Grandparents Behaving Badly

This just in: a grandfather is suspected of using a toddler to help him steal purses at a Jersey Shore boardwalk.

And yesterday Middle Sister overheard a grandmother calling her young granddaughter "dummy." This really upset Middle Sister. "That grandmother is such a put-downer!" she said.

I can't imagine what I'd feel like if I ever heard that my parents or in-laws insulted one of my children, much less used them for a criminal activity.

Please join me today in praying for those children who are not blessed with the kind of grandparents kids dream of having. The kind who read them books, treat them to cupcakes with extra frosting, take them for walks in the woods, wear sweatshirts advertising their athletic teams, build computers for them, show them their latest project-in-progress, laugh at knock-knock jokes they've heard 100 times, and make sure to stock their favorite cookies. The kind my kids are blessed to have.

Mom's at Home. Kids are in School.

If I had a dollar for everyone who asked me what I'd be doing all day long while all of the children are in school full-day, I'd be well on the way to covering next year's new school uniforms (or at least Big Brother's required-by-school pricey shoes).

While it is acceptable, around here, to stay home with my children as long as they are at home, I seem to have crossed the line now that Little Brother's in kindergarten and there are 8 hours without children in this house.

Do you know how many bonbon jokes I've heard in the past few weeks? Or suggestions that I can get all caught up on the soaps (which I have never watched in my life)?

I truly can't count the number of people who assume that now that Little Brother is off to kindergarten, I'll be off to work. My job is done, you see. I've gotten them all off to school.

We tried that once before, when Middle Sister started school, and I had a 4-hour-a-day teaching job. Then Big Brother came down with mono, 2 weeks into the school year, and TheDad and I had to figure out whose work schedule would be inconvenienced to take care of a sick child. We quickly came to the conclusion that this wasn't worth it. Not having any immediate family members closer than 65 miles away means that we don't have a lot of backup. Our family is on our own for a lot of things that my parents, when we were kids, and now my brother, sister, and TheDad's brother can take for granted because there are grandparents in the area and they can help out.

And we believe that the kids need me just as much as ever--just in a different way. They need me to be there when they climb down off that school bus in the afternoon, rumpled and tired and excited about their day. They need to be able to come in and find that I have gotten my errands and "daytime" chores done during their school time, so that after school I am not so consumed with laundry and cleaning and such that I can't listen to them talk about their day, inspect artwork and classwork, share a snack, and read all those notices that come home from the PTA. They need me to pick up Middle Sister and Little Brother after school on Tuesday this week so we can hurry over to a local high school and watch Big Brother's cross-country meet. They need me to find a way to volunteer some time in each of their schools. They even need me to strive to attend daily Mass while they're off at school. And if someone is sick, they need me to be there.

They may be in school, but my job is not done. And that's good, because I love my job.

And I Shelve This One...Where?

There's a method to my madness in the way I shelve the books around here.

In the living room we have 2 bookscases. The first one, top down, goes like this:
My "by and about" Laura Ingalls Wilder collection
Spiritual books
Large paperback fiction and hardback children's classics
Hardback fiction
Humor and regular size paperback fiction
Biography and story collections

The second one, top down:
Christmas CDs and speakers
CDs and CD player
Reference and stereo
TheDad's bookshelf (he's nowhere near the literary packrat I am!)
Household reference and nonfiction
Old photo boxes and board games

Then in the kitchen I have a really tall shelf for cookbooks.

I'm not always this anal organized about stuff, but I like to be able to find my books when I want them. This system works for me.

So my question is--where do I put this one?

Grace Before Meals by Father Leo E. Patalinghug

This is part cookbook--part spiritual reading--part family and household reference.

I think that this book would be especially good for young families, but it's encouraging for any family. As it goes through the major events in the liturgical year, it includes recipes, conversation topics and background information. It's rounded out with Scripture quotes and ideas for prayer and good works. All in all, it's a great mix!

Visiting the Grace Before Meals website will get you to a place where you can purchase the book as well as sign up for a weekly e-newsletter and visit Father's blog.

A big "thank you" to Denise who first introduced me to this website and book.

AAAAAAUGH!

Notre Dame 19, Purdue 33
Closest game yet this season. And I will say, with the QB that played for ND in the second half, they looked much better. Hey Charlie, how about starting that guy next time?
GO IRISH--you can do it!

Worth Every Penny

Little Brother went outside half an hour ago and found our neighbors having a garage sale.

Since our neighbors have a boy the same age as Middle Sister as well as a 7-year-old girl, Little Brother found himself in Toy Heaven. Now these neighbors have unfailingly been generous with Boy Next Door's outgrown clothing and toys--Little Brother's been the beneficiary of many fun items.

But today he hit the jackpot.

Behold the Fisher Price Castle.

We have one of these; it used to belong to Big Brother and that thing has seen about 12 years of use. Most of the knights still survive.

But Boy Next Door's castle would be just the thing for Little Brother to set up a proper battle--Castle vs. Castle. Especially since Boy Next Door's castle came with a full complement of RED knights (ours has black ones and gold ones). And all at the bargain price of only $3, nice and clean and in terrific condition.

The cannonballs will be flying today!

Did we need another castle? No. But for $3, it will buy Little Brother many busy afternoons this winter when the weather is bad and he can't run outside. I think it was money well spent.

More on 40 Days for Life

2 of the commenters in my 40 Days for Life post mentioned the Aurora, IL battle that is going on right now.

This could be anywhere. Denver will probably be next.

READ Jill Stanek's column on this issue for a lot of information.

VISIT Mary Poppins NOT's Crazyacres blog for updates. She is THERE! She is PRAYING and PARTICIPATING IN THE VIGILS. I didn't link a specific post because she has many on the subject.

CHECK OUT Jane's blog at Building the Ark. She has good links and information as well!

PRAY for those people who are able to participate in peaceful vigils at the Aurora site and other sites throughout our country. They need our strength to back them up. May God bless their efforts and protect them.

100 Acre Quiz

Everybody's got a quiz today, it seems. And I just LOVE quizzes!


Take the 100 Acre Personality Quiz!

Via Christine, who's also Kanga.

What Classical Composer Are You?

You scored as Schubert, So, you've found something you like to do. You don't want to do anything else. You do a good job, even if it kills you. Schubert 80% J.S. Bach 75% Haydn 70% Wagner 65% Brahms 60% Beethoven 55% Hector Berlioz 50% Chopin 50% Handel 45% Tchaikovsky 40% Schumann 40% Mozart 30% Liszt 15% Which classical composer are you? created with QuizFarm.com

You scored as Schubert, So, you've found something you like to do. You don't want to do anything else. You do a good job, even if it kills you. Guess I should listen to some of his music and see if I like it. Via Esther, who scored as my favorite composer, J.S. Bach.

Words to Live By

From today's Liturgy of the Hours, Morning Prayer:

Never let evil talk pass your lips; say only the good things men need to hear, things that will really help them. Do nothing that will sadden the Holy Spirit with whom you were sealed against the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, all passion and anger, harsh words, slander, and malice of every kind. In place of these, be kind to one another, compassionate, and mutually forgiving, just as God has forgiven you in Christ.

(Ephesians 4:29-32)

Things that make you say, "YIKES!"

TheDad just told me about this shark that was caught on Flagler Beach in Florida.

6 years ago, we visited that beach. TheDad took Middle Sister and Big Brother swimming there. There are no lifeguards. He had just gotten the kids out of the water and was giving them something to drink and helping them dry off, when he saw the fin--and, farther back, the tail. Needless to say, that was the end of the swim.

40 Days for Life Begins Today!

Read here for a full explanation of the effort.

During these forty days, pro-life Americans will participate in a three-pronged spiritual battle against the evil of abortion:
1. Prayer and Fasting
2. Peaceful Vigil
3. Community Outreach

It's not too late to consider how you and your family can participate in some or all of these efforts.

Prayer and fasting are self-explanatory, and peaceful vigil might not be possible for every family. Here are a few ideas for community outreach that families can do together:
1. Shop for baby necessities (diapers, formula, layette clothing, wipes) and deliver them as a family to a local Crisis Pregnancy Center. Check your Yellow Pages for "Abortion Alternatives" if you need to find a location near you.
2. Join the boycott against corporate supporters of Planned Parenthood. Don't buy their stuff, and write to tell them why!
3. Donate a book to your school or public library that has a prolife perspective. Regina Doman's Angel in the Waters is one such book, written for children and intended to be a read-aloud for ages 4 to 8.

Worth reading: Michelle at Rosetta Stone's take on 40 Days for Life.
Milehimama has some ideas on this subject as well.

Proof that I am Not as Sane as I Thought

I have a good excuse for not chaperoning the middle school field trip on Halloween.

I am a Room Parent for Kindergarten and am expected to help during the "robing" (putting-on of costumes) and the Great Sugar Ritual to follow.

Prayer for Guidance

The prayer of St. Francis before this crucifix, San Damiano, Italy:

All-highest, glorious God,
cast your light into the darkness of my heart.
Give me right faith,
firm hope,
perfect charity
and profound humility,
with wisdom and perception, O Lord,
so that I may do
what is truly your holy will.
Amen.

This is a slightly different translation than the one I usually pray, and I thought it was beautiful. I deeply need this prayer today, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Proof that I am, indeed, Sane

Middle Sister just came home from school with a paper advertising her class field trip. It takes place on HALLOWEEN.

They want chaperones.

I will not be one of them.

Things You Never Thought You'd Have to Say to Your Kids

"You may not hang your robe from your ceiling!"

(Yes, I know, be thankful that a child hung something up! But still...)

What Will the Future Hold?

The Great Merger of 2007 is upon us.

We have learned which parishes in our area will "merge" and which will "twin"--there's a fine legal line separating those realities.

We have learned at which parish our priests will live, and at which one the offices will be housed.

And that's pretty much ALL we know.

I really hate not knowing stuff. (Just ask TheDad. I'm sure I drive him nuts in that regard.)

We don't know which parish will hold Mass at which time.

We don't know who gets custody of the Easter Vigil (maybe they will take turns!) Not like it matters; I love the Easter Vigil and will go anyway.

And then there's the question of ministries and activities, especially, for me, the ones my family and I enjoy. In some cases we may have expanded opportunities (Boy Scouts and Secular Franciscans come to mind) and in other cases it's a big fat question mark (choir and altar serving).

What happens to our deacons? What happens to the secretary? The DRE? The maintenance man?

This is one of those times when all the questions turn into anxiety and where does that lead me? Ultimately to defiance. "Why does (insert name here) get to say what we do? How much of a clue does (insert name here) have about this anyway?"

Defiance is not a helpful attitude in this situation.

It's time to put a smile on my face and keep a prayer in my heart and do whatever I can to make sure we all get along, help each other, work together, and remember that no one wins here until we all do this. It's not a contest that some will win and some will lose. We'll all lose if we can't make it work together.

May God bless the people of the parishes affected in this merger, that we will learn to work together and remember why we're really here anyway.

What Instrument Should I Play?

How funny--this is what I DO play. Self-taught and everything.

You Should Play the Guitar

You're very independent - both in spirit and in the way you learn. You can teach yourself almost anything, even if it makes your fingers bleed. You're not really the type to sit patiently through a music lesson - or do things by the book. It's more your style to master the fundamentals and see where they take you. Highly creative and a bit eclectic, you need a wide range of music to play. You could emerge as a sensitive songwriter... or a manic rock star. Your dominant personality characteristic: being rebellious Your secondary personality characteristic: tenacity

What Musical Instrument Should You Play?

Via Jean at Catholic Fire.

Caffeinated

I just got an email through my local Freecycle group. Someone is offering a 64-ounce coffee cup.

64 ounces. Impressive.

I told Big Brother about it, for a laugh. I told him it's half a gallon of coffee and that I can't imagine anyone drinking that much coffee.

He said, "You probably drink that much coffee in a day."

"I do not! You have no idea what I'd be like if I drank that much coffee in a day."

"You should try that," he told me. "Just once. I'd laugh."

Photo Project

Middle Sister borrowed my camera to take a picture of something. While she was walking around with the camera turned on, Big Brother sneezed and she captured the moment.

Then she considered the artistic possibilities of a photo essay on the subject.

"Dad, you know how when you go outside in the sun, you sneeze?"

"Yeah."

"So can you go outside now?"

Grace Before Meals

We've always used the traditional "grace before meals" prayer:
Bless us, O Lord, and these thy gifts, which we are about to receive, from Thy bounty. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Little Brother was pretty casual about learning it, but he liked to be the one to lead grace. So we'd get the "Readers' Digest Condensed Version" sometimes. It was getting better, but he wasn't quite there yet.

Then he started school. Apparently they say grace three times a day at school, since they have 2 snack times and lunch time.

Ooops, excuse me--Little Brother informed us the other night that at school, they call it "prayers."

So he's vastly improved in his ability to lead grace, I mean prayers, now that he's been in kindergarten for two whole weeks.

Except for one little thing, that makes me and Big Brother crack up every time:
"Bless us O Lord, and these GUY GIFTS..."

What I Love

...about the age Middle Sister is right now.

(And it's good to find things you love about "tween" girls, because all the High Drama can be very wearing. So I am working on thinking positive)

I just dropped Middle Sister off at a birthday party for someone in her class. It's a bowling party, so they're all dressed casually. But she had to very carefully choose her outfit and grouse about her hair and all of that.

When she came in, some of her friends were already there. They came running over. "Middle Sister! We're wearing the same shirt!" "Middle Sister! I have the same shoes as you! Look!" Much squealing, standing side-by-side to strike a pose, and giggling followed. Then they all scooted off to the bowling lane to start a game.

As I left, I pictured the same scene with 15-year-old girls--just 4 years older. "OMG! She is wearing the same shirt as me! How could she?!? Mom, you'll have to take me home to change."

Yes, this is definitely one of those "enjoy it while it lasts" kind of things.

A Tale of Two Churches

This is a true story.

Once upon a time, there were two churches in the Very Same Zip Code. (Actually, there were three, but one of them is not important to this story). There was a Big Church and a Little Church.

The Bishop decided that there were too many churches and not enough priests, and he would solve that problem by declaring the Great Merger of 2007. Two or more churches would get together and there would only be one priest. They would have to share.

But it was a big secret for a long time, which churches would be sharing together. And the people got all worried about this.

There were rumors. There were guesses. There were accusations that one church or other owed a lot of money, or things like that, which turned out to be untrue.

Big Church wanted to show the Bishop that they were big enough to be all alone and get their own priest all for themselves. They worked hard to get lots of people to sign up so they would have enough families to prove how big they really were.

The priest at Little Church told the people that it was time to stop making guesses and spreading rumors. It was time to just pray that everyone could share nicely.

Then the Great Merger of 2007 was almost upon them. And the church bulletins came out.

Here's what Big Church had to say:
This fall will also bring decisions and realities which may affect our Parish, and so I know we are all joined together in prayer as we wait to hear what the future will hold. The date given for this little exercise in trusting in the will of God is the 21st of September, which by the way is the feast of the holy Apostle, St. Matthew.

Here's what Little Church had to say:
Bishop has scheduled a meeting with all the priests of the Deanery on Friday, September 21, 2007. At that time, Bishop will announce his decisions for the restructuring of parishes in our deanery. In preparation for the announcement, we pray that the Spirit will move us forward with our new realities in faith, hope and love. This is an opportunity for all of us to say “Yes” to God as the Church responds to the needs of the diocese in this County. At all Masses next weekend, we will announce the restructuring decisions.

Wasn't it nice that Little Church made this announcement by calling everyone to prayer rather than resorting to sarcasm?

Awhile back, I asked Father JC Maximilian, who is a priest in my diocese and who ministers at a merged parish north of here, to give advice to the people of my area who are going through this now. Here is his advice:

Patience and Support. Those are the two things that most priests that I have spoken with who are in merged parishes want from their parishioners. Speaking for myself, I was not asked what I thought about merging these parishes. While I certainly understand, practically, why we need to look at this, there are also reasons against merging. It is the bishop's call, and I know that he does not make these decisions lightly, so I will support his decisions. The people need to know that the priests are doing their best.

It is not reasonable to think that after merging two parishes, with the reduction in priests, that the priests will be able to do everything that was done when the parishes were separate. Some things cannot be duplicated. You cannot have two Easter Vigils if it is a single parish. People need to stop making comparisons and thinking that it is some type of competition between the two halves.

One thing that will help which I think the Diocese has learned from the first round of mergers is give the parish a new name. First, a hyphenated name is ridiculous. Besides, it is not conducive to getting parishioners to think of themselves as being part of one parish.

Parishioners should make an effort to participate at events at both locations, getting to know each other. VOLUNTEER to help with something - remember, there are fewer priests covering more. Recognize with an "atta boy Fr." your priest. We don't do this for praise, but we are also human, so sometimes that little recognition that you are working hard is appreciated.

Be patient with Father's human limitations. I am not proud to say this, but there are times when from fatigue and/or frustration I am snippy with people. I am working on it. Your priest probably also can be cranky in his own way at times. Be charitable in your judgment.

The best advice for what to do when your parish is part of a merger is to follow the advice of St. John in one of his letters, "My children, love one another."

I thank Father JC for his advice. I hope we will all take it to heart.

Please pray for all the churches in our Deanery as we await the announcements and find out with whom we will share.

Why is it...

that on a day off from school, Little Brother was up at 5:45 AM?

He doesn't have to be up that early on a school day.

And it's not like I told him that we're going to the Aquarium with some friends from the church choir and their sons today--because I know better than to tell a small child what the plans are more than ten minutes ahead of time.

When he came downstairs half an hour ago, I tucked him into bed with Daddy. I'm smart that way. For a while it was quiet, but now I hear him chattering away up there. TheDad has to get up for work now anyway, or he'll be late.

But speaking of TheDad, I think I just figured out why Little Brother is awake so early. Last night TheDad stopped at the store and picked up some of Little Brother's favorite breakfast meat: Canadian bacon! He promised they'd have breakfast together today.

In other words, he brought it on himself.

What Not to Wear

Last year, when Big Brother started high school, I learned that Back-to-School Night is a dressy occasion. When I got home from this event, TheDad asked, "So? How was it?" I answered, "You mean how was the Handbag Fashion Show?"

He gets mad when I speak of it in those terms, but I call it as I see it. I have realized that since most moms of high-school-age students are working outside the home, they're probably still dressed in their work clothes at a 7 PM school event. I, on the other hand, have been in my mom clothes all day.

I stress about how I should dress for Back-to-School Night. I completely relate to this post at White Trash Mom (language alert--but she is funny and right on!) I stand in front of the closet and wonder about what I should wear. As if I'll see anyone I even know. As if anyone sitting in a semidark auditorium listening to a spiel about why we want to participate in the Magazine Sale and why Myspace is bad for our kids cares about what shoes I have on.

But then we wander around, following our kids' schedule so we can meet the teachers. And we sit there in the student desks with our handbags on the desktops. I see a lot of cool handbags at these things, let me tell you. I guess that next time I go to confession, I'll have "handbag envy" to add to my list of sins.

I chose an outfit already today but it's been marked by Little Brother, who gave me a big hug with a dirty face. So I will need something clean to wear after dinner tonight--but that hug was worth the time I'll be spending staring into my closet searching for the perfect outfit and wondering if I should change purses.

Feast of the Stigmata of Saint Francis

The story behind this feast is beautifully told here.

General information about the stigmata can be found here.

And Friar Charles has a beautiful reflection on this feast.

In his Letter to All the Faithful, Francis wrote:

Because he suffered so much for us and gave us such gifts and will continue to bestow them in time to come, let every creature that is in heaven and on earth and in the sea and in the depths of the abyss render praise to God, and glory and honor and blessing, because he is our virtue and our strength: he who alone is good, who alone is Most High, alone almighty, wondrous, glorious; who alone is holy, worthy of praise, blessed forever and ever. Amen.

Chore Time

Sometimes it's good to break out of the regular chore routine, to erase "sweep the kitchen" from the white board and write in something like "tidy up the back porch." It's good to assign certain tasks to certain children, who have talents that might come in handy for the job.

And when you do, you will be rewarded with a job well done by a child who will moan, groan, sigh and roll her eyes when she's asked to take out the recycle bucket or sweep the kitchen--chores which take well under five minutes each. But if you ask her to tidy up the porch, she will ask if that means she can rearrange the furniture too, and spend an hour out there moving chairs, arranging Tonka trucks around the perimeter, and coming back inside to ask you where the cleaner is so she can wash the table. She will thoughtfully place your favorite chair under your favorite tree (OK, the only tree) in the backyard "so you can read your book when we are all in school." She will ask you to come out to the porch 7 times to admire her progress.

Sometimes it's nice to do those jobs that, even though they take longer to complete, give you a real feeling of satisfaction when they're done--jobs that, when done well, offer something for the whole family to enjoy. Eleven-year-olds can feel that satisfaction too.

Great job, Middle Sister!

GO IRISH!

I'm multitasking while watching the ND-Michigan game. Sometimes my tasks take me away from the television. I just went racing back into the kitchen after I heard some yelling from the announcers.

Big Brother looked up and said, "I hear cheering. Is that good?"

My answer: "It's an away game. Cheering is never good."

Our Lady of Sorrows: September 15

Jean at Catholic Fire has a post today called "The Many Faces of Our Lady of Sorrows." All the images she gathered for that post are beautiful and expressive, but oh my, this one really hits hard.

How can you look at those eyes and not feel a little piece of the Blessed Mother's sorrow?

Image Credit

The Food Police Go to Kindergarten

I just finished reading Julie D.'s post about the Food Police.

I'm feeling it here too. This afternoon Little Brother came home with a notice from his teacher reminding parents about lunchtime and snack time. In his full-day kindergarten, they have two snack times daily as well as lunchtime.

Here's a sampling of what Little Brother brings in his lunchbox:
Water bottle
Tuna "pocket" sandwich
Grapes (he likes a mix of red and green)
Mozzarella string cheese
2 graham crackers
2 banana mini-muffins (homemade)
fruit roll-up

Normally he eats all of that during the course of the day. And no, he's not a fat child. In fact, he's about in the 25th percentile for weight for his age and height.

So the kindergarten teacher sends home this note that says, "Please pack healthy snacks. The morning snack should be fruits (not fruit snacks), veggies, granola bars, yogurt, etc. Cakes and cookies are not a good idea for AM snack..."

Oh, for crying out loud, I thought as I read this note. And when I told Little Brother that there wouldn't be any more fruit roll-ups in the lunchbox, he did cry out loud.

I guess that the homemade banana mini-muffin (made with oatmeal, and applesauce instead of oil) wouldn't pass muster for morning snack either. They're good enough for morning snack at home. In fact, I'd let him have some along with his breakfast if he wanted them.

It really toasts my marshmallows that the school feels the need to police my child's lunchbox when I make a good effort to see that he has a reasonably healthy meal and snacks.

God save us from people who feel the need to save us from ourselves.

It's All in the Timing

After Mass today I headed over to the doctor's office to have blood drawn for my thyroid workup. I had called yesterday, and was told I could come in without an appointment, anytime between 9 and 4.

I got there at 12:20, pulling into the parking lot behind a small car with a carseat in the back. We parked one space apart from each other, with an empty space in between. I could see a cute little baby waving her feet and her toys around back there as I gathered up my purse and double-checked to see if my prescription was in there.

Then I saw the young mother, who barely looked old enough to have a driver's license, get out of the car and hurry into the doctor's office. But her baby was still in the backseat! All the car windows were open. I closed my car door and opened my windows, and pretended to read a newspaper that was in the car, keeping my eye on my little parking-lot neighbor. I could hear music coming from the car--and then I realized that the mom had left the car running.

I sat there until she came back out, got into her car, and left the parking lot.

Then I went into the doctor's office and found out that the tech who does blood draws has lunch between 12 and 1. No one told me that when I called yesterday.

I grumbled my way back to my car and started it up, and then realized that maybe this was not a wasted errand after all. Maybe I needed to be in that parking lot, at that time, making sure that that baby was safe until her mother returned. I'd say that was worth the time and gas I spent repeating the trip to the doctor's office after lunch.

Mom doesn't have the cool moves

Little Brother has spent way too much time watching Big Brother and his Freakishly Tall Friend (who describes himself in those terms) playing "Guitar Hero."

That would explain why he just came in here and asked me if I know how to do the Power Slide.

Then he ably demonstrated this dangerous move with his Air Guitar. It involves running, then dropping to both knees while you continue to play your guitar.

Hmmm.

My guitar comes out of its case once a week--for Mass. I don't think it would be appropriate to attempt a Power Slide during the "Holy Holy"--while wearing a skirt. Plus, I'd probably hurt myself, or someone else, or at the very least break my guitar.

Little Brother is very disappointed right now in my lack of cool moves. Sorry, buddy.

Just for Fun

Because this is really cool!



And yeah, some people have WAY too much time on their hands--but how clever was that, anyway?

Wind out of my sails

I was chugging right along yesterday, accomplishing housework right and left, and feeling that boost you get when you can SEE that a job is done, and KNOW that it will stay done for maybe 4 more hours. Then I went to daily Mass and the Novena to the Blessed Mother, and Father H, in his mini-nugget of wisdom that passes for a homily at daily Mass, told us that "Every time we hear the Gospel at Mass we are left with a choice." (chew on THAT for a while--he's right!)

Then after lunch it was off to a new gynecologist (my old one retired) to see about a problem I've been having that is feminine in nature. After a few rounds of him recommending that I take care of said problem with birth control pills, IUDs or other methods that I find extremely objectionable, and me telling him this, he suggested that right now we schedule a thyroid workup and that he would do an endometrial biopsy. He could do that test immediately if I had the time, which I did, so I figured that instead of dreading it I'd just get it over with. I had no idea that it would actually turn out to be minor surgery.

Well, that was the end of my domestic productivity for the day. TheDad, poor guy, worked late and then came home to find me on the couch and no dinner ready, and had to get takeout for the kids. Big Brother missed out on his opportunity to carbo-load on home-cooked carbs before his first cross-country meet of the season.

I think the grocery-shopping will have to wait until tomorrow. It's back to the couch for me, with my coffee, ibuprofen, and library book. If I save it up all day, I know I can manage an easy dinner.

I'd appreciate the generosity of your prayers as I wait for the result of the biopsy.

2 Homilies, and Mother Teresa

Today at Mass our pastor spoke of (among other topics) Blessed Mother Teresa and her "dark night of the soul." He related it to the part in today's Gospel where Jesus says "If you wish to follow me, take up your cross...." Father H said that the spiritual barrenness that Mother Teresa experienced through much of her life was her cross, her burden. Her example to us is that she bore her burden patiently and without complaining. She took up her cross and did not let it deter her from following Christ through her life of service. He reminded us that all of us have a cross, a burden, to bear; and that we are called to do so with grace and reliance on God.

Today's Gospel also made Father Daren at Servant and Steward think about Mother Teresa's example to us--but his homily discusses how she put aside all things--family, possessions, life--to follow Jesus.

Both homilies give us a lot to think about today.

Football game: watched it, got the T-shirt....now what?

The Irish couldn't handle it yesterday. I've never seen so many penalties in a single game in my life!

I think the new QB shows promise but the other 21 guys have to back him up.

I also think ESPN has the worst sports coverage of any channel I've watched. I missed a whole series because they had to show some guy eating sticky buns in a diner. Save it for the Food Network! I want to see the game!

My neighbor has suggested that I look for a recipe for "crow" in one of my many cookbooks.

But hope springs eternal; I am no fair-weather fan. Can I find any more cliches to say I'm sticking with my team?

(And what does one do with a very nice game-day T-shirt now that the game has been played badly and lost? It was so nice of my cyberbuddy Ellen from Family Corner to send it to me!)

GO IRISH!

Let the game begin!