Burning the Candle at Both Ends

Seven Quick-Takes Friday

 

#1    Jessie is going to Italy in two weeks! I will be praying hard for her on this trip. It's funny how I am the one who encouraged her to travel at any opportunity that she got while in college, but now that she is going, I am terrified.  If only there hadn't been two plane crashes in NY in the past month, I think I would be better. She seems fine about it all, so it is up to me to worry for the both of us! It's what I do best!

#2     I have been making homemade granola bars for the house this week. In an effort to cut down on premade and packaged food I have eliminated powdered drink mixes by making my own herbal iced tea blends, I make my own taco seasoning mix to avoid the extra salt and MSG in the packets, and I make homemade granola cereal. I have been happy that the children have been enjoying the granola bars as well because the packaged ones are loaded with sugar and are also getting expensive.  We delude ourselves into thinking that it says "granola" so it must be good for us, but once you get acquainted with the labels, you see that isn't necessarily so. ( I will be posting some of these recipes in the coming days)

#3     Dan's job... I am so thankful that up to this point it seems secure. In the economy today, anything can happen, so we are careful not to take things for granted... like always having somewhere to go to work each morning!  Earlier in the week there was a job fair in Manhattan near Dan's job. He said the line was several people deep, wrapped around the block, with people standing out in the cold with their resumes in hand .I think the word he used to describe the scene was "disturbing".  Let's remember to keep this nation's economy in prayer, and especially those who have been hit with unemployment because of it.  

#4    The family website my brother and I set up is up and running. Looks like a good response from the family, so far. I'm happy about that.

#5    Hannah got over her strep infection and then  immediately went into asthma! Poor kid. I think every large family has that one who seems to get everything.  Luckily, she is a good patient.

#6    American Idol.  Every  year I vow not to get into it, but my kids rope me in!  It is actually nice because all of them, from youngest to oldest, enjoy the show. It is fun hearing their opinions and  seeing  what they like and don't like.  Another thing I like about the show is that usually, a genuinely "nice" person wins.   It is refreshing to see that America still likes a "nice guy/girl". Hoping the same holds true for this year.

#7    It is getting late, but I think this weekend we may sneak away for an overnight trip to the east end of Long Island. There is quite a bit to do out east even during the winter. For the months of February and March many of the restaurants and wineries are participating in a jazz festival.  There is also a large outlet center which I need to visit... oh, and a bit of alone time with my man will be nice,too!

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Ash Wednesday

With the beginning of Lent upon us, I am going to try and break away from the internet as much as possible. My prayer for all of us is that this season of preparing for the Risen Christ through self-denial and sacrifice may find us all drawn closer to Our Lord in a deeper way.  Spending time in quiet prayer and returning to simpler ways around the home are what He is calling me to in the coming weeks.

And now, a funny Ash Wednesday story:

About fourteen years ago, I took my four young ones to noon Mass with a friend of mine on Ash Wednesday. She had two little girls at the time.  Our four-year-old daughters had been chatting about getting ashes for a few days. We kept saying... "Hold your bangs back when you go to get your ashes... stay in line when you go to get your ashes... go right back to your seat after you  get your ashes..." and other such instructions.  All went well except for one thing. The priest distributing ashes to our side of the church decided that this year, young children did not need to get ashes! I guess there must have been a shortage.  Our two little girls dutifully stood in line, holding their bangs back and returned to the pew with puzzled looks on their faces. Finally, my Jessie says to Angelica, her buddy... "You didn't get a rash... do I have a rash?"

Aaaah... childhood innocence.

Hope that gave you a smile... I always smile thinking of it! Have a Blessed Lenten season!

Lent, already?

 

Five-year-old Hannah chirps from the backseat this morning: "I know what I'm giving up for Lent!".

"What would that be?" I ask, taking the bait.

"I'm giving up eating dough!"

Of course.

 

7 Quick-Takes Friday

 

#1.  Nancy Pelosi slays me.  Read this article from Catholic News Agency to see how she spins her visit with Pope Benedict. As if he lives to please her. Here is an excerpt:

In her statement, Pelosi says:

“It is with great joy that my husband, Paul, and I met with His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, today. In our conversation, I had the opportunity to praise the Church’s leadership in fighting poverty, hunger, and global warming, as well as the Holy Father’s dedication to religious freedom and his upcoming trip and message to Israel. I was proud to show His Holiness a photograph of my family’s papal visit in the 1950s, as well as a recent picture of our children and grandchildren.”

  I had a funny image in my head of the Pope patiently trying to explain Catholic moral teaching and the Natural Law while she is pulling out her wallet to show him pictures, saying "See my family took me to the Vatican in the 1950's... doesn't that count for anything? And look my family has babies. Look at my grandchildren. We don't believe in aborting ALL babies... just the inconvenient ones".

#2.  Dan just bought a copy of Quicken in yet another attempt to get us on some kind of budget. Now he wants receipts and explanations as to where the money is going!!!! I smell trouble.

#3. Danielle Bean has written an insightful piece on overpraising our children.  I am generous with praise over both small and large successes with my own children. But I don't hand out empty praise... I feel it cheapens the real thing and makes us less worthy of our children trusting our words.  Recently one of our basketball playing children came home with an MVP certificate. I can acknowledge he has heart and team spirit, but MVP... not really! Even he recognized  the empty accolades that came along with this award.  He brought it home all crumpled up with a bite taken out of the corner of the paper! He didn't even show it to me! When children are deserving of kudos, by all means, dish them out liberally, but otherwise, encourage them to try harder, study more, or whatever they need to do. We should also be training our chldren to do their best simply for its own sake... not necessarily for recognition. God has blessed each and every one of us with certain gifts and using them to the best of our abilitiy gives Him glory... that alone should be motivation enough!

#4.  This has been the most boring winter break in our family's history. Hannah had strep and the rest of us were confined because of it.  I have no imagination when it comes to dreaming  up ideas to redeem us from the boredom this coming weekend.  Hopefully Dan will come through and plan something fun! If not, I may just pull the covers over my head and sleep in!

#5.  A certain family who lives in Blue House has asked my husband to be the Godfather for their newest addition. We are both tickled!

#6.  As one of seven children, I  find it increasingly difficult to stay in touch with extended family as time goes on. It has been even more dificult since the passing of my Dad. At least we all spoke to him on a regular basis and he would fill us in on the others.  One of my brohters and I found a website called My Great Big Family which makes it simple to design a webpage for your family and extended family. We are having so much fun with this and can't wait to unveil it to the rest of our siblings. If you have a large family, spread around the country, as we do, I would recommend this service.  Of course, the proof will be seen when the rest of the family actually starts to join in the fun!

#7 I don't think dogs have nerve endings on their tongue. Why do I say this, you ask? Two reasons: our dog Luke will eat anything... and I mean anything. He must not have tase buds! Let's just leave it at that. Second .. the other night while I was checking what was roasting in the oven, he licked the blazing hot oven door! And then came back for seconds! Ouch. 

Go to Conversion Diary to read the quick-takes of other bloggers! 

Small Successes

These are my three small successes for this week. 

#1.  It was impossible to get images to upload onto my blog for most of the past week.  Then, as I was about to drift off to sleep the other night an idea hit me. I woke up the next morning and tried it. Lo and behold : problem solved!

#2. My homeschool paperwork with my local school district has been woefully late this year. I am all caught up and ready to stay on top of it for the remainder of this year!

#3.  A pesky load of whites has needed to be folded for a few days now. This morning I woke up and got that taken care of first thing. ( I don't mind doing laundry at all... but I really can't stand folding whites!)

Find some encouragement from other moms by reading about their small successes ! 

                                                                                     

Wordless Wednesday...Engagement Party Edition

 

 

 

 

Hey Mom, What's for Dinner?

We had a wonderful weekend meeting Katie's future in-laws.  I don't know why, but I was more stressed about everything than I should have been. Saturday night was our first meeting with Matt's family and I thought it would be nice to cook a  meal for us all to share here and have time to get to know one another. It worked out really well. Here are some remarks from my lovely children which may have compounded my stress.

Me:  So Kate, I thought I would cook a nice dinner here Saturday night so we can all relax and have some time to chat.

Kate:  Can't we all just go to a restaurant???

(later in the week)

Kate: What are you making for dinner Saturday, Mom?

Me: I was thinking roast beef, roasted garlic potatoes, brocolli casserole, salad, and homemade bread. I'll make our usual heart-shaped cake for Valentine's Day dessert.

Kate: The roast beef is so dry. Why don't you make slow-roasted chicken?

Me: (To myself) No one ever told me my roast beef was dry!

from Jessie

Jessie: What are you making for dinner Saturday?

Me: (see above)

Jessie: The roast beef is so dry, and why don't you make mashed potatoes instead of roasted?

Me:(to myself)  No one ever told me my roast beef was dry! And what's wrong with my roasted garlic potatoes?

Saturday at the dinner table

Ben: Hey mom, the roast beef was really good. It wasn't as dry as usual!

Me:(to myself) Why do they all think my roast beef is dry?????

P.S.  I made roast beef and slow-roasted chicken and it all turned out nice and moist! So there!

Simple Woman's Daybook

 

 

(Read the other daybook entries at The Simple Woman )

FOR TODAY, Monday, February 9, 2009

Outside My Window...

Bright sunshine, pleasant (38) temperature, and lots of mud from this weekend’s spring like weather. Will I never get my kitchen floor  free from that grimy, grit which appears after muddy dog prints dry?

I am thinking...

We should make a Valentine’s mailbox for the family to exchange Valentines.

I am thankful for...

Prayers that can be moved from the prayer request list  to the prayers answered list. Particularly the birth of four babies we were praying for !

From the kitchen…

Pot roast in the crock pot. It is starting to fill the kitchen with a yummy smell! I think some homemade wheat bread will go nicely. Hoping I can get to it!

I am wearing...

Favorite jeans. I am so disappointed that the knee ripped out! I vowed since I am now a respectable mom of six, I should put aside childish things…  like wearing jeans with rips in them!

I am creating...

Menu plans, favors for the engagement party, a sign-in board for the party and many lists!

I am going...

To the bank, Costco, basketball, writing workshop, ballet, more basketball, pre-cana closing Mass, and ice skating.

I am reading...

Thomas and I are into The Spiderwick Chronicles. Reading this series with him has been the first time, since he’s been reading on his own that he is genuinely excited about reading.  After we finish, I am going to step it up a bit … maybe Chronicles of Narnia… haven’t decided yet.

I am hoping...

To get things in order for the coming weekend without falling too far behind with school stuff.  This week the emphasis is on the "home” part of homeschooling!

I am hearing...

A Bach violin concerto on my internet radio. No, I don’t really "know” classical music, but I am learning together with the kiddies!

Around the house...

All is quiet. Everyone except for Thomas, Hannah and me has left for their respective occupations.  Thomas is outside playing with Luke and Hannah is off to join them.

One of my favorite things...

I know I am deluding myself here… but being caught up with laundry.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:

Similar to last week… ballet, basketball, pre-cana, shopping , bank, ice skating.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing. I call it puddle skating!

 

Seven Quick Takes Friday

1.  Things are going pretty well with Luke, our latest addition. He is a lovable hound mixed breed. He has all the great qualities that people love about dogs... he loves to play; he hates when you leave;  but he is ecstatic when you come home. He is cute and loves to have his belly rubbed or just to rest his head on your lap.  He is at his cutest when he does something wrong.. which leads me to the qualities that people hate about having a dog.  He gets into mischief... to put it mildly. He likes My Little Pony toys, fuzzy slippers and robes and dirty laundry. He has that really annoying way of "getting to know" new people who come to the house! (embarrasssing!) He likes destroying carpet. He also has a taste for small animals.  The first time he drops a bird or squirrel at my feet may be the last!

2. Ballet. I was deprived of ballet classes as a child. Well, gosh darnit, I wasn't going to let my daughters grow up feeling deprived! This week their ballet school had open classes where parents, friends and family are permitted to observe a class. Wow!  My eighteen year old was amazing. There is just so much control and strength invoved in the exercises she does. Even though it doesn't look strenuous, the concentration and discipline is evident. I was truly blown away. The five year old's class was adorable. I love that this school teaches technique through age-apprpriate games. The little ones have so much fun while also learning.

Much to her chagrin, Jessie, the 18yo., is developing some muscles in her legs she didn't know she had. Apparently dancers call them "cankles"'. This condition occurs when your ankle muscles develop to a point that there is no definition between the ankle and calf. It came on rather quickly once she became serious about pointe work. I am happy to say  that her love of dance is greater than her love of dainty ankles!

3. Ben... I don't write much about him. He is my still water. At sixteen, he doesn't always have alot to say out loud, but clearly there is alot going on beneath the surface. He loves running and is on his school's cross country, winter, and spring track teams. He loves anything related to the computer.. especially gaming. He is great at strategy games and building things. He comes in really handy at Christmas when gifts come with the dreaded words  "assembly required" stamped all over the box! He has a great sense of humor and keeps the whole family in stiches when he gets on a roll! His performance on his PSAT's is garnering mail from colleges that accept applicants after the tenth or eleventh grades! Yikes! I didn't know that was possible.  But I think we'll hold on to him here for a few more years, thank you .

4. On Saturday night, my very shy boy, Thomas was persuaded to perform on the keyboard for some friends of ours.  It took some work to convince him to do it, but he played "Ode to Joy" so sweetly. I was teared up, not just because of his playing, but THAT he played at all. And not badly at that! I was a very proud mama!

5.  Our homeschool music class got off to a great start last Friday. We had seventeen children participating the first week, with six more to join the fun from now on.  Driving some of the children to our weekly ice skating outing afterward was a joy! They were practicing their songs in the back of the van. It sounded like the Von Trapp Famliy Singers!

6. One week and counting til the engagement party! I am usually one to do parties at home, but since it is winter, and it would be crowded in the house, we  opted to have this one in a restaurant.  I think that will make it easier to get to know Katie's future in-laws somewhere other than standing at the kitchen sink while washing  dishes, which is where I usually  am during our home parties!  Even so, I am hoping the bridal shower will be at home!

7. Finally... a word about my Becky... she starts HIGH SCHOOL next year!!! How the heck did that happen???

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