Wednesday, December 15, 2010

12-6+4-1x9-9/18

Argh!  Why do I feel like I am getting the flu even though I had a flu shot. Why are my kidlets acting pre -flu like even though they got the shot? Palease flu do not come to my house. You are not invited. Stay the frank away! I mean it. I will tell on you!

Today is my last day at the office until the first of the year. Thank goodness! This is made possible by my trusty assistant Jet who will man this shack until I get back. Thanks Jet.

The kids and I have been trying to keep up with advent activities. Not doing so great of a job. But, something is better than nothing. We have had a great time during this preparation. We have also been talking a lot about babies since baby Jesus has made a debut in our home. My big boy said if we ever have another baby boy he would like to name him "Thunder or XRay" great choices considering that his girl name was "Salad or Sally" for short he said. I  bet his name choices mature as he grows older:)

My husband and I have been discussing the thought of adding a 4th to our team. I love the question when you first tell others you are pregnant. "Oh did you PLAN this?" Really? Does it matter? If I say no, you don't automatically think that I am crazy for having another child. But if I say Yes, its full of "What?!, 4 really" You are on your way to being the Duggars. Frankly, this can be really negative. In the past, I have laughed it off and said "Well, I AM a good Catholic girl" everyone seems to think that's funny. But I don't like making  a "mockery" of my faith I guess. In general, I try to make a point in saying my hubby and I are open to the blessings that God has for us.

Still feeling a bit of the ick. Hope to jump out of my office really soon. That sounds so funny. Dont worry, I have a main floor office :) One more meeting to slam through and I am off like a lamp.
I wish you all a Blessed Christmas and a safe New Year!

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Adoration

Everyday, my kids and I discuss what we are thankful for. Everyday, I wake up so thrilled about the gifts God has given me. I AM IN AWE EVERYDAY. No joke, no lie. Really in sheer awe. I see my kids. I get goosebumps every morning. I take a deep breath to calm my self from the overwhelming sense that " this is big". Those kids, that gift .... WOW. When I have a less than stellar day, somehow, my gaze is shifted up. I see the rich blue sky. The leaves that have changed color. So rich and vibrant. Mushy Mushy. Bleh. I feel this don't you? I am thanking God all of the time for all of my blessings. 

One quick note, often my hubby and I go to mass at different times. He and my daughter went on Saturday. My daughter came home and said" Mommy, there where 90 babies at church today"  My hubby said " Yeah, and she told me that we didn't have to take one because she has been praying to Jesus to put a baby in mommy's tummy"  That's a little weird that a 3 year old wants a baby so bad...cute too. I am sure she will be a great helper when our next child arrives...whenever that may be :)
Have a blessed and safe Thanksgiving. I may blog tomorrow I may not. Peace.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

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.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

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.

Friday, October 8, 2010

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!

Thursday, September 30, 2010

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?

Monday, September 20, 2010

:)

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.