Poetry Friday

In keeping with my exhortation from Wednesday...

Infant of mine,
What will you see,
As I wash your skin and change your clothes?
Eyes that are focused on the next task or eyes filled with the wonder of you?

Toddler of mine,
What will you see,
As my head bends over yours and we brush your teeth?
Will you see a mouth turned down, a brow furrowed with thought,
Or a quick smile, just for you?

Little boys of mine,
What will you hear?
Words that seep with tiredness and frustration,
Or encouragement that you really can be the good boys
You want to be?

Daughters of mine,
What will you learn?
That mothering is a chore, a burden, a list,
Or a fulfilling, joyful job, worthy of your life’s attention?

Strapping sons of mine,
What will you observe?
A woman eager to control, to keep you under her thumb,
Or a mentor eager to disciple by example, a helping hand?

Husband of mine,
What will you find?
A spirit that is hard to please, a distant soul,
Or warm arms to welcome you as you walk in the door?

Courtesy of Lisbet, who in turn got it from Holly.

Have a LOVE-ly weekend!

:)

February's Bloggy Book Club

The Christmas Box is a tear-jerker. There is no getting around that. I knew it was, I had read it before, and I was not keen on re-choking back those tears again. (I always read during the day, when the kids are around) However, I needed to read the book again since I had forgotten the "message" it teaches...

The irony of this is not lost on me.

I know that those of us with young children in our lives be it through birth, adoption, or being an older relative, appreciate the need to re-visit these simple life lessons from time to time. When you are in the trenches, in the midst of life with many little ones, and the sunshine is dim behind the winter clouds, and you've had to repeat yourself far too many times to still be considered a sane and rational being.... it's necessary to reflect. To be reminded of our true mission and vocation here on earth.

It's quite simple, really. The first Christmas gift was love. Our loving Father gave us His only Son that we might live. When we look at our own small children, can we even imagine, just for one second, giving them up for another? And yet, how easily our affections are squandered elsewhere! How easily we forget. We must love. We must love every minute of every day in every way possible. And it is most important right here in our own homes with our own precious children.

A simple lesson, but not easily practiced. The best gift of love we can give... is ourselves. And life with small children is a constant gift of self, and I, for one, can be quite miserly. Hence the need for reminders. This book does a wonderful job of putting it all out there for me. The pain and the joy and most especially, the need for this ultimate gift.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From one of my all-time favorite books; Wood of the Cradle, Wood of the Cross by Caryll Houselander:

As to our love, it cannot fail to be creative love if it is Christ's. Loves that we had supposed to have no importance but for ourselves- love between husband and wife, parents and children, sisters and brothers, the love of friends- all these natural loves, if we love with Christ's heart, increase the life of the world, and build up the Kingdom of Heaven here on earth. That harder love to achieve, the love of our enemies, of those who hate us and persecute us, does not merely bring us pardon in our own sins, but is redemptive; it has a reach as wide as the Cross, and not only brings mercy to those who are its object, but to the whole world.

If we could all love this way, what a world this would be!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Please join us in our book club discussion over at Queen of the Castle.

:)

*BLAST* From The Past

So, I have a facebook account. I know, yippee. I was suckered into it through my techie husband, who managed to re-connect with some of our college friends, and I wanted in on the action. Because, as we all know, a person can never spend enough time on the internet!

*snort*

The other day I received a friend request from someone I went to high school with. I barely remembered her name, and almost denied the request. Then, from some unused recess of my brain, the name and face emerged like a ghost from the past... Oh, yeah.. I thought.... who were her friends? We didn't run in the same crowd, but there were only 90 kids in my graduating class. So, technically, I should know her.

This friend request led to two more friend requests from people I did know quite well. And.. you know the rest, it has been a whirlwind of e-mails! Catching up on 10+ years of life, reminiscing, and being embarrassed at our own memories. Because, high school is nothing if not 4 complete years of doing and saying and wearing the most idiotic things (especially if you were in high school during the '80s) Ahhh, those teenage years.

And so, for the purpose of full disclosure, I give you....
















My high school graduation.(shudder)

That'd be me and my friend Julie..... thanks for the laugh, Jules!

:)

You Are a Semi-Colon

You are elegant, understated, and subtle in your communication. You're very smart (and you know it), but you don't often showcase your brilliance. Instead, you carefully construct your arguments, ideas, and theories until they are bulletproof. You see your words as an expression of yourself, and you are careful not to waste them. You friends see you as enlightened, logical, and shrewd. (But what you're saying often goes right over their heads.) You excel in: The Arts You get along best with: The Colon

What Punctuation Mark Are You?

h/t: my bosom buddy Elaine

:)

The Definition of a Good Time

Little Boo (upon arriving home after a backyard bbq):

(in wide-eyed amazement as she pats her head...)
That was so much fun, I forgot all about my hairclips!
(yanking the clips out, she plunks them on the counter and skips away)

:)

Don't Miss It!

Tonight is the last night, for the next three years that we will be able to see a full lunar eclipse here in North America. (except for those in Alaska and Hawaii... sorry!) It is supposed to be cloudy here, but since we've just read about Christ calming the wind, we're hoping He will move the clouds and calm the thunder just enough for a quick peek.

In other, I'm-sure-unrelated* news, our bloggy book club will be hosted by our own Mom of Boys a week from today! We will be discussing The Christmas Box. Do a post of your own, or join in on the discussions. As always, the more the merrier!


*Because, of course, our bloggy book club will occur at least a few times more than a total lunar eclipse. Here's hoping, eh?

:)

And Then God Snickered....

Looks like I'll be playing soccer after all. My captain said it's too late to pull out, and I need to get my lazy rear off the couch and running. I guess God figures I need an extra push, and so here it is. Maybe it's more that He realizes I need this outlet. Yes, that's what I think, too.

:)

I am happy, but thinking I'm gonna pay for it.

But don't worry, no matter how sore I am, I'll try (really really hard) not to complain.

Promise.

:)

Lenten Exercise

Lent is on the brain these days, and also around the blog-o-sphere.

Margaret had a thought-provoking post and one part that struck me was her statement that Lent is not about losing weight. While I agree that Lent should not be advertised as a weight loss program, I wondered a bit at what some might say the "inappropriateness" of it. I mean, why can't we put a positive spin on our sacrifices?

I have a different sort of sacrifice this year.

I'm binge eating.

Ha ha. No. Just kidding! My sacrifice is that I decided not to play soccer this season. With all of my griping about how sore I am after my games and how inept I am on the field, you'd think it wouldn't be much of a sacrifice. But the truth is, I love the game. I love the pounding of my heart, the sweat on my forehead, the sound and feel of the ball when I execute that perfect pass or kick.... I love the competition and the way I feel when I come home, all hot and sweaty and full of life.

I used to use my soccer season as an excuse to get in shape. At this time of year, my winter shapely-ness starts to wear (ha ha) on me, and I get tired of the extra jiggles I feel when chasing down one of the kiddos. An impending soccer season was all it took to scare me into running again.

Not this year.

This year it will be sheer willpower, and maybe a few Lenten resolutions. As I run, I can try to say my rosary, although I'm sure at least a few "Jesus, Mary and Joseph, have pity on me!"s will make their way into my exercise regimen.

Quite frankly, if I can unite my self-inflicted suffering with Christ while promoting a healthy lifestyle for myself.... I see no problem with that.

:)

Mis-Placed Valentine?

Nope.

Ben is our cat.

:)

Help! I'm Drowning!

In my to-do list, that is. Nothing serious.

:)

This Bloggy Book Club is threatening to die, much like my houseplants, from pure neglect on my part.

Mom of Boys is hosting this(!) month's(!) meeting with The Christmas Box.

Please let us know when MoB, and I'll put up the appropriate sidebar posting.

And will somebody please take March? *And yes, March will be hosted by Erin. Date TBA. We will read Poisonwood Bible. (unpacking my brain, now...)

Thanks!!

:)

ps. I just finished my IRL bookclub book The Murder Room by P.D. James. Awesome.

Texas Springtime

No matter how long I live here, I will never get used to this. I am most certainly grateful for the high of 69 tomorrow. But then to plummet 30 degrees for a high the next day? Mere insanity.

Which leads us (as always) to this.

Funny that the flu season coincides with the beginning of the year, right when our prescription deductibles are at their highest. We don't have the actual flu virus. But considering the amount of medication that's being doled out here with all of the coughing and sniffling and sleepless nights, I'm confident that we've almost reached our deductible .

Which brings me to my "yay doctor!" gush of gratitude.

We've had the same family doctor since Action Man was born. She delivered my first three, and has taken care of all of us since. When I found out I was pregnant with Little Dear, and Sports Fan was only 3 months old, she skipped into the exam room with a jubilant, "Well, I'm so happy!" Of course, I bawled. But she was so awesome through it all.

Now that the clan has stopped growing (for now) she has been a source of great comfort, answering my late night pagings, prescribing medication over the phone (in huge! quantities! with endless! refills!) and always making me feel like I really wasn't bothering her. Most of the time, these pagings has found her still at the office. She is swamped, and dedicated...

Our one regret is that, while she is Catholic, she does prescribe birth control. We are praying for her. And she knows it.

Today, I am grateful for dedicated doctors and modern medicine. And yes, also for our crazy Texas weather.

:)

15 Minutes to a New Me

Still really enjoying these posts over at Owlhaven. Mary said she would be posting them, and each time I click over, it is such a joy.

And I certainly need a little joy right now.

Yes, we're sick. Whatever. Everyone else in the world is too!

I'm cold. Don't laugh. We have thin skins, we Southerners. A high of 50 is cold. Yes ma'am.

And so, I need to shape up over here.

After 15 minutes, I think I have...

1. Survive a 45 minute tantrum compliments of Little Love without losing my cool. Read two stories to her (two times each) after her "sorry Mama" and precious hug.

2. Teach my 10 year old how to make pasta and bean soup. Enjoy a bowl with him.

Things are calmer. I am warmer. The sickies are not acting as sick.

Life, of course, is always good. I needed the reminder.

:)

My Little Boo

Some Little Boo-isms to brighten your Friday:

Yesterday morning...
Me: Where's Little Love?
Little Boo: She's in the Living Room.
(pause)
Little Boo: Where's the Living Room?


After lunch...
Little Boo: (yelling) Why does Little Love get more Kool Aid and I don't?
Me: Because Little Love is on medicine that makes her thirsty.
Little Boo: What am I on?
Me: (observing the tantrum) Steroids?


Before bed...
Little Boo: Why don't you give me medicine?
Me: Because you don't need it.
Little Boo: You just want me to be sick.


Have a fabulous weekend all! And Happy Birthday to my dear sis, Sephora!

:)

Proof: The Internet is Inspiring

After my horrific day yesterday, and the extensive sniveling and licking-of-wounds that occurred last night, I was ready to begin again this morning.

After a huge breakfast and a double-shot coffee, of course.

:)

The Internet was also on my side.

Go read this over at Owlhaven. We can all do 15 minutes can't we? I need to spend at least that much time just being present, every day.

Then take Danielle's suggestion and visit this generous woman. I say generous because if she were charging for these, I would gladly pay. But she's not:

My goal is to help grownups and kids spend time together making things. It is my wish to amuse and delight.

I know how we'll be spending our 15 minutes today....

You?

:)

Off to a Roaring...

... fizzle.


Thank goodness for IRL (in real life) friendships.

And those online.

After all of my resolutions of being cheerful and patient and not losing my temper, we started the day off with Mama screaming and wacking the eldest upside da head because he once again, for the zillionth time this week, called Little Dear a name, unprovoked, just because.... well, he doesn't know, he just... wanted to.

(errrrggggghhhhh)

So, after schooling, we packed ourselves off to our very dear, understanding friends to soothe our disappointment with some soul-nourishing chats and a hot cup of tea. We left heartened and inspired and yes, hungry, but with a renewed sense of calm and peace.

And it was with great relief and a huge smile of understanding to come home and read this from Danielle Bean, my daily source of inspiration.

God gives us many opportunities for grace, yes. But He also knows when we need concrete encouragement, and the ear of a good friend. Not to mention an honest blog post.

:)

For All the Northerners...

... who keep blowing their cold air down to us Southerners....

STOP IT

:)

Being a native Northerner myself, I can sympathize with your desire for sun. And warmth. And all things Spring.

So, this is for you. And you. And you. And you. And you. And you.





















And most especially, you. You especially need these.
















:)

Making It Ours... Part I

I am being very optimistic in labeling this post as a Part I. We are not on a mission to completely remodel our new house. So, don't worry, this will not become a drywall and spackle blog. However, as the queen of my new domain, I need to make it my own. I see potential for beauty everywhere I turn, and I need to fix it!

And so, here it begins.... with the "formal living room" which is now the "front room" and has become in my mind the "library/reading room".....

The before:
















Is shaping up nicely towards the completed picture in my head:


































Around the corner to the left is where the large bookcases are located. I hope to add a bunch of floor pillows and an area rug to the mix. I'm trying to create a quiet (ha!) comfy place for the kids (and me!) to curl up with a good book.

Tune in next time to see our brassy gold bathroom that screams
I. AM. 90's!

:)

Book Meme

Red Cardigan tagged me for this meme I have seen making the rounds. She allowed me some leeway as to which book I could choose. Preferably one that is unpacked.

Smart woman.

Here are the rules:

1. Pick up the nearest book ( of at least 123 pages).
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the next three sentences.
5. Tag five people.

Sitting at my computer, the only thing within arm's reach is the Lego Star Wars computer game instruction manual.

Hardly 123 pages.

And so, I must amble to the bookshelf. I guess I'll follow Matilda's lead and close my eyes and grab one....

I picked Clowns of God by Morris West. I read it many many moons ago, and only vaguely feel a little sheepish about owning it. Is it slightly blasphemous or a book I wouldn't recommend? Somebody refresh my memory!

He was happy about one thing: he was no longer bound to secrecy. He could discuss the issues involved; test his opinions against those of devotees and cynics alike, talk out his puzzlements in the language of simple folk, instead of the loaded dialect of the theologians. He was still far from satisfied by the explanations Jean Marie had given him. The description of his mystical states, which others had obviously witnessed, seemed too bland, too familiar, too -he groped for the word- too derivative from the vast body of devotional writing. Jean Marie was precise about the possibilities of catastrophic conflict.

Mr. West is certainly prolific with his sentences! And no, this book I cannot recommend. It is a "Vatican Thriller"... mere eye candy, not inspirational in the least. I remember now.

And now, for 5 people!

I tag: Mrs. Bear, Portia, Lisa, Sarah, and Cmerie. I can't wait to see what you gals are reading....

:)

They Picked Me!

Lisa and Cmerie awarded me the "E for excellence" award. And I am really very flattered.

Thank you!

Now I get to nominate 10. more. people!

Yikes.

I read a lot of blogs, and I like to think all of them are excellent. I don't think I can pick just 10.

And so, if you are in my sidebar, I think you are excellent. Give yourself a button.

:)

*With My Fingers In My Ears*

I refuse to listen.

I won't read.

I have to wait.

Tonight, we'll be watching online what the rest of the world already saw last night.

A season premiere from 7-9pm? My kids are rarely settled for the night by 9pm, never mind 7!


Who else is a Lost junkie?

:)