The Decorating Committee...

... Has been temporarily overthrown.















We are putting out an APB for the likes of Superman and Batman to corral their miscreant colleagues and remind them of their civic duties towards beauty and order.


Further bulletins as events warrant.


:)

Tribute To My Dad

Written by my brother...


Another Gaff in the Record Books; And It's Not a Bad Thing

Ask him about what he did as an athlete in college, and he’ll casually respond with,“I played soccer, football, baseball and ran track at HofstraUniversity.” What he won’t mention is the fact that in 1968 he was named the first All American soccer player at the school, and the only other soccer athlete to receive the honor since then was in 2006. He also won’t tell you he still holds the single season record for most goals scored (19). Those facts are usually eagerly disclosed by his wife, without a hint of question. His humility deserves canonization, and it’s taught me the greatest lessons not only in sports, but in life’s journey. He’s my Dad, Ed Gaffney; and he will be inducted into Hofstra University’s 2009 Hall of Fame class on Saturday, February 7th in Hempstead, NY.

“Tim, you won’t believe this! Guess how much they’re charging per person to attend this dinner and ceremony. It’s ridiculous!” I responded with a quizzical look, and an internal answer of—a mortgage payment?—“150 bucks just to get in!” he snapped. “I can’t believe people have to pay that just to attend!”

Well, I certainly would.

This is for my Dad, a man who will finally be honored by the university for all of his accomplishments on the field in the late 1960s. Along with being an All American in soccer, he also played football, baseball, and ran track. Can you say “breather”?! I can’t even think of an extended family having 4 sports in their blood, let alone one person playing that many. Take that, MJ!

“I don’t know why people are making such a big deal,” he told me during the conversation in the living room. “I’m just gonna have fun with it.” This is a guy that’s so humble he probably wouldn’t even take credit for his own signature!

The athlete known as “The Man” these days by the current athletic director and soccer coach at Hofstra continues his humility in the spotlight; but what he has is what every other professional superstar should have—and that’s a sense of class, humility, and integrity. He displays these everyday to us as family, and the people with which he interacts everyday at work. Intimidating with kindness, and charming with frown-busting smiles, he exemplifies humane greatness. And now he deserves the recognition and notoriety, if just for one night, for all the dedication he has shown to the sport he loves. He’s the only person I know besides my mother who has walked the walk for thousands of miles more than he’s talked it. He owns the cliché of leading by example. 19 goals in ’68? You kidding me? Tell me he trash-talked those balls past the goalkeeper’s ear.

Saturday night will be a time my Mom and Dad will go back in time to those years that made him a star. Wish I could have a front row seat to his mind and all the pictures that will go through it as the host reads off his accomplishments. I’ve heard stories from him, seen pictures, viewed old super-8 films, and looked in awe at the All-American badge he has mounted on the wall. But nothing will compare to the night my dad will be inducted into the Hofstra University Athletics Hall of Fame. I’ll be here in Colorado, glass in hand, with a toast to greatness.

Dad, 150 bucks isn’t nearly enough if they get to hear your story. Did you notice it’s been sold out for weeks now? Congratulations, Dad! You’re Hall of Fame in every aspect of life, and your son’s hero.

I'm bursting with pride at my Dad's accomplishments... both on the field and in our family. we all love him and our Mom dearly. To quote Portia... "My Dad? Yeah, he's a rock star."

:)

Please Pray

Every Catholic blogger knows Amy Wellborn, a real force in the blogging world, and a true literary champion. She is facing my greatest fear today. Her husband was taken suddenly from her yesterday and leaves behind his most precious family..

I remember 8 short years ago, when a friend's father died suddenly, I thought to myself that the world should have paused at that moment, that time really did need to stop altogether. Just for a few hours, to give this awful happening the weight of the moment that it deserved.

This random thought came to mind yesterday as I glanced out my front window in anticipation of my own Dear Husband's arrival. It flashed briefly through my thoughts, (I cannot allow it to linger) and I said a quick prayer for whomever might be dealing with the unthinkable.

Such is the connection of the communion of wanna-be saints here on earth. And thank the Lord for that.

The Love2Learn gals are doing a novena for Amy and her family, starting today. Join us, won't you?

Memorare

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help or sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired with with confidence, I fly to you, O virgin of virgins, my Mother. To you I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy, hear and answer me. Amen.


Novena to Saint Joseph

Oh, St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interest and desires. Oh, St. Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession, and obtain for me from your divine Son all spiritual blessings, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. So that, having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers. Oh, St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating you, and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me and ask Him to return the Kiss when I draw my dying breath.

Our Father....

Hail Mary....

Morning Has Broken

The pitter-patter of little feet at 3am is deafening. The offender vaults herself onto our bed, heedless of the position of my head, as she lands almost on top of it, and then snuggles under our down comforter.

I peer over at her, pigtails flouncing about as she gets herself settled, and am rewarded with a sleepy smile. Lifting her head and struggling to get closer, she plants a kiss on my tired cheek. In no time at all, her snores are rattling the air, and I am left sandwiched between DH and my Little Love.

I lay there quietly, waiting for her snores to get deeper and more relaxed, so I can lift her out and place her back in bed. This is a nightly routine for us, and sometimes I am able to drift back to sleep for awhile. But not tonight.

I snuggle closer to this littlest one, and her chubby hand brushes my cheek. I kiss her baby fingers and listen to her breaths slow down and her sighs get deeper.

But still I don't move.

My insomnia at this time is annoying, to be sure. But it also gives me the ability to cherish this time with my little girl. These days are fleeting. No doubt about it. And rather than get all weepy and regretful, I'd rather indulge and be grateful.

Eventually, I lift Little Love out of our bed and gently carry her through the hallway to her own. I tuck her into bed and tell her I love her.

As I leave I hear the sweet voice wafting above the noise of the fan... "I love you too, Mama."

:)

My Heart's At Home Daybook

Outside my window...
Blue skies and sun. A cold front blew in last night and whisked the clouds away. Highs in the mid 50's today, with the promise of a big warm up by the weekend. Makes me happy.

I am listening to...
The kids settle down to school after early morning dentist appt's for 4 of them.

To live the liturgy...
Trying to do nightly prayer time and continue with our catechism classes. The kids already know that Lent is around the corner, and are dreading it. I need to do some research on how to make it somewhat appealing. Wish I could say that my example will be beneficial.

To breathe deeply...
I've been craving exercise. And it's harder to get out and do something... more so now than ever before. Not sure why. But my mind and body need it. I've been keeping up with my morning stretches and back strengthening exercises. But my torso and legs need more.

Towards rhythm and beauty...
The house is still clean from our impromptu get together last night, and my hope is to continue the deep clean in preparation for our dinner guests on Saturday. Clean spaces are a thing of beauty for me.

I am thankful for...
The sun. And my health. I realize more and more how fickle my moods can be, and how ungrateful and assuming I have become towards these two amazing gifts.

From the kitchen...
Not sure. But I have a freezer full of meat, and a pantry stocked full. I am extremely grateful for this, as well.

I am wearing...
A black sweater, jeans and black shoes, my pearl earrings, and favorite scent.

I am creating...
Plans for a formal dinner party this Saturday evening. My perfectionist self is freaking. out. My sensible self is breathing deeply and keeping the planning simple and delicious.

On my ipod (mp3)...
New stuff from DH. And Carbon Leaf for me.

Towards a real education...
The kids have settled down from their post-Christmas high. The warmer days beckon them outside more and more, and so we find ourselves doing school at the "outdoor" home school table. :) I don't mind at all. This program is rigorous, but allows much leeway in the planning. Right now, Action Man is enjoying some living history books on the Civil War to supplement his textbook requirements, while getting the help he needs for his dysgraphia and dyscalcula. There have been quite a few modifications to this curriculum, but I've seen many improvements in my children overall.

Bringing beauty to my home...
My mom sparked my decorator's bug during her last visit, with the purchase of pillows and a hearth candelabra for my front living room. I finally accessorized the main bathroom, and have added a few touches here and there. The result is pleasing, and leaves me hungering for more. For now, though, finances dictate the need to just de-clutter and keep things tidy.

I am reading...
About to read The Shack. Yes, I know. Scandalous. It's for my IRL bookclub, which is filled with brilliant women who will decimate this book and leave us all the ability to speak intelligently and charitably about it. Next up is All the King's Men.

I am hoping...
To keep my cool today, to give focused attention, and maintain some cheerfullness.

Around the house...
Have I mentioned the word "de-clutter" enough? :)

One of my favorite things...
Sunny days, outside sports, and worthwhile activities. The boys are signed up for roller hockey, while the girls are taking Irish step-dancing. I love that my kids are so active.

A few plans for the rest of the week...
Time for adoration for the parents, with the boys taking turns joining us. Feeling the need for more focused prayer time... not just my exasperated exclamations.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...















DH and the kids during an outing to Fort Worth last month. We took the train from our hometown and rode into the downtown area. We wandered through the beautiful side streets and stopped for a bite to eat. Our waiter told us about the Water Gardens, and we all had a blast exploring. Although, my Mama's heart skipped a few beats when I saw the kids descending this:















This was on the way back up. Much scarier when looking down. My boys and Little Boo thought it was awesome.

:)

Fickle

That's the weather around here. Just like a teenage girl.

Fickle.

Not that I'd know anything about that, of course.

;)

We went from this less than a week ago...

To this:
















No need to feel sorry for me... even though we woke up this morning to a *frigid* 20 degrees!

It will be 45 and sunny by noon.

:)

Worth Reading

Since I have become "The Blog That Sends You Elsewhere"...

Go visit my younger sister where she shares the story of a faith-filled couple, fellow alumni of our alma mater, whose youngest daughter (#11) has been diagnosed with Trisomy 18.

The mother has written a beautiful piece for us to contemplate...

Mariposa, California is our home, but it also means little butterfly and that is what she is. A sweet butterfly that is in her cocoon, will come forth in brilliant color, bestow a butterfly kiss and then fly away as the Spring time air calls her forth.

Go. read.

Too Many? Well, Ask the Children....

From my local news stop about a couple who adopted 9 children:

Marie said that before the last three were adopted, the kids had asked her during a car ride whether they'd have a party once Michelle, Gregory and Jacob legally became part of the family.

"We're going to have a 'We're-not-adopting-any-more adoption party,' " Marie joked.

"The car was silent, which made me start looking in the rearview mirror because they're never silent," Marie said.

"The older one said, 'You can't do that, Mom.' I said, 'Do what? Aren't you guys tired of being crowded and sharing and everything?' "

Marie's voice cracked as she recalled Makayla's reply: " 'You don't know what it's like. You can't say no. If somebody needs us, we need to be there.' "

The rest is here.

:)

Aging Gracefully

Sports Fan (reading his science): You know that time when all the continents were stuck together? When it was called Pangea?

Me: Yes.

Sports Fan: You were alive, right?



:)

Homeschooling in the South

Looks a lot like this:






















I cannot tell you how grateful I am for the 70 degree weather we've had yesterday and again today.

If I did, it would surely be bragging.

:)

Sending a wish for warm breezes your way,