Plans for the Fourth

Not much is going on here at the moment. I was laid up yesterday with a bum knee and am going to be doing the same thing today. I expect to be well enough tomorrow to get back to our regular schedule. I can't believe that today is the last day of June. Where has the month gone? Tomorrow starts July and we are planning to honor the month of the Precious Blood with a prayer activity that comes from the heart of a friend down under.

And can I just say that I love being able to look through the archives of my blog to find those things that I said I wanted to remember. I found this post reminding me that I wanted to try Margaret's red, white and blue jigglers and have the Jell-O boxes ready to go. We are also getting ready for our traditional decorations: single snip stars, quiet fireworks, patriotic t-shirts, and of course... a berries and stars dessert. Although, if I can get back up and running soon, some of these ideas from the Crafty Crow might be too appealing to pass on.

Do you have any fun plans for this coming weekend?

Prayers, please...

...for our very dear friend, Fr. Robert.

Thank you!

UPDATE: We saw Fr. on Sunday and are happy to report that he is doing fine. He passed out after a simple procedure and they kept him overnight just for observation. Thank you for your prayers!

June's Mantle

I need to find something to replace the dogwood flowers since those are for the Easter season but I just haven't found anything I like. Maybe some big, colorful Gerber daisies... they always say summer to me. What says summer to you?

Sharing

So today, I shared a lovely day with my family including Husband who took the day off to be with us. I shared an afternoon of bowling (unexpectedly) with an adorable friend who happened to show up at the same place to celebrate a belated Father's Day with her husband who can bowl like nobody's business! And I came home to find that I now share a birthday with a sweet little bundle of pink who I hope to meet in person just as soon as her sweet momma will allow.

In the meantime, I'll share my birthday flowers with her! The craisins... sorry, those are BigBoys.

Our Father's Day

The sun was shining brightly this morning as we cruised down the highway, everyone happily bobbing along. Dressed in our best, we were headed out to go offer our best to the Perfect Father and thank him for the gift of the father with us. I whispered, “Happy Father’s Day” to the strong handsome man beside me. He responded in hushed tones so as not to disturb the merry chattering behind us, “Four times over… plus one.”

Plus one.

Blissful basking is quickly clouded by the bitter sting of shared pain. I am suddenly grateful for the bright rays of the early morning sun that necessitated the dark shades now hiding the tiny pools collecting behind them. Concentrating on the road and not letting those pools become rivers, I hear a sniff and see his hand raise to his eyes. I don’t want to spoil the mood with the heavy feelings in my heart of the blessing we have yet to meet but his words, his hands and his eyes have released the dam and let the tears flow.

Five years later, how can the wound be so fresh that the smallest little pick peels back the scab? Do wounds of the heart ever heal? Perhaps. Maybe some. Not this one, I suspect. A precious soul, one whose absence we feel so keenly, can't be reduced to a thin red line that slowly fades to white. The space that missing someone leaves behind aches like a phantom limb.

He looks at the 5 year-old version of himself sitting behind us singing a favorite song. We are both thankful for that gift which would not be here without the loss of the other according to the cycles of biology set in motion many moons ago. I am thankful for the gift of him who isn't afraid to say "plus one" and who isn't too busy being a big man to mourn for that tiny one.

Only You can answer our why’s. Only You can answer our prayers. Only You can soothe our souls. Thank you, dear Father!

Happy Father’s Day, my dear.

Sacred Heart Crafts

Jennifer came up with a lovely idea for a Sacred Heart craft that we enjoyed getting to work on as a family. We ended up using tissue paper for the flames after BigBoy very enthusiastically crumbled our only pieces of orange and red paper. The special intentions close to our hearts are clipped on to the ribbons and placed closed to Our Lord's heart.

Going in the file for next year are Kimberlee's sacred heart prayer cards inspired by Helen's suggestion. I really love her idea to place them around the house encouraging spontaneous prayer. If you have seen any other ideas for celebrating the month of the Sacred Heart, let me know below!

Sacred Heart Cheesecake

The recipe for this Creamy Lemon Cheesecake is over at Catholic Cuisine.

Friday Fun

I was saving this for a post about a craft idea I have been working on for St. Anne's feast day (end of July, I know, not June) but thought it was too good not to share now.

It's called the Ballad of Matthew's Begats written and performed by Andrew Peterson and we first found the book with the included CD on clearance at a local Christian store. Here is another version without the pictures. My kids have been bopping along to it for weeks and almost have it memorized! Cory Godbey's pictures are really adorable and the book is laid out like a family photo album. That's all for now. Hope you are having a fabulous Friday.

Super Simple Forest Father

Suzanne mentioned in the combox below that Jennifer's Fr. Oak craft idea is a great activity to consider for the upcoming Year for Priests convoked by Pope Benedict XVI beginning on June 19, 2009. I couldn't agree more! But, I know that there are some people who might be put off by the idea of having to create their own stand so I wanted to share with you what I found which was going to be my second option if our Fr. Dowling idea hadn't worked out.I found this free standing wooden cross at Hobby Lobby in the VBS craft section up at the front. It was in a bag but I saved the label so you could identify it. I'm pretty sure these were on sale but I don't remember specifically but if not, it was only $3. It stands 7 1/2 inches tall and 4 1/2 inches wide and can be sanded and painted to make it smooth. If you don't have a Hobby Lobby, something like this would work too (it's more expensive) or if you want one for each child, you can buy the crosses by the dozen.As much as I would love to have satin vestments like Suzanne (shall not covet, shall NOT covet!), felt is the fastest and easiest way to go. I cut this chausible out in about 2 minutes. Anyway, just wanted to share this idea with anyone who might be in need of a super simple option.

Fr. Dowling~ Liturgical colors in the home

So how does a Catholic mom incorporate the liturgical colors into her home in a simple, inexpensive way? Don't look at me. I'm asking you! Actually, Jennifer and Suzanne already have the answers. Fr. Oak and Fr. Birch are both beautiful creations made by some super talented members of their family. Let me tell you, they could sell those things and make a small fortune easily. In fact, if they plan to, I want to be first on the list. That's right, I'm calling dibs right now!

Well, in the meantime, while they get their business models up and running, Husband and I came up with a less *saw intensive option. When I looked at Fr. Oak and Fr. Birch, the basic shape that popped out at me was that of a cross. So, we took a thick dowel, cut it down to about 10 inches and drilled some holes on each side. Husband used the widest drill bit he had. The holes were deep enough to insert the bottom of an old fashioned clothespin, but didn't go all the way through. We glued the arms in place and let them dry over night. Then I found a candle holder to use a base. I think I would prefer one that was not so tall, but this one works for now. We did have to whittle off a little bit of the end so that it would fit nice and snug in the candle holder. We haven't named ours yet. In keeping with the tradition, I think we should consider Fr. Ash or Fr. Pine but we don't know what kind of wood the dowel was made from. How about Fr. Dowling instead or maybe Fr. Brown since the end was painted brown for pricing purposes? Any suggestions? Fr. Dowling it is!

*For a completely non-power tools project, I could see using an unused candle and carving out holes with a knife to insert a smaller dowel or some clothespins. I don't know how long that would hold up, but it might be a simpler option for someone.

Book Review

I just finished reading Bless Me, Father, For I Have Kids by the talented Susie Lloyd. It is delightful. This book had a different feel to it than her first one. Don't ask me what the difference is because I'm not sure I can put my finger on it until I've gone back and re-read the first book. Rest assured that both are very entertaining.

My favorite chapters were the last three and should be required reading for all Catholic homeschooling mommies of larger than average family size. Susie's discourse with St. Thomas was beautifully reminiscent of Don Camillo's discussions with Our Lord and her final chapter is heartwarming (in a humorous way, of course!). I think her cleverness is at it's best in the parable that she wrote called The Samaritan Next Door. If you are looking for some light summer reading, consider this one recommended!

This little piggy wants to play!

What do you say to a sweet girl who's dearest wish is to spend her birthday playing with her BFF cousins? You say, "Let's PARTY!"

This little piggy was crocheted especially for the birthday girl. She loves piggies and we are happy to indulge her.

We are also bringing decorations to make piggy cupcakes once we get there. This is a mock up that I made on the bottom of a coffee cup. The ears were made by cutting a strawberry marshmallow on the diagonal and dipping the cut end into pink colored sugar. The snouts were made by cutting a marshmallow in half and the nostrils were mini chocolate chips. Those have a tendency to melt really fast so they didn't work for the kids. Erin used some gel frosting instead but mini M&M's could also work. And in honor of Hatchick's birthday, we will leave you with some porcine humor because these little piggies gotta fly!

What do you call a laundromat for pigs?
- The Hogwash!

Why did the three little pigs fall asleep every time Grandpa told stories?
- Because he was a boar.

How did the farmer know the fox was stealing eggs?
- The pig squealed on him.

Why doesn't anyone want to play on Peg Pig's football team?
- Because she hogs the ball!

What is Peter Pig's favorite position on his baseball team?
- Shortslop.

What did the sow put on her piglet's sore snout?
- Oinkment.

What do piglets do after school?
- Hamwork!

What did Farmer Joe give Farmer Jill for her birthday?
- Hogs and kisses!

What kind of party were Mr and Mrs Pig invited to?
- A swine and cheese party.

What did the pig say when the mean old farmer grabbed him by the tail?
- This is the end of me!

What do you call an over anxious television reporter?
- Media hog!

What do you call a pig who competes in the Olympics?
- An Olym-pig.

What do you get when you cross an actor with a pig?
- A Real Ham

More thoughts

If there is only one other thing that you read today, make sure it is this breathtakingly beautiful post from Ann:

Attend to Your Life and You Make it Art

Thinking out loud

Blog worthy

What is "blog worthy"? What does that phrase mean to you?

I have heard people complain that blogs are too lovely. They create a false sense of perfection. They don't give the reader an opportunity to see the ugly, dirty, nitty-gritty side of day to day life. Bloggers will defend themselves and each other by reminding those critics that blogs are places specifically created to be beautiful. Sometimes a mom needs a beautiful place to record the loveliness otherwise she might be tempted to succumb to the nitty gritty. At the end of the day she might not be able to see the lovely for the laundry. To this person, "blog worthy" isn't a condition of pride, it's a coping mechanism.

I have heard people use the phrase "it just wasn't blog worthy" to describe something silly that happened or an idea that they had that they chose not to post on their blog. Mostly, it's been in reference to something they decided to share in a more temporary way. I would find it too exhausting to compartmentalize like that, but I tend to over think everything. I don't understand the desire to separate different aspects of my life but that doesn't mean that it serves no purpose. Perhaps it is another form of coping for the person who is too afraid to look at their whole self honestly. Maybe it helps to break the mirror into manageable pieces. For me, it would be too much of a temptation to not see the whole me and convince myself that I was something I'm not.

I have found myself without anything to say during different seasons of my time in the blogging world. That is a strange feeling because obviously, things are happening here at home and in the world. For example, we have been to the pool which required purchasing a new swim suit (and lots of therapy) and obviously I didn't blog about those things. Was it because I didn't consider them "blog worthy"? Maybe. I don't recall hearing that phrase in my head, but maybe the sentiment was there. I know that I shared our fun on Trinity Sunday, but I didn't post about the personal frustrations that led up to those moments. How can frustrations result in a cooking craft you ask? You'd have to be in my head.

After having stated on several occasions that I have no desire to reconnect with people from high school, I actually did reconnect with a lovely friend and found that she has grown and changed in similar ways and that now we find ourselves on common ground thinking about and pondering the important things in life and enjoying this place that age, maturity and faith have brought us. I could have blogged about that, but I didn't (except, I think I just did but you know what I mean). I still don't have a strong desire to attend any reunions or join the FB alumni page. This friend is a one in a million kind of girl. I don't expect there are many more out there like her.

Like the title says, I'm just thinking out loud. But these are all things I am pondering in my heart and trying to discern what they mean to me. What is "blog worthy"? Should the notion of what is and isn't "blog worthy" even be a factor in what I decide to post in this space I have carved out for me and my family? One thing I know for sure is that I want this space to be for me a true reflection of my family's life. It is going by so fast it seems and I want to hold on to the memories for better or for worse. I want it to also be a place that challenges me to do better and be better than I have in the past and to chronicle my successes and failures in those areas. I need to remember my blessings when I am tempted to only see the failures and remember the failures that will hold me accountable to that firm purpose of amendment required for absolution but always carefully walking that fine line between acknowledging my failures and obsessing about them. I think joining Ann's Gratitude Community is a good place to start. It's definitely an exercise that is blog worthy by anyone's definition.

Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

I bind unto myself today

The strong name of the Trinity,
By invocation of the same,
The Three in One and One in Three.

~from The Breastplate of St. Patrick

St. Patrick used a shamrock to explain the mystery of the Most Holy Trinity. Others have used the example of the family. Father's homily this morning touched on St. Anselm of Canterbury who compared the Trinity to a spring, a stream and a lake and St. Bonaventure who applied St. Augustine's three powers of the soul (memory, intellect and will) to the processions of the Holy Trinity.

As a representation of the Most Holy Trinity, we made Trinity Cookies. I had some left over cookie dough from the Stained Glass Tulip cookies that never got made on Sunshine's birthday (we just plain ran out of time) so I divided it into three parts and colored them accordingly: red for God the Holy Spirit, gold for God the Son (it's a kingly color), and blue for God the Father who made heaven and earth. The kids enjoyed rolling them into balls and placing them on the cookie sheet. We flattened them slightly with a sugared glass bottom so they would cook evenly.

And, in the interest of full disclosure, I will reveal to you that at no time during the shaping and baking did we notice that the cookie dough smelled... a little rancid.... They looked so pretty! But when we removed them from the oven, the smell was faint but unmistakable.Ugh!


So, my hero stopped by the store and picked up another treat and I re-enacted Dr. Norris's Western Theo class lecture for them (without the crazy bright green pants and funky shirt):
God is like... a rainbow sherbet!
But I couldn't let today pass without sharing with you my favorite representation of the Most Holy Trinity; my husband's wedding ring (which looks exactly like the one below, only not so shiny any more):

Russian Catholic Trinity Ring

Russian Catholics favor a wedding band made of three interlocking rings. The rings, representing the Trinity, can be made of metals of three different colors or all of the same precious metal for a more uniform look.

Happy Trinity Sunday!!!

Nature Tally

Sweet flowers are slow and weeds make haste.
- William Shakespeare

~2 new friends for BigBoy
~1 nature lesson on plant sap

~2 lovely plants still blooming despite neglect

~1 ladybug burial plot

~1 black-eyed susan from a sweet brown eyed boy

~5,793 weeds pulled
~5,794 to go!

More Books!

See! I knew as soon as I finished that meme, I would remember something that I forgot. When we were gathering the books to be returned to the library, I was reminded of two wonderful books that I just read last month: Baby by Patricia MacLachlan of Sarah, Plain and Tall fame (check out this interesting review website) and The Wheel on the School by Meindert Dejong (illus. by Maurice Sendak). That last one was recommended by the lovely (former home educating mom) librarian that we look for every time we visit just so we can pick her brain for recommendations and she did not disappoint!

I am warning you right now that Baby will make you cry especially if you have ever lost a child so don't blame me when you have to go hunt for the Kleenex. It's a good kind of cry, however, if you are pregnant right now or newly post-partum, you might want to wait 6 months or so before reading it.

Book Meme

I got nothin' else right now so how about a meme? Thanks, Alicia and Jennifer!

1. What author do you own the most books by?

Well, thanks to my husband's interest in Don Camillo, we own all 6 books in this series written by Giovanni Guareschi. Oh wait, Jenn reminded me of the whole Harry Potter series. That makes 7 by J.K. Rowling.

2. What book do you own the most copies of?

Like Alicia, the Holy Bible. My most treasured copy is of the New Testament with side by side English and Greek that my grandfather used when he was studying to be a Baptist preacher.

3. Did it bother you that both those questions ended with prepositions?

Bother me? What ever are you talking about?

4. What fictional character are you secretly in love with?

Mr. Rochester was my secret love in high school and it had nothing to do with Timothy Dalton!

5. What book have you read the most times in your life?

Jane Eyre. See #5.

6. Favorite book as a ten year old?

Heck if I can remember. Probably something insipid like a Sweet Valley High story. I also remember liking The Girls With the Silver Eyes but I don't remember how old I was.

7. What is the worst book you’ve read in the past year?

Haven't read any bad ones recently, but if you changed those last four words to "ever" then it would have to be Billy Budd, Sailor. Ugh! I'm NOT a Melville fan.

8. What is the best book you’ve read in the past year?

Honestly? That would be the whole Ranger's Apprentice series that I previewed for my son.

9. If you could force everyone you know to read one book, what would it be?

You'll probably think I'm silly: Emotional Vampires: Dealing With People Who Drain You Dry by Albert Bernstein. Dr. Bernstein very cleverly uses a vampire analogy to help explain the tendencies of some personality types to emotionally drain others. By learning the tendencies of others in your life (and yourself) you can save yourself a lot of heartache and frustration.

10. What book would you most like to see made into a movie?

Any of the Ranger's Apprentice books, if only so that I could watch The Professor's face while he watched it and then discuss with him later any discrepancies.

11. What is the most difficult book you’ve ever read?

Probably something from my philosophy of education class. As a homeschooling mom, should I be ashamed to admit that?

12. What is your favorite book?

I'm afraid that to choose one I would have to compare apples to chickens. I think it rather unfair to ask someone that without specifying a category. There are novels, historical fictions, non-fictions, books yet to be published (hint, hint Aunt Red), etc.... Not to mention books that I've read and forgotten. Hmmm... maybe if I've forgotten them, they weren't that memorable and shouldn't be considered a favorite. Oh boy. Now I really can't decide. Let's make this easier. How about if I say, my favorite book that I have read with my kids is... Nim's Island. We read the book after seeing the movie and honestly love them both so much we can't choose which version is better. I haven't read the sequel yet, but my kids gobbled it up!


13. Play?

That's a tough one, too. My senior project as a theater major was Romulus Linney's Three Poets which I used to know backwards and forwards. If you are talking Shakespeare, I have always been partial to The Tempest. But, the one that has a special place in my heart as it was my first introduction to the world of the theater is Barbara Lebow's A Shayna Maidel (the play that this Hallmark movie was based on only much better).

14. Poem?

Oooo. Not much into poetry. Um... does Dr. Suess count?

15. Essay?

Again, not sure I can specify a favorite but, The Six-Lesson School Teacher by John Taylor Gatto was one of the first essays I read when researching this crazy thing called home education and I enjoy re-reading it frequently.

16. Who is the most overrated writer alive today?

I really don't pay attention to modern writers unless they write children's books. So, with that in mind, I would have to say Daniel Handler, better known as Lemony Snicket. I don't understand the appeal of his work at all.

17. What is your desert island book?

SAS Survival Handbook: How to Survive in the Wild, in Any Climate, on Land or at Sea. I'm a practical kind of girl.

18. And . . . what are you reading right now?

Bless Me, Father, For I Have Kids and loving it!

From his lips...

... to God's ears!

Bigboy: I wish we could have a baby brother. It's boring with just four children. And it has to be a boy because then it's not even.

(I think he actually means "fair". He thinks the boys should outnumber the girls. He's such a cute little misogynist!)

*I'm sorry if I confused anyone, but this isn't an announcement. Just wishful talking from a 5 year old who has been around a lot of babies lately.

13 years

For my husband...