Growing Our Family Garden (2nd Post Today)

Back in December, one of the book reviews I did for The Catholic Company was Homegrown Faith: Nurturing Your Catholic Family by Heidi Bratton. At the time, because it was for review, I just read through the chapters & reflections questions instead of taking the full year it's intended for. I am now going through it again, more slowly so that I can take the time to fully reflect on it. I read the chapter on Monday. On Tues.-Fri., I reflect on the four questions (one for each day) & record my thoughts in a small journal

This week's chapter is "Getting on Track and Bearing Good Fruit." Today's question asked me to think of my children as my garden & describe or draw a picture of what plant or fruit I feel they are. This was a fun exercise & I'd like to share w/ you the garden of children Casinodad & I are raising...


The Prophet - Corn
He's grown so tall in the past couple of years. He can be a bit "corny" at times! He may look & act tough on the outside, but beneath that thick skin, he's a loving & caring sensitive young man.

The Archangel - Strawberries
He still needs that extra time & care to ripen. He can be very tart, esp. if not rested enough or feeling well. When he is sweet, he is very loving & affectionate, appreciative & delightful.

The Princess - Roses
She's a delicate & sensitive soul, who can take things very personally at times. Be careful in handling her so that you'd don't get pricked by her thorns or damage her soft petals. She brings joy & delight w/ her beauty...inside & out.

The Saint - Onions
There are many layers to him & his personality. He's playful, energetic, moody, inquisitive, loveable, cuddly, & so much more. Just as there are many varieties of onions (sweet, sharp, hot, flavorful, strong), there are many varieties of The Saint.

I read these answers to the munchkins this afternoon & they each felt I chose the perfect plant for them. The Prophet's favorite vegetable is corn, The Archangel loves strawberries, The Princess loves roses, & The Saint, believe it or not, loves to eat raw onions!

So, how does your garden grow?

TV / Media DOES Influence Children (2nd post today)

Whoever said TV / media doesn't influence children hasn't met The Saint!

* Because he likes to watch Baby Looney Toons...he likes to eat carrots. He sits at the computer w/ a bowl of carrots while watching episodes on YouTube.

* Because he likes to watch 3-2-1 Penguins & his favorite character is Kevin...he likes to eat peanut butter on a spoon (just like Kevin). He goes through three (more if we let him) toddler spoons of creamy peanut butter w/ each episode.

* Today, he came up to us w/ a feather & asked for some paint. At first we didn't know why, but then it dawned on us...The munchkins have been working through the complete series of Liberty's Kids on DVD. It takes place during the Revolutionary War & he caught on that they were using quills dipped in ink for their writing. Therefore, he wanted to do the same!

There is so much violence, profanity, & inappropriate material in the media today. We are inundated w/ it no matter where we go anymore...television, the internet, newspapers, billboards, checkout lanes, & so much more. As a mother, I am constantly on alert so that I can divert the munchkins' attention, especially during the times it is out of my control.

Even Casinodad & I hardly watch TV anymore. I can't remember the last time I had it on, other than watching a DVD. Once you get an image in your mind, it can be very hard to get rid of it. So, we are trying to keep the munchkins' innocence as long as we possibly can. Therefore, it is so refreshing to see the munchkins get something good out of the shows they are allowed to watch.

Wordless Wednesday - New Bedding & Pillows for The Munchkins

A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings

Judy over at A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings, hosts this meme every Wednesday. Simply list five things (or a prayer or any thoughts) for which you are truly thankful this week. Voicing my thanks helps put my life in perspective & realize that, no matter how bad things might be, there is still MUCH good surrounding me.

1) I'm thankful that Fall weather has finally arrived. I was really getting tired of 90 degree heat. What we have now is perfect!

2) I'm thankful for the dear, sweet note that The Archangel wrote to The Princess last night. This is a HUGE thanksgiving because they are the two who are CONSTANTLY fighting w/ each other.

3) I'm thankful for The Prophet being a BIG help w/ The Saint when I made a large shopping trip to Aldi the other day w/ all four munchkins. I didn't think that 2:30 in the afternoon would be busy, but is was...w/ only one cashier up front!

4) I'm thankful for a great visit w/ to my in-laws for dinner on Sun. Casinodad was going to take the munchkins on Sat. while I was at work, but I would have missed out on the great food, conversation, & time spent w/ family.

5) I'm thankful for Casinodad & all his help around the house, especially on weekends. I work all day on Sat., so I'm not home to do the usual weekend cleaning that I used to do. He will normally sweep AND mop the kitchen floor while I'm away. I have not had to mop in at least 8 months :)

A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings - Vacation Edition (2nd Post Today)

Judy over at A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings, hosts this meme every Wednesday. Simply list five things (or a prayer or any thoughts) for which you are truly thankful this week. Voicing my thanks helps put my life in perspective & realize that, no matter how bad things might be, there is still MUCH good surrounding me.

1) I'm thankful for our great three day vacation to Hocking Hills last week while Casinodad had the week off of work. See my Wordless Wednesday post from today for a few photos & hopefully I'll get another post up soon.

2) I'm thankful for all the joy & thanks we received from the munchkins for taking them to Hocking Hills. They had so much fun & surprisingly, there weren't many arguments!

3) I'm thankful that even though temps were in the upper 80s & low 90s, it didn't seem too hot for our excursions...wading in Lake Logan, sluicing at the gem mine, & trekking through Ash Cave.

4) I'm thankful that we were able to find a cabin that is well taken care of & VERY affordable. It was only $99 per night & we got $15 off of that each night for taking our own linens. This is our cabin...Noah's Ark Cabin. How cute is that?



5) I'm thankful there was a clean hot tub at our cabin. We didn't feel comfortable leaving the munchkins inside alone at night, so we took turns. Ahh! Very soothing! (The cabin we stayed in last year also had a hot tub, but we were unable to use it. We turned it on to let the munchkins sit on the edge & dip their feet in, but as soon as it started bubbling, it kicked up all kinds of sediment from the bottom...EEEEWWWW!)

Small Successes

Danielle Bean says, "It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."

1) We spent Sunday afternoon weeding around the house. This was a HUGE task! Weeds on either side of the house & in our garden were at least 2 1/2 feet high...yes, quite neglected this summer. But it's been soooooooo hot, I just couldn't stand to be outside.

2) Implemented a new discipline technique for the munchkins. See THIS post from yesterday, detailing what we're doing. I'll keep you posted on how it goes.

3) We started our official schooling for the new year.

So, that's been my week! How're things going for you? Check out Faith & Family Live to see more successes & share your own. What a great support group there!

And Now for the "More on That Later..."

In my Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings list below, I mentioned that the hymn "Whatsoever You Do" ties in w/ a new discipline technique Casinodad & I want to implement. We've been having a LOT of problems lately w/ the munchkins disrespecting their siblings & us. There has been much fighting, back talking, nitpicking, etc. Casinodad & I have tried many things to put an end to their behavior, but haven't had much luck. There are some issues beyond our control, but we want to try maintaining any control that we can.

I had an idea recently that might help them see how their behavior effects not only our family, but also Jesus. My dad gave me a copy of a pencil drawing he had of Jesus. Within Jesus hair & beard are penciled drawings of His life here on Earth. Our plan is to post the following on our kitchen cork board: a large construction paper heart over a picture of our family, over another construction paper heart, over the photo of Jesus. The munchkins will not know what is underneath the top heart.

Each time they do something mean or disrespectful to someone else in the family, they will stick a push-pin through the pages. After several days, we will remove the first heart so they can see how their actions hurt the family, then continue the push-pins. After a couple more days, the rest of the pages will be removed to show how their actions hurt Jesus also.

My original idea was to just use the photo of Jesus. When I broached the idea to my dad, he thought it was really good & suggested using a family photo also. We can talk & talk until we're blue in the face, trying to get them to understand how they hurt others through their behavior, but I really think a visual will make a more lasting impression.

To be continued w/ the results...

Day Twenty-Two - Someone You Would Give Up Your Life For Without Question

This is a no-brainer for me...or is it? Obviously, the first people to come to mind are Casinodad & the munchkins. They mean the world to me. I remember one of my first time mother worries, when The Prophet was a baby. I was still working part-time at AAA. On my drive to work one morning, I crossed over a railroad track. Out of nowhere, I started worrying about what would happen if the car got stuck on the track & a train was coming. Even scarier, I wondered what would happen if I couldn't get his car seat buckle unlatched in time. Would I save myself & get out of the car or would I stay there w/ my baby? I knew deep down that there was no way I'd be able to live w/ myself if I got out of the way. I would sacrifice my life w/ my baby.

As I've been thinking about this topic, I'm reminded of a conversation in the cafeteria during my college years. A group of us were sitting around the table for one of our meals & the topic of abortion came up. One of my friends was asking whether or not we'd have an abortion in various scenarios. This was before I had fully realized the ramifications & horrific details of an abortion, but I still knew that it was wrong. So, my answer for each one was that I definitely wouldn't have one. He asked about a pregnancy after being raped. Would I still have the baby then? Immediately I said yes. Even if I didn't want to keep the baby, I would give him/her up for adoption. Why should that child be punished for something I had no control over? The final scenario was if it came down to being my life or the baby's, would I abort to save myself. I said, "No, not even then. I've lived my life. Why should I deny the baby a life just to save mine?" Years later, I read about St. Gianna Beretta Molla & immediately felt a kinship w/ her. What a beautiful story of a mother's sacrifice!

Want to join in this 30 Day Meme? You can get the complete list of daily topics HERE. Be sure to leave me a comment so I can read yours.

A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings

Judy over at A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings, hosts this meme every Wednesday. Simply list five things (or a prayer or any thoughts) for which you are truly thankful this week. Voicing my thanks helps put my life in perspective & realize that, no matter how bad things might be, there is still MUCH good surrounding me.

1) I'm thankful for the four days we spent this past week visiting w/ family from out of town. My aunt & uncle we usually see once a year, but we haven't seen my cousins in years. We had a great time catching up & all the little cousins had a blast playing together (despite a few of them having strep throat).

2) Speaking of strep...I'm thankful that we caught it quickly enough for The Archangel. We called the doctor as soon as he got a sore throat & fever. Knowing that he'd been exposed to it this past weekend, our doctor skipped the culture test & went straight for the antibiotics...a good thing, because The Archangel would have had a fit!

3) I'm thankful the weather on Friday was great for our trip to the Ohio State Fair. It was warm (mid-upper 80's) but low humidity. My nephew was singing in the All Ohio State Fair Youth Choir & they all did an awesome job! The munchkins had so much fun on the rides, too!

4) I'm thankful The Prophet & The Princess are looking forward to the start of school in another week or two. (I'm still working on getting The Archangel excited.) The past school year didn't end well, so we're all hoping for a great new start! I've already written their "Beginning of the School Year" letters, which I'm going to mail this year instead of just handing them to the munchkins.

5) I'm thankful for the great 30 Day Meme that my dear friend, Angela, posted on her blog, Pretty in Orange. I've really enjoyed it & it has really gotten me back into journal writing. I'm thinking about continuing after the 30 days is up. There are many journal idea websites, so I could pick a topic each day & just write. The munchkins did some for school last year & it was a great writing exercise.

Day Ten - Describe a Dream from This Past Week in Detail (2nd post today)

I don't feel like I'm able to sleep in long enough stretches for dreaming. Those I do have are gone the second I wake up because I wake up so quickly! There are two ways I could approach today's entry:

1) Angela suggested that I ask Casinodad or the munchkins about one of their dreams. Casinodad can't think of any either & the munchkins are asleep, so how about if I tell you about a dream I remember from my childhood?

I think I was in the second or third grade when I had this dream. I was home sick w/ the flu & one of the things I remember most about being sick we the heavy, aching, sinking feeling of my body into my bed. I don't think I've felt that sick since then.

One of those nights, I had a dream that I was lying in my bed. I looked down towards my feet & saw my dad running over the covers. He was only a few inches tall. He was being chased (by what or who? I don't know), but I just remember him running all over the covers. I do remember waking up to more of that sinking feeling, so apparently this was a fever induced dream.

2) It doesn't say anything about being asleep for the dream, so I can also tell you about a personal dream that's been on my mind lately. We've been facing a lot of behavioral issues lately. Casinodad & I are struggling to find the right discipline patterns because some of these issues are not w/in the munchkins' control (due insomnia, anxiety, Tourette Syndrome, & ADHD). It's tough to find the right balance between knowing what is truly a lack of disrespect & which is from the uncontrollable side. So, right now I dream (& PRAY) of finding peace, respect, & balance w/in our family again.

Want to join in this 30 Day Meme? You can get the complete list of daily topics HERE. Be sure to leave me a comment so I can read yours.

Day Five - A Thank You Letter to Someone Who Has Changed Your Life

(I'm cheating just a bit & writing this thank-you letter to all four of the munchkins.)

Dear Prophet, Archangel, Princess, & Saint,

The four of you have brought so much into my life & changed me in ways that I could never have imagined before children.

You've helped me to slow down & look at the world around me through your eyes. For example, Prophet, when you were four years old, we passed a house that had a willow tree in its yard. You said, "Mommy, that tree looks like spaghetti!" Ever since then, I've taken the time to look at different trees myself & appreciate their majestic beauty. Daddy & I decided that each of you will choose your own tree for our future house in the country someday.

You've taught me what is truly worth worrying about. That broken nail or missed TV episode aren't such a big deal when your second child (Archangel) has jaundice & needs to be on a photo-therapy blanket for the first week of his life & a nurse has to come every day to take blood from his tiny heel, when he later needs hernia surgery at the age of two, or breaks his arm the day before I leave for a weekend trip w/ friends.

You've shown me how free it feels to sing & dance throughout the day. Music has always been a part of my life, & even though it's always playing somewhere in the house, some of the music w/in me has been put on hold while I've been raising all of you. Princess, you have reawakened my internal music. You have such a beautiful voice & I just love to hear you sing songs about God & someday becoming a saint in Heaven.

You've become great students & teachers in the school of life, showing that you're never too young or old to learn something new. Each day is a new adventure. Saint, watching you learn & seeing how much you really do understand at the age of two is astounding! Each day you're adding more to your vocabulary. You're very creative & can make almost anything into either a telephone or a gun (yep, you're all boy!)

You've helped me realize that I CAN make it through the day despite a sleepless night!

You've shown me what unconditional love & forgiveness are. Even when you've been fighting & arguing most of the day, when one of you gets hurt, the others are quick to sympathize & bring along some comfort (a stuffed animal, a hug, etc.) Or when someone in the neighborhood is picking on one of you, the rest of you are there to support your sibling. And no matter how strict I may be or how many times I may get angry & yell at you, you're always open to hugs & kisses.

Most of all, you've taught me what real prayer is. Prayers of thanksgiving for the beautiful children God has blessed & entrusted us with. Prayers of contrition...realizing that I'm not the perfect mother & never will be. I have, do, & will continue to make mistakes, but I apologize, you forgive, & we move on. Prayers of petition to keep our family safe & healthy, to help us through those sleepless nights, to help me be a better mother, & most of all, to help me help you get to Heaven.

Each one of you brings something special to our family. I love each of you so much & pray that we continue to grow together in our faith & family.

Much love & many blessings,
Mom

Want to join in this 30 Day Meme? You can get the complete list of daily topics HERE. Be sure to leave me a comment so I can read yours.

Small Successes

Danielle Bean says, "It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."

1) This week I started implementing a weekly cleaning & laundry schedule. Each day is assigned to a room/rooms of the house & those are the ones we concentrate on, besides the regular daily stuff. It's not perfect so far, but we've done at least a little in each room so far. Maybe, just maybe, by the end of the summer our house will be in tip-tip shape...LOL!

2) In addition to the cleaning schedule, I started using the white board for my daily "TO DO" list. I had some success w/ this last summer, so I thought I'd do it again.

3) Following the June 21 advice of Danielle Bean & Elizabeth Foss in their book Small Steps for Catholic Moms, I made a point to think several times this week before giving the munchkins' requests a reflexive "No!" One of their cousins was able to stay overnight on Monday & four of their neighborhood friends were able to come inside the house to play on Tuesday.

Bonus: I finished my book review (Those Who Saw Her: Apparitions of Mary by Catherine O'Dell) for The Catholic Company. You can read my review HERE.

How's it been for you this past week? Check out Faith & Family Live to share your successes & see how others have fared.

A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings

Judy over at A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings, hosts this meme every Wednesday. Simply list five things (or a prayer or any thoughts) for which you are truly thankful this week. Voicing my thanks helps put my life in perspective & realize that, no matter how bad things might be, there is still MUCH good surrounding me.

1) I'm thankful for good times w/ extended family & friends. We spent Sunday at my aunt & uncle's house celebrating Father's Day & my cousin's college graduation. It was a fun, relaxing time, w/ the exception of The Saint's hand scare (see HERE for details, if you dare!)

2) I'm thankful for the gratefulness & joyful faces of the munchkins during those times the past couple days when I said "YES" to their reasonable requests, including an impromptu sleep-over here w/ their cousin.

3) I'm thankful for the 12 years of marriage Casinodad & I celebrated on Sunday. He's been a WONDERFULLY, SWEET husband & father. I am so blessed to have him in my life. (see HERE for our engagement story.)

4) I'm thankful The Prophet is old enough to mow the lawn now AND he likes to do it. One of us still has to be outside w/ him & touch up a few areas afterwards, but he does a pretty good job for us.

5) I'm thankful that all four munchkins LOVE to read, just like their parents. Even The Saint, at 22 months, will stretch out on his stomach to look through his picture books (& it's so cute to see his little legs kicking up in the air!)

Small Successes

"It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."

1) I finally sewed/repaired a few items that have been sitting in a pile for a bit too long.

2) I said "Yes" to the munchkins playing in the rain, not worrying about the mess they would be making of themselves & their clothes. Plus, I had them all showered & in their jammies by the time Casinodad got home!

3) I read something recently & have used it as my new motto: "Leave each room a little nicer than when you entered it." So even if I'm just putting a pillow back on the couch or tossing a piece of paper in the recycle bag, something is getting done.

They may not be much, but that's why they're called "Small Successes!" Have you had any that you'd like to share? Check out Faith & Family Live to share & read others.

A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings

Judy over at A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings, hosts this meme every Wednesday. Simply list five things (or a prayer or any thoughts) for which you are truly thankful this week. Voicing my thanks helps put my life in perspective & realize that, no matter how bad things might be, there is still MUCH good surrounding me.

1) I'm thankful for the beautiful weather we had the last two days. The munchkins were able to spend a lot of time outside.

2) I'm thankful for dear friends who love to talk, pray, laugh, cry, eat, & just be together.

3) I'm thankful for Casinodad...the sweetest, most supportive, loving husband/father. Sometimes I wonder what I did to deserve such a wonderful man in my life.

4) I'm thankful for each of my dear munchkins, even when they're driving me crazy (like they've done lately)! Just when I think one of them is going to push me over the edge, they do something that is so sweet & loving, I wonder why I was upset to begin with!

5) I'm thankful for the beauty of God's creations all around me in my family & in nature. How can there not be a God w/ all that splendid beauty & detail!

(Mostly) Wordless Wednesday - The Munchkins in Spring

Thankfully, no plants were harmed in the taking of this photo!

I really wish The Princess liked to have her picture taken!

The Archangel taught himself to ride his bike last fall.

The sidewalk was getting a little overgrown, so The Saint decided to tackle it!

Wordless Wednesday - Precious Cargo

A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings

Judy over at A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings, hosts this meme every Wednesday. Simply list five things (or a prayer or any thoughts) for which you are truly thankful this week. Voicing my thanks helps put my life in perspective & realize that, no matter how bad things might be, there is still MUCH good surrounding me.

1) I'm thankful for a very cuddly toddler. I love having The Saint wrap his arms tightly around my neck & smother my face w/ his sweet (& wet!) kisses...as I do the same to him.

2) I'm thankful for a great trip to the zoo yesterday w/ the family. Casinodad took a vacation day, so we took the munchkins. The weather was great...slightly warm w/ a very nice breeze. Thanks also for our zoo membership (& a tax refund that helped us purchase it), otherwise we'd never be able to afford frequent trips this year w/ the munchkins.

3) I'm thankful that my dear friend, Lawgirl, was able to meet us at the zoo & spend some time w/ us. The munchkins really enjoy spending time w/ her (as do Casinodad & me!)

4) I'm thankful for a wonderful Mass on Easter Sunday...a great homily by one of our deacons, uplifting music, my parents were able to join us at our church, & The Saint actually was able to stay in the church for most of the time!

5) I'm thankful for a beautiful Easter Sunday overall. The weather was great & we spent an enjoyable afternoon at my parents' house w/ my sister & her family there too.

I wish all of you a blessed Easter season.

God is Wonderful. Christ is Risen! Alleluia!

A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings

Judy over at A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings, hosts this meme every Wednesday. Simply list five things (or a prayer or any thoughts) for which you are truly thankful this week. Voicing my thanks helps put my life in perspective & realize that, no matter how bad things might be, there is still MUCH good surrounding me.

Oops! I missed this meme last week, but I'm back w/ many things to be thankful for!

1) I'm thankful for a wonderful visit w/ dear friends yesterday. It's always tough to coordinate our schedules due to illness, homeschooling, & other activities, so the times we do get together are very fulfilling. Our kids get along so well. We sit & chat about all kinds of stuff.

2) I'm thankful for my job. Even though I'm away from home, casinodad, & the munchkins for most of Saturdays, I feel refreshed once I arrive home.

3) I'm thankful for books & the opportunities to share my favorites w/ others.

4) I'm thankful for hugs & kisses from my munchkins, & casinodad too, of course!

5) I'm thankful for my loving, forgiving God. No matter how many times I may stumble in my walk w/ Him, He's always there waiting to help my up.

The Gospel Spoke to Me (Part Two)

A few weeks ago I posted about a Gospel reading that spoke to me (see here). I'm still trying to figure it all out, but like I said, I may never completely get it. I do have some more thoughts that I will post soon, but for now...

He's not giving up!

Yesterday, in my morning Bible time, I read Matthew 25:14-30, the one where the man hands his funds over to three servants while he goes away. The first two take their shares & invest them, doubling the amounts for the man's return. The third, however, buries his share & in turn, had it taken away when the man returned.

I've read & heard this passage many times in my life, but never really understood it. It didn't take me long to "hear" what God was trying to tell me in this parable this time around. God is the man going away for a time, I am one of the servants, & my children are the "funds" entrusted to my care. Which servant am I? I would love to say that I am one of the first two, investing everything to make sure their faith & love for God multiplies over time. However, I'm not sure God would see it that way. I get selfish & lazy at times. I get wrapped up in my own activities & don't want to be "bothered." I KNOW it's wrong & try to do better.

One of my focuses this Lent has been to reduce my internet time. This has been a tremendous effort on my part & I think I have done quite well. It's enabled me to spend more time w/ the munchkins. I've also tried to stop yelling at them...another tremendous effort. There have been many opportunities & while I haven't been perfect, I've really reduced the volume of my voice. I am trying to be more present in their lives instead of observing from the sideline. Many of the problems we encounter come from my attitude & actions. I've made many mistakes in the past, but am desperately trying to rectify them & change MY ways.

Through much prayer, reflection, & personal choice, I CAN & WILL be one of those first two servants!