Not bed bugs, bed blogs.

Bed blogging. Do you do it? Do you talk to yourself in blog talk. As if you were writing your blog. Last night I couldn't sleep and ALL I did was bed blog. THE INSANITY! So I guess it is time to get back at it. November is shaping up to be a much better month than last. In fact, by most accounts, I might even go as far to say November has been a stellar month.
My husband and I chimed in our 7 year wedding anniversary. Very nice. His parents gave us money this year? Cant remember getting money for staying married. We have both concluded that they made a bet with someone about how long we would stay married. They must have won and gave us a portion of the earnings:) RIGHT ON!

My Big Boy is in Pre4 class at a Catholic School. I have not been too impressed with a few areas. First, the teacher is barely covering anything faith based. " God is great, God is good, Let's thank Him for our food" is not on my list of traditional Catholic prayers. Prayers can be anything, yes I know. But, I am sending him to a Catholic school, they should say traditional Catholic prayers. Also, the learning is under par. The teacher is not even planning to teach the whole alphabet. Long story short, spoke to the teacher, voiced my concerns.Not sure much was accomplished. Seriously thought about homeschooling. Yes, homeschooling.
I will put a disclaimer right here---if I can think of the right words to say to not make homeschooling mad---
Here's the deal. I probably would not have considered it if I didn't run into so many bloggy Catholic homeschooling families. When I was a kid, the few home schooled kids that I ran in to were a bit-off. Some were my cousins. As a parent, I want my kids to stay innocent. I want them to thrive in a faith filled environment. I am finding that maybe my expectations for Catholic school are too high. I take the responsibility of teaching my kids their faith. I don't put that on anyone else. But, I just thought more would be happening at a Catholic school. My hubby is not on board with the homeschoolin' and really its just a thought. I can see how easy it would be to switch.
To solidify my dorkiness, I went to a Diocesan Adult Enrichment conference this month. I thought it was awesome. The funny part was 99% of the attendees where Catholic teachers forced to attend. Not me, I went as a parent wanting to learn. I thought the info was great for parents. I got to see the bishop. So cool. I learned so many great tools to use with my kids. One, the "you are special plate" At first, I thought, yeah right like I am going to spend the money on that. But the salesman   speaker was very convincing. He and his family use it quite often for one special member of the family to eat off of. Then they write on the back the date and occasion. I know this would be so fun. A great way to make sure we take time to praise our kids.
 Again, thanks for all that keep blogging and sharing. I am mos' def' reading if I am not writing! So excited about Advent.

Just get that light out of my eyes!! I'll talk...I'll talk!

Yes, I've been MIA for the past month. But, I have been busy with home and work, I just could not justify time spent blogging. The good news, I still read your blogs :)  Lots of happy events with all of my bloggy friends. So happy cheer joy to you.  Thanks for keeping your blog updated so I can take a break from my life for a beat.

We live in a cornfield in a new home. We get mice when it gets cold. Every year I think, oh, this year we wont get them. Absolutely gross. This morning we were blessed with our first mouse. This mouse could not sing his name in a catchy tune nor could he cook. He was just gross. I heard those squeaks this morning as I started to shriek myself. I knew we had a captive. My lovely heroic aunt who watches the kids for me during the day was brave enough to dispose of the truant. If left up to me, that stinker would have been left for the hubby to dispose of. So, now back to tiptoeing in my home and looking around corners. I just know I am due for a micey to run up my leg  and scurry in my hair. Worry much? Bleh.

Speaking of little Rattioulle, my son was SO excited about his visit. He could not wait to tell everyone at Pre K. I am sure he will have LOTS of friends over now to the mouse house.

The white Catholic vote. I heard that term several times on the news last night. I was proud that Catholics seemed to rally against this mess that is happening. I cannot believe that our government wanted tax payers to pay for contraceptives and abortions. COME ON. MY MONEY!!!! Right. The whole idea is abhorrent to me. I do agree that there are varying degrees of the Catholic. Those who just identify as Catholic and those who practice Catholicism. Maybe it was just the fact that no one is happy with government. And frankly, most people are either Practicing or Pretend Catholics anyway. Maybe its always been a "Catholic Vote" Either way, I was proud that we made a difference in our vote. Now lets see the REAL change that we have all been waiting for.

We were all out eating a few days ago. At the table next to us was a couple and their baby. My daughter looked up at me and said "Take it!!" I said "What?!"  Again she said "Take it"  She wanted me to take their baby! The couple heard, I laughed it off. But, I guess they are ready for a baby brother or sister. I will also make sure to patt her down  when she is near any baby...just a precaution.

So there you have it. Blogity blog silence shattered. peace.

I'm pressin on

In the long run, it doesn't  matter. But I have had a cruddy week. In the back of my mind I have told myself to revisit the events later to see how they helped me grow...but while in the midst of this fun its a bit hard to see. I don't think it would help anyone if I listed all of the tree leaves that  fell this week, so I wont. All of my kids remain healthy even though fall/winter is knocking on our door. I will keep that in mind.

Question.. facebook...do you use it? I don't ......and presume it will stay that way. One of my unfortunate events this week, backed in to a slightly loony bin persons PARKED car. Details aside, this person decided to rant about me on her Facebook page.Her rant spewed many untruths about me. One of my work associates brought this to my attention. Since I work in the same building as said ranter, I KINDLY, calmly asked her to stop publishing untruths about me with my name. She apologized and said she would remove it. Then the tears started flowing. I heard all about her bad month, I suppose. Any sliver of anger that I held vanished. However, I still kept in mind that more than likely she would not remove my name from her facebook and may even add more untruths to it.

Totally hate confrontation. But, I have the right to ask someone to not do something that makes me upset. I was worried about talking to the ranter in fear of making the situation worse. I haven't heard any more. But that isn't good. Before I spoke with the ranter I thought what is the best way to be a good Catholic and handle this? I ultimately decided, just because I am Catholic don't mean I allow myslef to be walked on or treated unfairly. What I mean by that is, often these confrontations can be heated or even turn hateful. How is that being Christan? I kept my cool , tried to see God in her eyes and its done.

My kids are indulging in 3 bowls of icing and tons of candy. They are making a Halloween candy house. I thought I would let them do the icing themselves this year. It is a messy mess. Upset stomachs to follow. My little boy has eaten most of his bowl of icing. Not much candy on the house :) My big boy is reminding the little ones that their tummies will be a hurtn' if they keep eating the way they do.

Tonight the boys have Taekowndo. Its my sisters 26th birthday today. I am a pickle mad at her because she has not returned my calls.... she its too busy with school. Understood, but she lives 3 hours away, she could be a story on Dateline and I wouldn't know it. Ugh, kids.

My kids want " Dance Star Mickey" ...Too bad we already have bouncy tigger, dancing broby, skate/singing ming ming, Elmo live, chiken dance elmo, and tickle me elmo. Sorry kids no more freaky talking bouncing things that you do not play with for more than 5 minutes total.

This morning my kids and I said a family rosary. They all had their rosaries that I bought from the Clay rosary girl. My 5 year old did great. The 3 year old twins, did get bored.  But they sat,listened, played and said the prayers. Not as intently as my oldest though. It was a great way to start the day.

My hubby will be home from work soon. I have to get a movin to make the house look like I did something on my day off.

Have a blessed weekend!

Teeter Totter

Its a boys club. In general, having a career as a mom is like trying to navigate in a all boys club. I get it, I can do anything. I love the fact that in my industry, very few women make it. But, I take to heart that I do get "beat" in the career game by others in my field...because I am Me mom and woman warrior. I carry the weight of my mom guilt.  It makes it so hard to climb up that corporate ladder. Yes, we can do anything, but come on, what AREN'T we sacrificing? We are sacrificing our family. Plain and simple.

How do you do it? When you have the undying drive to GO... be the best...not be ordinary, be successful. If I hear a someone say "BALANCE" one more time I will go to the market. Because it is a myth.Just like jeans that make you skinny or fat free lava cake.  You can't balance. Is it REALLY meant to be a balance? Are we really supposed to spend 50% of our time at work? Really? Really? ( Bonus points if you count all of the reallys')Our lives just aren't work and family.....or they shouldn't be. Right? Easier said than done.

Its like a  boys club. I have a monthly meeting with others in my industry. The fellas gabbed about what fellas gab about (my hubby included) football, golf , bets... . They were all set for a nice lunch and golf after the meeting. Making sure to solidify golf and baseball game plans for the rest of the week. I don't have time for it. How guilt stricken would I feel if I took my afternoons to golf and not be with my kids instead? In and out.  In my professional career I have NEVER heard any male co worker say " I hope that my career doesn't hurt the emotional balance of my children"  I am not dogging men. Palease....not at all. What I am dogging is the mess that this all is. The deterioration of the family. The HEAVY guilt moms feel for just doing what is expected of them. For trying not to do too much or not to excel too much  as to put their childrens emotional state in jeopardy.

 Today on XM Catholic radio, I heard  (Matthew 25:14-30). All about talent. God gave us ALL talent.Some more than others. To use and to multiply. I feel in my gut, that on most days, I really am making a difference in other peoples lives by continuing to work. Would I be squandering my talent away if I did not continue with my career? If I did nothing with the "gifts" God has given me. God has given me this career. Most of the time I am good at it. I consider it a talent.  Its so hard. I long to be with my kids. I do want to help others. I AM LUCKY TO BE EMPLOYED. I plan to stay that way. I'm just saying, we have got to be real. Women can do. But how do we do it all?

:)

My meeting with Sister R went great. Basically, she just sat and listened. I cannot wait until our next visit a month from now. I am so grateful that God has lead me this way. I am CERTAIN that this is what I need right now in my life. I am excited at the growth I will experience. How great it is.   I am surprised at the number of others who have had spiritual direction in their life. I guess it is a no brainer. But, for me it, seemed sort of a radical holy roller move. Not at all. I am incredibly thrilled, happy, joyous that God has given me this grace.

Moving on, one reason I hesitated about being a blogity blog queen... sad sad blogs. I always worried that it was some sort of a curse to blog. Bad events would happen. But then I have come to realize, we just are now more aware of  others crosses that they carry. They aren't statistically happening more. We just know about them because the bloggy world allows others to open up about events that happen in their lives. Even more so than in the "real world" So much easier being semi -anonymous than  Mrs. Just Me who always talks Catholic at the gym. Instead, I talk Catholic online and live a Catholic life.  So, for the most part, I am at ease with the curse I continue to blog away. Without starting blogging, I wouldn't have found such incredible faith examples to touch base with daily. Thanks!

September almost over? The kids and I will be putting up Halloween Decorations this weekend .My big boy has decided to be Batman, little boy will be Spider man, and my princess will be Cinderella. Very secular but very easy on the pocket book and creativity for mom. Fall / Winter really is our favorite time of the year. So many family get togethers. Thanksgiving and Christmas OH MY!  Seriously, will wait... but I cant wait! What do you like about this time of year? The crisp weather, beautiful trees, cozy sweaters(fat clothes), family time... OR NEW TV SITCOMS? Ugh, I am getting sucked in slowly. 

My husband spent about 13 hours in front of the TV Sunday watching all football known to man. I made cookies with the kids, cleaned, played, knit... It was kinda nice. He doesn't care about the messes we are making. He was with his first love. I cant remember the last time I got to do that...hum.
                                                    
                                          ALERT (font color change, its ground breaking)

You heard it here first.. I believe that Webster's dictionary will put  :) into its book.

Definition- :) 

1. Emotionally speaking to be happy. ie: I am so happy :)
2. Please take this as being not so mean even though it sounds like it. ie: Could you do this today without messing it up :)
3. I  am not crazy ie:   My dog has fleas, my sister is living with me, and I lost my keys this morning , Great day :)
4. In jest   ie:  If you can think of any others...just let me know...  I am sure this is a very persuading case to add to the book :)

God bless you today.



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Tomorrow is a big day. Call it my next step. I will be visiting a spiritual advisor. She is a nun whose primary job is to help others with their spiritual direction. I have had challenges in the past and thought, maybe I would benefit from going to a counselor of some sort. If Bethany Frankel does, why don't I? But, I kept coming back to.... All I need is a better relationship with God. My problems would be easier ( I guess) if I had this solid foundation. So in a sense, I guess this thought is what led me to where I am today. Building.

Some of you may be OMG, spiritual advisor really? Heck yes. Its ok to want to have a deep relationship with God. Our secular world makes fun of those who truly seek that relationship. BTW, when I started blogging, I suppose that I did not intend to dive so deeply into my faith. Out loud. For that matter, i didn't intend  to talk about it so much. What I have come to realize is that I have needed a place to talk about it. That's it. In real life, and even in bloggy land, religion makes people uncomfortable. It shouldn't. At all. If you are uncomfortable, do something about it. If you are knowing, living, being, learning, growing in and of God, what is there to be uncomfortable about? So you can be a playa hata all you want, but I'm gonna. That's right I'm gonna.

I will have to drive at least 40 minutes away to meet my nun.....that makes her an expert right?

Thank you to those who blog about their truth. Your blogs have helped in my growth. Allowed me to feel comfortable in whom I am becoming.

Step by Step--OH Baby! NKOTB!

Isn't half of the challenge of life just taking the first step. If you spend all of your life anticipating, waiting for the right time to be who you are supposed to be, doesn't your life pass you by? In my mind, I feel that someday I could be a great person. One who has time for everyone. One who helps those in need. This has always been a someday thing. I want to make big changes commit my entire being. But, with a full time job and children, I feel my family has been the first place to start and perfect.

However, today at mass, some random stranger called me by my first name. I turned around and asked if he was a cop :) ( just kidding). Anyhoo, he had known me due to my business. He was asking for help getting a new family homeless shelter off the ground. I have always felt strong compassion for those who do not have homes. I have always wanted to help. But I just didn't feel like it was my time.Ugh... Saying that reminds me of Jesus  when Mary told him at the Wedding at Canna to make water in to wine.... "its not my time woman".  I think you get my drift though....  But really, to be actually called by name by a stranger, after mass, seemed like I couldn't be hit over the head with a larger mallet to get my attention. So, because that gentleman took the first step. I will too. I have already made a few calls to financially secure individuals who can more than likely help with funding. I plan to commit time and as much money as I can.

Although, this might seem small to others, I feel that this is the work of the holy spirit. Nudging us to do for others. To be better people. I truly deep down believe that even the smallest actions can be inspired in part by the holy spirit. Ultimately by God.  No doubt.

My son's actions this morning fell short of being inspired. That goose. He wanted to go to school, but he didn't want to get dress, eat, brush his hair etc. I laid out clothes for the little little to put on. Mad because he didn't like it. I gave him a break and gave him another choice. He came into my room "changed" wearing his spider man pj top and the shorts he wore yesterday to school. He has been refusing to eat breakfast. Don't bad mom's send their kids to school without eats? I was not going to send him, maybe he was getting sick. OR MAYBE HE WAS ACTING LIKE A 5 YEAR OLD! Yes, that was it. No the best way to start the day. But, we are over it now. Hopefully a better week next week.

Happy Birthday to one Great Mother. Happy Birthday Mother Mary! Bet Jesus never acted that way :)