Daybook...looking toward Ash Wednesday

Outside my window...

...a cool, clear day. Not exactly cold, certainly not as cold as it could be in Ohio in February. Not so cold as to keep Faith indoors, she's been out skating all morning. Nine years ago, her first birthday fell on President's Day and we had about a foot of snow.

I am thinking...

...about Lent and some big changes for me. I am not going to go dark, but I have decided to drastically decrease my internet usage and blogging in general. I will attempt to keep blogging limited to Lenten posts (of course, that means I will think of 60 great posts to write during Lent, you know), and cut back on reading as well. My plan is to do something practical -- knitting, rosary making, laundry -- when I have the desire to blog. Of course, I often plop down with my Kindle to read blogs when I am tired, so I am not sure how practical that is. But I can always plop down with some inspirational reading, or knit while I pray the rosary, the Seven Sorrows chaplet, or listen to the audio bible.

I am thankful for....

...friends, in real life and online, especially this past weekend

...my husband's job and insurance

...happy family

...good priests

...hot, black coffee (always)

From the lesson plans...

...off school today because the school kid is home

...more of the timer, it seems to be the only motivator for my procrastinator -- still -- always?

... Jennie's Young Writing Club
though she says this week's prompt is too hard ;-)

From the kitchen...

...leftover frozen pork and gravy for dinner -- not exciting -- but Lincoln Log for dessert

I am wearing...

...Khaki trousers, a French blue turtleneck, brown clogs and "chains"

I am creating...

...a blue, green and brown quilt -- cute colors (almost finished!)

casting on some leg warmers for Faith's birthday (ripping out one leg warmer because my daughter's leg is way skinnier than I thought and they were supposed to be a surprise so I never checked)

...a pretty opal and aqua green, and bronze Seven Sorrows chaplet for my Etsy shop

I am planning...

...to post printable bible verses for children to create a paper chain of sorts for Lent, based on this activity at Domestic-Church.com; hoping to get it finished today, but there are a lot of bible verses there. I plan to make a paper chain for Faith to read and study one verse each day.

I am reading...

...What Would Jesus Eat? Interesting pre-Lent reading which I hope to use as a guide of sorts for Lenten eating

I am hoping...

...to get all the laundry carried downstairs, washed, dried, folded, carried upstairs and put away. It's a Monday sort of thing.

I am hearing...

...the space heater behind me. I can't get warm even though it's not very cold out. I go from cold to super hot, and I think it might be all hormonal.

Around the house...

...just staying on top of clutter and dust

...gearing up for some major Lent cleaning and organizing (and removing)

I am going...

...nowhere today, but I am still planning a trip for a couple weeks from now

I am praying for...

...my children, and my husband.

...two soldiers just deployed, both to Afghanistan

...our priests and all religious

...all of the babies whose mothers are contemplating abortion this week

For the rest of the week...

...school and home -- my vocation

...planning for Joshua's birthday on Sunday

Thought for the day...

St. John Chrystostom (the rest of the article is here) -- Fasting is the change of every part of our life, because the sacrifice of the fast is not the abstinence but the distancing from sins. Therefore, whoever limits the fast to the deprivation of food, he is the one who, in reality, abhors and ridicules the fast. Are you fasting? Show me your fast with your works. Which works? If you see someone who is poor, show him mercy. If you see an enemy, reconcile with him. If you see a friend who is becoming successful, do not be jealous of him! If you see a beautiful woman on the street, pass her by.
In other words, not only should the mouth fast, but the eyes and the legs and the arms and all the other parts of the body should fast as well. Let the hands fast, remaining clean from stealing and greediness. Let the legs fast, avoiding roads which lead to sinful sights. Let the eyes fast by not fixing themselves on beautiful faces and by not observing the beauty of others. You are not eating meat, are you? You should not eat debauchery with your eyes as well. Let your hearing also fast. The fast of hearing is not to accept bad talk against others and sly defamations.
Let the mouth fast from disgraceful and abusive words, because, what gain is there when, on the one hand we avoid eating chicken and fish and, on the other, we chew-up and consume our brothers? He who condemns and blasphemes is as if he has eaten brotherly meat, as if he has bitten into the flesh of his fellow man. It is because of this that Paul frightened us, saying: "If you chew up and consume one another be careful that you do not annihilate yourselves."
You did not thrust your teeth into the flesh (of your neighbor) but you thrusted bad talk in his soul; you wounded it by spreading disfame, causing unestimatable damage both to yourself, to him, and to many others.

Faith's Day...part III

Parts I and II are below this post.

The birthday girl is in bed. She had a magical day and went to bed a happy, happy girl. Thank you again for all your birthday wishes. She loved and appreciated every single one. Our extended family is not so great at making birthdays special, so I am very grateful for friends who make the effort. I grew up celebrating my birthday with my younger brother, my father, and both grandmas. There were five birthdays in three days, and I have wonderful birthday memories because my extended family made us each feel special. Birthdays are the only day all year that belong to only you. They should be special.

After I frosted the cake, I made an "edible arrangement." My mom ordered one last year for Easter and it made a big impression on Faith. She requested one for her birthday dinner, along with fried chicken, mashed potatoes and green beans. At least she picked some fruit and veggies!

After dinner, Faith followed a series of hidden clues to find out what her gift was. I had told her a few weeks ago, when she asked about a birthday party, that she could choose between a party and a surprise gift. She is such a nosey girl, it just about killed her to not know, but I think she suspected the surprise was going to be pretty good.

It was Noah's idea to follow the clues and he helped me hide them. Each clue had a picture on it, some of the Chicago Hilton, Gino's pizza, Holy Name Cathedral, and pictures of inside the American Girl Place in Chicago. Of course she had no idea what any of them were until the last. Even then it took her a few minutes to understand her gift was a trip.

The last clue was under the cake plate.

In a couple weeks, weather permitting, my mom and Faith and I will drive six hours to Chicago, stay in a tall skyscraper hotel, walk the city streets, and visit the Anerican Girl Place. Faith has been very few places in her life, but she is very excited. It's the closest we can get to a Disney-esque experience, and I hope it comes close to a dream-come-true trip. We're only young once.

Faith's Day, part II

Part I started here.


Thank you so very much for your kind birthday wishes. Each time I get a new comment, I share it with her and she says, "Awwww, that's soooo niiiice." She's such a girl. She's in heaven.

This morning we baked birthday cake. It's vanilla-flavored but it's colored pink. Of course it is.

Then we got dressed and she accessorized freely. I kept my mouth shut. There is a bow in the front and the back.

 Faith asked me if we could go out to lunch and I said "yes." It's not a frequent occurrence and so when she asked to go to Red Robin I agreed.

After she finished her salad (after she ate five bites and then declared herself full) I let her play Angry Birds, or something, on my phone.

And just a few moments later the whole wait staff showed up with a sundae and sang Happy Birthday. Before we went in, she told me it was ok to tell them. She wasn't quite prepared for all the attention.

We came home and I decorated the cake and she rode her scooter around the cul de sac. She declared the cake to be perfect.

And now, it's time to fry chicken. See ya later.

Faith's Day

Today my youngest child is 10. Big sigh.

That means that it has been 10 years since we had a newborn in the house. I know we all say this, but it really does seem like yesterday. How can 10 years fly like that?

I hadn't planned a post today, but as I was mixing up pancake batter I thought maybe I would share with you "Faith's Day."

For those of you, like me, who are older children among your siblings, I will tell you Faith is the epitome of the "spoiled" youngest child. My youngest child before Faith is 15. He goes to high school and Faith is at home all day. He's the third boy and she is the only girl. You get the picture. I would love to have spent the kind of today Faith will have with all of my children, but it just couldn't happen just exactly like this. C'est la vie.


Wakey wakey eggs and bakey, here she is all blurry eyed but happy that today is her birthday.

Buttermilk pancakes in the works.

 

Meanwhile, she opened a gift from her Godfather that came in the mail a couple days ago. 

Breakfast served, and she is listening to When Will My Life Begin? on her iPod lamp/speaker.

More later, hopefully with clothes on and hair brushed. Now we're doing math.

(2/14)...streaming

Happy Feast of St. Valentine! Love, love, love...

Last night I made cinnamon rolls for breakfast (though my leg with the nerve problem was burning like mad -- I wore my martyr's crown -- wink, wink) because nothing says love in my house like cinnamon rolls. Each child had a giant heart-shaped envelope filled with goodies and a "prize" this morning, and my beloved has some shoes (odd I know, but he loves shoes) and candy to open later. I have a dinner of steak and potatoes planned, and dessert. I'm all ready for the "love day."

And still I had that dream that I left for class (still in college in my dreams) and didn't know what room I was going to, and thought it possible it was a day of a test and I had not studied. What is it that I am unprepared for?

~~~~~

Maybe the inches of snow falling this morning? The view from my chair in the living room as I write:

~~~~~

We are in the midst of a busy, busy time here. I told you that we had two black-tie events last weekend (black ties/long dresses). The hospital foundation (my husband's employer) held their gala event (the doctor's prom we jokingly call it) on Saturday. It was fun despite my attitude (wink). We met Jim Tressel and his wife, Ellen, and talked for a while. For those of you who don't know that name, he is the former sweater vest-wearing head coach for the Ohio State football Buckeyes (who was thrown under the bus by his athletic director when the NCAA starting investigating some players' bad behavior.) Such a humble man. Yes, we only spoke for 10 or 15 minutes, but you know how there are people you can tell you can trust right off the bat? I know he was accused of being dishonest, and playing ineligible players, but I believe in getting both sides of the story before I judge a person and I don't know the story. Besides, I don't think football coaches should also be babysitters, and sadly, grown men of privilege often need babysitters to prevent them from misbehaving. Ok, that's a story for another day. Or not.

I like Jim Tressel. The end.

~~~~~

This Friday Faith turns 10 and next Saturday Joshua turns 20. How did that happen? I just closed my eyes for a minute, I promise.

~~~~~

Next week is Lent. Sigh.

I am looking forward to Lent this year. I feel like we need Lent more this year. It's a really good time for fasting and penance. I am trying to identify a good fasting diet. If you use one you can point me to, please do. I have to take care to avoid high acid foods, but I think I can probably modify any diet. I thought about trying the Trappist monks' Lenten diet but decided it might not be conducive to a good prayer life as well (or housekeeping, laundry and homeschooling).

Something like bread, nuts, honey and tea, with some fruit and vegetables thrown in for vitamins.

I don't intend to subject my family to the same fast, but Friday dinner will not be wild Alaskan salmon, if you know what I mean, unless we are talking salmon-from-a-can-patties, which my children hate.

~~~~~

And to end my post (this has been quite a negative post hasn't it, on this love, love, love day?) I will share with you that I have an awful case (case?) of arthritis in my tailbone. Isn't that an odd place to get arthritis? Oddly enough I had it in college (all that sitting and studying) and it stems, I believe, from a bad fall on the ice in high school, right on my you-know-what. After college and until now I have not experienced this unique kind of pain which prevents me from sitting for any period of time especially on a hard chair. So I apologize to the lovely lady with the little baby for whom I am making a quilt. I am hoping it will be finished before he is, say, three months old. I'm hoping.

~~~~~

Have a wonderful love-filled day my friends. Just kiss everyone you see to make sure you get enough love in. That old man in the pharmacy? Just walk right up and kiss him. I dare you.

I didn't forget...a winner

The Aves on this chaplet are 6mm round rhodondite. If you believe in the power of stones (I don't but I do find the meaning some people find in stones to be interesting) you would know that the rhodondite is used to heal heartache and loss, help ease stress and for reflection. Our Blessed Mother would tell us that following her Holy Son is what heals heartache and loss and eases stress, and I would certainly agree. Praying this chaplet is a beautiful way to follow Jesus, by reflecting on the Seven Sorrows of Mary as they all pertain to the life of Christ Jesus.

The Paters are 8mm round light rose Swarovski crystals, capped with antique bronze caps. The beads are wire-wrapped in 22 gauge vintage bronze wire. The center is the Sorrowful heart of Mary and the medal is the Blessed Mother with the crucifixion depicted on the reverse side. The center and medal are set apart with 4 mm light rose Swarovski crystals.


I asked Our Blessed Mother to help me pick the person who needed this chaplet the most. And the winner is:

Happytalk

Congratulations and email me your address.

Everyone else stay tuned because I might spring another one on you during Lent.

The separation of Church and Catholics

I know I said I would see you on the other side of the weekend, but the announcement made by you-know-who yesterday just needs to be written about, or my head shall explode.

The Obama Administration (Health and Human Services) announced yesterday that America's consciences are safe. If we don't want contraceptive, sterlization and abortafacient insurance coverage, we don't have to have it, and Catholic insurers won't have to pay for it. Funny thing is, if an employee wants the coverage, he or she can have it and it's free. It's free -- doesn't cost a thing to be manufactured or distributed. That president really is a magician after all -- he just made the cost disappear.

I'm not certain how any adult with half a brain can believe him. Let me get this right: it's free to me as the employee and my employer didn't pay for it? So when I go pick up by birth control pills/IUD/condoms/morning-after pill, or check into the hospital for my sterilization procedure there is no cost to any one or any corporation?

My family's insurance is provided through premiums we pay, and my husband's employer (a Catholic hospital) pays to an insurance company. Are we to believe that the insurance company is just going to foot the bill for all that "preventative care" out of the generosity of their hearts? That bill has to be paid by someone. It doesn't get "absorbed" or spread around. It is paid by a corporation, and all of their employees, Catholic or otherwise, and the bottom line is, Catholic institutions are going to have to pay, unless they keep fighting.

You-know-who has done nothing except convince us that we can be intellectually dishonest and no one will know about it. Go ahead -- violate your conscience, but we won't know and then you can save face.

I read this morning that Sister Carol Keehan, president of the Catholic Health Association is very pleased with the resolution. She actually believes that Catholics hospitals, schools, universities and charities can get away with not being responsible for any part of this mandate? She really believes it? I think she probably has more than half a brain, so my guess is Sister Carol is being intellectually dishonest with herself, and she thinks I should, too.

I heard on Fox news this afternoon that the only Catholics buying this resolution are those who have their doubts about the pope but have complete confidence in the infallibility of the federal government.

Sadly, that may be a good portion of the Catholics out there. They think as long as they pretend it isn't happening then it really isn't happening. Another example of you-know-who saying "I'm not really doing what you think I'm doing."

He has effectively split the Church right down the middle. There will be those who say "I'm not really doing it" and those who say "I know exactly what I'm doing." Being intellectually dishonest about it does nothing except bury one deeper in sin. The final judgement will separate the goats from the sheep, but those who are forced against their will to do something unjust, will also pay, unless they fight.

If Catholic institutions cave now, the fight for freedom in every respect is gone. Soon Catholic churches will have to perform gay marriage ceremonies, Catholic charities that assist in adoption will be forced to give children to gay couples, and Catholic hospitals will be openly performing abortions. It's not far ahead on the horizon.

So, my friend, don't be fooled by those who would fool you. Use your conscience, and it will tell you this is wrong.

The Young Writer's Club {week 1}

Joining in with The Young Writer's Club at Far Beyond Pearls





Writer's prompt: Where would you most like to live and why?



by Faith

I would love to live by the ocean. You can always make sand castles and play in the water. And every morning you can look outside and the sunrise makes a reflection on the beautiful misty ocean water.

Editor's note: Faith was very excited at the prospect of this writer's club. I am hopeful that each week I might get a few more sentences out of her.

(2/10)...streaming

I wanted to write yesterday for LMLD's {p,h,f,r} but I was fairly well trapped for most if the day without Internet capabilities. You know you are desperate if you find yourself sitting in the CVS drive-thru hoping like mad that they have free wifi (they didn't).

Then I thought I would do Seven Quick Takes but I am not feeling newsy enough for seven bits. So, here we are.

~~~~~

First off I want to remind you that tomorrow is the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, and thus the last day of the Seven Sorrow's chaplet giveaway. Here's a peek.

It's rose-colored, which is lovely for Our Blessed Mother.

~~~~~

My husband and I have two black tie events to attend this weekend. Can I just tell you that I would rather: a) take a beating, b) eat dirt, c) have surgery, than go to two formal events in one weekend. Actually for "c" I guess it would depend on the kind of surgery, but really, I hate, hate putting on uncomfortable shoes, and uncomfortable underclothes, and uncomfortable outer clothes, in addition to standing around being nice. Are you shocked? Sorry, but that's me. I hate to be uncomfortable, and though I don't hate to be "nice" (do you know the origin of the word "nice"? The Latin root word is nescius, which means 'ignorant', coming from nescire, 'not know') I'm not very good at chitchat with strangers. So.... if you happen to be attending either of the two events I have to attend, please come and snatch me away to the bar.

Here's a peek at tomorrow's shoes:

Don't let the flat heel fool you. They are still uncomfortable. My feet are two different sizes, so in order to keep one on, the other has to be uncomfortable. I currently have a wooden spoon jammed in the left shoe, but I'm not thinking sequins stretch much. 

Of course, I'll wear pantyhose.

~~~~~

anglophile: : a person who greatly admires or favors England and things English 

My son called me an anglophile the other day and I denied it. And then I realized that 98 percent of the movies/television programs I have watched in the last month have been about the English.  I just finished the Emma Thompson/Kate Winslet Sense and Sensibility, and before that was Catherine's Cookson's The Rag Nymph, and before that  The Way We Live Now, and before that Catherine Cookson's Colour Blind. In between has, of course, been Downton Abbey on DVR. 

SO maybe I am an anglophile. Oh my. I may need an intervention.

~~~~~

Faith has reminded me that I did not yet post her contribution to this week's The Young Writer's Club. And so, I must go and do that little thing.

Ta ta for now. I'll see you on the other side of the weekend.

not funny, mom

My Joshua is taking a criminal justice sociology class this quarter and this morning they were required to visit the county jail (fortunately in a neighboring rural county and not the county in which our big city sits). I just texted him and asked, "Are you out of jail yet?"

Oh man, I fervently pray I never say that for real.