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A Quiet Dr. Seuss Day Celebration

March 2, 2009 By Laura 12 Comments

We just wanted to share with you a peek into our quiet Dr. Seuss Day celebration.

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”

~ Dr. Seuss

Earlier today, we celebrated the 105th birthday of Dr. Seuss. It was a much quieter celebration, than our usual fanfare, because most of our kiddos (6 years old triplets) are a bit under the weather. Low grade fevers, little coughs and headaches, and a big dose of the ‘Quiets’. That’s just who they are today. Actually, 1/4 is recovering, 2/4 are pretty down and out by this time of the day, and 1 was out playing in the new-fallen snow. But late this morning and early afternoon, they were up for a little quiet fun and reading. We did some Dr. Seuss – themed face painting for them, for the occasion.

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Dr. Seuss was a man of wise words. One of my personal favorite quotes from him is:

“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”

That’s one I try to keep in the forefront of my mind, because we need to remember it frequently! It’s so hard for us to understand why some people are the way they are. So what to do? Well, another Seuss quote comes in handy as well:

“Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.”

Enough said there. lol

We’re blessed in that all 4 of our kids truly do love reading. They just love books, and always have. And we know that will take them a long, long way in life.

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

The little ones are quite beyond their grade level in reading, so the Dr. Seuss books are at this point, way too simple for them. They are reading chapter books now. But today, as we celebrate this gifted author and artist, for his great contributions to children’s literature, we honor the value of his non-sensicals, that are so cleverly woven with his words of wisdom, which even an adult can gleam advice from. So we all enjoyed his books today, none-the-less.

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It was the perfect activity, for a day that called for quiet and rest.

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Here’s another great quote, that simply must be a Pro-Life declaration!:

“A person’s a person, no matter how small.”

They were somewhat smiley this morning, as quiet as they were. But as you know how fevers go….as they day wore on, they were feeling less and less their best. I sure hope they feel better tomorrow. Meanwhile, we’ll keeping enjoying the quiet, and giving cuddles. Things could be worse! lol

Thanks for dropping in! See you again soon, perhaps!

“Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one.”

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Veggie Pockets – Lent Meatless Meal – Recipe

February 27, 2009 By Laura 5 Comments

Here’s a delicious meatless meal for the Fridays of Lent, or for any day, for either lunch or dinner! My kids love most vegetables, so these pocket sandwiches are always a real hit with them! They always cheer when they ask what we are having, and they always ask for 2nd one!

I didn’t take any photos in the early stages, as I usually do just for fun. But I think you’ll be able to follow along just fine without them.

Ingredients:

red peppers
zucchini
summer squash
broccoli
vegetable oil
American cheese
whole wheat pockets

~ Naturally, you can use any stir-fry type vegetables your family likes best.

1.) Wash *all vegetables well, of course. : )

*How many of each vegetable you use depends on your family size. Use your best judgement. Once it’s all in the pan you’ll get a better idea.

2.) Clean out red peppers, and dice.

3.) Zucchini and summer squash:

>>> a.) Cut off ends.

>>> b.) Cut length-wise in half

>>> c.) Cut again lengthwise, cutting halves into half. Now you have 4 quarters of lengthwise slices. (Aren’t I great at explaining these things? Maybe I should have taken photos of this part too. lol)

>>> d.) Now slice the quartered lengths the short way, about 1/4″ thick. You will have nice quarter-0f-a-slice pieces.

4.) Cut up broccoli into medium sized pieces, chopping off ends first. (You will chop it all up later.)

5.) Get broccoli going in a steamer. (We have a Black & Decker Handy Steamer. But you can steam however you do.)

6.) Heat a large stir-fry pan at medium-heat, and add 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.

7.) Add red peppers, zucchini and summer squash to pan, and stir up.

8.) Cook all vegetables in steamer and pan, to desired tenderness. (We call it done when fork inserts nicely. Be careful not to overcook.)

9.) Remove steamed broccoli from steamer, and put on cutting board.

With a large chopping knife, chop up into smaller pieces, and then add to the pan on stove-top, with other vegetables.

Stir all vegetables together.

So happy to-ge-THERRRRRRRR! (Name that tune!)

For pockets, we use this brand:

10.) Take a bread disc out, and cut in half.

11.) Lay some slices of American cheese in the pocket half. Break slices up to fit nicely. (Us grown-ups sometimes put some Pepper-Jack in too, for some kick! But it’s delicious just with American.).

12.) *Fill pocket up with vegetables.

* For the little ones, we don’t overload it, because it’s a wide/big pocket, and a little bit difficult to for little hands to handle. Reminders to eat over plate are a good idea, with these babies! But what falls to the plate can be eaten up with a fork, after.

** Us grown-ups really fill it up. : )

Filled just right for a kiddo.

13.) When they eat it all up, and ask for another, SAY YES!! A kid can never eat too many vegetables! : )

ENJOY!!

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We Welcome This Lenten Season!

February 23, 2009 By Laura 3 Comments

With the Lenten Season just 2 days away, beginning with Ash Wednesday, for once our family is ready. Usually, it seems to sneak right up on us, (despite the many reminders along the way), and we are scrambling to figure out what we will do for Lent. Of course, we all know, that with making such decisions so spontaneously and haphazardly, we didn’t truly contemplate in our heart how we would go about living the Lenten Season consciously, or how we can best grow closer to Christ, as we prepare our selves and our hearts for Easter. We did get into the swing of it, in the first few days of ‘too late’, managing to follow our Catholic obligations. But they were done almost just as that > obligations.

But this year, we weren’t letting it happen again. What’s more, I have heard Lent calling me for some time now. And by this time, we are all well prepared; armed with Lenten plans, and joyful hearts of anticipation.

I suppose Easter is time in which most ‘anticipate with joyful hearts’. And we certainly do as well! After all, Easter is THE most sacred and celebrated day of the Catholic faith. Even more so than Christmas. For in God’s Only Son, rising to life, rose with Him salvation that is ours, if we choose to embrace it.

But Lent is a time we are anticipating with joyful hearts as well, because it is a time we can best show our love for Christ. It is a time we are called to focus more on Him, sacrifice for Him, spend time with Him and grow closer to Him. Through reflection. Through prayer. Through Penance. As an individual, and as a family, we ultimately grow in strength and commitment to our relationship with Christ. How can these gifts be anything less than joyful? They are indeed gifts we are called to embrace. As Catholics, we are unquestionably called to embrace them in these 40 blessed days, until the celebration of Easter. And for the good of ourselves!

I won’t get into my (longer than usual) personal list of Lenten commitments, of which I have pondered with an attentive heart. But I will share with you a couple of other agendas on our Lenten list. As a family, we have decided to add a Mass to our week. And early morning Mass…..which, for anyone who knows us well, is a sacrifice in itself. We are not at all a morning family. We enjoy waking up when we do, and having our leisure morning—sipping coffee, (< definitely me), nibbling toast made of home made bread, starting our fire – to keep us warm as we wake and wash, and get ready to tackle our schooling and work agendas for the day. No…..dragging ourselves out of bed, after a crude alarm sound, and rushing to get ready to leave anywhere, is just not our cup of tea. Even a little. But, we figured…..Lenten sacrifices are not meant to be necessarily enjoyable. They are meant to be….a challenge. Difficult for us. A personal hardship, of sorts. And hey…..if we can make it to an 8:00 a.m. basketball game (we did TWICE this season!), we can surely make it to Mass!!

Attending and experiencing the Mass itself, ….not at all a sacrifice. But a BLESSED GIFT!

A couple of weeks ago one evening, my oldest daughter, {A}, and I, had come across a Mother/Daughter Quiz, in my FAVORITE magazine, Faith and Family. To begin with, the questions posed were for me, as the mother, to answer for my daughter. It was to see how well I knew her. One of the questions was : “What is her favorite day of the week?”. I knew the answer to that immediately: Sunday. She loves the Mass. But more than that, she loves to SERVE the Mass. As an altar server. She has expressed countless times, how much closer she feels to Jesus, being up on the altar, and serving Him. It isn’t just something she SAYS. It’s something EVERYONE can SEE. I can’t tell you how many times we have been approached by people after Mass, to be told how they are amazed at how reverent she is up there. Truly absorbed in every moment. Relishing in it, even. She is scheduled for certain Masses, (and always the most important ones), but gleefully and (very eagerly…trust me…) volunteers to fill in for anyone who does not show up at the Masses we attend. She jumps out of our van to go check and get ready, before our van is even turned off. So yes……clearly the answer was Sunday.

Ding Ding Ding!!! Another right answer for Mama. I scored very well, in the end, I might add. I know my kiddo.

At the end of the quiz, the daughter is to question the Mama. My answer was Sunday too – but for a different reason:

I VERY MUCH love receiving the Body and Blood of Christ. I look forward to until I find myself ‘at His table’ once again, and I receive with a joyful and hungry heart. It lifts me in such an indescribable way. The moment I consume the Eucharist, and Jesus once again becomes part of me, I feel whole. Alive more so than before. I am certain I feel the Holy Spirit flowing through my blood, and renewing every part of me. I feel an overwhelming urge to weep, out of the relief! It truly gives me strength to ponder or resolve the difficult situations/relationships in my life. (Although sometimes, it takes 2 to tango. lol). More than any other time, I can deal with them with at least some shred of grace. A Christian perspective that in all honestly, I know I am called exercise always. I am weak, and a sinner. I’m a constant work in progress. With the Good Lord’s help, I like to think.

My beautiful, freckle-faced, spunky little God-daughter, will be welcomed to Jesus’ table for the first time this spring. She is making her First Communion this May. I am SO excited for her, I can’t tell you. I will travel to be there, to witness her on this special, special day in her life. Oh, I know children don’t always fully understand the vast reality of what a gift this is, for them to be able to participate fully at the table of the Lord, from that day forward. I know they are a child, and have not yet experienced or comprehended all that this means for them. But it is, prayerfully, a very crucial milestone, in the spiritual journey we are called to follow. I have faith, and pray regularly, that she will grow closer to God, with each precious day of her life. And that one day, she will feel what I do, when receiving, and becoming one with Jesus. Perhaps she will feel something quite special inside. A magic she cannot explain. Some children do!! But one day, God-willing, she will be old enough, and have an open heart enough to know, just what that feeling inside is. It is not a figment of the imagination, or sugar rush. But the love of Christ and the movement of the Holy Spirit, renewing our very souls. It will be a beautiful day, no matter what the weather. (But let’s pray for sun! Remember?….He hears these little, petty prayers. He’ll decide if our petition is worthy of granting.)

Our own three little one’s will receive their Sacraments of Penance and First Holy Communion, next spring. We are preparing them, with SUCH excitement and anticipation. On both our parts, and theirs! They have waited for as long as they could talk….always asking “When can we go up too?” “How old will I be when I can receive Communion too?”. At each Mass, at Communion time, they sit back, and pull up their legs to ‘Sit like little Indians, so that all of the people in our pew can get in and out. And they seem to watch us longingly, as I glance back occasionally to check on them. What a day that will be, when we will not have little Indians in the pew any longer. My-oh-my!!

I also look forward, in this Lenten season, to spending more time with Jesus, at the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. My only quiet time with Him, is often spent half asleep. Because my children must be asleep, to have true quiet! So I intend to find the time to sneak away, and have that time with Him.

Our kids will also be taking part in this program called Lenten Adventures. In fact, they start later today! It is a free online program for kids that consists of videos, stories, prayers, activities – all as part of lessons on their faith during the Lent/Easter season. It’s free! All you need to do is sign up, and you get 3 e-mails a week, with links to everything you need. We can’t vouch for it yet, as we have never done it before, but it looks pretty good! If you are interested in checking it out for your own kids, just click on the link above. I hope it is fun and deeply educational, and helps them truly participate in their own age-appropriate way this season. I guess we’ll see!

May we ALL grow this Lenten season….as individuals and children of God…as families who hope to hold Christ as the center and core of their homes and families. May the light and love we called to, especially during this season, be a place we long to stay in each and every day, long after our 40 days are done.

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Awesome Basketball Update

February 23, 2009 By Laura 2 Comments

Just a few updates on the end of {A}’s basketball season:

Saturday night our family got all settled in front of the tv to watch the clip of {A}’s basketball game on the local station on local sports. When the guy got to the Girls Youth Basketball, he started with saying “The Sun scored a basket with 5 seconds to go. It came from {A} (first and last name) to win the game. It appears I cut my highlights off too early! I got the last 2 minutes of the game, minus the 5 seconds.” 🙄 (Just a friendly dope-slap for that. lol) He chuckled, knowing that was a little silly. And then he rolled the footage of what he did get of their game. Oh well, it was fun to hear her name.

BIG NEWS!:

On another VERY EXCITING NOTE, we got word last night, that {A} has been chosen this year to play at the ALL STARS GAME!!

Every year at the end of the season, the best players are chosen from each team, to play at 2 teams at this special game, called the All Stars. It’s an exciting year end event, for not only the players, but the coaches, and parents! It was evident at the beginning of the year, that {A} had really come into her own on the court. She had grown SO much in height in the past year, many didn’t even recognize her at first. The reactions to seeing her have been hilarious, as people just stare in shock. But what’s more, all of the skills she has gathered over the past few years, have just gelled. Every year, she has grown in being more aggressive on the court. Being a compassionate kid, Year 1 she really struggled with taking the ball away from her friends on opposing teams. lol. She was careful not to hurt anyone’s feelings. But every year she grew in her game, and ability to separate ‘business’ from personal life. lol. She is really a tiger out there now. She will fight anyone for that ball, friend or not, and she won’t give it up. She fights for it right to the ground! And beware anyone in her path when she is dribbling across the court to that basket.

Anyway….we are just excited for her, to see that all of her hard work has paid off like this. She truly, truly loves this game of basketball. It’s one of the most important interests in her life. She has had such a great year, both on the court, and with all of her girlfriends on her team (who just love to touch and play with her hair….goodness…lol). To be chosen to go to the All Stars is just icing on already wonderful cake!! We are so happy for her!

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Can we get an "Amen!" (and a lozenger, please?)

February 21, 2009 By Laura 6 Comments

We just got home from {A’s} last basketball game of the season, before play-offs start next weekend. And it was a HOT one. Neck-in-neck the whole game, always 1 to 3 points ahead, then behind, then ahead. It was CrAzY I tell you. Especially for first thing in the dang morning. My heart was pumping, my coffee was sloshing all over, and I was, as usual, screaming my head off!! I am not one of those quiet, graceful mothers on the sideline, who claps politely, no matter which team scores. I mean, I admire them. But I’m just naturally…..competitive. : )

So we were down to the wire, in the last half of the game. There was 6:29 minutes left to the game, and it was 8 to 9. We were down by one point. I can’t even tell you how many times the other team missed a shot, and in the rebound, {A} knocked the ball out of their possession (and out of bounds) with her long monkey arms. All season we laughed about seeing her arms reach up out of the crowd of girls, and either catch the ball out of mid-air, or knock it out from someone else’s hands on the other team, about to catch it. It’s funny because those long, long arms just always seemed to ascend, out of the sea of arms, like a saving grace. We can almost count on it. Anyway, then the other team scored, and made it 8-11. So with 6:28 left in the game, we had to make 2 baskets to win. My heart was racing, and we were feeling a little….hopeless. By then, both teams were playing harder than ever. But {A} wasn’t even out on the court at this point. ( I did happen to notice a tv camera guy come in and set up. Oh man.) With about 4 minutes left to the game, they did a line change. So now, {A} and her accomplice, #2, were back out there. STILL – it was a tall order. Still down by 3 points. Even one basket wouldn’t save us.

As time counted down, #2 brought the ball in past half court, and long shot passed to {A}, who was by the net, with her arms up, just waiting. {A} shot, and it bounced off the rim, but she caught her own rebound. By this time, the other team was all over her, and all she could do was pass back to #2. By this time, I am really screaming my head off to #2 ( I was using her name) “It needs to GO IN!! GET IT IN!!!!”.……as she received the ball, shot, and scored!! Making us one point behind, with just over a minute left on the clock. I am screaming in my now raspy voice “THANK YOU!!!” I am on my feet and all in a tither. So now we were down to press time.

#2 looks at the clock. We can see she is determined to get that ball back. (She’s a tough and hard player who doesn’t mess around. ) So the other team brings the ball up, our team steals it, and the other team knocked it out of bounds. 38 seconds left to the game! We regain possession, and pass in. I think our girls kept making shots in this time, and missing, and the other team kept knocking it out. The clock is starting and stopping now, with the ref’s whistle blowing, calling fouls, ball out of bounds over and over….it was crazy. As all of this is going on, I wondered if this situation, that had my adrenaline pumping over time, was worthy of prayer?? I just REALLY, wanted our girls to win the LAST game of the season. And we were so close!! To lose by one point, NOW? It was such a tight game, all the way through, and I just wanted my girl to be happy they won today, ending this season of regular games. So I did start praying….hard!! I just said, “Father…PLEASE. I just want them to win this one. I want {A} to go out with a big smile, knowing her team came through, and won this last-big-game. “…and reluctantly added, “If it is Your will….”. I knew it was kind of a petty prayer. But then, isn’t ‘no prayer too small?’ Aren’t we to bring all of our wants and needs to God? Because I know He’ll let me know if I was being ridiculous. lol. I was feeling just a little…..desperate. I think we ALL were. It was almost more than we could take!

It seemed to go on forever, back and forth, and yet the seconds were ticking away on the clock. At 6 seconds, #2 passes the ball in from under the other team’s basket (where we need our ball to go!!). {A} receives the pass (OMG!!! It is all up to her!!!)……, and I am screaming to her “5 SECONDS {A}!! PUT IT UP!! PUT IT UP!”.…..4 seconds….she’s open, but they are swarming in fast upon her………

She quickly turns to the net and puts up her shot, and as it is flying throw the air, we ALL KNEW….This is it…if it doesn’t go in, it’s over.

IT WENT RIGHT IN!

SHE DID IT!!!

The buzzer sounded, and the crowd erupted. I don’t even know WHAT I was screaming then!! Daddy-Boy was whistling, I was screaming words of joy of some kind, {A}’s team was all over her!! I flew down those bleachers and ran across the court to give her a HUGE HUG!!! I was SO HAPPY for her!! It was THE WINNING SHOT!! With 4 seconds left, everyone thought it was a game, until that unexpected shot. It was JUST….. UN-BELIEVABLE!!!

We are all just on cloud 9 this morning. But more than the amazing shot that won us the game with virtually NO TIME LEFT, I am AMAZED that my little, seemingly insignificant (to others….perhaps to YOU) prayer, was important enough to be heard and answered with a YES. I keep hearing the scripture in my head:

“Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you”
(Luke 11:9)

All I asked was for the girls to win this game, and make them go out happy. But He gave us MORE than that. He put the ball in {A}’s hand, and gave her the winning shot.

Some may think it was a coincidence. Why would He answer such a silly prayer, that isn’t REALLY that important, in the grand scheme of things? It was just a little joy I wanted…..maybe too badly. I don’t know why He would take time to hear me, over a basketball game. But I feel that He did. He MORE than answered my prayer. Maybe simply, because I asked, in that hyped up moment of desperation. Maybe because I thought to turn to Him. Maybe, because He just wanted to remind me, that He is ALWAYS there, for anything. He’ll make the decisions about how He answers our prayers.

“So, THANK YOU Lord! I acknowledge that you not only heard my little prayer for our girls basketball team, but you answered with an abounding YES. I am grateful. We are ALL grateful. We praise You. And frankly, I am personally feeling just a tad spoiled by You, My Heavenly Father, this morning. As always. Your blessings are bountiful; big and small. My throat is all torn up and raw, but really, I’m GOOD! I am humbled, and happy. AMEN.”

And oh yeah…..film at 7:30 p.m., tonight. Local Channel 13. ; )

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“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”

~ Dr. Seuss

“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”

“Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.”

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

“A person’s a person, no matter how small.”

“Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one.”

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