Belated Package

As you may have heard, Jozef had two baby teeth pulled recently.  He was so very brave, sitting in the Dentist's chair that I just knew he needed a nice reward.

The boys are truly enjoying LEGOS' new Hero Factory build-able robots.  The problem is Wal-Mart (the only deal in town) is totally and completely SOLD OUT of ALL Heros.

Being a web-savvy Mom I didn't blink an eyelash and directed my young son to LEGO.com.  After ordering his beloved Hero, the waiting began.  Here's a rundown of what we've all been going through:

Thursday
Hero purchased.
Child asks how many days until his Hero arrives.
Mom brushes him off.

Friday
Mom explains that his package hadn't even shipped yet.
Child moans.  A little.
Total Number of Times Mailbox was Checked by Jozef: 1

Saturday
Mom receives email that package has shipped.
Child complains about the looonnng wait and checks the mailbox. Again.
Total number of times mailbox was checked by Jozef: 4

Sunday
Child asks when mail usually arrives.
Mom explains there is no mail on Sundays.
Child bemoans postal worker's day of rest.
Mom asks if Child would like it if Dad never had a day off.
Child complains a bit more.
Total number of times mailbox was checked: 0  (proud Mom)

Monday
Child wakes up and promptly gets dressed in order to check mailbox.
Child is upset that the mail has not been delivered.  Time:  8:30 AM
Mom explains that package has shipped, but my not arrive today.
Child complains.  All. Day. Long.
Total number of times mailbox was checked by Jozef: 10
He even checked the mailbox twice after he delivered me the mail for the day.

Tuesday
Child wakes Mom up 45 minutes earlier than usual.
Mom questions why Child is up so early.
Child says he couldn't sleep--he was worried about his package.
He leaves Mom's room to check the mailbox.
Child soon declares he will soon be lodging a complaint with the post office.
Total number of times mailbox was checked by Jozef: 4  Time: 11 AM

Yikes!  I'm not sure I'll buy this kid anything online for a long, long time.  At this point, I am praying for a postal miracle just to get him to begin living a normal life once again.  This entire process is almost as painful as watching teeth being pulled.  Almost.

UPDATE ::  The package arrived today!  Thank goodness!

Baby Teeth

The Dentist informed us that Jozef's baby teeth were a bit crowded.  His permanent teeth were trying to come in, but the baby teeth really needed to go in order to give the permanent teeth the room they needed.

How many baby teeth am I talking about here?  Two.  Two teeny tiny baby teeth.  The appointment was made and Mom started to worry.

Jozef has had a difficult health history.  His ailments predate the beginning of this blog, but suffice it to say, without God's grace, and modern medicine, he would not be here today.

Thus, I get anxious when anything happens to him.  If he's sick, I fret.  If he needs two teeth pulled, I fret, three weeks in advance.

The morning of the appointment, Jozef was totally ready to take on the challenge and I was afraid.  Again, of two baby teeth.

I decided I would go into the exam room with him to make him feel more comfortable.  Who was I kidding?  I went in there for me.  I couldn't let my little boy get major dental work done without ensuring he was okay.  Right?

As I sat in the corner and watched the Dentist and her assistant calmly apply numbing gel, I prayed.  As the 6-inch syringe came out, I felt dizzy.  What would Jozef do?  Would he freak out?  I prayed and breathed and prayed some more.

Then, she took out her pliers and begin gently pulling on his teeth.  At that moment I felt so helpless.  I realized the only thing worse than dental work was watching dental work be done on my fragile boy.

For a brief moment, I had the very tiniest of glimpses of what Mary went through watching her Son's crucifixion.  She had real reason to grieve and lash out.  Instead, she watched, remained present and prayed.

In my very minute way, I was again made aware of how difficult it is to see your child go through something that you'd like to stop or even prevent.  So, I watched and prayed.  And, tried not to pass out.

After his procedure, he sat up and simply smiled at me.  I knew everything was going to be just fine.  After all, it was just two baby teeth.  Worried?  Me?  Nah.

I bet you're wondering how Jozef performed?  Well, he never flinched, never complained and never even noticed that 6-inch syringe.  He was calm, cool and collected.  He must take after his mother.

Show Me the Love; Part 1

The world can look so bleak at times.  We are all so clearly are capable of hurting ourselves and those around us.  The solution seems to be to look to God and ask Him to stop the madness!  After all, there is nothing I can do in these situations.  Is there?

I believe there is.  What is the remedy for common man?  The answer is the cross.  It is Jesus, giving His life for us.  It is His outpouring of love.   Every situation can be handled with love:  a difficult co-worker; a marriage on the rocks;  a child that is walking away from the faith; a homeless man in the streets.

You see, as young children we were told, "God is love," and, somehow, that message got lost in translation.  "God is love" can be a nice little expression or it can be the mantra that we live.

Make no mistake, a life of love is not for the faint of heart.  Jesus lived a life of love and he was by no means a wimp.  He challenged social norms with love.  He uprooted kings with love.  He loved His people so much they were compelled to leave behind a life of sin.  He loved His people so much, he gave His life for them.


How do we begin this walk of love?  I think the answer is two-fold.


1) Read about the Saints.  Their lives are filled of stories where they desired to walk the path of love.  It was rarely easy, popular, comfortable or convenient.  Though, now, they live with God in glory forever.


2) Practice the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy.  As an individual, couple or family, anyone can begin works of Mercy.  Sometimes, the most loving thing we can do is to bake a friend some cookies or make a phone call or write a check or give a hug. 


Corporal Works of Mercy

• To feed the hungry;
• To give drink to the thirsty;
• To clothe the naked;
• To harbour the harbourless;
• To visit the sick;
• To ransom the captive;
• To bury the dead.

Spiritual Works of Mercy

• To instruct the ignorant;
• To counsel the doubtful;
• To admonish sinners;
• To bear wrongs patiently;
• To forgive offences willingly;
• To comfort the afflicted;
• To pray for the living and the dead.

We are all living out our vocations differently, so these Works of Mercy will look different for each of us.  The point is to begin.  

Need some inspiration?  Mother Teresa is famous for quotes about putting love into action.

Notes from the Box: February Edition

On my iPod

I recently discovered Audrey Assad.  She has a deep voice and reminds me a bit of Kelly Clarkson.  She's Catholic and writes her own lyrics and music.  Her songs are enjoyable to listen to and full of meaning.

Netflix

I'm addicted to The Office.  I always swore I'd never watch the show.  It's available instantly for streaming on Netflix and Steve Carrell's humor gets me every time.

The Boys' Netflix

The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes rounds out their super-hero quota.  The shows are not overly violent (which Mom likes) but have enough drama and action to keep the boys interested.  Thanks to this show, we get to have intelligent conversations over the dinner table.  "Mom, who do you think would win a fight, the Hulk or Iron Man?"

Currently Reading

Fr. Barron's Catholicism: A Journey to the Heart of the Faith.  AMAZING!  We are currently watching the accompanying DVDs for the Catholic Mom's group here.  I purchased the book knowing that we would be moving and I wouldn't finish the series.  Each chapter has me highlighting noteworthy tidbits to remember and revisit.  Highly recommend!!

Boys' Reading

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart.  Nate reports that the plot is interesting enough, but that the author spends a grueling amount of time setting up and setting up and setting up before the action.  

For Inspiration

"...the true emperor (Jesus Christ) arrives vulnerable and exposed, because the good life is not about the protection of the ego, but rather about the willingness to become open to the other in love."

- Fr. Barron's Catholicism

On My Mind

I feel truly blessed.  Blessed beyond all deserving for the gifts that God has given to us.  We have four busy boys and a beautiful baby girl.  Nate has a new job in our HOMETOWN so we can move back again!  Wow!  Add to that a great home to rent and I feel like the richest woman in the world!  Does that mean that I still have to do all of the packing?  

A Slice of Real Life

Between packing and schooling my go-to hobby is (as always) laundry.  Lately, I've had a little helper.

Dear Komen Foundation,

THANK YOU for pulling your funding to Planned Parenthood.  I have always refused to buy any product with your ribbon on it in the past due to the link between your organization and PP.  Tomato soup for the cure?  No thanks.  Pretzels with a pink ribbon?  We'll try a new brand.

Planned Parenthood is, ultimately, not pro-woman, but pro-profits.  Nothing more.  As you have seen these last few days.  They will do anything when they begin to lose profits--lie to women or even sink an organization seeking to help women.  They are ruthless.
I pray that you will have courage and strength not to bow under the pressure by Planned Parenthood, the media, and many politicians.  If they are truly pro-woman, the would not want to see your organization fail. 

In the future, I will proudly purchase items sponsored by your organization.  Thank you for standing up against Planned Parenthood.

You, too, should email them at news@komen.org.

Follow the twists and turns of this story at American Papist.

Overzealous

Kolbe:  Mom!  We have six boxes packed!

Mom:  Well, okay.  Did you pack your LEGOS?

Kolbe:  Yes.

Mom:  Do you realize that we're not moving for a month?  What are you going to play with?

Kolbe:  Well, we'll just watch movies and play video games!

Then, I sigh and realize it's going to be a long month.

Bigfoot

When did his feet get as big as mine?

God's Goodness So Far

 For the last 6 months our family has been fervently praying for the opportunity to relocate to our home town. Late this summer we began making conscious efforts to turn the dream of moving home into a reality.   You see, we've moved many, many times since we've been married, but no town has truly felt like home.  Thankfully, we have met many wonderful people along the way that have helped to lessen the void of family in our lives.  For that, we are truly grateful.

Just this past week, Nate was offered a job back in Iron Mountain, Michigan.  And, we accepted it.  Once, again, we'll be packing and sorting and busying ourselves with a move.  Only, this time, we're going home.

There have been few precious moments in my life when I felt God had truly answered a prayer with a "Yes."  We feel joy and euphoria.  Each morning, I have to remind myself that this is no longer our dream, but a reality.

Thank you, Lord, for having mercy on us, to grant us our request.  Truly, we are not worthy.

p.s. Months ago, I made a bargin with a certain Saint that he would have a treasured place in our new home, if he would petition Our Lord with our request.  I can't wait to build that place of honor for him in our new home!

-Title for this post borrowed from a Martin Doman compilation CD.

The Gift of Self

As I was driving in to work this morning, I was reflecting on the indescribable horror of abortion within this nation. I decided to say a rosary for the intention of an end to abortion (which is first and foremost a need for men and women to choose life, and secondly a political obligation to align our laws with the moral law). I happened to be saying the Joyful mysteries, of which the Annunciation (Gabriel’s pronouncement to Mary and Mary’s response) is the first.

Mary provided the appropriate (and marvelous) response to God’s call, which turned in to the complete gift of herself to God’s plan. Because of her decision, her choice, the plan of salvation through Jesus Christ was made possible.

In the context of abortion, we need to also find within ourselves the will to respond with a great ‘Yes’ to God – to minister to women and families in need, to promote the intended use and plan for our bodies and their sexual powers, to promote a culture and ethic of life in the hundreds of little decisions we make each day. This gift of self is the only way in which we can model the good so that others may choose it as well.

Jen and I were talking last night about consciously trying to make our family efforts a gift of self to others. This way of life is a beautiful vision and mission to those who surround us. As we struggle to live this way and teach our children to do the same, may we remember that the ultimate answer to the problem of abortion is the complete gift of ourselves to others.

“…man, who is the only creature on earth which God willed for itself, cannot fully find himself except through a sincere gift of himself.”

Palm Tree

 

Complete with the tongue!

Merry Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring, Not even my mouse,
Daddy ventured off to get boys tucked in with care,
In hopes that deep sleep soon would be here.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-cookies danced in their heads.
And Mama in her chair with the baby, nursing for a nap,
Had just settled in for a movie, on tap.

When on her blog she realized, she's so scattered,
She forgot to wish everyone blessings amid all the chatter.
Away to the Apple, she flew like a flash,
Loaded the SD card and prayed it wouldn't crash.

The computer screen lit the living room aglow
And gave a lustre of pixels and a little light show.
Mama loaded the photos, typing with such speed,
And hoped that she wasn't too late, not too late indeed.

Amid all the cookies and the cards and the events,
She knew she had to say to the family and to the friends,
A baby is here to proclaim love's power and might,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

Favorites

Mom:  Next week is your Gymnastics day camp.  Let's talk about what you'd like to pack for your lunch.

Jozef:  Rice-a-roni!

Mom:  Um.  No.

Royal Friends

The other day, Jozef and Marcel were playing with their Knight's Castle.  As we headed out the door later, the subject of King's and Queen's came up.

Jozef: Yes, Marcel, King's and Queen's are real.  Right Mom? 

Mom:  [frantically looking for toddler's royal shoes] Um... 

Jozef:  Remember how you told me that a Prince and a Princess were married this summer? 

Mom:  [stopping to actually think]  Ah, yes, that's right. 

Marcel:   Oh. 

Jozef:  I know a King and a Queen. 

Mom:  Well, Mommy doesn't actually know a King and a Queen, I just know about them. 

Jozef:  I know a King and a Queen. 

Mom: [perplexed] Oh?  Who is that? 

Jozef:  Jesus and Mary! 

Mom:  [stunned]  That's right, Jozef.  [smiling] 

Marcel:  Does that make St. Joseph a Prince, then? 

Mom:  Um.  No.  He's just a Saint.  [just a Saint?  What was I thinking?]

-----------------------

This afternoon, Marcel was talking baby talk right into Gemma's face.  It's a game she's familiar with.  The more she smiles, the more they talk baby talk to her.  It's a game...that never ends.  Marcel was using his best baby talk voice saying, "Who's a beautiful baby?  You are?"  when he stopped and thought.  Then, he told her, "Well, you are cute, Gemma, but you're not that cute."  Mom feigned offense and said, "Why not, Marcel?"  "Well," he began, "the most beautiful baby in the world was Jesus.  Then, Gemma."

I can live with that.

Homeschooling - A Great Liberal Arts Education

image source

This morning, as I headed to town, I listened to snippets of public radio extolling Portland State University for re-engineering their liberal studies program.  

PSU is a recognized leader among public universities that are trying to transform the way they teach the liberal arts to make undergraduate education more relevant and engaging to both students and the community. A growing number of colleges and universities across the country - both public and private - have adopted civic learning programs and other approaches to liberal arts instruction that connect "ideas with action."

"Interesting," I thought.  The host went on to explain that Freshmen and Seniors participate in a program that takes learning to the community.  Teaching city-kids about agriculture on learning-farms was one such example.  The PSU students could broaden their worldview by working to meet the needs of someone other than themselves.  In addition, they would work with students across other disciplines in carrying out their work.  

The other broad change was a new emphasis on students learning from each other. Lecture courses by a pontificating professor were discouraged. Students started leading discussions more.

The motto of Portland State is: Let Knowledge Serve the City.

The more I listened, the more I agreed with the host.  You see, the knowledge our boys' gain each day is often put to work in the community of our home.  In fact, I see the mission of homeschooling as educating the whole-person every day--mind, body and soul.  The boys' focus on their studies of catechism, grammar and math, and we often put the knowledge learned into practice throughout the day.  We talk about treating each other justly and attend confession as a family.  They bake with me and measure and count and we give what we have to others.  I serve them by daily housework and they serve the family as well with the chores they're given.


It's amazing how this type of experience is praised when it is gained at the college level but brushed aside as non-essential during the K-12 years. When discussing the benefits of the program, one Instructor noted, 

"[The senior-level program is] ...a final opportunity to be in a classroom with students from other majors, to learn how to work in an interdisciplinary team," says Capstone instructor Celine Fitzmaurice. "If you leave PSU and you're working in a job with a writer and an engineer and a marketing manager, you will have the skills to work and communicate and create something as a team. Whether it's in service to your company or to larger society."

A major benefit that I mentioned in the homeschooling interview I gave earlier this Fall, is that home schooled children often have the opportunity to work with a variety of children--those of similar and differing ages and social backgrounds--everyday!  Many families enjoy homeschool groups and/or opportunities afforded parents that are not restricted by a set school day structure.  These are interdisciplinary teams in their infancy.  =)

AACU President Carol Geary Schneider writes that the goal is to recast liberal education "no longer as an option for the fortunate few, but rather as the most practical and powerful preparation for 'success' in all its real-world meanings: economic, societal, civic and personal."

That spells great news for those of us that homeschool as well as those whose children are in public school with an active community life (in their family and beyond!).  


The good news for these college students is that they are becoming well-rounded persons.  The bad news for these students is they're paying in the 10's of thousands to gain that experience.  While I think the lessons learned are priceless, I'm not sure they'll agree when student loans come due.

Back in the 1960 and 70s, when liberal arts programs were at a historic peak of enrollment, many students had abstract reasons for going to college, says University Studies professor Leslie Batchelder. "People still had this notion of opening your mind and improving yourself and being a well rounded citizen," Batchelder says. "[College] was a lot cheaper then. [Today's] students, rightly so, don't exactly have these lofty ideals. It's more like, how can I get through this paying the least amount of money?"

I would certainly agree that college is time for the rubber to meet the road.  As a student, I would be looking for "required" classes to contain only those essential for me to gain my degree and graduate.  


Where else can a student gain these collaborative skills to help them become successful (economically, societally, civically and personally--and dare I say morally)?  To be honest, they don't need to look any further than their own family, church or volunteer organization.  

The Weekend In Pictures

7 Quick Takes

[ 1 ]

Christmas shopping is done!  And I call it "Christmas a la Amazon".  With 5 kids, there's no way we're going near a mall at Christmas time.  =)  Now, for the wrapping...  That will require a few good movies for me and Nate this weekend.

[ 2 ] 

We had our family Christmas pictures taken last week.  Gemma's solo-picture shows her favorite posture--tongue out!  She's been sticking her tongue out since she was born.  It's weird, but we're happy to have in memorialized in her shot.

(I took a picture of the picture, so it's a little grainy here)

Here's proof that the tongue-sticking-out is a habit from her early days...this summer.

[ 3 ]

Next Tuesday is St. Nick's Day.  That is the day that we traditionally exchange gifts with our boys.  We've been doing it for quite a few years and it works out well.  For our reasonings behind this idea, click here.  If you'd like to celebrate St. Nicholas in your house, the St. Nicholas Center has some great resources.

[ 4 ]

Two weeks ago was Cub Scout Creation Night.  Kolbe and Jozef stuck with a "space" theme.  We used a lot of silver spray paint!

[ 5 ]

In November, we made a GREAT chili recipe!  If you like beans in your chili, you'll love it!

[ 6 ]

This afternoon, I was transferring files from my laptop to my new Apple iMac.  Nate's known that I've wanted a Mac for some time and, last month, he told me to go ahead and buy one!  It has been great!  As I was transferring files across, and my laptop locked up time and time again, I remembered how I was pushed to the brink of frustration with it and why I bought the Mac.  It was a good laptop, but now I'm happy to move on.  =)  Here's the setup:

[ 7 ]

Next up, so Christmas baking and decorating!  Hope you have a great weekend!

The Essence of Advent

"What is the best way to spend the weeks of Advent?"  This question has weighed heavily upon me these last few weeks of November.  Truly, Advent is a time of waiting.  We do not have to wait for Christ to be born in a manger, that has already occurred.  However, we do need to prepare for Christ to enter into us!  Whether today or, at death.

Our time here, on Earth, is a time of continually preparing to behold Jesus.  The goal is to become more perfect each day to receive Him now and into eternity.

As Advent is a new year for the Church, so it should be for us.  What are we clinging to here within or without that is holding us from totally receiving Christ?  What habits do we have that are stopping us short from our goal?

Yesterday, I found a great article that really articulates this idea well.  My favorite line:

Start by doing. When we are doing nothing we are going nowhere. Inertia takes over. Do. Start a motion. Move. Build momentum. Make that first start. It's never too late. You are never too sullied -- not while you are still alive and able to read this!

Hair-Do

A first experience for Gemma and Mom.

Round 1 was a little rough.

We smoothed things out with a little water. 

 Oh what fun!