What a Thinker...

The darling Margaret has nominated me for this. To say I am shocked is an understatement. I tend to think of this blog as mostly an anecdotal account of my depleting intelligence.

I guess that makes it (and me) somewhat of an amusement. And since laughter denotes the presence of an intellect, then, in that vein, I can, in good conscience, accept this nomination. (along with the reward for the sentence with the most commas ever)

But I humbly submit you to look elsewhere for any real intelligent conversation.

:)


Here are the rules for the award:

1. Write a post with links to 5 blogs that make you think.
2. Link to The Thinking Blog so that people can easily find the exact origin of the meme.
3. Optional: Proudly display the ‘Thinking Blogger Award’ with a link to the post that you wrote.


And here are my nominees:


Mrs. Bear at Cozy Tea Blue House often posts the fruitful results of her many ruminations. Amongst my many favorites is her take on heroes.

Michelle at Rosetta Stone was my immediate thought when I saw my nomination... and then read her name 3 names after mine. Darn you, Margaret! Well, too bad. I'm nominating Michelle too. I love reading her take on current events, and most especially her complaint about Veggietales! Yep, you read that right. It was a great post, and worth chewing on for awhile.

My husband over at Southern Canuck. Yes, I'm biased, so what? In between aiding in the maintenance of my sanity by being a great dad and husband, he waxes eloquently on numerous topics from playoff hockey to American politics.

Sephora, my dear sister over at The Cross, The Mantle. The title of her blog alone still gives me shivers... it's so beautifully explained in the quotation she chose from the gospel of John. This post is one of many chronicling her busy and thoughtful life pursuing her degree in Physical Therapy.

Portia, my other dear sister at Immaterial Ramblings of a Substance. Her writing is brilliant and whimsical, with this post being one of my absolute favorites, if for no other reason than the scavenger hunt her many *asterisks* induces. The story within a story gets me every. single. time.


Go visit these smart folks and leave them some love in their comments for me...

:)

Birthday.... Wishes?

Here are the reactions of our little peanuts when they were reminded remembered that today is my birthday:

Little Dear: How old are you, Mama?

Me: 35

Little Dear: I thought you were past 35!

Sports Fan: I thought you were 28! (guffaws)

Little Boo: I thought you were 21!

Little Love:(mimicking) I fot you 21!

(Both break out into hysterics)

Sports Fan: Remember a loooonnnngg time ago when you were 33?

Me: Um.... (struggling to remember) ....Yes

Sports Fan:(sympathetically) That was a very long time ago.


*And so I am off in a few to prove my age by playing soccer against those 21 year olds who my kids think I am not. Then DH will treat me to dinner out with friends. Should be a lovely day.*

Springtime means...

... potty training!

So many of you have written posts, waxing so eloquently on the commode usage of your resident royals.

I was beginning to feel left out.

Never fear, Mama, says our littlest princess. At the tender age of 31 months, Little Love has suddenly mastered the throne. As in, no messes, no mistakes. (I know, y'all want to strangle me.) But, of course, we have our own little wrinkle.

Since she has already mastered this skill, she'd rather not be so proud as to display it.

Oh, no, lets not get too carried away.

Only when Mama can cajole her to wear her beautiful undies and "be a big girl" does she oblige. Her thinking seems to be: Been there, done that.... what's the big deal?

And so, this morning she's back in pampers. And, for the time being, that's ok. My strategy has been that when she gets dressed, it's undies all the way.

:)

TV Talk

Yet another topic making it's way around the blog-o-sphere:

TV: yes? no? what? when? how much?

Here's my take on it:

Everything in moderation.

I think a great saint and doctor of the church is known for this stance.

Temperance being the virtue which aids and governs all the other virtues, it is of utmost necessity that we cultivate this virtue in ourselves and our children... in all things, even(and especially) in television watching.

I have said before that forbidden fruit is sweeter for being so, and therefore I will probably never take away the tv altogether. I will monitor it fiercely, and put my foot down firmly when selecting programs for the kids to watch. But I will also allow them to choose... to an extent.

Even some programs billed as "educational" can be harmful for kids, so I can't even say across the board that that is what we watch. I'll never forget the time we rented an "eyewitness" video from the library about frogs and toads, and they had a segment on witches using frogs in their stews... and then showed a clip from an old horror film of a vampire sucking blood from an unsuspecting woman! Whaaa????? I marched the video right back into the library and informed the librarian of the content and said in no uncertain terms that this was not a kids' video. Luckily, they agreed.

So, you need to be careful, and watchful... literally.

And the result, so far, is that I have ruined my children. They are very sensitive about what they see, and so we have been unsuccessful in getting them to watch The Incredibles, for instance, although have managed to force Curious George and Cars down their eye-sockets. (and they love both of them) They also love all the old Superfriends and Looney Tunes, and of course, both Toy Story's along with the inane Noggin shows... but Finding Nemo was a disaster, as was Jonah, but we own that one now.

And, "real life" movies... as in, the characters are not cartoons, but real people? Uh, no. No way. We may be getting there soon. Action Man watched a bit of Sound of Music with DH and I the other night, and really enjoyed it. Once that door opens, it will be much more fun to have family movie nights, as so many of you can already enjoy.

Sports are where it's at right now, for family tube watching. Good wholesome family bonding... as long as you mute (and sometimes turn off completely) those commercials!

:)

Thoughts, things I missed, different perspectives?

Last One, I Promise...

...but I couldn't resist after she greeted me for her bedtime kiss wearing these.

















May all your goodnight kisses be as sweet and entertaining!

;)

Still Chuckling...

... at this classic post from Karen.

Do go check it out.

It's priceless.

And makes me wonder if her Ramona and my Little Boo may be long lost soul sisters?

:)

When, Clearly, Your Outift Does NOT Match Your Disposition...

Explanation and Update

Sports Fan, his Dad and I spent a grand total of 11 hours in the ER Sunday night. The hockey nut that the little guy is, he had been re-enacting many hockey goals and moves while zooming around on his roller blades. I was chatting with a friend outside Sunday evening while the kids were playing, when he fell and then called me over, a little panicked. I thought he looked fine (from 30 feet away) and so told him:

It's alright, get up big guy.

Then he showed me his arm and I just about lost my breath. His little arm was bent where no arm should be bent.... right between his elbow and his wrist.

I scooped him up and carried him right to the car and got him buckled in. Taking off his roller blades, I yelled at my friend to get DH.

And off they went to Children's Hospital, where upon seeing his arm, the nurses whisked him back to a room. Of course, the staff there is wonderful. They gave him medicine to keep him comfy, he watched the Yankees and Red Sox, and after his arm was reset, he watched two more movies while munching two popsicles and sipping sprite. Which he immediately threw up, thus sealing our fate of remaining in the "observation" room until 4:45am, until, drooling with exhaustion, I pleaded our accomplishment: 3 sips of Gatorade, and they let us go home.

The amusement was all happening on the homefront. Here are the various reactions of the little peanuts:

Action Man: (sobbing, believe it or not) Oh no! Poor Sports Fan... He won't be able to play baseball. How are we gonna do it without him?!?

Little Dear: Will he have to get a shot? Can I tell Sara? Can I talk to Sports Fan? Can I talk to Grandma? Sports Fan won't be able to swim, or play baseball, or bike ride, or climb in the tree house, or roller blade, or play swords, or...

Little Boo: (upon hearing that Sports Fan may get an ice cream cone for a treat) (scowling fiercely) No Fair! I wanna ice cream cone!

Little Love: Where Papa? Where Sports Fan? Can I have gum?


Much fuss has been made over the little guy, much to his delight. As we see new people everyday who don't know yet, he is secretly thrilled to absorb their reactions and receive their sympathy. At co-op this morning, I looked outside to see all of the kids gathered around, chatting and laughing with him. I had been a bit worried that he would feel left out of their games and antics. (it's a rowdy bunch)

I should have known. It was very sweet.

Also very very sweet are the friends who stepped up to the plate for us. Elanor's mom came over from 9-12am so I could join DH at the hospital until DH went home to relieve her. Another friend took the girls for the afternoon so I could sleep for a few hours, and yet another friend cooked dinner for us.

I should have known. Our friends are so very very sweet. How blessed we are!

:)

Real Life Trumps Virtual*

Three hours of sleep is not conducive to coherent blogging.

Explanations and updates soon.


*title shamelessly stolen from Danielle and my favorite Minnesotan.

Absolutely Loving...

...this little gem I found on this beautiful blog last night. (so glad I ignored the laundry...)


Feel free to update your blog links...

:)

My Mama Heart:

What makes it freeze in terror:















Upon emerging from the shower last night, finding Little Boo's bed, empty.





What makes it melt:















Seeing her safely tucked in, with big sister, Little Dear...

Dreams of a Laundry Maid

That instead of scooping out rocks, pebbles, and cap-gun ammo....















... I may one day hit the jackpot with quarters and dollar bills.

:)

The Bridegroom is Still Among Us...

... so, feast away!

Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino

3/4 cup espresso coffee
3 tablespoons sugar
1 cup milk
3 tablespoons chocolate syrup
whipped cream for topping
chocolate syrup for topping

Mix coffee, still hot, and sugar in your mixer until sugar is dissolved.

Add milk and chocolate syrup and continue mixing, about one minute.

Pour mix into a sealable container for easy storage.

Store in fridge until ready to use (Note: Do not store any longer than you would milk).

To make drink, combine equal parts mix and ice in a blender and blend on high until smooth.

Pour into glasses.

Top each glass with whipped cream and drizzle with chocolate syrup.

Slurp Serve.

Because I know you all need some more blogs to read (oops, forgot one!)

Just doing a bit of updating on the side-bar today. A bit of "Spring Re-Arranging" if you will.

My sisters are now listed under their names, (Mom) so just find their user name using good old Alphabetical Order that was pounded into us in third grade...

A few new-to-me blogs I have slowly (and quietly) added these past few weeks:

Emily has commented here many a time, and (I'm ashamed to say) I'm just now getting around to adding her to my blog roll! She is a wonderful single Catholic woman who beautifully articulates many matters of the Faith. And she has an amazing story to boot.

Susan Wise Bauer has a blog, chronicling her most recent writing project, as well as life on her beautiful farm.

Rachel Coleman, my buddy from Signing Time, has a blog, and it is just lovely and inspiring.

Many of you already know Karen Edmisten, and I just love reading her words of practical and heavenly wisdom.

Regina Doman, the author of Angel in the Waters, is such an amazingly courageous woman. After losing her darling 4 year old son last year, she has started a blog and shares with us her artistic home filled with much natural beauty and joy.

So, go ahead, have that extra cup of coffee... and enjoy.
Have a wonderful day!

:)

Elaine, over at vox.com has a delightful blog about her 5 adorable girls. Currently she's making us all drool over her beach photos from Florida.

Laughing Out Loud...

..with Lisa Barker this morning over at Catholic Exchange...

Because, of course, my children would never do anything like that.

(step aside, here comes the lightning bolt...)

:)

Mother Guilt

Great discussion going on over at Danielle Bean's blog.

I, too, struggle with that beast.

The guilt of Mom's.

And while it has reared it's ugly head, destroying my self-confidence, recounting to me in gory detail all of my failings, causing me to weep and despair, even to the point of thinking that God took Gianna away from me because I am such a horrible mother... (yes, I did think that for a time)

You know the drill... and you know that sometimes one has to ignore this beast.

But you know what? I can't dismiss the MG Beast completely. I actually need it. And I shudder to think where I would be without it.

This nagging little beast prompts me, after a particularly arduous day, to try harder, to renew my resolve. To snuggle my toddler while staring at the huge pile of laundry, to take a deep breath and read to my 4 year old. To smile at my 6 year old and listen to her 15 minute dream sequence. To let my 7 year old help make pancakes, and my 9 year old read me his favorite passage in the book he is reading.

Too many times I hear it from others:

"You need to make time for yourself!"
"Go to the spa!"
"Go to the gym!"
"Buy yourself something!"
"Take a break!"

And trust me, I do. Sometimes too often, too much, too many times. (Except for the spa, never done that. Sure it's fabulous.) But, I get my time, my treats, my rewards.

But that is not what it's all about, is it?

And when I am caught up in the daily grind of schooling and diapers and dishes, it's easy to forget.

Enter Mother Guilt.

Or maybe, more aptly named (for me)... my conscience?

:)

Here Comes...

...the rain again.


Good thing we're all snug indoors!

Have a good night, y'all.

:)

An inevitable result of watching the Stanley Cup Play-offs

Now, this is a team to be reckoned with!



Other pastimes may include....
















...riding your bike as the zamboni between periods.



















...or, just hanging out with the cat.

:)

Snapshot

Joining Carmen again, for a quick glimpse into my mind and the state of the Nut-house:


Currently watching: Stanley Cup play-offs. Hence, I am blogging. :)

State of the house: Clean, for the most part, and for the moment.

State of the laundry: Needs to be folded. Are you surprised?

State of my mind: Much better. For many reasons, but mostly because of a wonderful, much-needed heart-to-heart with DH. No trouble, don't worry, just a very nice chat.

State of my exercise regimen: HA. Played in my game today and managed to score, but we lost. Really need to run these next two weeks. Really. I mean it.

Enjoying: That feeling you get after much rigorous exercise, a shower and good meal, and a mojito.

Readying for: Our trips this summer. Three to be exact. First stop, NY, to see relatives. Next, Wisconsin(?) maybe... for two weeks to let the kids run on the farm. Lastly, Vancouver, to see DH's family and many friends.

Realizing: Many things, these days. God is good, but growth is hard. And being true to yourself can be even harder. Enigmatic? Yes ma'am. (I think I need a private blog for that type of stuff)

Grateful: For the friends I have who are true, genuine, and allow me to be the same. Who love the Faith and inspire me. Who love me even though I have a long way to go... (yes, that means you!)


Have a lovely day, all!
:)

Right Up Our Alley

In what part of the U.S. are you when you walk into your bathroom and find:

In the tub:

• sleeping bags
• books
• pillows

On the floor:

• pillows
  
• leftover dinner plates
• camping lantern
• water bottles
• more books
• shoes

That's right, Tornado Alley!

*Not to worry, though, our immediate neighborhood has been spared. We're praying for the rest of North Texas that is under siege*

You Better Believe It...

...it's that time of year again.

And our team is playing the local team in the first round of the play offs. Action Man got a few looks at the doctor's office today as he marched in and out while wearing his jersey.

What can I say, he takes after his Papa.

Go Canucks!

:)

Up-to-the-Minute Blogging...

going on as we speak....


Little Dear: (Little Boo) just fell and there is blood coming out!

Me: Blood?!? Well, what should we do?

Little Boo: How about a bandage...

...or a walking stick.


Little Love: You OK? I got jelly beans.


Little Dear: No, not a walking stick. You need a band aid.

Little Love: (to me) Your candy's all gone, Mama.

Little Boo: Let's go outside!


Me: Huh?

Little Love-isms

Not as funny as Little Boo-isms, but since she started talking and has been rapidly expanding her vocabulary (and mimicry) I just have to share...


Name that Veggie Tales video:
"Why we hafta share....
When we hafta share.....
What happen' to Sonny and Cher....
Kweshions, kweshions....."


When Little Boo wanted to tell Papa what she was trying to say:
"Don' talk for me!!"


When I tried to help her 'spell' something (she asked me...no, she doesn't write letters yet!):
"No! I already know it!"


When I tell her that it's time to go (thus interrupting her drawing session):
"I almost done, 'K?"


As she is climbing all over me:
Me: "Are you a monkey?"
LL: "No, I Maisy Daisy!"

:)

Irony

You'd think that with all of the sugary sweetness saturating this house right now, I wouldn't need to make an emergency run to my dear friend's home to obtain a small baggy of the real stuff.

But it's true.

As I dumped out the contents of the sugar bowl into the pancake batter this morning, I was sure I had more in the pantry...

Only to discover that I didn't.

Easter Monday, and I have to give up sugar in my coffee??

Ha. I think not.

And so, it's off to my dear friend Lisa's home, to obtain more sweet stuff so I can function today.

Alleluia.

He is Risen!

:)

Happy Easter!

Anticipation...

...that's what Holy Saturday is all about.

Anticipation and Preparation.




In other news, when I said back here to "hand me a butter knife"...

I received a chain-saw instead.


Good Heavens, who ever heard of snow in Texas for Easter Sunday?!?

New Neighbors

These guys have been regulars around here. Their incessant pecking punctuating the Spring afternoons. I wonder if each new pair that comes along must have their own new hole?

It was quite humorous to watch this guy, because after I took this picture, he was startled by a squirrel that emerged from the very hole he was poking his head into. With much indignant squawks and scolding chatters from Mr. Squirrel, they went their separate ways...

Guess our yard is not big enough for the both of them. I wonder which one will emerge the victor?

Sweetness

It is so nice to feel appreciated, especially when you feel like you need a good lecture.

Last night I made yet another last minute trip to the grocery store in order to make sure I had everything I needed for our little dinner tonight.

And guess what.

Yep, I forgot something.

Something really essential.

Purina One Adult Cat Food (urinary tract health formula)

See, I had emptied out the rest of the previous bag into the cat's dish and was confident that I would just pick up another bag at the store...

And completely forgot.

I was reminded of my negligence at 5am when Ben (our cat) started meowing incessantly. I "fluffed" his food (the little left) and grimaced. And when I finally rolled out of bed at 8:30 this morning, Little Boo tells me that we need to get more cat food, because we don't want Ben to die. Animals die when they don't eat, she informs me.

I humbly begged DH to make a run to the store before he goes to work so I can do school and prepare the house and the food for our dinner, knowing that if I take time out to go to the store, we will be behind at least an hour.

Not only did he go without complaint, but he brought back a delectable muffin for me from the bakery there.

Now Ben and I can munch happily, knowing that we are loved.

:)

Seder Insanity

And so I have decided to try my hand at this Seder meal business.

I can hear the gasps all around the blog-o-sphere.



Not to worry, I won't be able to stress myself out too much, since I will be using the shortened version for everything.


I am very excited to think that maybe I can help the kids see more clearly the relationship between the Jewish Passover Feast and the institution of the Holy Eucharist at the Last Supper. To try to explain the horror of living in bondage that the Israelites had to endure, and the wondrous hope of Moses... and how all of this relates so beautifully to our own bondage and how Christ's passion and death has freed us from the slavery of sin.

Or, maybe just be glad if they eat the lamb, potatoes, flat bread and baba gahnoush...

:)

Wiki Your Birthday?

Found this over at Owlhaven, and thought it would be fun...

1. Go to Wikipedia and type in your birthday (month and day only):

That would be April 29th.


2. List events that occurred on that day of interest to you:

1429- Joan of Arc arrives to relieve the siege of Orleans.


1916- Easter Rebellion- martial law is lifted in Ireland. With the Irish Nationalists surrendering to British authorities in Dublin.

1945- The Dachau concentration camp is liberated by US troops.

1992- LA riots following the acquittal of the police officers involved in the beating of Rodney King. *side note here... I was actually about 8 miles from the "flash point" (starting point of the riots). DH had taken me to see The Phantom of the Opera for my birthday that night, and by the time the show ended, things were in full swing (and only a few blocks away...I could smell smoke), the 101 south was closed, along with most of the bus lines. Luckily, though, all we had to do was head north on the 101, and we were home free. A bit scary, though, as we found our way to the 101, hoping we wouldn't make a wrong turn!


3.List a Few Birthdays:

1954- Jerry Seinfeld
1957- Daniel Day-Lewis
1967- Curtis Joseph Canadian Hockey Player (for all my Canadian readers...)


4. List a death:

1980- Alfred Hitchcock


5. List a holiday or observance (if any):

International Dance Day
Well, Matilda, guess we'll have to head on over to your blog that day and see some dance moves!


And, I tag whomever would like to do this one. Please let me know when you post it!

:)

S. T. I. C. K. Y.

Legs stick to chairs stick to floors

Arms stick to tables

Fingers stick


Like everything is covered in hot-boiled, starting-to-cool maple syrup

Where the sky is a-glow with the setting sun

And the trees are on fire

And the clouds are booming and gathering in the distance


Someone hand me a butter knife

So I can slice through and emerge

Refreshed

Rejuvenated

The Roar of the Lion...

... is alive and well in the Nut-house these days.

I suppose it is fitting that during Holy Week my little peanuts are intent on re-enacting The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe ad nauseam.

No, they haven't seen the movie, but they have been really enjoying the Focus on the Family Radio Theatre version.




And here is the complete cast:

Action Man: Edmund
Sports Fan: Peter
Little Dear: Susan
Little Boo: Aslan (are you really surprised?)
Little Love: Lucy

And, Little Dear informs me that we need more kids since we don't have anyone to be the Witch. I'm just glad she didn't draw any conclusions about my suitability for the role...

;)

Hope and Promises

From the beautiful book, I Believe in Love by Pere' Jean du Coeur de Jesus D'Elbee:

Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom.

And the ineffable answer is:

Amen, I say to you, this day you shall be with me in Paradise.

For you, no Hell, not a second of Purgatory. The confident look you gave me, this meeting of our eyes, in my mercy and in your faith, has purified you in an instant and rendered us inseparable.

Now you are completely pure, and already in heaven.

The Good Thief has always given me such hope and joy. That we may, in a sense, "steal" heaven, or at least steal our way into heaven... That Christ sees us for what and who we are, so lovingly, and grants us our ultimate desire, because that is His desire as well.

To have us with Him in His Kingdom.

Here's to Holy Week!
:)

Updates

Sorry for the long (unscheduled) hiatus. It's been a rather strange week here at the Nut-house.

I must say, I've learned a lot in the past week or so, and will just reiterate it here in bullet form:

• boy trips may not seem to require much on the packing end, but the cleaning/unpacking end is unbelievably monstrous.
• girl weekends can be productive, but only if lots of bribes flowers and treats are involved.
• visits from moms and sisters are very fun and filled with much chatting and laughter.
• the transition from senior-year-of-high-school to freshman-in-college is one I would not relive for anything....even if that meant I could get rid of all my gray hair and wrinkles.
• it is entirely justifiable to eat an entire pint of Ben and Jerry's during Lent the night you find out that your trip to California *sans kids* has to be canceled due to tornadic winds.
• crying to your mom over the phone because of said cancellation is entirely justifiable too.
• spending a day outside watching your children laugh in the lake and feeling the sun on your face pretty much makes up for your disappointment.
• and lastly, turning 35 at the end of the month may be the only reason for this: