Work In Progress

I think I can!

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 20:07:11 -0500

Last year, I gave up sweets and the Internet during Lent (except for the Sunday reprieve). This year, I had myself pretty well convinced that I was not going to be able to do the latter. Give up the Internet? Can't do it - its my primary resource for homeschooling information and ideas for living out the liturgical year. I need it too much - its my main connection to family and friends. I'll miss too much- its my only link to news and weather.

However, as we move closer to Lent, I can feel my resolve getting stronger. I think I can do it, I whispered last night. "I can...I know I can," I declared today.

Too cool!

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 21:34:40 -0500

Thanks to Angela for posting this on her blog. I know this video is old and it's not May right now, but I still liked it!!

March for Life 2010

Sat, 23 Jan 2010 20:14:42 -0500

We survived!!

Actually, everything went incredibly well - friendly people, decent weather, not too much crying! The boys really did great on the bus trip and received many compliments. Gregory had a little trouble falling asleep. Thankfully, not many people needed the bus's bathroom, so I was able to wear him in the mei tai while walking in place.

We weren't really able to participate in much. I had no idea how many people go to this march. Incredible! We arrived fairly early and headed down to the rally site with others from our church. After being in the same spot for almost an hour, we decided we'd better get the boys to a wide-open space where they could run around and have some snacks. Ha!! We were so trapped! After about ten minutes (and only because a lady had a panic attack and we were following on her heels), we found some sort of grating that nobody wanted to stand on and quickly headed there to get our bearings and BREATHE! We then realized that the only way we could get out was to venture over the fence onto the freshly seeded grass - which we promptly did and then backed ourselves out a couple blocks for some breathing room.

We attempted to actually be in the march and even got in line a couple times, but there were so many people that it was completely bottlenecked. We were really worried about how easily one of the kids could slip away and get lost in all those people. We decided to wait for the absolute end of the march, but by that time, we would have had only 45 minutes to go the 1/2 mile to the Capitol and back before the bus picked us up.

I have to say, I was discouraged at this point - that we had come all this way and didn't really do anything - and resolved not to add this to our list of yearly activities. However, back at the bus, everyone was so excited to see us and the kids and expressed how glad they were that we had made the trip with them. Then, we learned that our parish priest never participates in the march itself, but,instead, walks to the Capitol on a different course and watches the sea of marchers as they finish the march.

That's when I understood. We didn't have to participate in any of the organized events of March for Life to be participants. Our mere presence - our full-of life children, our precious baby, all of us together - and the sacrifices we made to be there - waking up even earlier than normal, entertaining kids on a bus for 10 hours, braving the 20 degree temperatures for 5 hours - these were our events, our contribution to the beauty of life.

We only took 4 pictures, so I'll leave you with all of them! And then I'm writing some notes to myself, so I can refer back to this post for next year's march!

We don't know this man, but he posed perfectly!

Sooo many people!

We are looking pretty haggard here. This is after two attempts to actually 'march" and we finally decided to just go around everybody and get closer to where the bus would pick us up.

Hangin' with Aunt Billie!

Notes to self for March for Life 2011:

*Bring cookies or some other treat for everyone on the bus (to be shared after the March.)

*Don't bring many books to read to the kids. The videos are too loud.

*Get snowsuits out of storage in Breezewood, so we can get the kids ready before D.C.

*Get jammies out of storage before leaving D.C., so we can get the kids ready for bed before Breezewood.

*Schedule: Meet Billie and eat upon arrival in D.C. (on the Mall on the side of Constitution closest to Capitol building - near Air and Space museum) Say goodbyes and walk up to Capitol via Air and Space and Native American museums route. Return to Air and Space for bus pick-up.

*Make homemade signs?

*Reference 2010 packing list (need to make pdf for this)

We're going! Yikes!

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 21:29:02 -0500

I told myself last year, "We'll do this next year." I tried to tell myself that we still weren't ready, but, really, when will we be? When I called to get reservations for the bus, it was full and they put us on a waitlist. Wouldn't you know, a family of 4 cancelled yesterday. So, with 6 people in 4 seats, we are headed to our nation's capitol on Friday! Keep us and all the other marchers in your prayers!

Ideas for Lent 2010

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 20:58:04 -0500

OK, I learned from my Advent/ Christmas ideas post that it would be better to start a draft of ideas right away rather than bookmarking them (or just trying to remember sites) and trying to find them all later!

Jesus tree:

This is a great idea as the continuation of the Jesse tree with readings and corresponding "ornaments." You can purchase a kit here. I haven't decided if I will purchase the kit or try to make my own. I'm probably more likely to make them if I buy the kit, but $21 plus shipping seems so steep for felt and instructions! (I may just print the pictures and cut them out as a backup this year, since I barely even have time to brush my teeth!)

Lenten Mantle:

Here's Dawn's.

I love the idea of "burying the Alleluia" by painting wooden letters gold and putting them in a box until Easter.

Elizabeth's.

Lenten calendar:

Here's Jessica's. (She's amazing!)

I especially like the idea about picking an object to count and putting that many pennies in the rice bowl. The boys would love it!! Some object ideas - radiators, cars, doorknobs, baskets...

I also like the idea of donating canned goods each day from the pantry. (Note to self: Stock it ahead of time!)

Here's Dawn's.

Charlotte's.

Theresa's.

40 Trash Bag Challenge:

OK, Kevin actually agreed to do this with me! One of our favorite quotes when we first got married was "The less you have, the less you have to take care of." (This does not apply to kids!! We love having more of them to take care of!)

Here's others who have done it and left valuable feedback:
Darcee
Jennifer

I'd like to have the "cut list" planned out:
1. Piano music
2. Coat closet
3. Children's books
4. Kev's and my books
5. Magazines
6. Food items
7. Cookbooks
8. My closet
9. Kev's closet
10. My dresser
11. Kev's dresser
12. Shoes
13. Holiday decorations
14. Maternity clothes
15. Craft cabinet
16. Stuffed animals
17. Bath toys
18. Sheetrock
19. Computer stuff
20. Diapers
21. Co-sleeper and Bassinet
22. VCR, TV/VCR, and VHS tapes

That's all we've come up with so far. I'm sure we'll think of more.

Candle Day:

We did this with the boys last year and they loved it. In trying to think of something we could sacrifice as a family that wouldn't be too difficult for the kids to participate, I came up with the idea of giving up electric lighting every Saturday during Lent. We'll definitely be doing it again!

Stations of the Cross:

Using candles

Easter Vigil:

This is the Mass we'll be attending. I know the readings will be really long, but the boys will really enjoy the fire, the candles, and the baptisms.

Miscellaneous:

Lots of ideas and links here.

Thanks, Ian!

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 20:56:33 -0500

I was trying to find time (in between Kevin starting a fire and running the boys through the shower) to slip out and shovel the walk. I peeked out the window and discovered that my neighbor had already shoveled it for us!!

I love winter on this block! The boys and I shovel the sidewalks of our two closest neighbors whenever we can. On really heavy snow days, Gary (across the street) will go up and down the length of the street on both sides with his snowblower. On light snow days, Mimi will shovel for Gary. Lee always shovels for his wheelchair-bound neighbor. It's just such an incredible example of shining Christ's love for each other! I am so humbled and thankful that our family can be a part of this loving service.

Could these guys BE any more awesome?!!

Sun, 03 Jan 2010 21:12:43 -0500

CatholicsComeHome.org

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 21:28:05 -0500

Happy Birthday, Andrew!

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 21:07:03 -0500

Andrew had a really hard time waiting for this birthday and prayed several times to "please not let me be sad until my Birthday." Two nights ago, he announced that his birthday was so close that he did not need to pray about being sad - the end was in sight!!

Happy Birthday, blue eyes!

2 weeks:

This kid had hair! 4 mos:

Baptism! (Notice, I did trim his bangs!) 5 mos:

Almost 1:

1 yr.:

1.5 yrs:

2 yrs:

3 yrs:

Awaiting 4 yr. old picture!

More gifts

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 20:31:20 -0500

After his shower tonight, Matthew came to me with a list of supplies in his head. He needed my help getting everything and then wanted to work privately in the bee room to prepare some presents for Andrew's birthday tomorrow. He spent at least an hour and came back down with these two beauties:

(Judging by the supplies Matthew had me get, Andrew is receiving a box of Origami and electronic parts. He is also getting Matthew's Lowe's semi. I know only because I can tell by the shape of the wrapping paper.)

After he was done, Matthew was really concerned that he had run out of time to make anything for the guys' stockings. Kevin assured him that he would have time in the morning. (Matthew is always awake by 5:30, if not earlier!)

What a beautiful example of generosity from one of God's precious souls!

These are the moments....

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 19:38:29 -0500

....that make it all worthwhile. This year, we are celebrating Christmas in it's fullness - as a season and not just a day. I knew, by the end of Advent, that I wanted to celebrate this way, but I wasn't exactly sure how I was going to do it.

Enter: Matthew. Christmas evening, Matthew secretly put some of his electronics parts (He has a large bucket of these that he has been collecting since summer.) into baggies and slipped them into the guys' stockings. He also prepared a program listing the numbers of the Christmas songs from our Hymnal that we would sing in front of the fire that evening.

Every day, he comes up with new ideas as a way for us to celebrate. He has been making Origami figures (with the paper he received from his Aunt as a birthday present) and slipping them into our stockings. Sometimes, they even have electronic parts hidden in them!

One evening, he spent about an hour making us this beautiful card and many Origami figures:

So, we have followed his lead. Kevin slips candy into the guys' stockings every night before he goes to bed. He also un-sauders a special electronic part to add back to Matthew's collection. Today, I purchased chapstick and watercolor paints to slip in over the next couple of days. Thank you, Matthew, for a great, new tradition!!

Ideas for Advent/Christmas 2010

Sat, 26 Dec 2009 21:25:42 -0500

While researching Advent and Christmas traditions for our family, I came across a lot of wonderful ideas that I absolutely do not want to forget! (Not that I will even attempt to accomplish them all!) So, I am going to compile them all here and, hopefully next Christmas, I'll remember that I even made this post!!

General Ideas

Mantle phrase:

I like the idea of decorating for Advent first, then decorating for Christmas.

Jessica's Advent Mantle
Charlotte's

Christmas breakfast:

We had Bohemian Fruit Slices and Homemade Eggnog. It was delicious! And while I love the idea of a birthday cake for Jesus, we decided that with a birthday 6 days before and 6 days after Christmas, it is just too much cake!! Next year, the plan is to stick candles in our Bohemian and sing at breakfast. And the boys want to make sure we also cook some sausage! And eggs would be yummy! So:

Christmas Day breakfast menu:
Cheesy eggs
Sausage
Bohemian Fruit Slices (with candles!)
Homemade Eggnog

Jesse tree:

We just used a small tree and paper ornaments, but I would like to find a banner style (felt or cloth) tree and corresponding ornaments. Here's a different idea for unique ornaments.

I need to develop my own list of readings. I used 3 different sources this year and none of them coordinated with each other. I'll check Jessica's list for help developing mine.

Orthodox religions use a 52-day Jesse Tree. I'd like to read more about that.

Christmas cards:

Write and send them! And here's a beautiful way to display them!

Purging/Cleaning House/Spirits as part of preparation:

I had never heard of this idea before and the realities of life with my boys would probably never allow it, but a girl can dream, right? Here's a sample cleaning schedule from Colleen and a coordinating post about the more important work in Advent - preparing our souls.

Presents for Jesus:

This is an incredible idea, and it seems like a natural extension to what we did this year (only gifts that were for the whole family, such as books, games, etc.) Ann has a list of catalogs her family uses in this post.

Advent Calendar Extension:

I love Advent calendars (especially ours!), but I don't like the way the wise men, sheep, and shepherds all come before baby Jesus. And I really want that multitude of Angels to be present at Jesus' birth!

I'm hoping to find a blank wooden calendar with doors, in order to rearrange and add more figures to have a Christmas season extension to the Advent calendar. Still searching!

(Update: I found some mini wooden figures at Michael's - extra animals, stars, lots of Angels! And Kevin suggested that if I don't find an extra blank calendar, we could just add them back into our Advent calendar for the Christmas Season.)

Advent flow into Christmas Season:

We had three rotations of activities for the boys each night during Advent: hanging the ornament on the Jesse Tree, opening the appropriate door on the Advent Calendar, and blowing out the Advent and mantle candles after our procession.

Next year, during the Christmas Season, I'd like to have three corresponding activities: opening the appropriate door for the Christmas Extension Calendar, blowing out the Christ candle and mantle candles after our procession, and unwrapping a Christmas book to be read in place of the Jesse tree readings. (I know Jessica's idea was to unwrap a book each day of Advent, but by the time Christmas came around, the boys were tired of reading Christmas books!!! We can't have that happen again!)

Christmas Stockings:

Seeing this picture reminds me that I hope to carry on my grandfather's tradition and needlepoint stockings for each my children. (I like this one!) Probably not going to happen in this lifetime, but I am still going to dream about it!

Books:

Books for Advent will focus on the theme of waiting or be attributed to a December Saint's Feast Day. (Obviously need more research in this category!)

Waiting for Christmas: A Story about the Advent Calendar (the boys loved this one!)
The Jesse Tree

St. Nicholas books:
The Bakers Dozen: A St. Nicholas Tale

St. Lucia books

Christmas cookies:

Make more! Save some and gift some (recycling guys, mailman, Mimi and Poppy's family, friends, family, Father Willie, etc. )

I really like Jessica's idea of "painting" the cookies.

Other gifts:

-Homemade vanilla extract
-Homemade block crayons
-Clove apples (This is the second year we've attempted this and we almost completed one   apple! I think 2010 is our year!)

Ideas from Books

The Bakers Dozen: A St. Nicholas Tale:

Make St. Nicholas cookies using this recipe and this cookie cutter.

A Gift from Saint Francis: The First Creche

Remember our animal friends at Christmas by making birdseed and other treats.

Waiting for Christmas: A Story about the Advent Calendar

Make an Advent calendar by tying little cookies onto cardboard (possibly butter cookies, but try to find an original German recipe).

Calendar-Specific Ideas

Check out Jessica's Advent Schedule.

Feast of St. Nicholas:

Hold a party again for our homeschool group, focusing more on traditional recipes.

'O' Antiphons:

-House:
    -Christine's
    -Jessica's
-Special activities for each antiphon:
    -Jessica's ideas

Feast of St. Lucia:

I didn't know quite what to do with this feast day, since the dog and I are the only females in the house! Apparently, I am not the only one is this situation. So, next year, I can look a liitle more into Dawn's tradition: Star Boys

Feast of the Holy Innocents:
-Bless your children

OK, I've got to stop here and continue researching in November. I told myself (and my husband) that I would publish this post before the end of the Christmas Season. So, here goes!!

Some late notes:

-Order Advent Candles
-Order cloves in bulk
-Stockings, for sure, need to come down on Jan. 6. We can decide if we want everything down then or if we want some things to stay until Feb. 2.

Good explanation?

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 21:01:52 -0500

Matthew asked why we had to go to church every Sunday.

"Why couldn't we go every other Sunday?" he wanted to know.

I asked him to think about it in a different way.

"What if Grandma and G-daddy lived close by, would you want them to visit every week or every other week?" I asked.

He replied, "Every week! No, I would want them to visit every day!"

Exactly. I told him God would love it if we visited Him every day or at least as often as we could.

And he said, "Why do we need to visit Him? He's all around us, everywhere."

That is so true. We talked about how church is like God's home and its the one place we can actually see Him. In the Eucharist.

(Danielle Rose wrote an incredible song called "See You in the Eucharist." In her explanation about the song, she talks about how humble Jesus is to come to us in a piece of bread, knowing that we would be terrified otherwise.)

We talked about how the angels would always tell people not to be afraid as part of their greeting and how if people were that afraid of angels, they would be so much more afraid of seeing God. But no one would be scared of a piece of bread.

We talked a bit more about why people would be afraid of God (they would be ashamed at unloving things they had done) and how children wouldn't be as afraid of God as adults.

Matthew and I both felt really satisfied about the conversation and had a good chuckle over the thought of people being afraid of bread. (I really hope it was a good explanation, but I wanted to document it anyway because I know I'll forget it otherwise!)

Happy Birthday, Matthew!

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 19:56:49 -0500

Matthew turned six yesterday!! It's just hard to believe. Indulge me for a moment while I take a little photo journey.

One week:

2 months:

Baptism! 4 months:

Around 9 months (?):

1 year:

18 months:

2 years:

3 years:

(I know you can't see his face on this one, but I just had to include it. This was his first climbing experience and the army guy said he'd never seen a kid climb so high.) 3.5 years:

4 years:

5 years:

And as soon as we figure out the downolad process of our new camera, I can post his 6 year old photo!

Swedish Saint Lucia

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 21:37:36 -0500

I've had this song in my head ever since I heard it over at Colleen's blog. I just wanted to add it here, so I would have an easy place to find it for next year.