God's Hand

At times, when looking towards the future, it is difficult to see God's plan for your life.  However, for me, when I look back at the events in my life, I can clearly see how He's guided me towards this or away from that.

One event that God truly guided me to was meeting and marrying my best friend.  I can see clearly how certain instances occurred that brought us together.

After we were married, He then asked that we be open to children.  What a blessing the 4 boys have been to our lives.  Each day, they need us to be better people and better parents.  Each day, we question what we're doing and how it will impact them.  Each day, we pray for and (God-willing) guide them to a life of holiness.

And, as we look to the future, the details may be murky.  One constant remains, however--God will guide us., just as He has throughout our lives.  We only need to be open and look to Him for the answers.  

Happy Anniversary, Nate!

Merry Christmas!

May you know the joy, peace and love of Christ today and always.

And, don't forget to spread it to others, too!

2 Days Before Christmas

How could I resist?

Public Property

The boys are watching The Year Without Santa Claus.  The movie is essentially twaddle, but there is one line that struck me:

Mayor's Assistant - Sir?  There's a citizen here to see you.

Mayor - Doesn't he know he doesn't belong here?  This is public property!

The irony in that line is too much.  After recent news that Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson sold out on the healthcare bill, I'm thinking many public servants feel similarly.

48% of Americans do not want the government taking over healthcare.

60% of Americans seek a ban on using federal funds to pay for abortions.

AND

Nearly 10% of Americans are out of work.

For some reason, the most important thing the government feels it must do is not only to pass a healthcare bill, but one that demands tax payer coverage for abortions.  

Christmas is almost upon us; the season of hope.  I am choosing not to despair, but rather to spread His hope, joy, love and peace into the world.  One pro-abortion democrat at a time.

Seven Quick Takes

We received a Christmas card from Nate's employer the other day.  On the inside it said:

Keeping the Holidays green,

one greeting at a time.

I am sure there is a deeper meaning I can extract from the message, but right now, it's escaping me.

[ 2 ]

I'm introducing a new segment to the blog entitled:  "Boys with Cameras".  Our camera is a simple point-and-shoot and they really enjoy taking it around the house to capture life.  Here's a snippet to whet your appetite.

[ 3 ]

As I posted here, we we graced with a LOT of snow early last week (I spent more time with the shovel than I did with my husband that day!).  The weekend after wasn't too cold, so we  took to the hills for some sledding!

[ 4 ]

This weekend, I also made a batch of Gingerbread People (it seems, even our cookies are politically correct these days).  This recipe always turns out fabulously!  For those that want to try:  bake the cookies on parchment paper and, before putting them in the oven, take a dry rag or cloth, and brush off the excess flour you used when rolling out the dough (preserves the brown color of the cookie rather than a dusty whitish brown).  The boys love frosting and decorating these.

[  5 ]

Grandma gave us a family-sized mixing bowl for St. Nick's Day.  Yesterday, we all enjoyed using it as we watched a movie.

[ 6 ]

This week, we had Kolbe's cub scout Den over to our house for homemade pizza.  They learned about the food pyramid and we made pizza from scratch.  The other boys in the Den had never made homemade pizza before.  It's easy to take the simple pleasures in life for granted, as we make homemade pizza all the time.  We were glad to open our home and our pizza dough to new found friends.

[  7 ]

Tonight, we're bundled up and watching A Christmas Carol.  May you enjoy your weekend!  Ours will entail some Christmas shopping, the procurment of a Christmas ham, putting up the tree, sledding, and (hopefully) some relaxing for Mom and Dad. 

Family Christmas Movies to Pass On

This time of year, many families spend quality time snuggling up and watching movies appropriate for the season. However, as my own children are growing (our oldest is 6) I am taking a second look at many popular movies that are branded "family friendly".

Home Alone 

(1990)

Premise - The story of a young boy, Kevin McCallister, who is accidently left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation.  At first, he's enchanted with his new found freedom (eating ice cream and watching movies that may give him nightmares are some of the indulgences he enjoys).  However he soon learns that two bumbling burglars are planning to rob his house.  He creatively sets up booby-traps to foil their plans.  The police--and his parents--arrive in the nick of time, and Kevin realizes that he values being with his family more than perceived freedom.

Grade -  C+

Rationale - While any child would revel in the fact that they're free to do as they please and then get to defend their domicile against burglers, the story glorifies characteristics that aren't noble.  Kevin often talks back to his parents, he despises his siblings (who mistreat him at every instance) and has contempt for adults in general.  There are a few instances of bad language, a reference to pornography, As an overall trend, it seems that from 1990 onward, many movies were made where children are the heros and adults are viewed as less intelligent, uncooperative, and, at times,  villainous.  Unfortunately, this movie does so as well.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

(2000)

Premise - The original Seuss cartoon is not in-depth or reflective on Christ as the meaning of Christmas in any way (nor was it written to be, which isn't necessarily a bad thing).  This version had an uncaring Grinch who was selfish and mean.  He wants to steal Christmas because of the Who's loud noise and singing.  He hopes to rob them of their Christmas and takes their gifts, decor and food.  However, although he takes the tangibles of Christmas, it still comes, just the same.  He learns that Christmas is more than presents and food.  His heart then grows three sizes larger, returns all of the stolen goods, and joins the Who's for roast-beast dinner.

This remake is a big budget film with Jim Carey starring as the Grinch.  This rendition paints the Grinch as a boy who grew up in Whoville, and was teased incessantly for being different.  He tried to live a "normal" life amongst the Whos, however they teased and tormented him so much that he flees the town and lives a secluded life in the mountains.  When a small Who knocks on his door and invites him back to town, he has a chance to re-join society.  He does so, and is laughed out of town.  Thus he hatches a plan to steal Christmas--a day that the Whos love more than anything.  At first, the Whos are miserable.  Then, a townsmen reminds the mayor that Christmas is about Spirit--something the Grinch could not steal!  They ascend upon the Grinch's cave and partake in Christmas dinner with him, with the Grinch carving the roast-beast.

Grade - D

Rationale - The story is old, tried, and not lasting.  As an added bonus, interwoven throughout the thin story, are costumes that are not appropriate, sexual connotations, implied illicit encounters, and a Christmas that focuses on food, decor, and gifts--and past girlfriends!  Check out Steve Greydanus' funny and right-on review at decentfilms.com.

Stay tuned for a few Christmas movie recommendations not to pass up!

"C" is for Cookie

Tree Negotiations

Today, at lunch, I thought I'd propose my Christmas tree plan to the head of our household.

Her:  I'm thinking about putting up a small tree this year.

Him:  [[ grimmacing ]]

Her:  You know?  Something small.  We could put it up on the buffet. Up, away from the toddlers.

Him:  We might as well not even put up a tree then.

Her:  Well, Marcel is kind of a beast right now, and Jerzy is out of control.

Him:  Um...

Her:  Or, [[ stretching for a compromise ]] we could put up a big tree with homemade ornaments that we don't care if the boys destroy.

Him:  Or, [[ smiling ]]  let's just put up a great big tree, with all of our decorations, and then I'll leave and go to work.

I think he was only half-teasing.  We're still negotiating.  I'm thinking of employing sanctions if he keeps reminding me that he gets to go to work while I maintain peace between the toddlers and the tree.  In our house, the toddlers usually win.

Afterall, we've have had some very harried experiences with trees.

The Weather

Outside

Inside

7 Quick Takes

[ 1 ]

We are getting a new stove on Saturday.  Nate was walking through Lowe's, and saw a stove someone returned due to a minor issue.  The issue was fixed, and the price was $120 off.  This makes me truly thankful.  Our current stove has a broken seal on the door.  If the oven is on for any length of time, the door is very hot.  With Jerzy walking around all the time, I have to barricade the oven door with kitchen chairs so he doesn't accidently burn himself.  Thank you, God, for the ability to purchase a new, safer stove for our family.

[ 2 ]

We took the boys bowling last weekend with some of our extended family. They. Loved. It. I think we've discovered a new family activity. Kolbe was really into keeping score. Jozef was really cute as he tried to talk to push an 8lb. ball down the alley. Marcel threw 3 or 4 times and had enough--the arcade games were calling his name. Jerzy enjoyed watching and playing with the balls a bit. We will certainly be taking at least the "big 2" boys bowling sometime soon.

[ 3 ]

We have our Advent wreath up.  There is something captivating about lighting a candle and praying as a family.  The early darkness of the season perpetuates the effect of waiting; waiting for the Light to come into the darkness.  The boys really enjoy saying the prayers each night.  I'd like to say praying is the highlight for them.  However, deciding whose turn it is to light and extinguish the candles captures most of their attention.  I know they're still so young yet.  In time,  they will treasure this tradition as we do.  They're really looking forward to Sunday--that means we light 2 candles!

[ 4 ]

We have a trace of snow on the ground.  Yesterday, Marcel promptly went outside to begin eating the small amounts of snow he could catch.

[ 5 ]

We watched Terminator Salvation this week.  I (the action genre lover) really liked it.  Nate (the guys who likes mostly dramas) didn't really like it.  We've been into a bit of a Terminator groove lately.  Our Netflix has been delivering Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles.  I can say that I"m really enjoying the human vs. cyborg storyline.  In the TV series, Sarah Connor is constantly weighing the morality of what she's doing with her knowledge of future events.  In Terminator Salvation, I think the same is true.  4/5 stars.

We also watched Star Trek recently.  Apart from one (seemingly obligatory) sex scene (no nudity), the movie was good.  I am not a trekkie and have never watched any of the Star Trek movies or shows.  But, I enjoyed the storyline and action.  3/5 stars.

[ 6 ]

If you enjoy your iPod or have iTunes, I highly recommend the audiobook of The Rhythm of Life by Matthew Kelly.  I have really enjoyed reaing many of his books, however audiobooks sometimes fit better into my day-to-day life.  The book talks about the importance of having a rhythm to each of our lives in order to accomplish the things God asks of us.  We need to utilize all that He's given us (our talents) within the limits of living in this world (the need for sleep, the fact that each of us only get 24 hours each day, etc.).  Highly recommended.  5/5 stars.  (As an added bonus, Kelly reads the book himself, which really adds to the listening experience).

[ 7 ]

This Sunday is St. Nick's Day.  In our small family, our tradition is to exchange gifts on this day (as opposed to Christmas Day).  The kids know that Mom and Dad give the gifts on this day.  However, they do like to pretend with us ("Be good, or St. Nick will bring you coal...").  We're looking forward to exchanging gifts and having a big breakfast to celebrate.

Snippets

Jozef:  Mom?  Are we having snake for dinner?

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

Kolbe:  Daddy says Marcel had "feet-o" powers.

Mom:  What?

Kolbe:  Feet-o power.  That means "a lot" of power.

Mom:  I guess I'll have to ask Dad about where he came up with that one.

Kolbe:  The other night, when we wanted to watch a movie, Dad said Marcel had feet-o power because he was sick, so he could pick out the movie.

Mom.  Oh!  VETO power!