Day 49/365 - Mother Daughter Time with Abby

Date: 2/19/11

Time: 1:02 pm

Place: La Nails at Mid Rivers Mall

***

Abby asked me this week if we could have some Mother/Daughter time. This is something she asks for occasionally, because I told her to. One day, a while ago, I told her that she is often "lost in the middle" because she is easy to please, never complains and doesn't demand a lot of attention. We went through a period in our life as a family, when Ben and Mary (our younger two) demanded a LOT of attention and took much of it away from Sam and Abby. Sam naturally gets more attention because he is the oldest. He is the first to do everything. So that leaves Abby lost in the middle. I knew that as she got older, she would need me more. I wanted to set the tone, as soon as possible, that I was here for her whenever she needed me and all she had to do was ask for it. Sometimes it's going out for a meal together. Sometimes it's shopping. Today it was a trip to the mall: shopping for swimsuits and bras, eating Subway, and enjoying a pedicure together. I love our time together because it gives us that "girl time" that we both need. I'm so glad we started this tradition!

***

God, thank you for Abby. She is a treasure to me. And thank you for pedicures!

Day 48/365 - Lunch With Mary

Date: 2/18/11

Time: 11:25

Place: Sts. Joachim and Ann School parking lot

***

Mary has been asking all week if I would come meet her for lunch. So I met her for lunch and played with her on the playground. We played catch with a playground ball. It was exhilarating to be outside in the sunshine with a little brisk breeze. It's not like I play catch with her at home, because when I am home, I'm busy with the household chores. So it felt good to participate in such a simple activity with her. Can you see the joy on her face? She was beaming the whole time! I feel bad that I don't do it more often because I work right next door to her school. I kinda of get "caught up" at work and I can't seem to focus on anything else. So, I just need to plan it. Ben wants to be next. I don't think Abby or Sam would care for me to come meet them for lunch anymore. It's just a reminder that this time is all too short and I need to live it up while I can. Ben, you are next!

***

God, help me to set aside more time for lunch dates with my kids.

Day 47/365 - People

Date: 2/17/11

Time: 9:14 pm

Place: Bedroom

***

I don't know what it is...but I LOVE People Magazine.

***

Thank you, God, for a little entertainment for a hard working mom.

Day 46/365 - I Scream For Ice Cream!!

Date: 2/16/11

Time: 8:04 pm

Place: Mid Rivers Mall Drive

***

Whenever I take Mary to cheer practice, I pass by Silky's. It depresses me for two reasons: 1) It's closed for the season, and 2) Even if it was open, I would be resisting the urge anyway. I'm on a diet. Diet's stink. The good news is that I've lost 10 pounds. My motivation is this trip that Ted and I are going on to Los Angeles. He won it through work for having a good year in sales. It's very exciting! But it opens up this whole "What am I going to wear?" and "Will I look good in it?" So in December I decided to go on a diet. I do this for vain reasons. Vanity is sadly, my usual motivator. Last time I was vain enough to go on a diet was when I went to Australia. Actually, I did lose about 7 pounds last Christmas when my sisters, mom and I competed to lose weight. I gained all that back. I'm good at that...because I love fattening food like frozen custard! I love it all...burgers, fries, desserts, pizza...YUM. Food is my celebration. Food is my social life. Food is my relaxation. Food fights my boredom. Food makes me happy. I know I only need it to keep me alive, but it does so much more for me. So it's not fun to diet. But I do like results. Hopefully, I can keep going. I usually lose my motivation after 10 pounds. I don't want to this time. I dread the day Silky's reopens. Ted will have to chain me to the house!

***

God, help me to stay strong and stay away from icecream!

Day 45/365 - Cookies & Creme Poptarts

Date: 2/15/11
Time: 8:35 pm
Place: Schnucks
***
Tonight I had to make a mad dash to Schnucks because we were out of my kids' favorite poptarts, Cookies & Creme...and lo and behold what do I see? They are on a "Close-Out $pecial"!!! Yes, I was excited about the discount prices and grabbed FOUR boxes...but Close Out??? Are they not carrying Cookies & Creme Poptarts anymore? Becky said Target was all out and that's why I went to Schnucks. Did THEY have a close out, too?? I looked it up on the internet and didn't find anything. My kids may have to find a new addiction.
***
Lord, I know there are greater problems in the world for you to solve, but you don't have to deal with the wrath of Ben. Please influence the Schnuck's people to continue to stock our favorite Poptarts. Amen.

Day 44/365 - Valentine's Day

Date: 2/14/11

Time: 4:06 pm

Place: Kitchen Counter

***

Ben brought this home from school today. It's his envelope that he made to hold his valentines. I asked him if those were flames above the heart and he said yes. I asked him why he put flames on his heart. He told me he saw them on the priest's vestments. I think it is cute that he drew the Sacred Heart of Jesus on his Valentine's envelope...even if he doesn't understand the full meaning of the Sacred Heart.

***

Lord, teach him your ways...

Day 43/365 - Preparing for Valentines Day

Date: 2/13/11

Time: 10:06 pm

Place: Kitchen

***

The Ben and Mary signed their valentines tonight. Sam and Abby are too old to exchange valentines in their classes. There are so many more options now. It used to be that you just bought a box of valentines and your chose was about what character you wanted. Now you have to choose what candy you want! Because it's more than a valentine now, the valentine IS candy. Ben wanted to sign his in cursive since he learned cursive this year.

***

Lord, thank you for all the valentines in my life!

Day 42/365 - Dad

Date: 2/12/11

Time: 2:53 pm

Place: My parent's house

***

My parents are getting their basement finished. My brother-in-law is doing the work, but we all decided to help with the painting. Today, me and my sisters came over to paint the basement walls. I took this picture when we were done and getting ready to leave. My dad and I share many of the same traits and hobbies. He gave me my spirit, positive attitude, love of the outdoors, love of camping and time with family, and my love of reading. He will often tell me about his latest inspiration in faith or about a great book he has read. I love sharing my faith with him. He's taught me how to walk the walk with God leading the way.

***

God, I know you love me a LOT, because you gave me an awesome father! Thank you.

Day 41/365 - St. Louis Science Center

Date: 2/11/11

Time: 12:12 pm

Place: St. Louis Science Center

***

Today, the kids got an unexpected day off school because of a sewer back up. Like we needed another day off school! I knew I didn't want to sit around the house. I decided we should go to the St. Louis Science Center. What a great day it was. It's not often that we can get time with just us. Here's a shot of the kids gleaming with pride after they worked together to build the Arch!

***

God, thank you for unexpected time with my kids.

Day 40/365 - Car Wash

Date: 2/10/11

Time: 4:58 pm

Place: Car Wash Bay

***

After all the snow, ice and salt, my car need a bath! Today after work, I filled it up and got a car wash. I love the smell of the soaps in a car wash. And one of my favorite parts is when this tri-colored soap gets squirted all over the car...pinks, blues and greens. It's like confetti. And it cleans off all the dirt that's encrusted on my car.

***

God, you break down the crusty, you wash away the dirt. But it comes back...and then you do it again, with your tri-colored confetti...

Day 39/365 - My Mother

Date: 2/9/11

Time: 12:59 pm

Place: Bread Company Parking Lot

***

Today my mom and I shared a lunch at the Bread Company. I treasure our times out together! A little known fact about me is that I've enjoyed writing poetry from time to time. It's been a while since I've written a poem, but inspired by this picture of the day, I wrote this one for my mom:

Through the years, it's plain to see

Just how your role has changed with me.

When I was born, each need you met,

You changed me, fed me, and put me to bed,

And when I got a little older,

I talked, I climbed, my steps got bolder.

You cleaned me up and kissed my hurts

You loved me through all growth spurts.

You taught me to pray and ask God for help,

It wouldn't work to do it myself.

And when a friendship broke apart,

You listened with a servant's heart.

But when I got much older still,

You found I had a stronger will.

I wouldn't listen as I should,

I fought the rules on which you stood.

But now you see those years are past.

You've built me something that will last.

With you and Dad so bonded together,

You taught me a marriage should last forever.

And when it was time to become a mom,

I had your example to copy from.

You gave me the gene to sing and write,

To cook a good meal, eat ice cream at night.

But the best thing you taught me from the start,

Was to cling to God with all my heart.

My faith in God is my guiding force,

He keeps me close to stay on course.

So if you'd ask me my greatest gift,

And why I live the way I live?

God's gift to me was like no other,

When He chose YOU to be my mother.

***

God, thank you for my mom. I know I wouldn't be who I am today if it wasn't for her.

Day 38/365 - My Place of Refuge

Date: 2/8/11

Time: 9:51 pm

Place: My bedroom

***

This is where I like to hang out at the end of the night. I'm sitting on our couch where we watch a couple of TV shows before going to bed. Sometimes I like to sit up in bed and read or journal. My room is my escape. The rest of the house belongs to everyone else. My room is the one place that is mine. It's my place of rest, my place of prayer, my place of entertainment, my place to talk to Ted in peace.

***

Lord, I thank you for my place of refuge...my bedroom.

Day 37/365 - Naumann Plaque

Date: 2/7/11

Time: 6:30 pm

Place: Fireplace Mantel

***

Some people are really good at Christmas presents! I really like this gift!

***

God, thank you for this beautiful plaque!

Day 36/365 - Superbowl Sunday!

Date: 2/6/11
Time: 7:11 pm
Place: Our Family Room
***
Tonight we had some of our Men's and Women's Group friends and their families over for a Super Bowl party. It's a tradition that the the men schedule their Men's Group retreat the weekend of Super Bowl, they come home early Sunday morning, spend the day with their families and then come over to our house for the Super Bowl. There were about 12 adults and 16 kids. The kids went off and played while we watch the game and the commercials. It was a great time! They all brought a dish and drinks, which made it easy on us.
***
Lord, thank you for our Men's and Women's Group friends!

Day 35/365 - Did You Remember Shrimp?

Date: 2/5/11
Time: 3:38 pm
Place: Schnucks
***
Every time I leave Schnucks, I'm faced with this sign on the door that says, "STOP DID YOU REMEMBER SHRIMP?" This sign is really starting to bother me. Why does Schnucks care so much about shrimp? Why are they worried I might forget it? Is shrimp all that important that the world will stop if I forget it? Is Schnucks going to go under if they don't sell more shrimp? Did the shrimp people work out a deal with Schnucks in order to get this prominent signage? I don't know. I'll never know.
***
God, when I die and ask all of those unanswerable questions, can you answer this one also? Why does Schnucks not want me to forget the shrimp?

Day 34/365 - Parent Appreciation Mass

Date: 2/4/11

Time: 8:03 am

Place: Sts. Joachim and Ann Church

***

Everyone likes Parent Appreciation Day. Well, it was snowed out, so they rescheduled it for today. The cool thing about Parent Appreciation Day is that your kids can sit by you at the all school mass. For them this is so cool! So when I whipped out my camera before mass started, Ben said, "Can you have a camera in mass?", because he was in school mode. I told him I need my picture of the day and he immediately understood, but you could tell they felt we were breaking some major school laws! Abby was serving mass and Sam was sitting with the fourth graders. It's tradition that the last day of Catholic Schools Week the Eighth Graders take over the school and teach in each classroom.

***

Lord, thank for the chance to sit by two of my kids during the all school mass. It was so worth seeing the delight in their eyes.

Day 33/365 - CHRP Meeting

Date: 2/3/11

Time: 9:46 pm

Place: My Family Room

***

I hosted my CRHP group tonight at my house. Well not all of them. Some couldn't make it. Pictured are JoBeth, Mary Pat, Mary and Karen (mass buddy). We each take turns hosting and tonight was my night. I didn't have the best day today. I had someone put in their notice at work today and it's my job to hire people. I still have two other open positions to fill. I don't know if I'll ever catch up. I came home and had to cook dinner before preparing my house for this meeting. But the beauty of it all is, I knew just being around these women would cheer me up. We've been meeting for almost 5 years now. I love these ladies. In no time, I forgot about my bad day and enjoyed an amaretto sour and great conversation. We conclude every meeting with good news and intentions. I was able to tell them about my bad day and offer it up in prayer. That's what sisters are for.

***

Thank you, God, for my CRHP sisters. You've really blessed me by letting them be a part of my life.

Day 32/365 - Sledding With the Kids

Date: 2/2/11
Time: 5:15 pm
Place: The hills near Cottleville City Hall
***
I did something today that I haven't done in a long time...I went sledding with the kids. I had a blast. I took video, I took pictures, I sledded with Mary, I sledded by myself, and I zoomed down the hill on Sam's snowboard. I. had. a. blast. Wow. What a thrill. I felt like a kid again.

***

God, thank you for an awesome afternoon of sled riding with my kids. I'll treasure this day forever!

Day 31/365 - Snow Storm? Hardly!

Date: 2/1/11

Time: 4:18 pm

Place: Breakfast Room
***

Well, the big storm never came, but we had fun anyway. There was enough snow that the kids still managed to do a little sledding. But after the outdoor fun, my sister dug out her craft supply and the kids colored, painted, stamped pictures and when they were done with that they made puppets out of my brown lunch bags. We had four neighbor kids, four of my own, two of my sisters and two friends all having fun in my house. They had so much fun, I invited Abby's friends to spend another night. They eagerly accepted. I feel so blessed to have friends and family to enjoy my day with. I fed 13 people last night and then again tonight...and now, it's my turn to rest. I'm hunkered up in my room, playing on my laptop. I have to laugh that Ted said he felt guilty hanging out in our room while the kids fended for themselves. I laughed so hard! I've been with the kids all day and he feels guilty? Maybe HIM, NOT ME! LOL. Ted is now putting the younger kids down while I watch Cake Boss.

***

Lord, I can't thank you enough for this fun day. I'm especially blessed to have four awesome kids right across the street that are always ready to play with my kids. You really blessed me there, God. Thank you, thank you.

Day 30/365 - Ice Storm

Date: 1/31/11

Time: 2:35 pm

Place: My Family Room

***

The media was all over the big storm they predicted would come our way. It would start with a nasty ice storm and follow with 10-20 inches of snow. We left for school this morning only to have them call it off at 11:00am. I had gone to work on my day off, knowing what was coming, so I could get whatever I needed to work from home. I picked up my kids from school and offered to take our carpool friend, Erin, home with us. Confident we would be off school the next day and maybe even next two, I offered to have Erin spend the night. Abby said, "Can Alicia come, too?". So we picked up the girls' overnight bags and snow gear and headed back home. The neighbor kids came over and they all immediately started watching some of our classic home videos. So here's a picture of 9 kids watching the videos. This was not all the kids in my house. The boys were in the other room (except for Joey, of course). The girls all slept up in Abby's room and Mary slept in Ben's room. We were all excited when we confirmed the kids had a snow day the next day.

***

Lord, thank you for friends and neighbors who make our snow days fun!

Day 29/365 - Memory Lane

Date: 1/30/11

Time: 10:00pm

Place: Shelf in my bedroom

***

It was a pretty good weekend this weekend. Abby pulled out the old videos and we watched them off and on all weekend. Most of the videos were from when I stayed home full time with the kids. I had time to think of stuff like that. In fact, I would almost say I had nothing but time. I was always grabbing the video camera, capturing the moment. I'm so glad I did. The kids loved watching them. Ben and Mary were able to laugh at their crying fits caught on video. We went back to our last night in the old house (7 years ago), to the new house, to Ben and Mary as toddlers. I recorded a lot! But it also made me realize that I haven't used it much lately. Only for the major holidays...and those videos get old after a while. I like the every day kind...when you're just hanging out and capturing what you do in a regular day. We've had the camera pictured above for one year. Looks pretty new, doesn't it? I think it's underutilized. I'm working now and time seems to be flying by at a much quicker pace. But I think that's EXACTLY why I need to get this camera out more. My kids are growing up so fast and I'm going to forget all of this. It'll be over in a flash. I'm pretty good at taking pictures, now I want to step up my video taking.

***

Lord, thank you for a great weekend. Help me to treasure my time with my kids.

Day 28/365 - Cub Scout Field Trip

Date: 1/29/11

Time: 3:15 pm

Place: The Shrine of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne
***

Today I went with Ben to a Cub Scout field trip to the shrine of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne. Every time Ben has anything he complains that he doesn't want to go. It's really getting old. But I treated him to McDonald's and he warmed up to me. In fact, it was a date... just me and him. And hearing about this Saint's life made me realize I have NOTHING to complain about. My complaints sound so lame when you compare them to her difficult life. I'm working on it.

***

God, thanks for my date with Ben.

Day 27/365 - Break a Leg!

Date: 1/28/11

Time: 8:36 pm

Place: Sts. Joachim and Ann Parish Center

***

This picture was taken at Sam's Eighth Grade Play. They performed Peter Pan with their little buddies in first grade and Sam was Wendy's dad. He's standing on top of something in the back and has a white shirt and tie on. Part of me is glad I don't have to keep picking him up from play practice and the other part can't believe that this is my son's Eighth Grade Play. I've seen other Eighth Grade Plays and this just means that they have one foot out the door of grade school. I don't know if I'm ready for him to graduate. He's doing all the "lasts". I hope I can make it through all of these in one piece!

***

Lord...be with him.

Day 26/365 - Cold, Hard, Icy and Grey

Date: 1/27/11

Time: 7:30 am

Place: Outside my office

***

That icycle is still hanging on. I'm really done with the snow now. I'm ready for it to melt. It's not pretty and fluffy and white anymore. It's dingy and icy. I'm ready to see green again. I want leaves, greenery, flowers and sunshine! Everything about winter is cold, hard, icy and grey. But each season makes you yearn for the relief of the next. Sometimes the unwelcoming "outside" makes me want to go "inside"....which is good because then I spend more time with my family, or more time journaling and reading. I guess there is good in each season...until you get to the end of it and you are ready for the next one!

***

God, I appreciate whatever season you have me in. But could you just bring back the sun?

Day 25/365 - My Day by the Clock

Date: 1/25/11

Time: Isn't it obvious? That dot means "am".

Place: Bedroom

***

6:19am--I'm NOT an early morning person. I sleep as late as I can, allowing JUST

enough time to get ready and drive carpool. Ted gets the kids ready for

school.

7:03am--Head out the door to pick up Erin and then take the kids to school.

7:30am--Drop off kids and head to church for the 8:00 mass.

8:52am--Breakfast at McDonald's with Karen.

10:53am--Fill up the car and car wash.

11:22am--Back home. Called new general practitioner. I need a doctor to check

out my knees that grind when I climb the stairs. I've put it off way too

long. Left a message.

11:25am--Time for major laundry, while watching recorded American Idol and

The Cake Boss. I don't know why I absolutely love The Cake Boss. I

don't watch much TV, but when I was sick, I happened to catch this

show and loved it. I don't bake much. But the way they are given a

challenge and then just BAM!! Create something with their hands.

Amazing!

2:45pm--Leave to pick up the kids from school.

3:30pm--Come back and continue with laundry and Cake Boss and watch the

kids throw their stuff everywhere.

4:50pm--Leave to pick up Sam from play practice.

5:15pm--Cook up a frozen pizza for the kids.

6:14pm--Got a call from a co-worker about a situation at work that brought me

down. I hate thinking about work at home.

6:30pm--Head out to dinner with Becky and Jerry at the Outback. No this

doesn't happen every night. In fact, we haven't been out to eat with

Becky and Jerry since they moved in with us and this was our only

free night. I was able to forget about the problem at work and enjoy

myself.

8:30pm--Get the kids ready for bed. Sit outside their doors until they are settled

in bed. While I'm sitting there, I fire off some e-mails about the situation

at work...and end up reading work e-mails (I always bring my laptop

upstairs when I sit outside their doors).

9:30pm--Come downstairs. Ted is watching Modern Family. I finish my blog.

11:00pm--This time hasn't arrived yet, but it's usually when we go to bed. Then,

we start it all over again tomorrow. Except, tomorrow I work.

***

God, thank you for a good day. Help me take care of the problem at work. And

thank you for Cake Boss. That show is awesome!

Day 24/365 - St. Clement of Rome

Date: 1/25/11

Time: 7:52 am

Place: St. Clement of Rome Church

***

I'm not one to make a spectacle out of myself. I just don't. I don't like drawing attention to myself or standing out in any obvious way. So when I need to get my "picture of the day", this can sometimes cause a problem. The minutes before mass is not most people's "photo op" moment. So, when I took this picture, I had the camera in my lap and just pointed up. Not the best photo, but let me describe this church. This church is like one big circle with a pointed dome in the middle of the ceiling. These stained glass windows surround the upper walls of the church. They were shades of blue over the altar and then start blending shades of reds and yellows. Underneath the stained glass upper area, was windows around most sides of the church (not the altar and not the entrance areas. The windows had privacy walls behind them so you aren't looking out onto the other part of the building or the street. I thought this was so cool. I'm sure on a sunny day that these windows would bring in LOTS of light, while keeping distractions of the outside world from looking in. This is what I hope my life is like. I hope to clear enough to see light and be light, but not so clear that I receive all the other junk, too. I want walls to protect me, but not so much that I don't see the light. I don't know if this makes any sense.

I went to St. Clement today with my friend, Jill, who attends daily mass there. I've seen prettier churches, but I've never seen a church like this. It was very unique...and sometimes unique is very cool in my book! I looked up the church on the web and it was built in 1965. Here is the website http://stclementcatholicchurch.org/ if you want to see the outside shape of this interesting church.

***

God, let my soul be like glass that lets every beam of your light in, but protect me from any distractions that could lead me off course.

Day 23/365 - Room With a View

Date: 1/24/11

Time: 10:02 am

Place: The view from my office window

***

You can tell I work for a non-profit. This huge icicle formed because of a hole in the soffit. I guess the water drained out there instead of through the gutters. The picture doesn't do it justice. The long icicle is almost four feet. I bet the diameter of the hole is about five inches. If I stood next to it, you could get a better perspective on it. I'd offer to do that tomorrow, but I'm off and I'm not about to go in just to improve my picture of the day. Three days from now when I go back in, I'm sure it will be melted and gone. That's ok...I'm going to enjoy my two days off. The ice may melt in two days, but it will take much longer to fix that hole in the soffit.

***

God, thank you for a room with a view. It's beautiful.

Day 22/365 - Maybe Someday

Date: 1/23/11

Time: 3:30 pm

Place: The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

***

So, technically I did not take this picture. But it was taken today by my son who is in Washington D.C. for the Pro-Life March. I did take a picture of TimTam's today at Target, but I like this one a lot more. I think this little altar area is beautiful and I wish I could see the whole church. Maybe someday. Apparently it's the largest Roman Catholic Church in North America and one of the ten largest churches in the world. I was trying to read what the altar says and the part on the front says "Heart of Mary Pray For Us". Does the left side say "Immaculate"? Maybe. One thing I know...I can ask Sam and he won't be able to fill me in. I tried to look it up on the internet, but I can't find this particular spot in this big, beautiful church known for it's architecture and art. Maybe someday, I'll find out for myself.

***

God, someday I would like to travel and see some of the big, beautiful churches people all over the world built in your honor. Please?

Day 21/365 - Red Robinnnn YUMMMM

Date: 1/22/11

Time: 6:34 pm

Place: Red Robin

Tonight we went to the 5:00 mass and then to Red Robin for dinner. Ok, this picture is kinda gross. I should have taken a picture of this salad before I tore into it. But it was SO good!! It was some kind of Santa Fe chicken salad. Don't remember the exact name. I should have ordered a small. It wasn't on the menu, but when I complained to the waiter that it was WAY too much, he told me you can order a smaller version of the same salad. Wish I would have known. Would you believe tomorrow we have NOTHING on the calendar? NOTHING.

Thank you, God, for a FREE day. How should we spend it? Let me know when you get a chance.

Day 20/365 - Mary Had a Little Lamb

Date: 1/21/11

Time: 9:17 am

Place: My Office Desk

Today the kids were off school because of a blown transformer. The kids were so happy to have this day off after a snow day! I was happy to have a day when I could sleep in a little before heading to work. On my way out, Mary asked if I could take this lamb to work with me and when I miss her, I can look at the lamb and it will remind me of her. I had a pretty rough day at work today. Someone took all of her anger out on me in my office. I'm wondering if, while she was yelling at me, did she see this cute lamb behind me and wonder? Maybe her anger would have been cooled if she knew my daughter cared so much to give me this cute lamb. Instead, this lady was like a lion. One other person who came in to talk to me, kept looking over my shoulder and smiling. I explained why I had a lamb on my desk. She thought it was cute. At least it worked on her.

God, help the lady who was angry today. Give her your peace. Amen.

Day 19/365 - My Snow Angel

Date: 1/20/11

Time: 4:23 pm

Place: Front Yard

I'm afraid with this Project 365 blog, I might end up with 100 pictures of Mary! I can't help it...the girl's smile just beckons my camera! She's ALWAYS ready for the photo op. We had about 9 inches of snow today. I took advantage of the kids snow day (and my closed office day) by cleaning the kids' bedrooms and rearranging Abby and Mary's room. I didn't get out in the snow until late afternoon to shovel the driveway and take some pictures like the one above. The kids had so much fun today. It helped to make my day great when everything was canceled. Everything...well except for my girl's night out with grade school friends. We managed to keep our date. I think we were all so desperate to get out after being home all day with the kids! LOL!

God, thank you for the snow that canceled school, work, play practice, and Daisies and gave this mom a much needed break from all of the running around!

Day 18/365 - Snow Day?

Date: 1/19/11

Time: 8:20 pm

Place: Looking out from my garage

After picking Abby up from a friends house, I took this picture from the edge of the garage, looking up. The outside light over my garage door lit up the snowflakes in the sky. In this picture, they almost look like stars. The school closings are pouring in already as some areas already have 2 inches. I have to work tomorrow and the kids will probably be home. For some reason, I still root for snow days. I don't know why. I guess it's the kid in me. And it's nice not to get up early to get the kids ready and off to school. Ted's out of town until Friday so he's missing out on all the fun. Night all...time to watch American Idol!

God, thank you for snow days.

Day 17/365 - Time For A Hair Cut

Date: 1/18/11

Time: 3:06 pm

Place: Master Cuts

I finally got my hair cut today. I've been wanting it cut since December...but I procrastinated... was desperate...and then couldn't get in in time for the event I wanted it cut. In December, I went with my sister to my niece's cheer competition in Columbia, MO. I ended up taking the scissors with me so I could cut my hair in the hotel. Yup. I do crazy things like that. So my last hair cut was self-cut. Not good. It was nice to get a real hair cut today. The girl cutting my hair is Ted's cousin's daughter and she and her sister used to babysit for us. So we always have fun conversations. Can you tell I'm all about the conversation? Well, I am. It's fun to explain to people why I'm taking pictures in weird places. "You see, I'm doing this blog where I have to take a picture a day and then write about it. You don't mind...do you?" (SNAP PICTURE OF SELF WHILE GETTING HAIR CUT)

God, thank you for my camera. It's really cool and I like it and I don't know what I would do without it!

Day 16/365 - Hangin With the Masek's

Date: 1/17/11

Time: 1:40 pm

Place: My Sister's Front Room

Today was a great day to hang out at my sister's house. Our husbands were both working, we were both off work, and our kids were off school. It's rare that we have days like this because she works full time and our weekends are packed. My other sister, Becky, came over, too. We sat in the adjoining room talking, while the kids all played together. The picture above is of Sam (back to the camera) playing video games with Dominic (yellow sweatshirt) and Kyle, while Leah looks on. We talked about how fast our kids are growing up, how her twins will be off to college before we know it. She thinks she'll not know what to do with herself when she just has her younger two at home (the least demanding two). She talked about the unfinished projects around her house and how she really wants to redo her pink bathroom (the tub, toilet and sink are pink). We talked about Spring Break (they're going to visit my brother in New Orleans and we're going to Orlando), summer vacations (she wants to take her family to Colorado) and about my crop weekend. It was just nice to hang out with her and chat.

Lord, thank you for my sisters. It's one of the ways you show me how much you love me.

Day 15/365 - Out With the Old?

Date: 1/16/11

Time: 7:54

Place: Ted's Parent's House

Ted's mom, Jane, turns 69 tomorrow. We celebrated tonight with cake and ice cream. We watched old home movies. We talked about how they've been in this house for 48 years. They still have a corded phone in their kitchen and the macaroni and cheese stayed warm in a crock pot that looked at least 30 years old. They really don't change things unless it's needed. I wonder how many things I change or replace just because I'm tired of it. Or maybe I saw something better and wanted it right away. I admire her ability to stick with what she has...but at the same time I seem to admire people who have the latest gadgets and are on top of trends. I guess I'm somewhere in between. Ted's parents are just happy with what they have. I think there is some very good wisdom in that way of thinking. I could probably stand to think more like that.

God, help me to be happy right here, right now, with whatever is lacking and whatever is waiting for me.

Day 14/365 - I Love Digital Scrapbooking!!

Date: 1/14/11

Time: 3:17 pm

Place: Holiday Inn

I'm on a Scrapbooking Weekend called the "Snowflake Crop" with some good friends and about 18o other women. I've been scrapbooking since Sam was a baby, February 1997. I did paper scrapbooks (Creative Memories) until over 2 years ago when I switched to digital. Which means, I never print pictures, I lay them out with digital paper and embellishments and create page spreads that eventually become a book (that I order online). Each child has their own albums where they are the main focus. I also keep a family album of everyone. That's five albums I have to keep up to date! Can you imagine how hard this is?? This is why I'm on a scrapbooking weekend where all I do is crop, eat and sleep. I have no one else to take care of but myself.

Lord, thank you for this getaway...and for my husband who makes it all possible.

Day 13/365 - A New Day

Date: 1/14/11

Time: 7:23 am

Place: Cottleville Expressway

Sam took this shot while I was driving carpool. I thought the sun looked pretty as it spread through the clouds with it's yellows and oranges...until it reached the blues. This is an odd part of my drive after I pick up the carpool girl. It's a nice stretch of nothing which gave me a good glimpse of the sun. It was the only time I took to notice any beauty because the rest of my day was a rush.

Thank you, God, for those moments when the beauty of your creation reaches me and I stop long enough to admire it.

Day 12/365 - Oh Innocence

Date: 1/13/11

Time: 7:30 pm

Place: Sts. Joachim and Ann Church pew

Tonight was Ben's First Reconciliation. He knew which priest all the kids were going to, so he was going to go to one of the visiting priests because he knew it would be the shortest line. He was third in line, and went face to face. When he came back he said, "That was easier than I thought it would be!" He was so cute. I'm sure he reported sins like...I was mean to my sister...or...I didn't get off the computer when I was supposed to...or... I sometimes don't wear a coat when my mom tells me to. Oh innocence. Life will get more complicated no doubt. If I could just hold him here in this moment. But I've seen this play out before. Next thing I know, he'll be running off to his high school interview. Sigh. God bless him and protect him.

After the confession he was told to write thank you letter to Jesus. He had to turn it into this mailbox in the isle, but I made sure to write down his sweet words.

"Thank you for forgiving me. I feel a lot better now. My first confetion was very easy. From Ben Naumann"

Day 11/365 - Interview with Sam

Date: 1/12/11
Time: 8:02 pm

Place: Christian Brothers College High School

Sam had his interview with CBC tonight. We got lucky that his interviewer was one of the Brothers who was really nice. The Brother took the pressure off Sam because he was so cheerful and chatty. Sam said they talked a lot about Boy Scouts. I can't imagine an interview with Sam. All I know is that when I ask him questions, I get one syllable answers or grunts. Which makes me ask more questions or the same question again if I didn't decipher the grunt right. This proceeds to make him upset with me and then he shuts down all communication that was barely there to begin with. This is why, whenever I'm asked the question, "What super power would you like to have?", I answer, "fly on the wall"...because I NEVER get enough information. I just want some cotton pickin' information. Is that too much to ask? Being a fly would throw away the whole need for information out the window, because I would just find out for myself! Who wouldn't want to spy on their kids in situations like this? There are many places I would go if I could.

Sam couldn't tell me much about the interview, of course. I guess his interview went better than Ted's did when he was looking at Priory. Ted's dad was a lithographer. He did a job that is now done by computers, laying out publications. The industry nickname for it was "stripper". You see where I'm going with this? The Priest asked Ted what his dad did for a living. Ted answered, "He's a Stripper". Oh man...we still get a good laugh out of that one.

Lord, thank you for giving Sam a jolly, chatty Brother to interview him.

Day 10/365 - How About Them Apps!

Date: 1/11/11

Time: 12:59

Place: Apple Store at the West County Mall

A couple of years ago, the abbreviated word "app" meant little to most people. Now the word is used constantly because of the iPhone...and some brilliant person's idea to let other people have access to the iPhone language to write their own apps and make them available to everyone. Because of these people, I'm totally addicted to my iPhone. I keep my calendar on it, I check the weather, I play on Facebook, I look up movie times, research menus from restaurants, Skye people, text people, and call people. I keep names, addresses and phone numbers on it. I take pictures, videos on it and view pictures and videos on it. I read my daily mass readings and meditations on it, and I can listen to music or talks. I can play games like spider solitaire and mine sweeper. I can't get lost because of the handy GPS app. I could plan a full road trip because it will tell me every restaurant, hotel, and gas station nearby, along the way. Oh yah, I read my e-mail on it. So you can imagine my frustration when I drop it at Target on Sunday and I pick it up to find my screen with a blank glow. No app icons. Just a glow. We looked it up on the Internet and they call it the "White Screen of Death". Sounded pretty bleak to me. Well, we called Apple on the phone and they said we'd probably have to pay $200 for a repair. I only paid $100 with a 2 year commitment. UGH. We brought it into the Apple Store where they do minimal repairs. The lady opened it up and found the defect and said she could replace it for free. That made me so happy! She said if there was an obvious accident (water in the phone, or cracked screen), she wouldn't have been able to replace it. She gave me a new phone on the spot! What a good day it was today. In this picture I show this very cool display of app icons hanging from the ceiling. How about them apps!!

Thank you, God, for helping me get my iphone back.

Day 9/365 - This is My Oasis!

Date: 1/10/11
Time: 2:25 pm
Place: My Bedroom

This is my oasis! These words tend to get thrown around a lot in my house. I think it dates back to the time when I was watching the decorating shows on HGTV and they said your bedroom should be an "oasis". I fell in love with that idea and vowed to get rid of everything in my room that kept it from feeling "oasislike"...namely, clutter. But that wasn't all, I changed the whole bedroom, with new colors, bedspread, skirt, curtains and paint. Yes, that was when I was a stay at home mom. I put my bed on the other side of the room so that it was more "feng shui". I then added a couch and eventually a flat screen TV so I didn't have a big bulky TV in the room. Ahhhh! Finally! It was my oasis! But gradually, things have found their way into my bedroom that make it feel "non-oasisish". For example, Ted didn't like Sam playing his shoot em up video games in the family room where the kids could see it. He decided he should set it up in our bedroom. Can you imagine what that was like? It was a WARZONE in my BEDROOM. Not good. He heard a lot, "Where is my oasis??" Thank God, we got through that awful period. We got Sam to spend his own money for a TV in HIS bedroom.

Another challenge to my peaceful bedroom is the laundry as seen here in this picture. My room is my laundry folding room. And since I work three days of the week and tend to mainly do laundry when I'm off, the laundry tends to sit on this lovely couch that is supposed to be all pretty, clutter free, with matching pillows that bring in the drape colors. My room spends more time being a work in progress, than an escape.

I've learned to tolerate the clutter. I have to. It can't be clutter-free 100% of the time. So sometimes, I just tune it out. When the kids are grown and I have more time, I might be able to have my "oasis". But will I need it as much?

I've learned to live with some of this mess so I can be easier to live with.

Lord, help me to not be overwhelmed with my couchfull of laundry.

Day 8/365 - Joyful Noise

Date: 1/9/11
Time: 5:50 pm
Place: Living Room

***

Abby and Sam practice on their instruments. Abby plays the clarinet and Sam plays the trombone. I can hear this now as I type. I love the sound of music in my house....even if it's not exactly music, but a mish-mash of notes blended together. I'd rather have this, than fighting. I'd rather have this, than the TV blaring. I'd rather have this, than kids jumping on the furniture. So yah...this is good. It was either this picture, or one of Ben and Mary skating on the hardwood floors in roller skates. I chose this one.

***

God, thank you for this "joyful noise" that permeates my house!

Day 7/365 - Activities Galore

Date: 1/8/11
Time: 12:40 pm
Place: DuBray Middle School

***

Last year, Ben played Upwards basketball and Mary went to many of this games. Her favorite part was not the basketball, but watching the cheerleaders. Mary couldn't stay in her seat when she watched them. She would stand up and cheer right along. That's when I knew she needed to be a cheerleader this year. Today was a crazy day with Ted and I splitting up duties so we could accomplish all that was on our calendar. Ted took Ben to his basketball game, then I took Mary to cheer, then Ted took Sam to his basketball game, then I took Ben to his friend's birthday party at the skating rink. After that, Ted and I had a date night!

***

Lord, I thank you for the ability to drive my kids from one activity to another. I thank you that Ted shares all this with me. It would so not be fun without him.

Day 6/365 - My Moment of Peace

Date: 1/7/11

Time: 7:39 am

Place: Sts. Joachim and Ann Church

***

This is one of my favorite times of the day. After dropping off the kids at school, I park the car and walk into church. I'm there pretty early for the 8:00am mass, but that's the best part. I get to sit in silence, read the readings and just rest in God's presence before mass and the whirling buzz of the rest of my day begins. Actually, the whirling buzz precedes this moment when we wake the kids up, feed them breakfast, pack lunches, get them dressed and load them in the car for the drive to school. But after that buzz is this quite lull in church. I can collect my thoughts and offer up my concerns for the day. When my youngest started full time school, I was suddenly free with no children at home. I do work part time, but my job is right across the street from our church and school. My world revolves around this triad of buildings. It only made sense to add mass into my daily routine. I try to fit daily mass in three times a week. This commitment has changed my life. I feel a peace and order. Despite the chaos around me, inside I'm at peace.
***
Thank you, God, for the way you make mass convenient for me, right now in my life. I know it may not always be this easy, so I'm grateful for what you're giving me...right now.

Post 5/365 - Cutting Hair and Faith

Date: 1/6/11

Time: 8:21pm

Place: Our Breakfast Room

I'm the resident hair stylist in my family. I cut, I comb, I brush and I braid. Don't get me wrong, Ted is pretty handy with the brush when I have to get ready for work and he's getting the kids ready for school. He gets the bed heads smoothed out with some water and a couple of swipes of the brush. But I'm the one who does all of the cutting....all the kids and Ted. Actually, I cut my parents hair, too. I cut their hair today before Ted's. If only I got a picture of that! But, I love doing this small task for them. What else can you do for your parents? Right now, mine aren't in the high need mode. So this is it. I'm treasuring it for as long as I can. Usually they come over to my house, but tonight I went over to theirs. My mom felt guilty "putting me out". "Let me watch you do Dad's so I can do it myself"...she said. I told her no. It gives me an excuse to see them and chat. We had a great chat tonight. We talked about Dad's Kindle and how he loves it so much. We talked about how Dad loves reading the footnotes in the Bible and how easy that is on the Kindle. We talked about the readings a couple of days ago. How Jesus walked on water while the apostles were tossed about in the storm...that they were scared until Jesus told them to not be afraid and stepped in the boat with them. We went on and on. I love my parents. They raised me with their faith. They ignited the fire that's still burning in me. It will go on long after their gone. And I will always be grateful. And maybe cutting their hair is one small way I can show that.

Thank you, God, for the way you channeled my faith through my parents. I'm grateful beyond words for them.

Day 4/365 - Carpool

Date: 1/5/11

Time: 3:52 pm

Place: Inside our Extended Length Expedition

This is my carpool. I drive pick up on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and I take on Wednesday and Friday. My carpool has changed over the years. At first, my family represented a third of the carpool, but now, as my kids have grown and are now all going to the same school, we are 4/5 of the carpool. Erin, the one with the blue headband and waggling tongue, is the lucky participant. I explained my project 365 and how I need a picture a day. They helped me to decide to take a picture of carpool. I love carpooling. I drive half the time and most of the kids are mine. My carpool is a well oiled machine. My friend, Jackie, and I have it down to a science. We work together, too...which is an added bonus! This is the last year of all four kids being at the same school. Next year, Sam will take a bus to CBC high school. I'm trying to slow this year down so I can savor it longer.

God, help me to relish every moment with my kids. Time flies by too swiftly and I don't want it to pass me by!

Day 3/365 - Famous for Steakburgers...NOT Salad

Date: 1/4/11

Time: 1:18 pm

Place: Steak n Shake

Today was my first day out of the house in five days. After being laid up in bed for three days and recooperating one more day...I'm finally out of the house. My friend, Karen, had coupons for Steak n Shake and was craving their food. You don't fight a pregnant woman on her cravings, so I agreed. Normally, I would LOVE Steak n Shake! But since I am watching what I'm eating, I had to get a salad. At Steak n Shake. A salad. She got chili, double steakburger, fries and a cherry limeade. And since we stayed so long, we got the happy hour special of half off drinks (between 2 and 4pm). The happy hour special encouraged her to order a shake to go "to complete the Steak n Shake experience", she said. I had to watch her eat all of it. Oh the days when I was pregnant and ate whatever I wanted. It was a great lunch with great conversation. But when I got home, I checked the calories on my salad...which was not bad...but HALF the calories were from fat!! What? I barely had any of the dressing...but I think it was the chicken. The GRILLED chicken. Go figure.

God, thank you for lunch dates with special girlfriends! And thank you for what little discipline I have.

Day 2/365 - The Decorations Can Wait

Date: 1/3/11

Time: 8:20 pm

Place: My dining room

My Christmas decorations are still up. I've been sick for the past 4 days and haven't had the energy to take them down. Why didn't I delegate that over the weekend when I was laying in bed? All of the efficient moms took advantage of the very earliest Epiphany possible and took theirs down promptly yesterday. I guess Ted took on enough while I was sick. In fact, I'm very grateful for all he did.

Thank you, God, for a husband who takes care of the house and kids while I am sick. The decorations can wait.

Day 1/365 - The Eyes Have It

Date: January 2, 2010

Time: 9:27 am

Place: Our breakfast room

I've always liked Mary's eyes. She's blessed with beautiful long lashes and very expressive brows. If I were allowed more than one picture, I'd show you the many emotions her eyes express. Lately, it's been one of concern. I'm on day three of being in bed sick. Mary has come in every day, laid her hand on me and said a prayer for me to get better. That blesses me so much.

Thank you, God, for my Mary. The one who prays with me.

Project 365 - A New Project for the New Year!

A friend of mine started this "Project 365" over a year and a half ago and then started it up again in the New Year and has inspired me to start one myself. What is it you say? Well, it is pretty simple, take a picture everyday, something ordinary or extraordinary and journal a bit about it. It is said to provide you a good perspective on your life and make you look at things a bit differently. My goal is to not take the "typical" picture, but to show a different perspective on each day. The simple things. The things we easily overlook when we are rushed. I'm hoping this helps me to sllloowww down and enjoy the simple pleasures of this life that is racing around me.

I'm not going to look on this as setting up myself for a HUGE failure. I mean REALLY. Do I REALLY think I can take a picture a day and journal on it?? Well, I'm willing to try. And forgive myself if I'm not perfect. It would have nice to start yesterday, at the beginning of the year, but I was sick in bed...and I still am sick in bed. Blah. My next post will be my first one.