Ben is constantly saying, "When I go potty on the potty chair, I'm going to get a...". It's just a part of his everday English. Last night Ben and Mary were looking through a Target toy mailer and I captured their enthusiasm on my brother-in-law's recorder.
I am testing this sound file...I don't know if it will work
Listen to this.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Monday, May 28, 2007
Memorial Day Weekend Camping
This weekend we went camping in Hannibal, MO, at a place called Injun Joe Campground. Yes, it is the birthplace of Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) and they never let you forget it. Hannibal is full of Mark Twain memorabilia. Hotels and streets and shops bear his name and the names of the famous characters in his books (Becky Thatcher and Huckleberry Finn). Anyway, the trip started out very rough (me in tears because the younger two would not go to bed) and ended up much better as the younger two adapted to their camping surroundings and actually settled down to sleep when they wore themselves out. With one trip under our belt, I'm hoping the next one will be much easier, as they know now what to expect. The older two, of course, had a great time, with only one "we're bored" session.
I figure pictures are some of the best ways to explain a trip. Here are some to tell the story (in the order they were taken):
Mary Swinging
Ben Roasts a Hotdog
Shopping with the Girls
Cooking Over the Fire with a Dutch Oven (and you though only Girl Scouts used them!)
Game Boy By the Fire
Secrets in a Tent
I figure pictures are some of the best ways to explain a trip. Here are some to tell the story (in the order they were taken):
Mary Swinging
Ben Roasts a Hotdog
Shopping with the Girls
Ben and Mary at the Picnic Table
Cooking Over the Fire with a Dutch Oven (and you though only Girl Scouts used them!)
Game Boy By the Fire
My Dad
Secrets in a TentSunday, May 20, 2007
Comedy of Errors
You know how I wrote a big long "to do list" for the weekend? And I had all these things to do to get Abby ready for a slumber party because they were picking her straight up from the practice and taking her with a group of girls to Build a Bear workshop and she had to be ready for her game the next morning? Well Friday night I freaked out that no where on that list (or in my head) was a plan to get a present!! It was almost 10pm and too late to do anything about it. How could I send my child to a birthday party with no present?? Because I'm a busy and distracted individual! Right now I'm consumed with planning for PTO next year. Because the busiest part is getting everything ready for the year. I'm also thinking about Children's Liturgy and the CD I want to make. In addition to this, I've been researching my purchase for a mini-disc audio recorder with great passion! Meanwhile, my daughter is at a birthday with every girl excited to see the birthday girl's reaction when they open her gift. I'm picturing Abby explaining that she doesn't have a gift. These are the times when I say,"Ouch...I messed up." I know beating myself up doesn't help any, but I usually have to spend at least a little time wallowing in it, and then I develop an acceptable plan and move on.
Yesterday morning, I woke up early, ran to Target for a card, forged my daughter's signature in my best 2nd grade writing, stuffed $15 in the card and headed to the slumber party. When I got there, I apologized that Abby didn't have her gift (not going into the details of the fact that the gift had not even been planned) and laughed at how I was so busy thinking of everything else but forgetting the most important thing. She laughed with me and I was on my merry way taking Abby to her game.
When I drove into the parking lot of what I thought was a Knight's of Columbus field, I realized it was not a Knight's of Columbus at all. I drove down the drive and there was no one on the fields. I was at the wrong place. I was not going to get Abby to her game with 15 minutes to spare like her coach had just requested in e-mail. I also realized that I had given Ted's dad directions to this very field. Trying to get Abby to her game on time, I rushed out of the parking lot and frantically called Ted. He told me where the K of C was and I quickly drove in that direction. I got there right before the game started and apologized to the coach (PTO Treasurer), explaining my error. Ted called and said his dad did not have his cell phone on him and if I could please drive to the other field and look for him. I did. *Sigh*...he was no where to be found. Meanwhile, when I get back, the parents are laughing at me and my predicament. Finally Ted's dad showed up. He said he drove back and forth looking for the K of C fields and then finally pulled over and asked someone who led him in the right direction.
Whew! I'm glad he found it and he got to watch 45 minutes of the game. I would have felt so bad if he had to go all the way back home. He was gracious and forgiving. But a thought kept going through my head, "And I'm going to run the PTO?? People are going to wonder how the heck I'm going to do it if I can't get details like this straight!!" I can be hard on myself, but I also know when to back down from the mental tongue lashings. When I shared my story with my sister, she told me about a couple of times she came without a gift and said,"Oops! I left the card at home." When really there was no card or gift and she had to go buy both and come back. It's so good to hear other people's errors and to know I'm not alone. I remember when Lisa left her car running the whole time we were at a mall shopping, eating and watching a movie...three hours!!! Other than a low gas tank, all was fine! It made me feel better to remember that after I left my car door open while I shopped at the mall. My DVD player was still in the car!!
So yes, I think the PTO will be fine in my hands. I'm just worried about my home life!! What will I mess up and forget while I'm so busy with the PTO?? I'm sure there will be many more things I will have to forgive myself for.
Yesterday morning, I woke up early, ran to Target for a card, forged my daughter's signature in my best 2nd grade writing, stuffed $15 in the card and headed to the slumber party. When I got there, I apologized that Abby didn't have her gift (not going into the details of the fact that the gift had not even been planned) and laughed at how I was so busy thinking of everything else but forgetting the most important thing. She laughed with me and I was on my merry way taking Abby to her game.
When I drove into the parking lot of what I thought was a Knight's of Columbus field, I realized it was not a Knight's of Columbus at all. I drove down the drive and there was no one on the fields. I was at the wrong place. I was not going to get Abby to her game with 15 minutes to spare like her coach had just requested in e-mail. I also realized that I had given Ted's dad directions to this very field. Trying to get Abby to her game on time, I rushed out of the parking lot and frantically called Ted. He told me where the K of C was and I quickly drove in that direction. I got there right before the game started and apologized to the coach (PTO Treasurer), explaining my error. Ted called and said his dad did not have his cell phone on him and if I could please drive to the other field and look for him. I did. *Sigh*...he was no where to be found. Meanwhile, when I get back, the parents are laughing at me and my predicament. Finally Ted's dad showed up. He said he drove back and forth looking for the K of C fields and then finally pulled over and asked someone who led him in the right direction.
Whew! I'm glad he found it and he got to watch 45 minutes of the game. I would have felt so bad if he had to go all the way back home. He was gracious and forgiving. But a thought kept going through my head, "And I'm going to run the PTO?? People are going to wonder how the heck I'm going to do it if I can't get details like this straight!!" I can be hard on myself, but I also know when to back down from the mental tongue lashings. When I shared my story with my sister, she told me about a couple of times she came without a gift and said,"Oops! I left the card at home." When really there was no card or gift and she had to go buy both and come back. It's so good to hear other people's errors and to know I'm not alone. I remember when Lisa left her car running the whole time we were at a mall shopping, eating and watching a movie...three hours!!! Other than a low gas tank, all was fine! It made me feel better to remember that after I left my car door open while I shopped at the mall. My DVD player was still in the car!!
So yes, I think the PTO will be fine in my hands. I'm just worried about my home life!! What will I mess up and forget while I'm so busy with the PTO?? I'm sure there will be many more things I will have to forgive myself for.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
A Snapshot
What's at the top of my to-do list?
--Abby's in the Talent Show tomorrow. She is Ryan Secrest in an American Idol skit. I have to pack her costume. Tomorrow night she has softball practice and then her friend's mom will pick her up and take her straight to Build A Bear for a birthday party and then she will spend the night. I'll pick her up first thing in the morning to take her to her softball game at 9am. I just found out about the party today and I need to buy a gift tomorrow! Yikes!
--I need to make a side dish (don't know what yet) for Cub Scout graduation/picnic on Sunday and then afterwards we will head to another picnic, where I've promised to bring mashed potatoes.
--I've decided to make a CD of songs for the women in our Children's Liturgy group who don't feel comfortable leading the kids in song during their liturgy. The CD will have music in order (as it is sung in a liturgy) so they can just play the CD for the music. In order to make this CD, I have borrowed my brother-in-law's mini-disc audio recorder that he uses for podcasts. It's got awesome sound quality. I'm getting Abby and her friends to help sing on the CD and I'll sing in the background and play guitar. It ought to be interesting. When I'm done, I should be able to post it on the blog. We'll see if I can figure out how to do that.
--This isn't on the top of my to-do list...but it is something I need to do over the summer...I need to make a slide show for the PTO. I'll use the recorder to get the kids singing at church and the kindergartens singing in their end of year program. This will be background music to the slide show. Both of these projects have my mind consumed and I'll feel much better when they are both done!
What have I accomplished?
--Got Abby to finish her thank you notes for her First Communion gifts.
--Turned in Sam's registration for two Cub Scout camps...one is a day camp for 5 days and another one is a 5 day overnight camp. Health forms are sent to the doctor to fill out and return.
--Turned in Abby's registration for Girl Scout camp and Vacation Bible School
--Caught up on taped Oprah shows
What's bugging me?
--Whenever I have the windows open, Ben and Mary throw their usual fits and I worry about what the neighbors think. I'm wondering if they think I abuse them or something. One time when I left the house to go to a meeting, I could actually hear the kids crying FROM MY CAR.
--There seems to be a lot of negativity in the upper grades of our school...coming from the parents. I don't like complaining. Nothing good comes from it. Either tell someone who can change it, or just be quiet. Our enrollment seems to be dropping. We got a new principal last year and she's great but not a warm fuzzy type. I would call her efficient...which is what I think you need in this role. But many people are having a tough time adjusting to the change. She's pretty strict.
--It's not a big deal, but I used this darn tanning spray and wound up with streaks all over my legs on Mother's Day! I'm now trying one of those moisturizing kind that develop color more gradually. We'll see how it works.
What's my latest obsession?
--I really really really want one of those cool digital recorders! (Or a mini-disc recorder). I love the idea of being able to record music...like when I teach people songs...or to be able to record sound bytes...like from the kids...and posting them on my blog.
--I'm also really tied up with getting some of these recordings done before school is out.
What's been making me happy?
--It makes me so happy to be able to give the kids a good summer with many activities. Last summer I felt so overwhelmed with Ben and Mary that I didn't focus much on Sam and Abby. I feel like this summer will be totally different. With swim team, camps and camping...they should have a very full summer! And for some reason this just feels very exhilarating to me.
--I've been handed over the duties for PTO President now, and instead of feeling the fear I felt before, I now feel ready. That's a good feeling. I hate fear. I'm sure the fear will creep up again at different times throughout the year, but I'll deal with it as it comes.
--I'm really looking forward to summer! We only have 9 1/2 days of school left!
--We're camping at Injun Joe Campground in Hannibal, MO next weekend. I'm anxious to see how Ben and Mary will do camping this year. I'm hopeful that it will be better than last year.
This was a long post...but it's been a while since I've really written. Sorry. I've been busy.
--Abby's in the Talent Show tomorrow. She is Ryan Secrest in an American Idol skit. I have to pack her costume. Tomorrow night she has softball practice and then her friend's mom will pick her up and take her straight to Build A Bear for a birthday party and then she will spend the night. I'll pick her up first thing in the morning to take her to her softball game at 9am. I just found out about the party today and I need to buy a gift tomorrow! Yikes!
--I need to make a side dish (don't know what yet) for Cub Scout graduation/picnic on Sunday and then afterwards we will head to another picnic, where I've promised to bring mashed potatoes.
--I've decided to make a CD of songs for the women in our Children's Liturgy group who don't feel comfortable leading the kids in song during their liturgy. The CD will have music in order (as it is sung in a liturgy) so they can just play the CD for the music. In order to make this CD, I have borrowed my brother-in-law's mini-disc audio recorder that he uses for podcasts. It's got awesome sound quality. I'm getting Abby and her friends to help sing on the CD and I'll sing in the background and play guitar. It ought to be interesting. When I'm done, I should be able to post it on the blog. We'll see if I can figure out how to do that.
--This isn't on the top of my to-do list...but it is something I need to do over the summer...I need to make a slide show for the PTO. I'll use the recorder to get the kids singing at church and the kindergartens singing in their end of year program. This will be background music to the slide show. Both of these projects have my mind consumed and I'll feel much better when they are both done!
What have I accomplished?
--Got Abby to finish her thank you notes for her First Communion gifts.
--Turned in Sam's registration for two Cub Scout camps...one is a day camp for 5 days and another one is a 5 day overnight camp. Health forms are sent to the doctor to fill out and return.
--Turned in Abby's registration for Girl Scout camp and Vacation Bible School
--Caught up on taped Oprah shows
What's bugging me?
--Whenever I have the windows open, Ben and Mary throw their usual fits and I worry about what the neighbors think. I'm wondering if they think I abuse them or something. One time when I left the house to go to a meeting, I could actually hear the kids crying FROM MY CAR.
--There seems to be a lot of negativity in the upper grades of our school...coming from the parents. I don't like complaining. Nothing good comes from it. Either tell someone who can change it, or just be quiet. Our enrollment seems to be dropping. We got a new principal last year and she's great but not a warm fuzzy type. I would call her efficient...which is what I think you need in this role. But many people are having a tough time adjusting to the change. She's pretty strict.
--It's not a big deal, but I used this darn tanning spray and wound up with streaks all over my legs on Mother's Day! I'm now trying one of those moisturizing kind that develop color more gradually. We'll see how it works.
What's my latest obsession?
--I really really really want one of those cool digital recorders! (Or a mini-disc recorder). I love the idea of being able to record music...like when I teach people songs...or to be able to record sound bytes...like from the kids...and posting them on my blog.
--I'm also really tied up with getting some of these recordings done before school is out.
What's been making me happy?
--It makes me so happy to be able to give the kids a good summer with many activities. Last summer I felt so overwhelmed with Ben and Mary that I didn't focus much on Sam and Abby. I feel like this summer will be totally different. With swim team, camps and camping...they should have a very full summer! And for some reason this just feels very exhilarating to me.
--I've been handed over the duties for PTO President now, and instead of feeling the fear I felt before, I now feel ready. That's a good feeling. I hate fear. I'm sure the fear will creep up again at different times throughout the year, but I'll deal with it as it comes.
--I'm really looking forward to summer! We only have 9 1/2 days of school left!
--We're camping at Injun Joe Campground in Hannibal, MO next weekend. I'm anxious to see how Ben and Mary will do camping this year. I'm hopeful that it will be better than last year.
This was a long post...but it's been a while since I've really written. Sorry. I've been busy.
Friday, May 11, 2007
St. Faustina Quotes
I've been reading the diary of St. Faustina. It is 644 pages not including the footnotes. I actually took a break from it around page 250 and haven't really got back to reading it again, but I want to. I copied some quotes from the diary for my CRHP group and thought I would share them with you too. These words make me have a totally different view on suffering. Like suffering has a purpose in our lives. It's not just a bad thing that happens to us, but it actually makes us better. I know Saints feel so removed from us and the present day, but I still feel a tugging to read about their lives and how they think. I think even though I am so far from being like a saint... I can learn from them.
Pg 20 section 38: “In order to purify a soul, Jesus uses whatever instruments he likes. My soul underwent a complete abandonment on the part of creatures; often my best intentions were misinterpreted by the sisters, a type of suffering which is most painful; but God allows it, and we must accept it because in this way we become more like Jesus.”
Pg 29 section 57: “Suffering is a great grace; through suffering; the soul becomes like the Savior; in suffering love becomes crystallized; the greater the suffering the purer the love.”
Pg 34 section 67: St. Faustina hears Jesus say to her, “You are not living for yourself but for souls, and other souls will profit from your sufferings. Your prolonged suffering will give them the light and strength to accept My will.”
Pg 37 section 72: I love this prayer, “O Jesus, when I consider the great price of Your Blood, I rejoice at it’s immensity, for one drop alone would have been enough for the salvation of all sinners.”
Pg 43 section 86: Jesus says to St. Faustina: “I do not reward for good results but for the patience and hardship undergone for My sake.”
Pg 114 section 226: “I must maintain peace and equanimity during times of suffering. In difficult moments I must take refuge in the wounds of Jesus; I must seek consolation, comfort, light and affirmation in the the wounds of Jesus. In the midst of trials I will try to see the loving hand of God.”
Pg 121 section 243: “ I will thank the Lord Jesus for every humiliation and will pray especially for the person who has given me the chance to be humiliated.”
Pg 125 section 255: This one challenged me…”I will hide from people’s eyes whatever good I am able to do so that God himself may be my reward.”
Pg 128 section 267: “Jesus told me that I please Him best by meditating on His sorrowful Passion, and by such meditation much light falls upon the soul.”
Pg 130 section 270: “Without humility, we cannot be pleasing to God…not only must one refrain from explaining and defending oneself when reproached with something, but one should rejoice at the humiliation.”
Pg 130 section 270: “True works of God always meet opposition and are marked by suffering.”
Pg 145 section 320: “Jesus made known to me how very pleasing to Him were prayers of atonement. He said to me, ‘The prayer of a humble and loving soul disarms the anger of My Father and draws down an ocean of blessings.”
Pg 147 section 324: “I united my sufferings with the sufferings of Jesus and offered them for myself and for the conversion of souls who do not trust in the goodness of God.” And later in that same section: “There is but one price at which souls are bought, and that is suffering united to My suffering on the cross.”
Here is an example of her offering her sufferings: “Jesus, I offer You all my sufferings, mortification and prayers for the intentions of the Holy Father, so that he may approve the Feast of Mercy.” She offered her sufferings for an intention. We can do it too!!
Finally, pg 153 section 342: “Suffering is the greatest treasure on earth; it purifies the soul.” And 343: “True love is measured by the thermometer of suffering.”
When I think of this last statement, it strikes me as being so true. It is short and sweet but packs a power punch. Look what Jesus did to show is love for us. Would you suffer for someone you don't care about? No! They wouldn't be worth it. But of course, we are not supposed to discriminate. We are supposed to love everyone. It's just something I could mull over in my head for quite a while...or at least until I get distracted with laundry, dishes, the kids...hahaha.
Pg 20 section 38: “In order to purify a soul, Jesus uses whatever instruments he likes. My soul underwent a complete abandonment on the part of creatures; often my best intentions were misinterpreted by the sisters, a type of suffering which is most painful; but God allows it, and we must accept it because in this way we become more like Jesus.”
Pg 29 section 57: “Suffering is a great grace; through suffering; the soul becomes like the Savior; in suffering love becomes crystallized; the greater the suffering the purer the love.”
Pg 34 section 67: St. Faustina hears Jesus say to her, “You are not living for yourself but for souls, and other souls will profit from your sufferings. Your prolonged suffering will give them the light and strength to accept My will.”
Pg 37 section 72: I love this prayer, “O Jesus, when I consider the great price of Your Blood, I rejoice at it’s immensity, for one drop alone would have been enough for the salvation of all sinners.”
Pg 43 section 86: Jesus says to St. Faustina: “I do not reward for good results but for the patience and hardship undergone for My sake.”
Pg 114 section 226: “I must maintain peace and equanimity during times of suffering. In difficult moments I must take refuge in the wounds of Jesus; I must seek consolation, comfort, light and affirmation in the the wounds of Jesus. In the midst of trials I will try to see the loving hand of God.”
Pg 121 section 243: “ I will thank the Lord Jesus for every humiliation and will pray especially for the person who has given me the chance to be humiliated.”
Pg 125 section 255: This one challenged me…”I will hide from people’s eyes whatever good I am able to do so that God himself may be my reward.”
Pg 128 section 267: “Jesus told me that I please Him best by meditating on His sorrowful Passion, and by such meditation much light falls upon the soul.”
Pg 130 section 270: “Without humility, we cannot be pleasing to God…not only must one refrain from explaining and defending oneself when reproached with something, but one should rejoice at the humiliation.”
Pg 130 section 270: “True works of God always meet opposition and are marked by suffering.”
Pg 145 section 320: “Jesus made known to me how very pleasing to Him were prayers of atonement. He said to me, ‘The prayer of a humble and loving soul disarms the anger of My Father and draws down an ocean of blessings.”
Pg 147 section 324: “I united my sufferings with the sufferings of Jesus and offered them for myself and for the conversion of souls who do not trust in the goodness of God.” And later in that same section: “There is but one price at which souls are bought, and that is suffering united to My suffering on the cross.”
Here is an example of her offering her sufferings: “Jesus, I offer You all my sufferings, mortification and prayers for the intentions of the Holy Father, so that he may approve the Feast of Mercy.” She offered her sufferings for an intention. We can do it too!!
Finally, pg 153 section 342: “Suffering is the greatest treasure on earth; it purifies the soul.” And 343: “True love is measured by the thermometer of suffering.”
When I think of this last statement, it strikes me as being so true. It is short and sweet but packs a power punch. Look what Jesus did to show is love for us. Would you suffer for someone you don't care about? No! They wouldn't be worth it. But of course, we are not supposed to discriminate. We are supposed to love everyone. It's just something I could mull over in my head for quite a while...or at least until I get distracted with laundry, dishes, the kids...hahaha.
Monday, May 07, 2007
Abby's Results
Thank you so much for your prayers and support...Abby's MRI came back "normal"!! We are so thrilled and relieved. We expected to hear this, but still feared that anything is possible. So she has the Absence Seizures, but that's all it is. The MRI ruled out anything more serious like a tumor, congenital problem or infection. Whew. All is well. I'm still trying to get used to giving Abby medicine. I'm hoping it'll become such a habit for her that she'll remind me!
Anyway, back to life as we know it!
Anyway, back to life as we know it!
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Abby Stayed Still!!!
Abby's MRI went well tonight. It lasted about 30 minutes with an average of 5 minutes per "picture". Each "picture" required Abby to sit totally still the duration of the 5 minutes. Every session was punctuated with loud clicks, hums and vibrations. We knew during that time to not talk, stay still, and pray. I prayed the first two or three and then it was like...OK...now to pass some time. The rest of them I read magazines. Whenever I felt Abby move her legs I checked her head to make sure that stayed still. There were about two sessions where she moved slightly which would create a slightly blurred picture. He said it should be OK. We didn't have to redo those. If we were unsuccessful with keeping her still, she would have had to go to the hospital to be done and be sedated. Thank God we got it right the first time!! This is a picture of a similar machine except it was over her head instead of the belly as pictured here:
I would have taken a picture but I had to remove all medal objects (like my watch and Abby's earrings) and had to swear I didn't have a medal plate in my head so I could be in there with her. Abby had this hockey mask type of cage around her head (with more breathing room than a hockey mask), which kept her head in the right spot for the picture but did not keep it from moving.
I'm just glad it's over and we should receive results by Friday.
I would have taken a picture but I had to remove all medal objects (like my watch and Abby's earrings) and had to swear I didn't have a medal plate in my head so I could be in there with her. Abby had this hockey mask type of cage around her head (with more breathing room than a hockey mask), which kept her head in the right spot for the picture but did not keep it from moving.
I'm just glad it's over and we should receive results by Friday.
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