Best Christmas Books, Traditions, & Fave Posts

Triage for Christmas Correspondence is my solution to sending everyone we know or have ever known a Christmas card with our names signed at the bottom.

We don't have kids, and neither of us really want photos of us circulating around the country via snail mail.  We are grateful for any cards and/or photos we receive.

Please try not to be offended if you don't fit the qualifications to be on our short list.  Once you read them, you'll be relieved you didn't make the list!

I had fun writing this series, a stroll down memory lane, and one that I could add a lot more to (and probably will, eventually).  

Our Family's Christmas Traditions

It's beginning to look a lot like... 

Niermeyer Noel Niceties 

Other Cherished Traditions

Don't worry, yours isn't the only family who doesn't have anything close to a Hallmark holiday: Christmas Merry-Making Mishaps Series #1 Caroling, #2 Decorating Cookies,  #3 Trees,  #4 Nativity Set, #5 Giving Gifts. 

Something to think about as you're moving the elf from shelf to shelf and trying to get your kids to behave better while hopped up on lots of extra sugar. Santa Claus is Coming?
That Elf Upon the Shelf, I Will Talk to Him Myself

Making the Best of Where You Are and What You Have Now:

Going With or Without at Christmas 

Fall Asleep Counting Your Blessings

Humorous Merrymaking Mishaps, Memories, and Traditions 

Christmas Plays

Christmas Play Spectacular at Little Sisters of the Poor

Rejoice and Be Glad

5 Great Nonfiction Books about the True Meaning and Significance of Christmas:

Joy to the World
Go to Joseph

A Catholic Christmas 

A Mary Christmas
Walking with Mary

Top 10 Mommy Blog Epic Fails

Here are the top 10 Mommy Blog Epic Fails or in other words ten legitimate reasons why my own blog is not a super-colossal mommy blog at the top of everyone’s blogroll and whose notification of new posts pop up in inboxes everywhere along with several suggestions of actual cool, very  successful mommy blogs:

10. Homeschooling

The only person I have tried to “homeschool” recently is my husband, and it’s going about as well as you’d imagine.  At least he’s finally using his dresser for its intended purpose most of the time.  We’ll try working on some other practical life skills (such as putting clean, folded laundry away where it belongs) once he seems to be showing further signs of aptitude in that area.  For cool posts by moms who do homeschool their kids, check out Blossoming Joy and Danielle Bean.

9. Not-so-Crunchy Kitchen


I’m not some amazing cook who makes mouth-watering dishes with all natural, fair trade, organic ingredients that I managed to find in my garden or on sale at a local family-owned grocery store.  We eat fairly healthy, but the peanut butter in our cupboard is Jif and the bread in our fridge isn’t homemade, and there aren’t enough grains on top of it to feed a colony of birds.  Not that I didn’t try to interest Kevin in that sort of bread, but it didn’t fly.  Therefore, I don’t have a stash of delectable looking dishes, desserts, and mixed drinks to entice my readers.
For delectable recipes and scrumptious-looking menu options, go visit Catholic Mom's Café and Danielle Bean.

8. Catchy, Cool Link-ups

I have not yet formulated a funky and fun link-up line-up that would bring people from far and wide to my site to read what I’ve written and check out what others have posted along the same lines.  The closest I’ve gotten is to participate for the past 139 weeks in Jennifer Fulwiler exceedingly popular link-up at Conversion Diary called 7 Quick Takes Friday.

7. Bugs & Buzzards

Our creepy, crawly infestations aren’t that big of a deal, especially when compared to ridiculously large and mean-looking scorpions lurking in couch cushions and bedroom slippers.  Again, Jennifer Fulwiler is the boss when it comes to this category!

6. No Whining

Kevin and I don’t drink alcohol.  Therefore, I haven’t got any pretty pictures or harrowing stories about the effects of alcohol consumption on our behavior or that of our guests.  I don’t have a single wine recommendation for you.  In fact, I’m not really a fan of whining (pun intended).

For adventures in raising young children, as well as LOL funny pics, stories, and further attempts at non-whining, see Camp Patton.

5. Faith Formation

I must admit that I often forget to say grace with kids before meals when I am juggling, assembling, cutting, cooking, and serving little ones their four to six mini-meals a day all while they are acting as if they are starving and haven’t seen food in a week.  In my defense, when I realize my mistake, either because the oldest has told me I forgot or because the chaos of mealtimes has subsided momentarily, we pray a slightly edited version: “Bless us, oh Lord, and these Thy gifts which we are already receiving from Thy bounty, through Christ, Our Lord.  Amen.  And may the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.

For faith formation and other helpful tips and tricks for guiding future saints, visit Kate Wicker or Lisa Hendey.

4. Exercise? Please!


The only time I think I actually enjoyed running was when my family would play tag around the arch at Valley Forge Park when we lived in Pennsylvania…when I was still in third and fourth grade.  I have considered it exercise when I have been the sole adult responsible for two or more young children for periods of nine hours or longer at a time.  If you see me running down the sidewalk, it’s probably because someone scary is chasing me.  The only gym I’ve frequented pretty much daily for months on end has been the jungle gym where I take the kids to play.  I honestly don't know who to recommend for this category as it's not one I read a whole lot about or do much with.

3. High Book Deal Drama


Several popular bloggers have published a book or two, contributed to some anthologies, have a slew of articles that have appeared in National Catholic Register and other such online and in print publications, and/or they are in the process of polishing their manuscript with the help of an interested press who’s offered them a contract.  Though I’m a voracious reader and an avid writer, I have not landed a book deal or made it big in the world of publishing, yet.
   
I’m a cradle Catholic who has never really fallen away from the faith, so I don’t have a conversion story to tell that begins with me as a fiercely independent atheist who one day meets prince charming, who happens to be a devout Catholic, adventurous enough to have more children than I can count on one hand, and still have time to carve high-quality wooden toys of Montessori quality and appeal that will help form their brood into the saints of tomorrow…

To read a great conversion story and hilarious book about a family with many kids, check out Clan Donaldson or for a slightly more serious smattering of stories from a number of great Catholic authors visit Moxie Wife.

2. Precious Pics & Not-so-precious Moments


I do have a bazillion precious pictures I’ve taken of babies, toddlers, young children, elementary school kids, family events, art projects, mysterious messes (like Grace over at Camp Patton)…but I have to be even more careful and diplomatic about what I post than most others because of reason #1.

1. Kids & Clan Members

My husband and I don’t have a house full of kids.  Let me be more specific.  We don’t have a house, and we don’t have any children for whom we are biologically or legally responsible.  As you can imagine, this makes it basically impossible for me to have anything close to a successful mommy blog.

I have been taking care of children, teaching them, nannying for them, babysitting, tutoring, helping to homeschool for the past 22 years, so there are a good number of children who have brightened my life and a select group of them who have a very special place in my heart.  I recently received a clear answer from the Lord that it's time to move on from nannying, though my husband and I aren't sure of what's next.  Please keep us in prayer as we discern the Lord's will for our lives and our family.  We're doing our best trusting God when unsure of what's next.

God bless you and all of your loved ones young and old!

Favorite Books Read & Reviewed in 2013

Spiritual Non-fiction

God’s Bucket List*

Fresh Bread and Other Gifts of Spiritual Nourishment

A Mary Christmas 

Walking with Mary: A Journey from Nazareth to the Cross*

My Sisters the Saints*

 *Indicates a book review that was included as part of a Virtual Blog Tour 

Great Books on Faith, Marriage, Parenting, & Family Life

Pope Awesome and Other Stories 

Yes, God! 


Man to Man: Dad to Dad 

Fabulous Catholic Fiction Series

American Tragedy in Trilogy: 

Fatherless (Book 1)

Motherless (Book 2)

Childless (Book 3) 

I read and enjoyed all three, but I have only written and posted my review of the first one, thus far.  The other links are to purchase the books on Amazon rather than to reviews I've written.

Young Adult novels John Paul 2 High Series:

Catholic Reluctantly Book 1

Trespasses Against Us Book 2

Summer of My Dissent Book 3

Undercover Papist Book 4

I have read all four published books in the series, and I've even gotten to help out with and read a bit of still- to-be-published Book 5.  I have only posted my reviews of the first two books, but all four are really good reads.      

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 131) The Sounds of Music, Family Traditions, & Advent Advice

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Grace is…looking at someone and having a glimpse of how lovable they are in God’s eyes,  receiving a long-awaited message from a friend, a wonderful surprise that warms your heart, coming home to find an Advent wreath on the table and a little Christmas tree lit on the half-wall, crystal clear reminders that some people still do focus on Jesus as the reason for this season with beautiful results and witness to others, family traditions enjoyed by several generations…  

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The Sound of Music LIVE Unreasonable expectations abound when it comes to the groundbreaking three hour performance of The Sound of Music LIVE on NBC December 5, 2013.  I grew up watching The Sound of Music, and of course Carrie Underwood isn't Julie Andrews, but she and that cast did a decent made-for-TV LIVE version of a classic Broadway musical made movie that can't be matched.  There are a number of reviews floating around, but this is the article that seems most accurate of the ones I’ve read.

     Not even Carrie Underwood thought she could be a modern day Julie Andrews.  One of the qualities of classic, famous films is that the parts are played so well by those chosen for those roles that you can’t imagine anyone else doing it better.  If you tuned in last night to see if Carrie Underwood would put in a performance as perfectly fitting, amazing, and endearing as Julie Andrews did, then in my opinion, you just don’t get it...Read the rest here.

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How Do You Solve a Problem Like…? Last evening when my mom came over to watch The Sound of Music LIVE with Kevin and me, she brought me a wonderful gift.  Without explanation, she handed me a magazine called Religious Life and told me to turn to page 26.  I was delighted when I did as I was told and came upon a photo with my dear friend, Michele Morris, looking radiant in white and brown.  My mom had come across the publication that has a picture of the Discalced Carmelites by the Sea in its November/December 2013 issue and surprised me with it.  Of the ten women in the photo, Michele is by far the youngest, though all of them have a joyful glow about them. 

     I couldn’t resist laughing at the irony of my mom giving me this publication with a picture of Michele in it on the very evening when The Sound of Music LIVE aired.  Back in July, when Michele’s mother and I were helping her get the props out of her vehicle for her final performance of her original play “Teresita,” Michele was off greeting people who had come for the show.  Looking at the social butterfly making her rounds, Michele’s mom and I suddenly burst into a fitting song for the occasion: “How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?”

     Michele is indeed well-suited to the contemplative life, a true prayer warrior, obedient to God's Will though she’s also been great center-stage as an actress and the life of the party.  It warms my heart to see her so joyful where God has called her to be.  

     We miss you, think of you often, and pray for you always, Michele!

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7 Tips for an Excellent Advent I wrote this series of Advent posts inspired by seven brief suggestions for how to observe this holy season a couple years ago when my grandmother was still living and our dear friends/siblings in Christ John and Michele were residing in Richmond.  (My grandmother passed away January 31 of this year.  John is in his second year of seminary at St. Mary's in Baltimore, Maryland, and Michele entered the Carmelite Sisters by the Sea this past August).  

     The same lessons apply this year as they have in the past.  

1.      Stay Awake

2.      Seek Him Who Seeks You

3.      Hold on to Hope

4.      Celebrate the Season

5.      Rejoice and Be Glad

6.      Give the Gift of Quality Time

7.      Wait Patiently

What has been the hardest of the above 7 tips for you to follow this Advent?  Has that been true in the past as well.  How is God nudging you to a deeper understanding of this season and Christ’s Incarnation?

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Fresh Bread The whole grain taste of Fresh Bread is certainly one that can provide ample food for thought and considerable spiritual nourishment throughout the year.  Fresh Bread and Other Gifts of Spiritual Nourishment by Joyce Rupp, OSM is beautifully written, engaging, intimate, vulnerable, and honest.  From a place of humility and brokenness, the beauty of God’s love shines through her poetry, prose, prayers, and provocative questions with a quiet, gentle intensity that seeps into the soul…Read the complete review here.

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Here We Come A’Caroling A neighborhood friend and I decided one year when we were around eleven years old, that we were going to practice singing some Christmas carols, then take our show on the road, or more realistically around our cul-de-sac off of River Road in Richmond.  Our confidence and jubilation wavered considerably when the first woman whose doorbell we rang heard us start singing.  She gave us a very strange look and tried to close the door before we were through one verse of our well-rehearsed repertoire of songs.  

     It wasn’t until later that my friend and I found out that the neighbor is Jewish, and therefore not as likely to enjoy our impromptu Christmas caroling performance on her steps.  For all she knew, someone had put us up to it, knowing she was Jewish.  I doubt it occurred to her that we were just unlucky enough that we would pick her house to start with.  But the truth is, we were that unfortunate.  

     Stay-tuned, I will soon be posting more Christmas merry-making mishaps in days to come.  Shocking though it may be, we’ve managed to rack up quite a few.

    

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Cherished Family Christmas Traditions We’ve created and maintained a number of traditions over the years that we continue to uphold today.  I take comfort in the traditions to keep us connected to family members who are no longer with us (namely my dad and Grandma) and in an effort to welcome and induct the youngest, cutest members of the clan (our nine month old nephew).  Here’s the first round of what we do, and here’s the second list. 

     What are your family's favorite Christmas traditions? 

                  

Check out Jen Fulwiler’s tradition of 7 Quick Takes Friday at her tremendously popular blog Conversion Diary.  

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 128) about inspiration, making a difference, and persevering

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Grace is…believing you’re loved even when you can’t feel it, knowing that living out our vocations requires ongoing discernment and sacrifice, people recognizing and affirming those who have spent time away from the workplace to take care of family and friends at home, the acknowledgement of anyone that raising a family is the most challenging and important job there is for married couples and parents, learning about inspiring people who use their talents to serve others, being able to pray for and with others…

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What’s a Life Worth? Late last night, I finished reading the amazing Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder.  The book is about a remarkable man, Dr. Paul Farmer, whose passion for treating people in poverty (starting with those he served in Haiti) with the utmost dignity, respect, and the best medical technologies available literally impacted and dramatically improved treatment of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS in poor countries around the world. 

     "...the idea that some lives matter less is the root of all that's wrong with the world" is the essence of Dr. Paul Farmer’s philosophy.  I know a book is very well-written when, though it’s about a topic as depressing as rampant illness affecting the poorest of the poor, I’m left feeling hopeful, inspired, and completely in awe of what happens when one man insists and believes that every life is of incalculable value; every person is worth treating; and every individual deserves the best we have to give, whatever the cost to ourselves or others.  

.   God did it again.  I was led to read this book at the perfect time. The pastor of our church and a group of parishioners are on yet another mission trip in Haiti this week, visiting our twin parish in Dos Palais, which is supposed to be opening a medical clinic soon.  

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Noisy Toys After a three day weekend, suddenly a vast number of battery-operated 'noisy toys' no longer make sounds. When Sunshine told me all of the batteries just ran down, I rolled with it, and told her if they were taken out and not replaced it must have been for a good reason.  My guess is that their parents, like any adults who have a reasonable amount of sanity somewhere on their top ten list of most important attributes of a caregiver, can only take but so much of Rock'n'Roll Elmo, an endless loop of "The Itsy-Bitsy Spider," and toys that add more sound effects that make it seem like their children are actually being raised in a barn. 

     I recall quite clearly a few toys that the boys loved to play with that would “disappear” at random intervals when I deemed my sanity more important than their need to press the fire engine’s siren another bazillion times.  I found it particularly taxing when the battery was about to run out on the sea-themed exersaucer activity center.  One of the boys picked up on how much it annoyed me to hear a painfully slow, scratchy version of “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” that was the equivalent of nails on a chalkboard for me.  Kid was smart.  When he was upset with me for failing to concede in any way, shape, or form that only the exersaucer, not the entire universe revolved around him, he would purposely press the star and watch me cringe.  
     You will never convince me that kids aren’t clever enough to torture their parents and caregivers on purpose from a surprisingly young age. I know better.

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Calling for Back-up The other day was a 3+ time-outs, not enough sleep (them or me), and call for at least one of our favorite visitors kind of nannying day.  I feared that after five hours of feeding, cleaning up after, playing with, and refereeing three young girls in a limited space I was likely to run completely out of energy and patience sometime in the remaining four and a half hours before their mom would get home from work. 

Cuties with Contraband

     I’m sure it would have helped somewhat for at least a while if we could have gotten outside, but it’s been a couple weeks since I have been able to locate shoes that fit two of them (over socks) which I consider mandatory, not optional when playing outside, especially when the temperature is under 70.  I also hesitate to do much outdoors when the oldest is racking up time-outs, because I can’t trust that we’d get too far on a walk or other outdoor activity before a total and complete meltdown would make it necessary for me to get all three of them inside.        
     Fortunately, Kevin came over late that afternoon in case there was a repeat after naps (theirs, not mine) of I-want-whatever-you’re-playing-with-when-you’re-playing-with-it-and-I’m-going-to-grab-it-from-you-and-knock-you-over-to-get-it Advanced Pre-school Aerobics/Kung Fu Class. 
     The girls only napped for an hour, so it was even more vital that I had back-up on the way.  Kevin and I had the girls running, playing, giggling, and in much better moods than any of us were in that morning. Thank God Almighty for the gift of my husband, and I do!  To read about more of my adventures as a nanny, check out posts from My Nanny Diary.

    

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JAM Session Highlights Our parish has a really great, very successful ecumenical Job Assistance Ministry (JAM) which has helped hundreds of people in our area find employment.  Kevin’s been going to the meetings regularly as he searches for a new job.  The numerous professionals and business people involved offer a wide variety of career services for free that other recruiters and job search agencies charge hundreds of dollars to do.  Check out the ministry website, activities, and successes here. 

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My Guy Gets It This past Wednesday at JAM, the speaker was swamped with questions after his
presentation, so Kevin took it upon himself to approach a woman wondering what to put on her resume since he has spent several hours working, revising, and rewriting his with the recent tips, tricks, and trends he’s learned.  Kevin’s a friendly, helpful guy, so this gesture didn’t surprise me.  What I was really excited to hear is that he reassured this woman, who has gone 17 years without a paying job, that raising a family is the hardest and most important job anyone can do and made it abundantly clear to her that she must have a number of marketable skills from such a feat that will translate into the work world.  While they were talking, another woman came up who’s been out of the workforce for 21 years raising her family.  I am beyond grateful that my husband gets what so many men and women don’t: there’s nothing more challenging or more essential than raising a family, and those who devote their time and energy to that are generally hardworking, very talented individuals who deserve respect. 
    

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Hope and Help for the Philippines This is a very good article on what has happened in the Philippines and what is being done to help the many victims of Super Typhoon Haiyan.  There are links in the article of what organizations are already in place to help and how you can donate to the effort.    

     Lord, please open our hearts and minds to do and be what you need us to in order to alleviate the suffering that is taking place in the Philippines right now. 

                  

Check out Jen Fulwiler’s tradition of 7 Quick Takes Friday at her tremendously popular blog Conversion Diary.

On the Wings of Glory Bees

I know for certain that the prayers of many were lifting me up this past Monday.  I gave a talk on How Faith, Technology, and You Can Be Part of the New Evangelization to the Women in God's Spirit (WINGS) group at Church of the Epiphany.  The last time I had been to that parish was with Michele Morris when she performed her original play "Teresita" for the WINGS group.

Watching the performance, which is largely about discernment, while surrounded by a number of older women served as a good reminder that we are called to discern God’s Will for us throughout our lives. The poem by St. Teresa of Avila called “In the Hands of God,” which Michele included in her program is one that I have found to be a beautiful prayer and reminder that we should ultimately be asking God (rather than other people) what He wants of us. 

   
In memory and honor of Michele and because I could feel that her prayers were with me, I wore the black and gold striped "glory bee" knee socks she bought me just days before she entered the Sisters by the Sea, a cloistered Carmelite monastery in Carmel, California.  No one could see the socks under the black boots I was wearing, but I knew they were there, and they made me Click here to read about how Michele and I developed a fascination with glory bees inspired by a novena to St. Thérѐse.

smile.

Upon entering the room where the meeting was held this past Monday, I gazed at the beautiful poster hanging on the wall of the Blessed Mother with the words “Mary kept all of these things and pondered them in her heart.”  I like the implication that the Mother of God also had things happen which she didn’t completely understand, but because of faith she pondered them in her heart, knowing God would provide clarity and grace for greater comprehension when the time was right. 

    
I noticed a nice statue of St. Thérѐse had been set on the small table under the poster.  I smiled at the likeness of the famous cloistered Carmelite holding her bouquet of pink roses, sensing that it was another “God wink” that I was where I was supposed to be doing His work.  I later found out that no one knows who brought the statue in and put it on the table used for the Praying Hands prayer shawl ministry, which made it even more significant that it was one of the first things I saw upon entering.

    
It is customary for women in WINGS to bring in items that are special to them.  The items are placed on the table in front of the lectern, and the significance of each one is briefly described to the group.  Again, I was awed and inspired by what two women brought for “show and tell.”  My favorite was the most gorgeous painting of St. Thérѐse of Lisieux that I have ever seen.  She seems to be somewhere with beautiful gardens near the water.  This also made me think of Michele, who has entered the Carmelite Sisters by the Sea.   
The woman shared with us that it had been hanging over her grandmother’s bed through the birth of all of her children, of which she had many, between when she was 14-31 years old.  The WINGS member told us about how her grandmother had prayed to St. Thérѐse when her first child, to whom she gave birth at age fourteen, was born prematurely.  The child not only survived, but she lived to the ripe old age of 95. 

After telling us about the painting, she was going to pack it up in the box she’d brought it in.  I asked her if she would be so kind as to leave it up on the table in front of the lectern where I was about to give my talk since it tied in so perfectly with much of what I would say.  You’ll notice there’s a pink rose on the banner of my blog.  There are a number of reasons it’s there, but one of them involves my special connection with saints named Teresa.

My mom has been praying the novena to St. Thérѐse that includes praying the “Glory be to God” twenty-four times, one for each year of the saint’s life for family members.  The other day she mentioned that the one she’s currently praying has been for Kevin, in part that he will find a job that is a good fit for him soon.  She mentioned how she hadn’t received any roses as is a somewhat common occurrence for those doing the novena as a sign that their prayers have been answered.  When I shared with her the story about the statue of St. Thérѐse that had appeared at church without anyone knowing who brought it in and texting her a picture of the beautiful painting the women brought in to show us, my mom realized that the roses God has been sending her are coming to her in other forms, ones that arrive via technology instead of with thorns.  This reassured her. 

If you are interested in learning more about St. Thérѐse the Little Flower, I highly recommend reading the following books:

Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Thérѐse Lisieux

Maurice and Thérѐse: The Story of a Love

The Four Teresas

My Sisters the Saints 

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 123)

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Grace is…faith enough to turn to God in the midst of unsettling doubts; the power of prayer—however simple however desperate; a husband who is supportive and loving; a Heavenly Father who knows our deepest, darkest secrets, our worst sins, and not only loves us, but pursues us even when we struggle to accept His unconditional love; unsolicited kisses from little ones, snuggle time with my adorable nephew, an opportunity to do something helpful for my sister, a phone call from a friend thanking me for a letter I sent to her in 2008 that she keeps out and rereads often that I know could only have struck a chord if the essence of it came from the Lord…

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Alleluia! Sunshine made me smile and got me singing today. I read the daily Mass readings out loud from my Magnificat magazine, and after the Gospel I said: "Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ." To which she immediately responded by singing "Alleluia!" This is just one more reason why it is awesome to have young children at Mass (something her parents do with them every Sunday)!  Kevin and I are two of the twins’ Godparents, so we often go to the same Mass and save a row for the crew.  

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Jonah & Veggie Tales Kevin and I watched Jonah the Veggie Tales full-length movie this week, because it's hilarious and the Mass readings have been about Jonah, so it all ties in. I'm grateful for a husband who understands that I'm often ready to collapse by the time I get home after feeding, chasing, changing, cleaning up, reading to, singing and dancing with, entertaining, disciplining, hugging, kissing, drying tears, laughing lots…with three silly sisters.

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The Muffin Girl After singing "Do You Know the Muffin Man?" a bazillion times and coming up with a fun "Do You Know the Muffin Girl?" rendition that was site specific, I made chocolate chip muffins Wednesday evening with the intent to share some with the girls the next day and sing the song a bunch more times (of course). Sunshine used white Play-doh and made a big muffin to share with all of us. I was eating baby carrots at the time, and she asked for one.  She ended up using it as a candle on the muffin.  When it was time to put Play-doh away, I went digging through the container to see if she’d stuck the carrot in there as well.  I couldn’t find it, so I asked her what happened to it.  She’d eaten it. 

     The “intent to share some” had a whole lot more to do with me remembering to bring the muffins with me in the morning than they had anything to do with me polishing off a dozen.  Sunshine loved the muffins, and asked for more every time she was hungry. 

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Dr. Seuss’s Mr. Brown Can Moo! This was one of Sunshine’s favorite board books, and now it has become one of her sisters.  All three girls know that I love books, and that pretty much any time they come up to me with a book that I’ll read it to them, not once but as many times as they want and/or I can stand in one sitting.  I had to laugh when Sunshine got sick of hearing me read her sisters the book over and over again that she said that was enough.  

     I told her that I read the same book to her over and over again when she was that age (just as I’ve done with many other children, starting with my youngest sister).  It does help that I love books and adore reading, and also that I’ve read and learned quite a bit about child development over the years, so I know more of the things that they’re learning and what’s going on in terms of connections in their brains that are much more significant than just learning what animals make what sounds—which, don’t get me wrong is both a fun and entertaining part of childhood.

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Nephew in the Nursery Today I had the pleasure of taking care of my nephew for a bit.  He has a Montessori-style room—mattress on the floor and padding around, but even after seeing recent pictures of him getting around in his bedroom, I was still surprised and amazed when I went up to check on him during his nap.  The baby monitor was turned up, but they have a couple sound machines in the nursery, and I only heard a little noise, so I went to check on him, thinking he was still asleep because I hadn’t heard a peep out of him.      
     Okay, it’s not surprising to me that a child who can roam safely around their room does so even while sleeping; what gets me is that the boy is only 7 months old, is so big, chubby, and long that he’s already rocking 24 mos. clothes, and though he was wearing a baby sleep sack at the time, he made it halfway across the room, was pushing up on his hands, and looking up at me with his bright-eyes when I peeked in.  Somehow seeing the photos just didn’t prepare me for this experience in real life.       
    

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Cute Much? Kevin’s been coming to visit me and the girls in between searching for a new job and a bunch of doctor appointments.  Sunshine cheers when I tell her he’s coming.  One of the twins shrieks as soon as he walks in the door she’s so excited, and the other one has been crawling up on his lap whenever she gets the chance.

     Kevin gave each of the girls a kiss before I took them up for their naptime.  I usually tuck Sunshine in and pray the bedtime prayer my mom and sister made up with her, then give her a kiss whenever I put her to bed.  I tucked her in, prayed the prayer (which she often says with me because she knows it by heart), I went to give her a kiss, but she shakes her head.  

     “Kevin already gave me a kiss,” she said.

     “So does that mean you don’t want/need one from me?” I asked.

     She nodded.

     I smiled and blew her a kiss as I went out the door, the little skunk. 

        

                  

Check out Jen Fulwiler’s tradition of 7 Quick Takes Friday at her tremendously popular blog Conversion Diary.

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 119)

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Book Lovers Unite! I absolutely love, love, love books!  I read a whole stack of them while we were up in Rochester on vacation, and it was great!  I could enjoy each one, devour one after another, and I didn't have to write a single review.  I could just enjoy, write in my journal if I wanted, and open the next one in the stack.  There was one book in particular that I was especially taken by that I do believe I'll write a review of in the days to come.

Stuck in Neutral is a short Young Adult novel that is incredibly well-written, riveting, and thought-provoking.  It was serendipitous that I even came across the book.  I found it on the shelf of award-winning young adult novels in the used book shop they have in the library nearby the cottage.  I am always so incredibly excited to find truly well-written books I probably wouldn't have heard of had I not happened upon that little shop.  

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Love is… Kevin cleaning up the kitchen after I spilled most of the smoothie I'd just made on myself, the cupboards and the floor, letting me go and change into pants and socks that weren’t spattered in mixed berry (I generally prefer to arrive at work not covered in stains, even if after 9+ hours with three small children make it virtually impossible that’s how I will leave).  Later in the day, Kevin came to visit me and the girls and brought me a huge smoothie, my favorite kind the Cherry Picker from Smoothie King (other than those I make myself and manage to consume without incident).
   
What's funny is that he went to get a blended coffee drink out that same morning and the girl working there told him she couldn't make it because they couldn't find the top to the blender.  Throughout the day, Kevin was calling me “Smoovie.”  A judge on America’s Best Dance Crew used to crack us up when she told people they were “smoove” as opposed to smooth.

All of the above made me think of one of many great quotes from the 1992 comedy movie My Cousin Vinny: “Oh yeah, you blend!”  Here’s the link to the movie clip.

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How are you feeling?! Kevin and both I have both been feeling what he calls "grumbly." It's a combination of feeling crummy, grumpy, and like grumbling. He's feeling this way due to the job situation (he lost his job on Labor Day), and I am because I have the nasty cold/virus (whatever it is that the girls have been passing around) and by late afternoon, I feel pretty awful. At least Kevin and I are still kind and loving to each other and can make each other laugh from time to time. Lord, please continue to bless our mess!

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God is Working Even Now I started singing a song by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir with these lyrics in it to Kevin the other day when he was telling me about having talked with someone who might be a good connection in his job search.  Kevin’s familiar with the song, and waited for me to finish singing: “God is working.  He’s still working.  God is working even now…” before he quipped: “Well, that’s good, cause I’m out of a job.”

     
Here’s the song and video in its entirety.  It’s a good one. I love me some Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir praise and worship music! 

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Climbing to New Heights I knew the time would come and probably sooner than later for these two, but oh-my-goodness, watch the heck out, the twins are climbing and scaling stuff!  By the time I’ve taken one of their trays into the kitchen, someone’s usually standing up on the sofa or the recliner trying to launch herself over the top of it.  This week the twins have become proficient in climbing up into their highchairs, the recliner, the sofa, chairs, and if given the chance, will begin to scale them.  It’s time to batten down the hatches, put plug covers in every socket that isn’t being used, lock-up the poisonous substances, latch the heavy furniture to the walls, and thank the Lord for guardian angels. For the full scoop on the climbing phenomenon, the latest entry in My Nanny Diary, click here.

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Snot Slingers Extraordinaire I’ve been sick this week with a nasty cold or virus.  It’s no fun being sick and having to take care of three little ones, two of whom are not only sick, but also teething.  I brought over a box of Puffs Plus tissues with lotion (we buy them in bulk), so my nose isn’t completely red and raw by the end of the day, just on its way to a Rudolph-like glow.  I wasn’t surprised that the girls didn’t respond any better to having their noses wiped with softer, gentler tissue than they usually do.  You’d think I was using sandpaper to wipe off their faces the way they protest.  If the neighbors aren’t familiar with young children, they probably think I’m actually torturing them by the way the scream and shriek like banshees when snuck up on or ambushed with a tissue.
    
The Lord gave me special grace this week and helped me through by having Kevin be available and willing to come hang out with us for a while even though we’re all extra snotty right now.  He’s always interested in hearing about the girls’ latest tricks and escapades, and he’s also been incredibly understanding when I get home in the evenings ready to collapse. 
    
I’ve found it humbling and entertaining that one little pumpkin has become quite adept at imitating the sounds with her mouth that I make when blowing my nose.  I’m glad my being snotty can somehow amuse and encourage her in her language/sound effects learning process.    
    

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Walking with Mary A truly inspiring book came out this past week, and I am one of the bloggers on the Virtual Book Tour taking place at this time.  I will post my reflections of the book on Tuesday, September 17, so please check back.  For more info about Walking with Mary and to read the other reviews on the Blog Tour, click here.

                  

Check out Jen Fulwiler’s tradition of 7 Quick Takes Friday at her tremendously popular blog Conversion Diary.