want our adult friends and family members dealing with (or that we ourselves wouldn't want to deal with). Just because we adults may have survived bullying as children isn't a good enough reason to sit back, shrug our shoulders, and say "kids will be kids."

When bullies are allowed to push their victims so far that they would rather die than face the torment one more time, there is something gravely wrong. When we will respect the rights of the victim as much as the bully? When will we say, enough is enough? When?

The week of saints

2010-10-02T14:09:00.002-05:00

I have many passions! I enjoy crafts of all kinds, reading, baking, gardening...so many hobbies, not enough time. But my greatest earthly passion (behind worship of God, of course!) is my family...hubby, and my two boys. That's part of why I enjoy homeschooling so much. We just get lots of really great time together, plus lots of learning (by all of us!).

This past week was a big week for saints:

On Monday, we began with the feast day for St. Vincent de Paul, an amazing man who lived among the poor and poured himself out to them, though he himself had grown up in poverty and couldn't wait to escape it;
Wednesday was the feast of the Archangels, specifically St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael. Mr. C and I each made a wooden model of St. Michael, inspired by these lovely painted saints.
St. Jerome was our focus on Thursday and Mr. C loved to hear the story about Jerome and his lion.
Friday was a day to celebrate the teacher of the little way, St. Therese of Lisieux. We read her story from the book Once Upon A Time Saints, and also listened to Amazing Angels and Super Saints 2. (We got a copy of this for $3 from Lighthouse Catholic Media. It's not a favorite of mine because it seems a bit silly at times, but Mr. C really likes it and has learned some good stuff from it.) It was also fun to see that my friend Nancy's new book, Olivia's Gift, is now available as a pre-order! She's penned another fiction story about St. Therese and her friendship with young Olivia.
Today is the feast of the Guardian Angels. I plan to read another story from Once Upon A Time Saints, and to burn our Guardian Angels candle.

Next week we'll celebrate St. Francis of Assisi and Our Lady of the Rosary! I love bringing the Church alive in these fun ways. I hope to get better and better at it as the years go on.

Encouragement

2010-09-19T21:19:00.003-05:00

The online world is an amazing place. As I was awaiting the referral of my second child, I was a part of a Yahoo! group with other families in the same boat as me. It was nice to have that support and to learn from the wisdom of others. And it was fun to share my referral news when it finally came. I never could bring myself to share too many personal details about myself or my kids so my experience there wasn't terribly intimate, but it was good nonetheless. I'm still a member, but I no longer participate except to skim the daily emails.

There is a woman in that group who has been waiting four months longer than we waited for our first referral...and our wait was long at 24 months! She is always there with a congratulatory and kind word for those families announcing their referrals, even when they've been waiting much less than she. I know it must be hurting her deeply. If I could, I would just give her a big hug! There really are no words that can fill the place inside that longs for a child. I so remember days in our quiet house where I wished to hear the cry of a child. I didn't care...I just wanted to know the joy of having that child, even if it meant screaming and tears. (Four years later, I can't believe I thought the part about WANTING the scream...but I know what I meant back then.) This woman has a blog that I read often, excited for the day when she can fill that empty place with tears of joy and laughter instead of sadness.

And through her blog, I "met" another sweet woman in month 18 of her wait. It is agony for her as well! Oh, how I wish we did not all have to wait so long to hold our children. I only want to say to you both...I know your pain and I am praying for your courage and strength and perseverance! It will be useful one day, all of this waiting and pain, I promise you. It will help you understand your child better when you can tell them how much you suffered, too. I wish I could give you a hug, too, Jennifer! As a person of faith, just know your suffering and waiting is not in vain...God knows it and sees it and He will see you through.

Bless you both, and all other parents waiting for their children...

Football injustice

2010-09-13T10:08:00.001-05:00

Come on! Give a Lion a break. Sometimes there is no justice, even on the football field.

Music

2010-08-31T22:02:00.002-05:00

I've probably written here before about how wildly my taste in music has changed over the years. No more Madonna, Prince, or boy pop bands. :) This CD and this one are two of my very favorites now, and I suspect they will continue to be for a very long time. Do yourself a favor and listen!

God is more

2010-08-28T20:32:00.003-05:00

One of the books I'm reading right now (I've always got several going) is by Max Lucado. He's going through the 23rd Psalm line by line and talking about how it gives us "permission" to let go of the burdens we're carrying, burdens he says we were "never intended to bear."

In the "I shall not want" section, he said something very profound, something that has stuck with me. What I have with God is so much greater than what I don't have in this life. If you're like me, sometimes you just get caught up in wants whether they're big or small, frivolous or useful, or whatever. And pretty soon, I find I've lost a bit of joy. This saying really says it all! Nothing, nothing can compare with what we have in God. It may help us for a while or give us pleasure for a while or be really useful for a while, but it can't be compared with the greatness of God.

Something to keep thinking about.

Pickiness

2010-08-17T23:02:00.003-05:00

Have you ever noticed that the more choices that are available to us, the pickier we become? I find this repeatedly in many areas in my life. I not only become pickier, but it gets harder to choose, and I become more perfectionistic. Whereas at a time when fewer options were available to me, I was made content more easily. For example, as I work on creating a template for a simple life book for my kids (kind of like a baby book), I find that it's very difficult to satisfy myself because I keep finding little things "wrong" with what I've done so far. I think of all the possible ways I can do it. I reject template after template for being not quite good enough. Ultimately, this keeps me from making progress which feeds my feelings of discontent.

I'm working on this. I know this is a deeper issue and does truly affect my happiness and contentment in life. So, I press onward in that quest for simplicity and contentment knowing the road is going to be bumpy....

A better you

2010-08-11T21:06:00.002-05:00

Our pastor shared this in his weekly bulletin notes...he had received it in a card from a friend. I think it's well worth sharing!

What does it mean to become a better you? First, you understand that God wants you to become all that He created you to be. Second, it is imperative that you realize that God will do His part, but you must do your part as well. To become a better you, you must:

Keep pressing forward
Be positive toward yourself
Develop better relationships
Form better habits
Embrace the place where you are
Develop your inner life
Stay passionate about life

All great things to work on, I think.

Favorite summer fruit

2010-07-27T12:00:00.002-05:00

Maybe it's just because they are especially good this year, but I cannot get enough of Georgia peaches! Right now, this is the taste of summer to me.

Litany of Humility

2010-07-24T12:32:00.010-05:00

This is a powerful prayer. If you're looking for something to shake up your spiritual life and head you down a less-traveled road, I strongly recommend this!

Litany of Humility
Rafael Cardinal Merry del Val (1865-1930)
Secretary of State for Pope Saint Pius X

O Jesus! meek and humble of heart, Hear me.
From the desire of being esteemed,
Deliver me, Jesus.

From the desire of being loved...
From the desire of being extolled ...
From the desire of being honored ...
From the desire of being praised ...
From the desire of being preferred to others...
From the desire of being consulted ...
From the desire of being approved ...
From the fear of being humiliated ...
From the fear of being despised...
From the fear of suffering rebukes ...
From the fear of being calumniated ...
From the fear of being forgotten ...
From the fear of being ridiculed ...
From the fear of being wronged ...
From the fear of being suspected ...

That others may be loved more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may be esteemed more than I ...
That, in the opinion of the world,
others may increase and I may decrease ...
That others may be chosen and I set aside ...
That others may be praised and I unnoticed ...
That others may be preferred to me in everything...
That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should...

Being thankful

2010-07-23T12:16:00.002-05:00

Ever had one of those times where your own pettiness smacked you in the face? But you had to talk it through before you could move on? I had one of those moments this morning. Since moving last February, it's taking a long time to catch up financially. It's required a lot of digging deep for me, not buying things I'd normally buy, and simply re-evaluating what's a need and a want. And I've discovered that even though I try to live simply, I have a lot of wants! Well, we were finally getting closer to having a little breathing room, if only for a short time...until hubby's truck broke down this morning and the cost to fix it will smother the breathing room I was so excited about.

It's hard for me even to write this...it's embarrassing, actually. But I know that the only way I'll grow from this and learn the lessons God wants me to learn, I have to be honest about the selfish and ugly parts of my heart. So here's to digging deeper and being thankful for how abundantly God has blessed me, and not dwelling on what I can't have.

I'm back

2010-07-23T12:11:00.002-05:00

It's been a very long time since I last posted to this blog. It began as a simple lack of time and desire and evolved into my pondering deleting it altogether. But something has kept me from doing that so here I am once again. I know that I am one of the only (if not the only!) ones who reads this, but I still like doing it anyway. In my absence, I finally took the Facebook plunge. I guess my curiosity had to be satisfied! I like it okay, but it has its limitations for me.

Anyway, I look forward to writing again. I may never become a published author, but I guess I just can't run away from the writer inside.

Getting back to normal (sort of)

2010-03-15T21:51:00.002-05:00

The last couple of months have been a whirlwind of activity. Selling a house, buying a house, moving, saying goodbye...wow, just a few words but so much to them! We still have lots of organizing to do and lots of projects to do before this home is as functional as our other one, but I am thankful.

It was painful to leave my other home. I do not change well! But God is good and He is here, too, and that's really what I need most. And, I do like our new home, too. Every place I have lived has offered many good things to me. I don't wish to compare them because I don't think one is better than the other, just different. My previous home will always be a part of me! I am trying to let that go, though, and fully move in here. I'm here now and this is going to be great...after all, my handyman hubby came along. (His Honey-Do list is getting longer by the minute!)

I'm thankful to a dear priest friend who told me this: Yes, it is tough to move but new adventures and fruitfulness occur. It is a bit later in life that we begin to see more clearly why God wanted that move. I really believe that WHERE we are and WHO we are with are very important in God's plan.

A date to remember

2010-02-25T05:30:00.004-06:00

Are you a date person? Someone who looks at a date at a calendar and can immediately associate it with a significant event in your life? I am this way. It started, I think, when we lost our daughter many years ago. That date and the time of her birth are, to this day, seared in my memory. Many more dates have been added since then. Today is one of them.

Five years ago today, I was praying for my dad's recovery from a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. The survival rate for this type of trauma is very small, but he appeared to be among that small percentage for several days. But late in the afternoon of February 25, 2005, I watched as the hospital staff worked to save him. Then just moments later, all the beeping and flashing and numbers stopped and gave way to a deafening silence, a silence I will never forget.

***

I still think about my dad everyday. My thoughts are filled with wishes and wondering and remembering and regrets and happiness and sadness. But one hope remains deeply buried in my soul: the thought that maybe, just maybe, we will see each other again someday. And when we do, there will be no sorrow, no pain, just pure joy....

Dad, may you rest in peace.

Another cover-up at Planned Parenthood

2010-02-23T12:14:00.000-06:00

In His hands

2010-02-22T12:53:00.002-06:00

Trusting God is like leaping into the darkness.

This is one of my very favorite quotes. I mean, it is so true! Really trusting someone means that you trust them even if you can't see what's ahead. Children are the most trusting in the world. They don't question that you'll meet their needs...they simply expect it! I know that's why Jesus tells us we must become like little children if we want to inherit the Kingdom of God.

Right now, I am in a place where I can't see where things are headed. I'm supposed to be moving in a few days, but the details and the chances of that happening are very sketchy. I've got my house 50-75% packed and my two boys are slowly running out of places to play. The stress level in our home is very high right now. I wish God would tap me on the shoulder and tell us what to do! I wish I could know right now how it will all turn out.

But that is not trust, knowing all the answers ahead of time. So I must dig deep into that reservoir of grace and find peace in not knowing. I do fervently believe that in this time of uncertainty lie many valuable lessons we'll take with us as we move ahead on our life's journey. I know this is yet another opportunity to fully trust God and to grow in relationship with Him.

In the meantime, I need to get off this computer and get back to packing, not knowing how it's all going to turn out....

Mother Teresa protest

2010-02-11T14:35:00.003-06:00

I don't know. How can anyone have anything against Mother Teresa?

The Ad

2010-02-08T06:26:00.002-06:00

So, did you see The Ad? I missed it live, but found it online last night. It was a sweet ad, but as far as controversy goes...Much Ado About Nothing! A good lesson in not rushing to judgment. If you missed it, here it is.

I make no secret of my stand on pro-life concerns, but simply as a sports fan, don't you have to admire a guy who is willing to take big stands on big issues? Tim Tebow is a good-looking kid who said NO to Playboy when they wanted to feature him in their college football edition; he has said NO to premarital sex; and he joined his mom in a sweet ad to celebrate life. I don't know, but athletes are not known for their moral scruples in these areas so I say, good for him!

I just don't get it

2010-01-27T12:41:00.002-06:00

We can be forced to watch scantily-clad women in beer ads and promos for violent and sexually-explicit movies and TV programs during the Super Bowl, but it's only controversial when a mom simply wants to say she's glad she gave her son life? The National Organization for Women (NOW) is having a fit about it. If abortion is as benign as they want us to believe, then why be afraid of the other side? I just don't get it.

Go here and here to find out more.

Honoring a great man: Martin Luther King, Jr.

2010-01-18T12:47:00.003-06:00

Quotes to ponder from a brave and courageous man:
I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. That is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.

It may be true that the law cannot make a man love me, but it can stop him from lynching me, and I that that's pretty important.

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.

We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.

...And I've looked over, and I've seen the promised land. I may not get there with you, but I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the promised land. So I'm happy tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man. (From a speech given the day before he was assassinated.)

Our scientific power has outrun our spiritual power. We have guided missiles and misguided men.

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.

***

I can't help but wish that he was still with us. How desperately we need to hear the voice of one so committed to love, peace, and true justice.

Unique opportunity to support Haitians

2010-01-14T19:24:00.002-06:00

One of my favorite blogs to visit is that of talented artist Rebecca Sower. She is totally my kind of artist...from the heart. Anyway, she was in Haiti a couple of weeks ago on a mission trip and the stories she's sharing since she came home (and since the earthquake) are so personal and unique. I hope you'll visit her blog to get to know some of the people she spent time with while she was there.

She brought back with her unique art created by the people she spent time with there. Her plan was (and still is) to return to them all the money earned from the sales. Visit the Haiti By Hand etsy shop for other ways to support Haitians. (If the etsy shop is sold out, keep checking back...there may be more things later.)

Tragedy in Haiti

2010-01-14T11:01:00.002-06:00

It is nearly impossible to be unmoved by the tragic earthquake that has struck the nation of Haiti. Now is the time for each of us to decide what we will do to help: donate money, pray, or even travel there to help. If we each do what we can, we can help ease the unfathomable suffering of our fellow human beings through our love and concrete or spiritual offerings.

***

Some may be troubled as to why God would allow such a tragedy. I do not have the answer. Some wonder if it is a punishment or a sign; others will use the opportunity to question the existence of God at all. I choose to look at this and other tragedies, big and small, by reminding myself of one very important thing. God allowed Jesus, His own son, a perfect human being, to suffer humiliation, rejection, and physical torture for the ultimate good of the human race. We may not understand the whys of devastating earthquakes, floods, or personal challenges, but I find that reminding myself about Jesus' fate on earth keeps me from becoming doubtful about God's existence or about focusing on it as a punishing act. God's ways are not our ways.

Tragedies such as this are always a good time to take a look at ourselves, our lives, and how we're living. Life is unpredictable and can change in an instant. Are we ready to go meet God?

May God in His infinite love and mercy blanket the people of Haiti with kindness and compassion through the works of His children. Amen.

Say it ain't so...

2010-01-10T19:34:00.003-06:00

Sometimes I wish I didn't like sports so much. Losing a game like this, well, it hurts! I still think that Aaron Rodgers is a GREAT quarterback and although I do like Brett Favre, I think the Packers did the right thing by moving on without him. But I just wish they would have won this game! To come back after being down 21 points to tie! Okay, let it go. Just let it go. I will. Pretty soon.

At the dawn of a new year

2009-12-31T10:07:00.000-06:00

I couldn't have said this better...

On Our Knees Tonight

A blessed 2010 to one and all!

Ecumenism

2009-12-27T14:35:00.003-06:00

Many people talk about ecumenism. My understanding of what that means is that, as Christians, we emphasize what we have in common regardless of the way we worship. We focus on those areas of following Jesus Christ that tie us together. No, we don't ignore differences or pressure one another to change, but we work together in the areas where we are alike.

I guess this is why a recent letter to the editor in our local newspaper really bothered me. A man had written in to support a recent story about a local "mega-church" which has over 4,000 members. I have no problem with that. I say, the more people working to bring Christ's message to the world, the better. I believe the Roman Catholic church is where it's at, but I don't judge others for not seeing things my way. Where I took exception was that in the course of this letter, he took a dig at the Catholic church where he used to worship, saying he waited around for a long time for the pastor to say anything meaningful. He maintained that his new church is more Christ-like than the Catholic church he has previously been a part of.

Do I think he doesn't have a right to his opinions? Not at all. Certainly, his experiences and thoughts are formed by many things I will never know. But why make sweeping assumptions about a congregation/church/pastor that are merely your own opinion in such a public forum? Does he really know the hearts and minds of all of those people to make them look so bad? To assume that they are not doing what they know or believe is good? Certainly, there are no perfect Christians or perfect churches anywhere...not in a Catholic, Methodist, Baptist, or any other church. We're all sinful people struggling on the road to where we want to go, Heaven. Why drag each other through the mud? If someone wants to join another church, that's between him and God. But unless a congregation/church/pastor is guilty of some gravely immoral sin, I think we need to let each other be what we are in the churches where we live.

I admit to being intrigued by the "mega-churches." I imagine those worship services to be lively! Maybe some day I will visit one just to see. But I am a Roman Catholic and I am very proud to be so. Just because my church doesn't employ lively music and preaching doesn't make it any less of a tool that God is using to build up the kingdom of God. My experience at Christmas Mass this year was so breathtaking...and quiet. The Eucharist is quiet, but don't try to tell me it doesn't touch hearts and minds and work miracles.

God speaks through the gentle breeze as well as through the thunder.

The best hot cocoa

2009-12-13T20:30:00.002-06:00

This hot cocoa is truly the best I've ever had. The extracts make all the difference! Try some the next time you're cold, or just craving a chocolately treat.

1 cup sugar
2/3 cup baking cocoa
1/4 tsp salt
8 cups milk
2/3 cup water
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp almond extract
mini marshmallows, optional (though to me, marshmallows are NOT optional!)

In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, cocoa and salt. Stir in milk and water. Cook and stir over medium heat until heated through. Remove from heat; stir in extracts. Serve in mugs with marshmallows if desired. Yield: 10 servings (2 1/2 quarts). (I have saved leftovers with success, too.)

It all comes full circle

2009-12-13T11:01:00.002-06:00

Lately, I find myself doing a lot of things I told myself I'd never do. I won't get into all the nitty gritties, but suffice it to say that the realities of having two children have been a big part of that. So, I'm very humbled right now thinking of all the times I looked at other parents and thought, with not nearly enough charity and compassion for them, I will never do that when I have kids.

So, please forgive me, all of you parents out there. I never spoke the words aloud, but now I understand. Now, I finally understand! God, forgive this weakness and let my compassion only continue to grow from this day forward. Mother Mary, instill in my heart a place of understanding and mercy for all of my brothers and sisters on this Earth. We are all carrying heavy loads--may I do my part to lighten the load for those you place in my path. Amen.

Favorites of the season...

2009-12-12T10:23:00.004-06:00

Just want to share some of my favorites of this beautiful season...

Books:
The Crippled Lamb
The Quiltmaker's Gift
Why Christmas Trees Aren't Perfect
A Small Miracle

Music:
The Irish Tenors: Home for Christmas
Feliz Navidad (a favorite since I was a kid)
O Holy Night

If you're looking for a lift, don't bypass youth Christmas books such as those listed above. They touch my heart over and over again.

Well, that's all for now. I'm looking forward to our family celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe later tonight. Have a great day!

Expose the lies

2009-12-10T12:26:00.002-06:00

This video taken at an Appleton, Wisconsin Planned Parenthood clinic clearly shows the staff lying to a prospective patient regarding when the baby has a heartbeat, stating the abortion is safer than childbirth, and that what's growing inside her is a pregnancy/fetus/embryo, not a baby.

Winter Wonderland

2009-12-09T10:40:00.003-06:00

Ever wonder what an 18-inch snowfall looks like? I don't anymore! (And maybe another 1-3 inches this afternoon. Amazing!)

Restless hearts

2009-12-02T21:10:00.003-06:00

"Our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee, O Lord."
--St. Augustine

Oh, how true this is! No matter what we have, or what others think of us, or even if we are idolized by millions of people, we still have that restlessness inside that nobody or nothing can fill but God. I can't help but think of this as news continues to filter out about golfer Tiger Woods and his admitted "transgressions" that have caused him and his family embarrassment and humiliation in front of the whole world. How deep his sorrow must be tonight, he who has every material comfort one can imagine, but who was unable to resist the temptations that can destroy what is far more important: faithful love, moral courage, and trust. When we try to fill our restless hearts with temporary pleasures, there is always a price to pay. Tiger Woods will likely pay this bill for the rest of his life. But if he does it right, he will learn a tremendous lesson and become a better person for it.

I sincerely pray for him and his family tonight. Lord, heal them, forgive them, and bring them to new life in You!

On my bookshelf right now...

2009-12-02T10:36:00.002-06:00

...I am reading way too many books! But I love to read, so that's okay. :)

Going Rogue by Sarah Palin
The Christmas Blessing by Donna VanLiere
The Dayne Game by Justin Doherty
Watch for the Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas
Advent Conspiracy by Rich McKinley, Chris Seay, Greg Holder

What good books are YOU reading these days?

So proud of my brother...

2009-11-24T22:34:00.001-06:00

(persevere through the commercial, then see why I'm proud of this guy!)

Ron Dayne, Author Discuss 'Greatest Day In Wisconsin Football History'

Getting thanks

2009-11-21T20:40:00.002-06:00

During a time when, hopefully, we're thinking more about all the people and things in our lives that we are thankful for, I thought it would be a good time to reflect on the whole idea of getting thanks. I know I'm not alone when I say that being thanked for something, anything really, makes me happy. Most of the time I don't do what I do to be thanked, but it sure is a nice perk. And I admit that I've been bothered in times past when a gift has gone unacknowledged. I'm not proud of that, but it's true. Getting thanks should never be a motivation for anything we do but there are times when it's appropriate to expect them, I think.

It got me thinking. I wonder how God feels when we don't thank Him for all He's done for us? I mean, we all could praise day and night and never give Him all the thanks He deserves. I'm trying to do this more but it's a way of prayer we can never do too much of.

So this gets my mind going as we head into the big season of Gift Giving (yep, I meant those letters to be capitals!). How to balance giving gifts you think the recipient will enjoy with giving gifts you are excited to give with not spending too much money with not spending so little that the recipient feels insulted. It has gotten so complicated! I really just can't figure it all out. I do my best, but it remains a major stress to me. But I vow this Christmas season to at least remind myself of this one thing: if I do nothing else but please God by giving Him gifts of love and mercy through how I treat others, it'll be all good. All good.

Simplicity part 2

2009-11-09T09:52:00.003-06:00

Another way I have worked on simplifying is by reducing the "stuff" in my life that is merely decorative. Several years ago when I was going through a particularly difficult time, I felt absolutely crushed and suffocated under the weight of all the stuff I had around me at home. I had picture frames galore, knick-knacks, etc. I don't know what it was about it, but it had to go. I went about reducing what we had out on display and put other special things away. Some things I gave away. And slowly my home was a more peaceful place. I don't think I realized how innocent things such as pictures and knick-knacks were blocking my peace.

I am still sentimental about certain things, but not like I once was. I try to remember that it's not the item that is so meaningful, but the person who gave it to me. Even if I give something away, it doesn't (or shouldn't) change the relationship. And we simply cannot keep everything! I think of the scripture passage where Jesus severely frowns upon building more "barns" to store our things in. We are to live simply to have peace. I'm not there yet, but I'm working on it!

Simplicity

2009-11-04T20:14:00.002-06:00

My friend Nancy wrote a recent piece on her blog about simplicity. I liked it so much I was inspired to write down my own thoughts on the topic.

My first thoughts are to ask, is there a common definition of simplicity? I don't think there is. What is simple to one person is not simple at all to another. For me, I'm coming to understand that simplicity has to do with peace. Am I at peace with what I'm doing? Does anything I do shake that peace? I'll give you an example. In the past year, I've had subscriptions to at least 10 magazines/periodicals. When I just had one child and he was much younger, I still found time to read them all eventually. With the addition of another child, add in homeschooling and some additional household/childrearing tasks, many of these previously favored magazines have sat unread. That alone was reason enough to start letting some of them go. But there was more to it, I discovered.

Not only was there the practical aspect of trying to find time to read them, I found I began to struggle with the information I was taking in. It was simply too much! Too many ideas, too many problems to wrestle with, too much insight into other peoples' lives, too many recipes, just too much of everything. I don't know about you, but my life alone gives me much to think about and wrestle with! Now don't misunderstand. I have not shut out the world and made my life the only important thing...not at all. But I have cut back on what I read. I mean, my pea brain can only handle so much.

The recipes are the hardest to give up. I want to try them all! But when it actually comes time to cook nowadays, I just want simple stuff. There will come a day again when I can spend more time in the kitchen but that's not right now. Continuing to clip recipes at my usual pace was simply becoming stressful when I just need simple. (I can't go cold turkey, though...I still clip recipes. But at least I'm honest with myself and know I probably won't make 90% of them!)

I have more to say but, okay, my thoughts just dried up! I'll be back with more thoughts on simplicity another day.

Seeds

2009-10-22T21:01:00.003-05:00

No, I haven't disappeared...thanks, Nancy, for the nudge I needed to get writing again!

One thing I have been thinking about a lot lately is seeds. Have you ever stopped to consider how utterly amazing a seed is? God truly is a genius. Look around you, especially those of you enjoying the warm autumn colors, and just think for a while about how those towering majestic trees starting as tiny little seeds. And then think about the beautiful flowers you enjoy all summer long...they started out as even tinier seeds! When the devil starts lurking around in my mind trying to make me doubt what I believe, one thing I do is to think about the miracle of a seed and those doubts are gone. Only the work of a Master God!

Even if you don't have little kids at home, do yourself a favor and go find this book and this book at your local library. The pictures are so beautiful and maybe you'll catch yourself thinking about seeds in a new way. Maybe it will even grow your faith as it has mine.

Charlotte Mason Education

2009-09-23T20:52:00.002-05:00

I received a comment from someone looking for help on how to implement Charlotte Mason principles in her homeschool...however, I have no way to contact her! So, I'm writing this post today in hopes she will see it.

First of all, I am by no means a Charlotte Mason expert! This is new to me, too. But I have learned a few things and continue to do so. For starters, visit Simply Charlotte Mason. Just get on the site and start looking around. You will learn a lot there. There is another website called Ambleside Online that is an actual curriculum already planned out for you. I don't know much about it, but you may want to take a look at it. I did find a very valuable summary of CM principles there.

Now, for my own experience. My oldest boy is not yet five years old, so our schooling is very informal. Charlotte Mason has been a tremendous influence to me thus far in one very important way: getting me (and therefore, my kids) outside, exploring this wonderful world God created. We go on nature walks all the time and I let my oldest collect whatever he finds! Leaves, seeds, sticks. My hope is that he will grow to love nature and to see God in it. Yesterday, we all donned our rainboots and went outside for a walk in the rain. What fun! Without Charlotte's inspiration to get outside, I probably wouldn't have done that.

For young children like mine, we're not anywhere near doing narration and copywork with any formality. We practice writing the alphabet and numbers and we also read Bible stories every day. I actually do a lesson plan for him each week...nothing big, just things I want to be sure to do with him. I am a planner so that works for me but it's probably not necessary at such a young age. We read a lot of books together every day and we have even done some scripture memorization (we need to get back to that...even at 3 1/2 years old, he could memorize short verses!). Another very big part of a CM education is a nature journal where the child can record his observations in his own way...through writing, drawing, etc. We do this and plan to keep going. I even have my own! It's really fun to do this together.

I hope this is a helpful, albeit brief, overview of some Charlotte Mason principles. Best wishes!

Good vs. Evil

2009-09-11T19:50:00.002-05:00

I finally made it to daily Mass today...I miss it so much! And though the Eucharist always makes Mass good, today there was a particularly profound, humbling, and very true point made by the visiting priest during the homily. Talking about September 11, he said: "We are all capable of tremendous good and tremendous evil." We might not all want to admit that, but I know it's true. Now, this doesn't explain when people continue to do evil acts in the name of good, but I think it's an accurate insight into the human condition and the average person's struggle to do good while avoiding evil. Many things factor into our decisions every day...it's very humbling to remember how tight the rope we walk between good and evil.

All the more reason to shower as much mercy as we can on those who fall into evil ways.

Milkweed tussock moth

2009-09-07T10:53:00.002-05:00

The Internet can be such a great thing. I did a quick search to find out what kind of caterpillars have taken up residence on my milkweed plant. Turns out they're called milkweed tussock moths. I wish they would have been caterpillars-turned-butterflies, but I guess it's really too late in the season for that. This is still pretty neat, anyway.

Nature

2009-09-03T14:54:00.002-05:00

I have never been known as the outdoorsy type, but I'm trying to get my boys to enjoy nature and to let their curiosity loose. In the meantime, I'm finding some enjoyment out there, too. The last few days we've been watching a bunch of caterpillars who've found a home on our milkweed plant in our perennial garden. It seems late in the season to be turning into butterflies, but what do I know?

This exploration of nature has grown from my research into Charlotte Mason for homeschooling purposes. Ms. Mason held strong views about educating children, one of which is a lot of nature study. I'm still learning a lot about her method of educating, but if I take nothing else away from it, I am thankful for her inspiration to get my boys outside more (and me, too).

Life

2009-08-15T21:37:00.002-05:00

I am in one of those places in life where I am not at peace and I can't figure out how to get it. My usual ways aren't working and I am not sure how to get there. So, I just keep sending up little thoughts and prayers to the Lord and trust He will get me there...but it isn't easy being patient! Sometimes my mind works overtime when I should just let it rest. Have pity on dear hubby who has to listen to just a fraction of what goes on in my mind!

Blessed Mother, please be a mother to me! I love this prayer...I understand it was a favorite of Mother Teresa. So I say it often and trust that the help I need will come in due time.

Sammy

2009-08-09T19:47:00.003-05:00

It's now been a few days since that truly awful experience of saying goodbye to my dog Sammy. I knew it would be hard to do, but really didn't understand just how hard. I miss him trailing me around, cleaning up food scraps off the floor, scratching at the door to go in or out, the sounds of his nails on the kitchen floor, hearing him breathe at night (he ALWAYS slept in our room if not on our bed), and being greeted at the door after arriving home. I miss him simply being here. There is a palpable stillness in the house without him and his little noises and habits (and that's saying a lot in a house of two active and lively little boys). It felt so strange leaving for a whole day yesterday and not making any accommodations for him.

God, thank you for this tremendous gift you gave me for so many years. I know this loss is not like the loss of a person, but truly you know how much he meant to me.

Goodbye, dear friend

2009-08-06T15:02:00.003-05:00

Preparing

2009-08-04T13:54:00.002-05:00

I'm preparing today for something I am truly dreading. I know it's all part of life, but my emotions have got me right now. After living with me for 12 years, and after almost 16 years of life, the time has come to say goodbye to my beloved dog, Sammy. He hasn't been doing terribly well for a while, but has had some bigger problems in the last few months. The decision to put him down has been incredibly difficult, but deep down, I do believe it will be best for him. With peoples' suffering, there is so much more to consider. With a dog, you can look solely at easing his suffering. But I will admit that I am dreading the moment he is gone from my life. I can't believe the time has come.

Why so many tears? I ask myself. He's just a dog, right? Yes, he is a dog, not a person. But what does "just" a dog mean? He was created by God and that itself entitles him to a certain amount of respect. And he has been a member of my household, my family for a very long time. God gave him to me! How can I not be sad to lose him? Surely God our creator knows that this loss will hurt big-time. My Sammy has made me laugh and has licked away my tears. In his healthier days, he was the best snuggler...he'd just lay right on top of me and go to sleep. He used to sleep under the covers and keep me warm. He provided companionship for me and hubby during some very dark and sad days. He used to drive hubby crazy because whenever I was gone from the house, he was often restless until I got home; I secretly delighted in it because I knew it meant he found comfort in me. I loved driving up the driveway and seeing him waiting at the door for me. I think many of my tears are for how much I will miss the love he has given me for so many years.

Friends are very hard to come by as an adult. I have very few, and none who are a part of my daily life, except for hubby and my mom. Sammy was a friend to me, the way only a dog can be. I am going to miss him terribly.

I have just two more sleeps (as Mr. C says) with my beagle. Then it is time.

I'm back

2009-07-29T20:01:00.004-05:00

Wow, it's been quite a while since I've posted anything! I'm still adjusting to the addition of our newest little one, 15-month-old Mr. R! It's good, don't get me wrong, but it is taking some time to figure out the logistics of it all. Plus, I should just call him Mr. Hands! Wow, he truly delights in getting into everything. Today I was giving him some graham crackers out on the front porch...I took my eyes off him for literally a few seconds, and turned back just in time to see him helping himself to a big clump of (fertilized) potting soil. Yum-yum. That'll go great with the organic milk we're giving him!

He's going to give me a run for it, I think. And hubby tells me today that he caught Mr. C in the pantry helping himself to a few snacks during what should have been quiet time. Okay, he wanted a snack, right? Well, eventually hubby discovers that Mr. C has stashed the cherry slices (yes, those gooey jelly things) inside the secret cubby of his step-stool.

What's next?

This horror movie is truly horrible

2009-06-03T13:31:00.003-05:00

What people will not do to make a buck.

Warner Bros. has made a movie entitled Orphan about a family who has adopted an older child and who is "not what she appears to be." All accounts are that this movie is horribly negative and completely insensitive to adopted children and adoption in general. It appears to play into stereotypes that portray adopted children as damaged and dangerous. As an adoptive parent, I am sickened to know that, not only was this movie made, but that people will go to see it and be entertained by it.

They have vowed to change the tagline which says, "It must be hard to love an adopted child as much as your own," so I suppose I should be happy about that. But I'm not. The whole thing makes me sick.

I'm sending letters to the movie companies. I don't care if it changes them or not but I know I can't sit by and be silent. Can you imagine a movie like this called (Catholic/Jew/Muslim/etc.)?

If you want to send a letter, here are the addresses:

Warner Bros.
4000 Warner Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91522

Silver Pictures
4000 Warner Blvd. 90
Burbank, CA 91522-0001

Time Warner Inc.
One Time Warner Center
New York, NY 10019-8016

A double tragedy

2009-05-31T23:05:00.002-05:00

I make no secret of my objection to abortion, but this just isn't the way to fight it. Violence really achieves nothing but more heartache and more violence. Will we ever learn?

If you do it, be proud

2009-05-28T23:38:00.004-05:00

Random thoughts on life

2009-05-15T23:12:00.005-05:00

I have been thinking a lot about the whole abortion debate lately. I guess the more I learn, the more I think about and am angered that our laws give legitimacy to a procedure that ends a life.

If, as many abortion advocates claim, in the early days of pregnancy the baby (yes, baby) is "just a blob of tissue," when does it cease to be a blob of tissue and become a human being? If the baby can live inside her mommy's tummy, why is it okay to rip her out and say, "See, she's not viable?" And if the baby is "just a blob of tissue," why does he have to be aborted/killed/terminated? If he's not alive, he shouldn't need to be killed, right? And if the baby is "just a blob of tissue" and abortion is a legitimate medical procedure, why does a woman need to consult with her doctor, family, and minister? If it's no big deal, why does a woman need so much help? Why does she struggle with it?

And most importantly, why aren't the pro-abortion/anti-life folks willing to discuss this? Why hide behind big words and emotional scare tactics? When they discuss choice, why not spell out what they're choosing? (Imagine signs at an anti-life rally: "Choose Death," "Keep your laws off my body so I can kill my baby," "Keep murder of children legal.") The words they actually use don't say anything. ("Keep your laws off my body," "Keep abortion legal," "Protect womens' rights, etc.)

Ten years ago I was in the ER dealing with the first of many miscarriages. I will never forget what the attending intern said to me as I lay there on that cot; she was attempting to explain something to me about my miscarriage. "The baby...no, the product of conception..." She went on to say something, but I don't even recall what it was. She called my baby a "product."

They're babies, whether they're one minute into their life or 9 months. Any attempt to say otherwise is, well, a bunch of bull.

PS...looking for a good DVD to watch? Check out Come What May, a powerful movie that takes on the question of when life begins...some of my thoughts and questions from this post were taken from and inspired by this powerful movie about doing what's right...come what may!

How might Jesus have voted for president?

2009-05-11T22:15:00.001-05:00

Read this for a fascinating look at this question.

Judy Blume and Planned Parenthood

2009-05-11T22:02:00.002-05:00

If you ever read Judy Blume books as a kid, this will be an eye-opener for you. (Or maybe not...some of her books were quite, um, controversial.)

It'd be just like...

2009-05-08T21:28:00.005-05:00

...having George W. Bush receive an honorary award at the Democratic National Convention. Why would the DNC want to honor someone who doesn't believe in the same core principles that they do? They wouldn't. This would never happen.

This is what puzzles me to no end about the University of Notre Dame honoring President Barack Obama with an honorary degree. This man has been completely anti-life (notice the word selection...I didn't say pro-choice!) since he took office, and for years before hand. What is a Catholic institution doing bestowing an honor on someone who goes against its most sacred beliefs?

There's got to be something more at work here. I don't know what it is, but there just has to be something we're all missing.

A woman of courage

2009-04-27T22:47:00.002-05:00

You probably know by now about the scandal at Notre Dame brought about by their plans to award President Obama with a honorary degree. Finally, there is a bright light shining through the darkness. Following is a letter submitted to the president of Notre Dame from Mary Ann Glendon, former U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican, making an incredibly bold and courageous stand.

April 27, 2009

The Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C.

President

University of Notre Dame

Dear Father Jenkins,

When you informed me in December 2008 that I had been selected to receive Notre Dame’s Laetare Medal, I was profoundly moved. I treasure the memory of receiving an honorary degree from Notre Dame in 1996, and I have always felt honored that the commencement speech I gave that year was included in the anthology of Notre Dame’s most memorable commencement speeches. So I immediately began working on an acceptance speech that I hoped would be worthy of the occasion, of the honor of the medal, and of your students and faculty.

Last month, when you called to tell me that the commencement speech was to be given by President Obama, I mentioned to you that I would have to rewrite my speech. Over the ensuing weeks, the task that once seemed so delightful has been complicated by a number of factors.

First, as a longtime consultant to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, I could not help but be dismayed by the news that Notre Dame also planned to award the president an honorary degree. This, as you must know, was in disregard of the U.S. bishops’ express request of 2004 that Catholic institutions “should not honor those who act in defiance of our fundamental moral principles” and that such persons “should not be given awards, honors or platforms which would suggest support for their actions.” That request, which in no way seeks to control or interfere with an institution’s freedom to invite and engage in serious debate with whomever it wishes, seems to me so reasonable that I am at a loss to understand why a Catholic university should disrespect it.

Then I learned that “talking points” issued by Notre Dame in response to widespread criticism of its decision included two statements implying that my acceptance speech would somehow balance the event:

• “President Obama won’t be doing all the talking. Mary Ann Glendon, the former U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, will be speaking as the recipient of the Laetare Medal.”

• “We think having the president come to Notre Dame, see our graduates, meet our leaders, and hear a talk from Mary Ann Glendon is a good thing for the president and for the causes we care about.”

A commencement, however, is supposed to be a joyous day for the graduates and their families. It is not the right place, nor is a brief acceptance speech the right vehicle, for engagement with the very serious problems raised by Notre Dame’s decision—in disregard of the settled position of the U.S. bishops—to honor a prominent and uncompromising opponent of the Church’s position on issues involving fundamental principles of justice.

Finally, with recent news reports that other Catholic schools are similarly choosing to disregard the bishops’ guidelines, I am concerned that Notre Dame’s example could have an unfortunate ripple effect.

It is with great sadness, therefore, that I have concluded that I cannot accept the Laetare Medal or participate in the May 17 graduation ceremony.

In order to avoid the inevitable speculation about the reasons for my decision, I will release this letter to the press, but I do not plan to make any further comment on the matter at this time.

Yours Very Truly,

Mary Ann Glendon

Mary Ann Glendon is Learned Hand Professor of Law at Harvard Law School. She served as the U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican from 2007 to 2009.

It didn't last long

2009-04-27T22:45:00.004-05:00

I concluded that even if I take breaks from blogging from time to time, I still like to have a place to write about what's important to me or to share the writings of others. So, my brief LOA is over....

LOA

2009-04-22T22:41:00.002-05:00

As part of my discernment about how to simplify my life, I will likely not be blogging for a while. I really need to evaluate all the ways I am spending my time to make sure that what I am doing is what God wants for me right now. Thanks so much!

What I am willing to give up for Jesus?

2009-04-22T22:22:00.002-05:00

I've been thinking the last few days that something in my life just has to go. As someone who has many interests and really enjoys detail and passion within those interests, I've realized that I just can't keep them all up anymore the way I once did. I love being a mom and wouldn't trade it for anything in the whole world. But it is all-consuming and it is time to let something go. For now, it is my recipe-collecting and the trying out of new/involved recipes. This might sound really silly, but I could tell when I made the decision that it was the right one! What relief I feel, and also what anxiety. I have been collecting all these recipes for "someday." You know how that is, right? "Someday I will make this." "Someday my kids will be old enough to try this." And they just keep piling up. I have to let this go for now. Even though it's been enjoyable in the past, it has become very stressful to find the time to organize them, etc. I need to simplify my life and I'm starting here.

Is this really for Jesus? Absolutely. He knows why because it was the Holy Spirit who inspired me. What can you give up today for Jesus?