In Which I Prove Just How Much of a Ditz I Am

Last week I put "apricot preserves" on my shopping list. I needed it to make some new recipe that I planned on trying soon.

So I bought the apricot preserves and it's sitting in the pantry. I went downstairs to get it, because I am trying a new chicken recipe for dinner tonight. I was convinced that I needed it for this dinner.

Turns out that I don't. But I can't find the recipe that DOES call for apricot preserves. I didn't bookmark it, print it out, or cut it out of a magazine.

I hope the jar doesn't expire while I'm waiting to figure out what I wanted to cook with it!

Careful What You Ask

Yesterday at my younger kids' school, everyone gathered together to celebrate Mass for Catholic Schools Week. This Mass was originally scheduled for Wednesday, but the snow day caused a postponement. However, Father wanted to talk with the kids about St. Thomas Aquinas, whose feast was Wednesday, because he is such a good model for students.

Father is very good at explaining things in a way that helps little children understand, but isn't insulting to the middle-schoolers. He also likes to tell stories and get the kids involved by asking questions. That last bit got him into a little trouble, because we all know that kids will say just about anything but what you expect!

Father started by talking about how St. Thomas Aquinas was a big guy, so big that people would tease him and call him names like "the dumb ox." He told the story about how a hole had to be cut into the table to accommodate St. Thomas's stomach. He mentioned that St. Thomas Aquinas wasn't dumb at all, but actually really smart. And then he asked the children, "And do you know what St. Thomas Aquinas liked to do?"

The first child who raised his hand answered: "EAT!"

You can't say they weren't listening...

Little Boys Want to Know

"Mommy, can you change your favorite color?"

Snow Day, without much snow

My kids have eagerly been anticipating a Snow Day, and they got one today. Guess all the spoons under the pillow and the backward pajamas did the trick (though I think Little Brother's pajamas were not backward on purpose...)

I got the call from Big Brother's school at 5:15, and then starting at 6 I was watching the news to find out about the other kids' school--I still haven't gotten that phone call. Finally at 6:30 I got up and turned on the computer and found out that they are indeed closed. I got an email from the instant alert, but no call. Maybe I'd better check my settings.

Little Brother has been awake since before 6 and is bouncing off the walls already. And there won't be any snow for him to play in, unless he gets out there NOW while it's still dark! It's changed to freezing rain here already and is going to be raining within the next few hours. So it will be a long day off with no snow, and chances are I'll have a houseful of kids once Adventure Boy figures out that Little Brother is home today.

Big Brother's school was supposed to have free ice cream from Cold Stone Creamery for all the students today. Wonder if they'll reschedule? The school Mass at the other kids' school has been moved to Friday.

A Little Good News

I am happy to see that the birth-control provisions have been taken out of the economic stimulus package.

There is still the concern that this money might go toward ACORN, but I'll take this bit for now.

I believe very strongly that it is up to all of us to let our elected officials know where we stand on any issue we feel strongly about! I did use the White House email form to express my opinion on the birth-control additions in the simulus package. So please DO respectfully but strongly write, email or call your representatives in government.

Stand up for what you believe in!

Here's how to contact your Senators and Representatives. You can use those sites to get snail-mail addresses and telephone numbers as well. Please use them!

Spoken Like a True Girl

I came home this morning after Mass and grocery shopping to find a message on our voice mail. Apparently it was left yesterday afternoon, and I didn't realize it. The little girl who lives behind us wanted to play with Little Brother. She's almost five, but quite the pro at leaving messages!

"Hello, my name is Cutie Pie, and I'm calling to ask Little Brother to come over and play with me, because I want to play. Give me a call back. My number is ###-####. Bye!"

I feel bad that we didn't realize she'd called, and at the same time I'm really impressed at her ability to leave a message. It must be a girl thing, because Little Brother will call and say things like, "Hello, can Cutie Pie play? (wait for someone to respond, which won't happen because this is voice mail)...Bye."

More on Anti-Life Developments in Our Nation

Read what Genevieve Kinecke has to say about Nancy Pelosi's assertion that children are too expensive.

Denise, the Catholic Mom in the Domestic Church, also weighs in. Great title: Economics (Eugenics) Nancy Pelosi-Style

Father Jay Toborowski on our "Catholic" Speaker of the House.

Jean at Catholic Fire has the video of Pelosi on Stephanopoulos' program.

An excellent prolife article, with a quote from Mother Teresa, at Catholic.org. Hat tip to Michelle for posting this link at her blog.

Our Tax Dollars at Work at the Rambling Catholic Soccer Mom.

This will be updated as I find more commentary. I cannot tell you how much this whole thing toasts my marshmallows.

A Good Reminder: Soutenus posts some "House Rules" as we go through these next four years. Amen to THAT--let's keep it charitable, always. As the cheesy old song goes, they'll know we are Christians by our love.

In the coming year

My Secular Franciscan Fraternity held its annual "Extraction of Saints" on Friday evening. This is a beautiful custom and we just love participating in it. In fact, we have members who have moved out of state, as well as the Sisters who no longer minister in our parish, asking to remain included in it. Naturally, we would never turn them away!

This year I was given the virtue of FAITH as the virtue I am to strive to develop. The Scripture that is to inspire me this year goes along with that virtue: "Come to my help, Lord God of my salvation." And my patron saint for the year will be St. Michael the Archangel.

I've heard people say, "Watch what you ask God for--you just might get it!" And every time someone says they need to pray for patience, they are warned that what they might get is plenty of times in which they need to USE patience. So when we host our Extraction of Saints, and the virtue is chosen for each person, that's the time when we all hold our breath. (Nobody likes to hear "Poverty" or "Fortitude!")

I know that my husband is very worried about what will happen for people of faith due to the inauguaration of the most anti-life president ever. I know that this is a time in which we cannot hide our faith--we must be sure to let it show, and to work hard to defend it. With that in mind, and calling upon the help of St. Michael the Archangel, I will try to keep the faith and not be shy about standing up for what I believe in.

This will not be an easy year. Obama made that clear by rescinding the Mexico City policy, and there is the threat of FOCA (though cousin Thomas doesn't think that threat is as imminent as some might believe--read more here.) And we've got the Speaker of the House, third in line for the presidency, telling our nation on national TV that federal funding for contraception will be helpful for the economy. That's right--she has suggested that it will help our nation's economy if people stop having babies; she contends that educating children is too expensive, as is their health care. Children are the future of our nation, but the Speaker of the House, a mother and grandmother herself, considers them more of a drain on national resources than a gift from God.

I was heartened this morning to hear a teacher at my younger children's school explaining the dangers of FOCA to our library aide. I am disappointed that my parish has done nothing, however, to join the postcard campaign or even include a bulletin announcement about the issue. So my first step this year will be to contact my pastor and encourage him to do this.

If we take even the smallest action in faith, those actions will add up. They will make a difference.

36 Years

Father wore purple at Mass today, and made sure to remind us of the grim anniversary we mark. (An estimated 50,000,000 unborn children have been murdered through abortion since the Roe V. Wade decision 36 years ago.)

The Life Principles at the March for Life website follow the idea of life as a "seamless garment" which was mentioned in today's homily.

Those of us who are unable to be at the March for Life today are all able to pray and to sacrifice in some way.

Gus Lloyd of Sirius XM's Catholic Channel has called for all Catholics to join him each day in one Our Father, one Hail Mary and one Glory Be, for the intention of the conversion of President Obama, that he will see life as precious, and defend human beings from the moment of conception to natural death.

Are you in?

Be Polite, Kids

It's time for an Etiquette Lesson.

All my kids do this, so I shouldn't single anyone out here. But Middle Sister was the guilty party today.

I was on the phone with my friend SFO Girl while preparing dinner. Middle Sister wandered into the kitchen and interrupted my conversation to find out what we were having.

And dummy me answered her! (Clearly, I am enabling my children to be rude. The first step is recognizing that you have a problem...)

"It's Sloppy Joes," I answered as I chopped peppers.

"EWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW"

Almost worse, in my book, than rudely interrupting people is saying "EWWWWWWWWWWW" to a food before you eat it. Children who do this to me do not obtain my sympathy and an offer to cook them a whole separate dinner. I don't play that game.

I informed Middle Sister that Sloppy Joes are practically just like tacos and that she can have hers in a tortilla.

And after we sit down at the table, we're going to have to have a talk about manners.

Never Forget

Denise has an excellent essay about how "prolife" extends WAY beyond "against abortion."

We have an obligation not to forget about the handicapped, the sick, the aged--and those who make decisions regarding their care.

Feels Like Monday

I always get messed up on these long weekends. I am convinced that it is Monday today.

Little Brother made a bet with his uncle on the Eagles game this weekend. If the Eagles lost, Little Brother would have to wear a NY Giants t-shirt for a whole week. Well, you know that the Eagles lost. Little Brother does not own a Giants shirt but his uncle was happy to provide him with one! Other than school, he is wearing that shirt and even hiding it so I can't wash it. (I found the hiding place, though...don't worry! No stinky Little Brothers allowed around here!) I'm glad that he is being a little man and living up to his end of the agreement. Maybe he will think twice before gambling again.

There are a lot of errands to run today and it is NOT warm out. I could put some off until later in the week and hope for a warmer day, but I have to do some today, so while I'm out I may as well just get it all done. One of those errands is re-registering Big Brother for school. He will be a senior next year. I have to go to the school with the forms and the very last school-bus application I will ever write for him, and of course a large check.

And it promises to be a busy week in basketball for Middle Sister. Practice tomorrow, game Thursday, game Saturday, game Sunday. Fortunately her jammed finger from last week is all better. She's already talking about softball for the spring.

Respect Life Sunday

In my house, every day is Respect Life Day.

But anyway.

In this country, after Tuesday, no day is Respect Life Day. Our President-elect has promised to sign into law the most anti-life legislation this country has ever known.

Barbara at Praying for Grace has shared a beautiful prayer asking St. Francis' intercession for the cause of life. Please join me in praying this prayer, today and every day until it becomes unnecessary--until abortion in our nation is once again considered an unthinkable and unattainable thing; until it is considered a crime; until it is called what it really is--murder.

Respect for Life Prayer
Gentle St. Francis
you were so devoted to the humanity of Christ.
Your heart burst with appreciation toward God
for taking on human life.
You saw beauty and goodness in all living things -
in birds that sing,
the fish that fill our waters,
and all that lives in nature.

Help us to imitate your reverence for life
wherever it may be.
Especially, humble Francis of Assisi,
help us to help others
to see the worth of each living,
unborn baby sheltered in its mother's womb.

May all mankind have the grace
to understand that these tiny,
budding lives have the right to life,
liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Amen

Dragon Breath

Little Brother wanted toast (with butter, cut in half "diner style") for breakfast this morning. So that is what I gave him.

After he ate, he came over to give me a hug--and almost knocked me over with his breath. I couldn't imagine what was up with that.

Then I followed him into the kitchen, where I watched him put his hand back into the "Cheese and Garlic" crouton bag.

"You're going to have to brush your teeth after having croutons for breakfast," I advised him.

Think Fast(er)

The Tiger Cub Scouts (Little Brother and Adventure Boy) are working on their Chess belt-loop tonight. Adventure Boy thinks he's going to win the game, and he wants to hurry things along.

TheDad reminds him, "In chess, it's OK to take some time to think."

"THINK!" he shouts at Little Brother.

This, That, and a Bird Party

I'm calling the doctor for Middle Sister today. She jammed her finger at basketball practice last night and today her whole hand is swollen. She IS at school; I figured she didn't have to miss the whole day if the doctor appointment turned out to be a later one.

It doesn't always pay to veer off the menu plan. Last night I made some chicken creole, which was just not that great. It sure was spicy, though. Cleared out my sinuses.

Little Brother wanted popcorn last night but didn't finish the bowl. This morning I tossed the rest out, under the bird feeder which I also refilled. The birds were at the popcorn almost before I got back in the door.

Thinking Of My Chili Buddy

I'm making a batch of "game day" chili for dinner today. And I'm missing a young friend of our family. She hasn't been around lately to help me make the chili--a task she always enjoyed and volunteered to do.

She's been held in my Pocket Rosary for months now--the "young family friend who could use as many prayers as possible." I'm not in touch with her and have not been since I saw her last in October, so I have no reason to believe that she doesn't still need those prayers.

So as I chopped the celery and onions, rinsed the beans, browned the meat, and added the spices, I prayed for my chili buddy. I'll do so again every time I stir the chili.

May she find her way. And may God keep her safe.

Customer Service At Its Finest

I am sitting here "on hold" with my husband's doctor. He asked me to call and reschedule an appointment he has for early next week.

So I am listening "to the entire menu as our options have changed..." (the menus always say that. But the options always sound the same to me! And by the time I get to the last option I forget which number I should have pressed.)

If I want to reschedule an existing appointment, I am to press 2. (did that)

"You have reached the rescheduling department of (name of doctor). If you wish to reschedule immediately, please press 0. Otherwise, after the beep, leave the patient's name, telephone number, date of birth and date of appointment, and call back in a few hours to reschedule your appointment."

You have got to be kidding me! I have to leave you all that data in your message and you can't be bothered calling me back?

I pressed 0 and got a very miffed-sounding secretary who grudgingly rescheduled the appointment.

This had better be one fantastic doctor, because the office procedures and staff leave much to be desired.

Friday's Finest

Gems from the Desk Drawer!

I have a habit of scribbling down (on whatever paper is handy) a line from the homily at Mass that particularly strikes me, so I can reflect upon it later.

Sometimes I wind up reflecting upon it much later, when that scrap of paper surfaces after who knows how long.

I found a few of those papers scattered among my desk drawers when I was cleaning the desk yesterday. So here they are, for your consideration:

Prophets remind us of the promises we have made.

Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God's grace. Your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God's grace.

There is nothing Franciscan about depression, because depression involves a focus on the self.

Christians must not be sharp-tongued, cutting people to pieces, because that is of the Devil. He wants us to hurt each other.

And this last one came from reading the Summa Mamas blog a very long time ago (before I learned about using Bloglines and the handy "keep new" feature!) It's Pope Benedict XVI:

The ways of the Lord are not comfortable, but we were not created for comfort, but for greatness, for good.

In Which I Prove Just How Pathetic I Am

I got this fabulous recipe for a beef dish, and my whole family loves it. So I froze the leftover Christmas roast beef and saved it for tonight.

The only problem was the 1/2 cup red wine.

We don't drink alcohol; we keep Jack Daniels in the house to make the Christmas cookies, and until recently I had been using that swill supermarket cooking wine for recipes.

Then at Wegmans I found Inglenook Alcohol-Removed Wine. It's about $6 a bottle but I figure it has to be better than the Holland House stuff. So I keep a bottle of Cabernet and one of Chardonnay around to use in recipes. If only they made sherry and marsala, I'd be all set.

But unlike the Holland House "wine," this stuff comes with a big stumbling block: a cork.

The only corkscrew I have is on my Swiss Army Knife. It's fairly useless as a corkscrew. It took me ten minutes to remove the cork from this bottle of Cabernet, and I wound up with three pieces (not including the little divot that got stuck in the Swiss Army Knife and wouldn't let the corkscrew close until I pulled out the little white toothpick and pried it out.

Help! I'm corkscrew-impaired!

I do, however, have this nifty little thing that plugs up the top of the wine bottle and allows me to pour or close the bottle. But I think I might need to invest in a Real Corkscrew.