Fat Tuesday, Lent and St. Patrick's Day

We are well into our second week of Lent.  This year, in particular, I anticipated the arrival of Lent with great expectations. You see, almost every year during the month of January and part of February, I experience a kind of spiritual desert.  Maybe it has to do with our long winters and shorter amounts of sunlight, but there are days when it feels as if I am just going through the motions in my prayer life.  I feel sort of "dried up" on the inside.  This year was no exception and I welcomed the season of Lent to really focus on spending more time in prayer, scripture and other spiritual reading.  I also want to say that it is during this desert experience that I am eternally grateful to my parents for instilling within me a spiritual discipline; one that I rely on to carry me through, until I once again am renewed and refreshed.   

FAT TUESDAY

What has become our tradition on Fat Tuesday, is to order this beauty above.  It is so good that we couldn't even wait to eat it before taking a picture.

Monkey used to work at a local pizza joint, and often after his shift, he would bring over a "Top of the Line with Sauerkraut."  I was hesitant to even try it at first, as I am a traditional pizza girl.  I like "normal" toppings and I avoid "specialty" pizza (i.e. taco, cheeseburger, etc).  One bite of this baby, however, and I was completely hooked.  Totally delicious and totally worth eating it on Fat Tuesday.  Because it is an indulgence, we really only eat it this one time of year.

During supper, we discussed the sacrifices each person would make during Lent, in preparation for Easter. Some are giving up their video games, some are giving up sweets, one is giving up "being mean" (???), and Pumpkin is giving up orange soda.  For the record, I don't buy soda for the kids and I can probably count on one hand the number of times Pumpkin has drank orange soda in the last year, but whatever.  She considers it a sacrifice and that is what is important.

I have given up my phone for uses other than phone calls.  I have had some really successful days, and then there are days when I have forgotten and I find myself checking my e-mails or Facebook.  On a positive note, my kids have noticed me putting my phone down, which tells me that it is a practice I need to continue well after Lent is over.

This is our new centerpiece for the season.  It contains a Crown of Thorns, a Rosary, Sacrifice Beads, a Rice Bowl, and a prayer card.  Each candle represents one Sunday in Lent.  The pink candle is for Laetare Sunday, and the red candle is for Passion Sunday.

ST. PATRICK'S DAY

The Love Bugs look forward to St. Patrick's Day each year.  We don't have a bit of Irish in our blood, but we still take the time to celebrate with exuberance.  They get a non-uniform day (which they consider a treat) and dress in green.

The girls insisted on a funny picture.  The boys wanted nothing to do with this!

After work, Monkey cooked supper for us; corned beef, cabbage and rice, Chamorro style.  We had planned on our usual Shamrock Shakes, however the youth from our parish were hosting a fundraiser at the Dairy Queen, so we settle for Dilly Bars instead (well, I actually got a Blizzard - shhhhhh).  I promised the Love Bugs we would get the Shamrock Shakes this weekend.

So that's it for my little update.  Lent is off to a great start and today is the first day of Spring.  The sun is shining, the snow is melting and I'm putting away all of my winter/snowman decor.  

I wish you all a very blessed Lenten season, one that draws you closer to Jesus and springs forth light and love in your heart!

St. Anthony's Workin' Overtime

For the last three years, our family has adopted a patron saint.  A few days leading up to New Year's Eve, we begin discussing which saints are in the running for becoming our Family Patron Saint in the coming year. Then, after Mass on New Year's Eve, we come home to narrow down our choice and vote.  In 2012, we selected St. Cecilia - the patron of musicians.  We have a home budding with young musicians, so St. Cecelia was a great choice.  Before piano recitals and school concerts, we would invoke St. Cecelia for her prayers to calm nerves.  St. Sebastian, the patron of athletes, was our family saint for 2013.  He was called upon more than once for our swimmers, gymnasts, football and basketball players.  This year, we chose St. Anthony, the patron of lost things.  As Sweet Potato argued before the voting, "He should win because we lose things ALL. THE. TIME."

Everyday, someone in our household misplaces something; hats, mittens/gloves, snow pants, boot liners, homework, backpacks, toys, keys - you get the idea.  I try, really hard, to keep everyone organized.  I make it painfully simple, or so I think.  Regardless, time each and everyday is spent searching for something. St. Anthony is beckoned often.  We ask for his prayers in finding the lost and restoring some sort of order. When the lost is found we give a prayer of thanksgiving.

Earlier today, Pumpkin and I were at Walmart.  I had a list of things I needed to purchase, and since it was really cold outside, I wanted a one-stop shopping experience.  We were at the photo center, getting some pictures developed.  I ordered what I needed and then told Pumpkin to follow me over to the scanner to pick up our pictures.  I assumed she was behind me.  I scanned my ticket, waited for my pictures to print, collected my photos and then turned to tell Pumpkin it was time to go.  That is when I realized she wasn't behind me.  I quickly looked around the photo area, trying to search out her pink coat and her pink, piggy hat.  She wasn't there.  I yelled her name, to which the other shoppers turned to look at me.  My face turned red and my stomach knotted up.  I ran out into the main aisle and looked left and then right.

I didn't see her.

I pushed my cart to the side and prayed, first to Jesus to be with her, and then to St. Anthony to lead me to my baby.  I pleaded that I would find her quickly.

I ran back to the main aisle.  And then I heard her cry.  I looked to my left and saw her pink, piggy hat headed towards the automotive center.  I ran in her direction, yelling her name.  She saw me and came running into my arms.  We were both crying.  At that moment, my fear turned into relief and then into disappointment.  I was disappointed the Pumpkin had wandered off and disappointed in myself for not keeping closer tabs on my child.

I firmly held her hand for the rest of our shopping trip.

Thank you Jesus for your protection, and thank you St. Anthony for your prayers.


The following are excerpts about the saints from the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

956   The intercession of the saints. “Being more closely united to Christ, those who dwell in heaven fix the whole Church more firmly in holiness.... [T]hey do not cease to intercede with the Father for us, as they proffer the merits which they acquired on earth through the one mediator between God and men, Christ Jesus.... So by their fraternal concern is our weakness greatly helped.”495 (1370, 2683)

957   Communion with the saints. “It is not merely by the title of example that we cherish the memory of those in heaven; we seek, rather, that by this devotion to the exercise of fraternal charity the union of the whole Church in the Spirit may be strengthened. Exactly as Christian communion among our fellow pilgrims brings us closer to Christ, so our communion with the saints joins us to Christ, from whom as from its fountain and head issues all grace, and the life of the People of God itself”498: (1173)

We worship Christ as God’s Son; we love the martyrs as the Lord’s disciples and imitators, and rightly so because of their matchless devotion towards their king and master. May we also be their companions and fellow disciples!499

958   Communion with the dead. “In full consciousness of this communion of the whole Mystical Body of Jesus Christ, the Church in its pilgrim members, from the very earliest days of the Christian religion, has honored with great respect the memory of the dead; and ‘because it is a holy and a wholesome thought to pray for the dead that they may be loosed from their sins’ she offers her suffrages for them.”500 Our prayer for them is capable not only of helping them, but also of making their intercession for us effective. (1371, 1032, 1689)

959   In the one family of God. “For if we continue to love one another and to join in praising the Most Holy Trinity—all of us who are sons of God and form one family in Christ—we will be faithful to the deepest vocation of the Church.”501 (1027)

495 LG 49; cf. 1 Tim 2:5.
498 LG 50; cf. Eph 4:1-6.
499 Martyrium Polycarpi, 17: Apostolic Fathers II/3, 396.
500 LG 50; cf. 2 Macc 12:45.
501 LG 51; cf. Heb 3:6.

White Knuckle Driving

I've come to my own conclusion about "Minnesota Nice."  I imagine most folks think it has to do with our light-hearted, friendly demeanor.  And although that has much to do with it, I also attribute it to our ability to strike up a conversation with just about anyone, anywhere.  You see living where we do, well, people are ALWAYS talking about the weather.   You can be at the bank, at the gas station, in line at the post office, paying for groceries at the market, dropping kids off at school; it doesn't really matter, because the common denominator is the weather.  It is always considered conversation worthy, not dependent at all on who is listening.  As long as one is breathing, then there is always the weather to discuss.

Once again, we are digging out of another winter storm.  As tiring as this season has been, it is also quite beautiful.  Right outside our front window is a snow covered tree, with icicles hanging from the branches. Although I would much prefer looking at the tree in bloom, today it is very calming to look at.  

Surviving this winter season, I believe, has much to do with attitude.  Someone recently told me that this year reminds him of winters from his childhood.  They were not unlike what we are experiencing now.  I think we have just been a bit spoiled in recent years, with mostly mild winters and not much snow.  So one of my keys to survival is to find the "sunshine" in my life each day.

My mom recently celebrated her 75th Birthday.  She came home with an array of gorgeous flowers.  One of the many benefits of living with the birthday girl is that I get to enjoy these beauties with her.

I told Pumpkin, "You have yogurt between your eyes."  Then she did this and said, "I don't see it!"  

Sweet Potato and Gummi participated in a Junior Festival Piano Competition a few weeks ago.  They each had to go into a room by themselves with just a judge, and play two recital pieces by memory.  While waiting his turn, Sweet Potato grabbed my hand and held it.  As he is getting older, these moments are getting farther and further in between.

About a month ago, as we were celebrating Cucumber's birthday, my Brother-in-law cleaned my kitchen.  That definitely brought sunshine to my day!

Now back to the title of this entry. One day last week we received a light dusting of snow.  It wasn't much, but it was enough to make the roads slick.  I was taking the kids to school.  I admit I was driving too fast for the conditions, and as the car in front of me braked, I realized that I was either going to rear-end him, or go in the ditch.  I opted for the ditch.  A curse word escaped from my lips and at that moment, the car in front of me turned, allowing me to slide right past him.  No harm done!  A few moments later, as we were all catching our breath, Sweet Pea asked, "Mommy?  Where did you learn that word?"

Awkward.

Yesterday, the snow began falling by mid-morning, and as the day progressed, so did the size of the snowflakes.  The roads were horrible - icy, snowy and slushy, all at the same time?!?!  I picked the kids up from school, and we began our very slow trek home.  Because it felt like we were sliding all over the road, I wouldn't take my hands off the steering wheel nor my eyes off the road.  Gummi, who was sitting in the front seat, cried, "Mom I have a bloody nose."  I yelled for Honey Bunches to grab my purse and pull out the wad of tissues I had in one of the pockets.  Shortly after, Honey asked, "What the heck kind of tissue is this?"  As I quickly glanced behind me I noticed he was holding a Maxi Pad.  I told him to put that back and grab the "regular" size tissues.

Awkward.

Honey Bunches Turns 10

Honey Bunches at 3, 6, and 12 months

"The eyes are the window to the soul."  I love this quote, especially when I apply it to my wonderful son, Honey Bunches.  He turned 10 on February 6th.

As a baby, Honey's eyes captivated me with their dark - almost black color.  His eyes still capture my heart, with their depth and lashes so long they brush against his glasses.  I've been told more than once that Honey has an old soul.  He is often protective of what lies deep within, but every once in awhile, he allows others a glimpse.

Honey Bunches giving Pumpkin a guitar lesson. 

Honey voluntarily helping Sweet Pea with her reading homework.

Last fall, his 4th grade teacher explained to us that she sees Honey as a boy with many layers.  Her goal for the year; to peel some of those layers away to find the true Honey Bunches.  As a mom, I was truly joyful in hearing that recognition.  In school, he often talks when he shouldn't and spends too much time digging in his desk (when he shouldn't), so to hear that another sees Honey as more than those things, well, it made my heart sing.

Speaking of singing, Honey sings every, single day. He'll ask me to turn the radio off and then serenades us to and from school.  His siblings don't always appreciate it, but I love it.  He sings with feeling and shows no fear in showing it.  I was a bit under the weather a few weeks ago, and as I lied on the sofa, Honey stroked my hair and asked, "do you want me to sing to you Mom?"

When asked what he wanted for his birthday this year, Honey needed some time to think about it.  He came back with, "people can just make a donation to a charity instead of buying me presents."  I promise, I did not coach him to say that!

A few days later, as we were listening to the radio, Honey heard a promo for the TobyMac concert coming to the Twin Cities.  He tried to win tickets by calling into the radio station, but he couldn't get through. With help from an Auntie, we were able to buy two tickets to that concert.

Monkey created a scavenger hunt for Honey. With each clue, he received a puzzle piece.  At the end of the hunt, he put all the pieces together to reveal his gift.

Honey Bunches before the TobyMac concert.

In addition to the concert, Honey also received tickets to The Lego's Movie, he went to a Timber Wolves game with his cousin, and he opened up a new blanket, socks, and a box of cereal.

For his birthday supper, he chose chicken enchiladas, rice and white cake with chocolate frosting.

Honey Bunches, I am so proud of the person you are, and how you are developing the gifts and talents God has given you.  You are smart, witty, funny and talented.  I love how you would rather tear something apart and rebuild it, than to read the instructions.  I love that you wander into the kitchen each night and ask if you can help me with supper.  I love that you sing, play guitar, and have dreams of being in your own band someday.  I love that you would rather build with Lego's, read a book or play a game, than watch T.V.  You are a true treasure to our family and Dad and I are blessed beyond measure, that God chose us to be your parents.  I love you Honey, now and forever!

The mandatory "birthday picture in the corner."

Cucumber Is 7

This little Cucumber turned seven years old on January 10th.  The morning of her birthday, she was awake before I came into her room, ready to announce that "today is my special day!"  Since we were not planning on celebrating her birthday for at least another week, I attempted to satisfy a few of her requested whims.  She asked for oatmeal for breakfast, with an extra sprinkle of brown sugar.  She "pretty pleased" me into buying chocolate cupcakes with whipped, white frosting and colorful sprinkles to share with her classmates.

 She wanted to cash in a non-uniform pass on the exact day of her birthday, but since it was a Mass day, she had to wait until the following Monday.

For supper we had pepperoni pizza, and her cake of choice was chocolate with chocolate frosting.

Her gifts included Lucky Charms, a Paracord Bracelet Kit, underwear, the lovely white jacket (shown above), a monkey, Shrek, and a headband (the last 3 items were re-gifted from her little sisters).

On another day with extended family, we celebrated once more.  Her requested meal was grilled ribs, steak and rice.  Monkey claims that she is "a true Chamorro!"

To top it all off, Cucumber had an Oreo Blizzard ice-cream cake.  She also received a Rainbow Loom Kit, a giant tub of cheeseballs and socks.


There are many reasons I love this little girl.  She is confident, funny and quirky.  Many of the phrases that roll off her tongue remind me of someone who is beyond their years.  We were having a conversation one day and were interrupted by one of the Love Bugs.  Once the commotion passed, Cucumber said, "O.k. Mom, as you were saying."

She greatly dislikes to clean her room and is as stubborn as anyone I know.  She can outlast all of her siblings in any sort of stand-off.

She can quote movies, tell jokes and put on an impromptu play.

When I look at Cucumber, I see someone who portrays certain characteristics that I wish I had as a kid.  I was so reserved and shy, but Cucumber, well, she has the determination to conquer the world.

These past seven years have been a thrill, watching this child develop into herself and having a heart for Jesus.

Cucumber, I love you more than you'll probably ever know.  You are a true treasure to our family and to all those who know and love you.  Happy Birthday Sweets!

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!