7 Quick Takes: Technology, Single Parenting, and Polar Vortex

~1~

Monkey Toes and I agreed to not exchange gifts this past Christmas.  Finances have been a little tight and we decided to cut back where we could.  Under the tree, however, on Christmas Eve, was a box with my name on it.  It was a new laptop from Monkey.  He sold some sound equipment the day before so he could replace my old computer.  I love having my own computer again!  The problem - I am technology challenged.  I do o.k. navigating around where I need to, but far too often I find myself in uncharted territory and must rely on my live-in Techie (Monkey).  My current computer problem is figuring out how to get downloaded pictures from my desktop to this blog.  I am unable to open any of those files.  I was up far too late last night trying to figure this out.  At around midnight I gave up.  Blogging about Cucumber's 7th birthday will simply have to wait until Monkey gets home.

~2~

Monkey is on a business trip, leaving me to single-parent the household for awhile.  Can I just say, I'm not a fan of it.  Even though Monkey is typically gone the majority of each day, there is a certain comfort in knowing that he is coming home.  And if there is ever a time that I absolutely need him home, then he makes arrangements to do so.  When he is on a business trip, the kids are a bit more irritable, I usually deal with a bit of insomnia, and we all miss him very much.  

Yesterday at breakfast:

Pumpkin:  I miss Daddy.

Me:  I miss him too.

Gummi Bear:  He'll only be gone a week.

Sweet Potato:  That's a week too long!

~3~

Once again, school was delayed two hours today, due to the cold temperatures.  Yes, I am a Minnesotan. Yes, I have lived here all of my life.  Yes, I should be used to conditions such as these.  No, I don't like to complain, especially about the weather, but YUCK! YUCK! YUCK!  I don't have a problem with the season of winter, but I struggle with the sub-zero temperatures.  The kids don't like it, Grandma doesn't like it (FYI:  Grandma complained today of feeling "cooped-up"), my van doesn't like it.  Fortunately, tomorrow is forecast to be 33 degrees.   No doubt, it will feel great!

~4~

A couple of days ago, Pumpkin wandered into the kitchen while I was cooking supper.  She asked me to pick her up and then she laid her head on my shoulder.

Me:  We haven't snuggled in a while

Pumpkin;  That's a shame.

Oh, be still my heart.

~5~

Cucumber had a dentist appointment yesterday to get a cavity filled.  The dentist office is located in the mall. As we were walking past Hallmark. . .

Cucumber:  (Pointing) Hey, that's where Marc (her Godfather) buys my action figures each year for my birthday!

Me:  Mmm, do you mean your Precious Moments figurines?

Cucumber:  Yeah, whatever.

~6~

One of the gifts Cucumber received for her birthday was a giant container of Cheeseballs.  At first, she asked if she could keep them for herself without having to share with her siblings.  For some reason, she had a change of heart and decided that her brothers and sisters could eat some.  Her sharing, though, consists of counting out the correct serving size (32 cheeseballs) for each sibling.  If one "accidentally" gets 33 cheeseballs, she has determined that he/she will only receive 31 cheeseballs the next day.  Cucumber is running a very tight ship and fine-tuned system.

~7~

Yesterday morning, I reminded the boys to brush their teeth after breakfast.  A few minutes later, it was evident that they were doing anything BUT what I expected them to do.  I hollered calmly yelled downstairs for them to get moving.

Pumpkin:  Mommy, how did you hear that they were not brushing their teeth?
Me:  Because I'm a Mom and moms hear everything.
Pumpkin:  Oh.

A little bit of silence. . .

Sweet Pea:  Mom also has big ears.

For more Quick Takes, please visit Jen here.

7 Quick Takes

--- 1 ---

The Love Bugs are home, again, due to something we're referring to in these parts as a "Polar Vortex." Today we had blizzard conditions - not much snow, but very strong winds causing whiteouts and much drifting along roadways.  It's not even fun to play in the snow on these days.  The kids spend more time bundling up than actually playing outside, due to the cold.

--- 2 ---

My children NEED TO GO OUTSIDE.  My house has turned into a playground, a jungle gym, a race car track, a craft room, a bakery, and something I am referring to as a circus.  I can't walk two feet without stepping over/on or having to go around something or someone.  I love having my children home, but I am having to learn the skill of surrender.  They are taking over!

--- 3 ---

Since having our family, I have been asked for the second time in my life if my children are adopted.  It happened at a recent piano recital, where Sweet Potato, Gummi Bear and Cucumber performed.  The woman who inquired was very nice, but her question caught me off guard.  I simply smiled and calmly said, "No, they are all my biological children,"  to which she responded, "Really?"  I was half tempted to pull up my shirt and show her my lovely stretch marks as proof, but I don't think that would have been pleasant for anyone.

--- 4 ---

Two of the Love Bugs had a dentist appointment last week.  I picked all the kids up from school and didn't have time to go home first, so I had packed a snack bag for each to eat on the way.  I emptied out the snack cupboard, and their bags contained an assortment of crackers, raisins, chocolate covered candies & pretzels.  Once in the waiting room at the Dentist Office, Sweet Pea asked if she could sit on my lap.  As she walked over, a gentleman sitting in the chairs commented, "I think your little girl had an accident."  I had Sweet Pea turn around and noticed her butt had brown streaks and splotches all over it.  After closer review, I said to the gentleman, "No sir, it's just chocolate."  

--- 5 ---

Yesterday for lunch, I asked Pumpkin if she wanted a sandwich to eat.  She said, "Yes, but can you make it with nazi bread"  Oh good heavens, where is this going?

Me:  Pumpkin, what did you say?
Pumpkin:  Make it with nazi bread.
Me:  I don't know what that is.  Where did you learn that word?
Pumpkin:  I said NOT. SEED. BREAD!

Apparently my Whole 12 Grain bread is only loved by me.

--- 6 ---

Sweet Pea was given an American Girl doll for Christmas from her Nina and Nino. She LOVES this doll. It sleeps next to her and she asks to take it everywhere (to church, the library, school, etc.)  Each day after school, she tries to find outfits for both of them to wear so they can look alike.  She has lovingly named her doll Brianna.  She talks about Brianna as if she were one of her friends from school.  It usually takes me a minute to figure out she is referring to her doll and not a real person.  

--- 7 ---

I just realized this is a 7 Quick Takes Friday edition and today is only Thursday. One can only hope. . . . .

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

One Last "Merry Christmas"

Today we celebrated the Feast of the Baptism of Jesus, which also signifies the end of the Christmas season. Our tree is still erected and our nativity remains in place, as we fully embrace this time of Emmanuel. We have had a lovely Christmas, with much love, laughter and memories made.

We drank eggnog and laughed at our "staches."

There was "dress-up" to be played,

facials to be given,

games to entertain,

 and naps to be had.

The kids received knit animal hats for Christmas.

Pumpkin:  Mommy, who gave me my piggy hat?
Me:  Auntie Silly.
Pumpkin:  Yeah.  I like that Auntie Silly. 


New Year's was celebrated with Mass and then coming home to an evening filled with games, crafts, food and an abundance of energy.  The Love Bugs all made it to midnight (except for Sweet Pea who fell asleep on the sofa at 10:30 PM. Monkey woke her up, though, to ring in the New Year).

Waiting for the countdown!

The kids went back to school on January 3rd, which was actually a welcomed event (for all of us!)  I love having my kids home with me, but I also see great value in structure, which school helps to satisfy.  The Love Bugs were excited to see their friends again.  Cucumber, who expressed exasperation over her classmates inquiring over the state of our Christmas tree, exclaimed, "I can't wait to go back to school and tell everyone we finally put our tree up!"  

My Dad gave me this angel in 1996.  It remains my favorite ornament.

This season, I am most thankful for the gift of time and presence from our families.  I love them all so much!

To all of you, may the hope, joy and peace of Christmas last throughout this entire new year.  May we always show graciousness and kindness to one another and share the love of Christ wherever we go! Happy New Year and blessings to all!

Christmas Reflections 2013

On this second day of Christmas, the Love Bugs are still flying high from all of the celebrations.  We have had a lovely past few days.  Christmas Eve began with us going to Mass and then returning home to host Monkey's side of the family. Sweet Potato, Gummi and Cucumber entertained us with their piano solos and duets, and Honey Bunches serenaded us with Tom Petty's "Free Falling" on his guitar.  Christmas Day we stayed in our pajamas as long as we could before heading over to Sissy #1's house for a prime rib dinner, gifts and games. Ah yes, and the ever loved eggnog station. We played "Balderdash" which had us laughing until we cried.  We pretty much all collapsed in our beds last night.  Today was about recovery for me, as I think if I had been afforded, I may have slept the entire day.  As I am writing this, Monkey is ice-fishing, the boys are gone overnight, Cucumber is reading on the Kindle, Pumpkin is stickering on a stack of papers, Sweet Pea is coloring and Gummi is working in an activity book.

A few minutes ago we gathered for our evening family prayer, continuing with the Jesse Tree symbol and reading.  Tonight's scripture was Luke 2:8-20.  There are many passages I hold dear, but my two favorite scrpiture passages are Psalm 139 and this one from Luke, "And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart."  These words never fail to move me.  They are simple, yet beautiful. They are full of wisdom and love.

This reading is so timely, as I sit and reflect on the Christmas season.  There were so many moments that I wanted to freeze time.  I desperately want to remember certain conversations and funny stories.  I wanted to capture feelings of contentment, joy, and gratitude.  These reflections I never want to forget.  I want to hold them in my heart forever.  No other time during the year seems to remind me more of the preciousness and fleeting of time, than Christmas.  It is a season where my heart aches for the absence of those loved ones who have passed, and increases my home-sickness for those who live far away.

For Mary, she held close the message that had been revealed to the Shepards about the Christ child.  As a mother, I can only imagine all the thoughts and emotions racing through this gentle and faithful woman at that instant.  I have often wondered, that as she held Baby Jesus in her arms and gazed into his eyes, did she too long to remember that moment forever?  Did she too want to freeze time and keep Jesus "little" for awhile longer?  As she knelt at the foot of the cross, did she think back to that time in the stable?

As our family continues to celebrate these days of Christmas, I will continue to challenge myself to hold close all that is dear, with the Holy Family as my model.

With all that being said, here are a few fun comments from my kids.

Before Christmas, we were at a gathering where there was a drawing.  Someone got up and announced, "We'll now be drawing for the door prizes."  Sweet Pea asked, "What kind of prizes does a door give away?"

Pumpkin needed a bandaid for a small cut on her finger.  Since she is a "big" girl, she wanted to do it herself. After I had watched her struggle with the application of the bandaid, I asked, "Can I give you a hand with that?"  Pumpkin said, "No.  I've got it under control."

A few Saturdays ago we were attending one of Sweet Potatoes basketball games.  The girls had packed a tote bag with "essentials."  Honey Bunches had offered to carry the bag into the gym for us.  Half way there he said, "Did you girls really need to pack so much?  Just remember, there are people in this world without water bottles, snacks and boardgames!"

Well said, my little philanthropist.

On our way to Christmas Eve Mass

The Eggnog Station

My favorite Christmas decoration this year; Gummi posed as an elf.

The "warm-up" after playing in the snow.

Advent, Feast Days, and Yoga Pants

Welcome to Christmas vacation!  It was a bit of a thrill this morning to wake up without an alarm.  It's the little things in life, isn't it?  I haven't written anything for almost a month.  So much has taken place and life's busyness has occupied our time.  Here's a quick review of the last few weeks.

Thanksgiving

Monkey and I hosted Thanksgiving for 33 people at our home.  We were a little nervous about space, but in the end, it all worked out well.  It was a day that had my heart brimming with grace and gratitude.

Basketball
The boys are playing basketball through Community Education.  They practice twice a week and play games on Saturdays.  Beginning in January, we will have to divide and conquer, as the boys have different game locations.

Feasts
We celebrated the Feast of St. Nicholas on December 6th.  The kids left their shoes outside their bedroom doors and the next morning they discovered small gifts within them.  On the 13th we celebrated St. Lucy with braided sweet bread, adorned with candles, and reading about her life.

Advent
Last year at this time, I was so busy trying to make sure that we were making Advent meaningful, that I think I missed the mark a bit.  I'm a big fan of the concept, "don't reinvent the wheel," and so this year we are using a Jesse Tree Kit.  It has simplified our lives and is giving our family a really beautiful and meaningful reflection each night.  We pray, we read scripture, we learn about the day's symbol, we pray some more and then we end with singing a verse of "O Come, O Come Emmanuel."

Our Advent table with our Wreath and Jesse Tree

Surrender
Today is December 21st and we still do not have our tree up or cards sent out and not one cookie has been baked.  I haven't purchased any gifts, with the exception of gift exchanges the kids had in school.  I am at a point where I have to be o.k. with "not doing it all."  So with 4 days until we host Christmas Eve, we are being very intentional with what gets done.  Sometime today the kids and I well erect our tree.  Monday, the Love Bugs and I will make some gingerbread.  And as for gifts?  Well, we have scaled back.  I've been teasing the kids by asking, "who gets presents on your birthday?"  They reply, "We do."  "And who gets presents on Jesus' birthday?"  If nothing else, it gives them something to think about.   I did attempt a group photo the evening of the kids school Christmas program.  I asked Monkey if he could doctor it up for a card.  This is what he came up with.

There's just something not quite right about Wise Men and camels walking on the back of our sofa.  We're going to keep this one for ourselves and our own amusement for years to come.

Yoga Pants
A little over a week ago I threw my back out.  I was retrieving something from the refrigerator and fire shot down my legs and across my lower back.  I managed to shuffle to a chair and wait for Monkey to get home from work.  I was panicked because Monkey was leaving at 5 a.m. the following morning on a 4 day trip and I couldn't imagine handling our household with feeling the way I did.  I was blessed in a few different ways.  1) Thanks to Sweet Potato's confidence in the kitchen, he cooked supper for the family that night.  2) Due to a snow storm, school was two hours late the following day.  I was able to get into the chiropractor within that time frame.  3) Upon my return home from the chiropractor, we were notified that school was closed for the day.  That was a huge relief.  4) Getting dressed was difficult and so I relied on my yoga pants which transitioned from day wear to lounge wear (pj's) with ease.  Gummi helped me get dressed, which was humbling, yet necessary.  She may never fully realize how much I appreciated her help.

In other news, Sweet Potato, Gummi Bear and Cucumber had a Christmas piano recital which was lovely.  Sweet Pea had a touch of the stomach flu, but has already bounced back to heatlh.  Honey Bunches is excelling at guitar and Pumpkin LOVES being the only child home during the day.  I'll share more about that at another time.  So I think that brings us up to date.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas celebration.  Take time to live in the present and savor the little things.  God's blessings to you all!  Merry Christmas!

Keeping Up

My kids like to listen to the Oldies station on the way home from school.  Friday, this station was already playing Christmas music.  What what what???  Had I been by myself, I probably would have been annoyed, however, my kids were belting out the lyrics and I found it endearing.  Christmas music aside, I'm just not ready for the rat race of the holidays.  I feel like we're still adjusting to the start-up of school!

As I have mentioned before, I love fall and I love Thanksgiving.  If I could extend any season, this would be the one.

I love the warm, bright colors.  I love the smell of pumpkin, cinnamon, and the roasting of harvested vegetables.  I love putting on a big sweatshirt, breathing in the brisk air, and warming my hands around a hot cup of coffee.  Most of all, I love that we are mindful of our blessings, especially in preparation for Thanksgiving.

At school, Cucumber made a list of things she is thankful for.

I am thankful for:  my fish, Jesus, family, love, food, school, home, my life, candy, the world, my class, Grandma, Grandpa, Mrs. E (her 1st grade teacher), church, saints.

I adore the simplicity and honesty of this list.  And guess what?  I'm thankful for all of these things too, even the fish!

Side note:  Freddie, the fish, has been with us since Labor Day Weekend.  Merlot predicted his demise within two weeks.  I am happy to report that he is just as spry today as the day we welcomed him into our home.  

Although the world is buzzing all around and pressuring us to "keep up" with the mecca season of retail, our family is choosing to move at a slower pace.  This week, our main focus is making coffee filter turkeys with the kids and finalizing our Thanksgiving menu.  Saturday evening we'll pack away our fall decor and put up our Jesse Tree and creche, in preparation of Advent.  Our goal:  to make sure that our beliefs are not just a lip service, but that we truly live our faith.

I recently read the article, Jen Hatmaker - The Christmas Conundrum.  It is very thought provoking and definitely worth the time to read.  It certainly has me thinking about simplifying our lives and the way in which we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, Emmanuel.

I hope these days leading up to Thanksgiving finds your hearts abounding in blessing.  If you are a Black Friday shopper, be safe, be smart, and please be polite!  And if you find yourself in a bad or cranky mood, make a coffee filter turkey.  I promise; it will brighten your day!

Celebrating 41

November 11th is dear to me for a few reasons.

One.  It is Veterans Day.  A very heartfelt thank you to all the men and women who have served and are currently serving our country in the armed forces.  Thank you, also, to their families who sacrifice so much.  You make our country great and allow my family to enjoy the liberties and freedoms you fight to preserve.  God bless you all!

Two.  It is the feast day of my patron saint; St. Martin of Tours.  Martin was born in 317 to pagan parents.  Later in life, he became a soldier in the Roman army.  One evening, as he was traveling back to the city, he encountered a scantily clothed man who was cold and hungry.  Martin dismounted his horse, shared what food he had, and took his sword and cut his cloak in half, giving half of it to the man.  That night as Martin slept, he had a dream that the man he shared his food and clothes with was Jesus.  Jesus told him to become His follower.  When Martin awoke, his cloak had been restored. Shortly after, Martin was baptized.  St. Martin is the patron of the homeless and soldiers.

Three.  It is my birthday.  This year I turned 41.

I celebrated my birthday over two days.  On Sunday, my sisters treated me to a benefit outing in downtown Minneapolis at "The W."  Sissy #1 is a culinary coach, and her team had been invited to serve at a fundraising event for Pro-start.  It was an elegant gathering, the food and wine were divine, and I rubbed shoulders with some big-wigs in the restaurant/hospitality industry.  It was an absolutely lovely evening. When I went to bed that night, I found this on my nightstand from Cucumber.

On Monday, the kids woke up and shouted, "Happy Birthday!"  Later in the day, I had a lunch date with Monkey's sister, Silly.  We were gifted with a few hours to just catch up on life.

Honey Bunches and Gummi helped prepare my Birthday supper:  salad, pasta and Italian bread.  For dessert, Grandma treated us to Pumpkin Pie Blizzards at the DQ.

Serious deliciousness in a waffle cone. 

My gifts from the Love Bugs:  scented lotion, an angel plaque, a fairy headband (this actually belongs to Sweet Pea), and a travel Scrabble game in which Gummi spelled out, "I love you Mom."

One silly photo at the end of the evening.

My most treasured part of the day was a message that Monkey posted on Face Book.

A bunch of years ago, God put into motion His plan for me. I still do not know what the outcome will be, but He sent me a gift to help along my way. I was not a Christian at that time, I was not thinking that I would be sent this Gift, and as a matter of fact, I was not even born at that time. Besides his son, Jesus, who I am Grateful everyday for his sacrifice for my salvation, it was a gift just for me!

I did not receive this gift until about 13 years ago, give or take a couple of months. This gift has guided me to becoming the father, husband and disciple of Christ I am today. I strongly believe that some 20 years ago, this gift was presented to me, and I chose not to notice it at the time.

Today is the day I celebrate my wife, Shelly's Birthday. She has given me 6 beautiful children, a lifelong companion and she is my best friend. "Soul-mate" if you will (inside joke). I am thankful every everyday that God chose her for me.

Happy Birthday Shelly. I Love you, and love the person you inspire me to be!

I read this message with tears streaming down my cheeks as I waited to pick my kids up from school. I was moved by not only Monkey's honesty and testament to God's plan, but it also reminded me of all the blessings in my life.  My life is not perfect and it is not always easy, but I too have been gifted with a faith I hold dear, a loving husband, beautiful and creative kids, and a wonderful and supportive family.  Sprinkle all of this with a lovely circle of friends and I feel like the richest person in the world.  For me, celebrating my birthday is a celebration of life and all of its beauty.  God is good all the time!