Bridal Shower

My baby brother is getting married in November and my sister-in-law and I threw the bride to be a bridal shower.

Her wedding colors are ivory and Bordeaux so we went with a bottles of Bordeaux wine as prizes and a fall theme. We served chocolates, mini pumpkin pies, grapes, cheese, crackers, apples, cake and apple cider punch. It was a lot of fun, except for the gnats who came out and were biting like crazy.

This was a game we played that I called "Karl: The Man, The Myth, The Legend." His answers follow and if you know my brother at all you'll appreciate his humor. Enjoy!

1. What bone did Karl break when he was little and how did he do it? Answer: I broke a bone in the upper extremity of my left arm when I was six years old. I broke it while preparing to make a controlled slide across our gravel driveway on my BMX bike. My arm actually broke before I started the slide, while coming down the hill at top speed when I carelessly fell off my bike.

2. Who are Karl’s top 3 favorite musicians? Answer: This is a hard question even for me. In no particular order: Paul Simon, Counting Crows (or Adam Duritz), and Chris Thile (Nickel Creek)

3. What is a nickname that Karl had as a boy? Answer(s): Chipmunk cheeks, Fondulac Drive, and Doug's favorite - Karla,

4. What musical was Karl the lead in his senior year of High School? Answer: Guys 'n Dolls.

5. If Karl could have a super power what would it be? Answer: Invincibility

6. Which super-hero is Karl’s favorite? Answer: It is a tie between Batman and Superman. I will except both as correct answers.

7. Who does Karl consider himself most like: Frodo, Gandolf, Legolas or Aragorm? Answers: Gandolf the Grey (tall, wise, beard)

8. What book was Karl’s favorite as a boy: The Fat Cat, One Fish Two Fish, Goodnight Moon or The Pokey Little Puppy? Answer: The Fat Cat.

9. Karl is the German form of what name? Answer: Maureen will probably answer that Karl is the German form of Karl, but I think the answer you are looking for is Charlemagne.

10. True or False: Karl is tall. Answer: True, but tall is a relative term. (Karl is 6'4".)

11. Karl graduated from Bradley University with what kind of degree? Answer: Bachelor's of Science in Accounting (which is not a science)

12. When Karl was little, his favorite thing to play with Bonnie was what? Answer: Stand on Bonnie's Butt Time!

13. Which song does Karl identify most with: Dean Martin’s “Little Ole Wine Drinker Me”, Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire”, Nickel Creek’s “Spit on a Stranger” or Paul Simon’s “Me & Julio Down by the Schoolyard”? Answer: All good songs, but I have to say "Me & Julio Down By the School Yard." I'm on my way, I'm taking my time, and I don't know where I'm going.

14. What is Karl’s middle name? Answer: Joseph

15. When is Karl’s birthday? Answer: September 16th, Mexico's Independence day.

16. Which of these places has Karl never been to: San Diego, New York City, Nashville, San Francisco or Dallas? Answer: I've been to all of these places, but spent the least amount of time in Dallas.

17. His Senior year of High School Karl ‘s classmates voted him all of the following EXCEPT: Most Likely to Succeed, Homecoming King, Prom King, Best Personality. Answer: Most likely to succeed - thanks for pointing that out.

18. Where did Karl propose to Maureen? Answer: Jubilee State Park on a bridge in the woods with a mountain unicyclist.

19. Where did Karl take Maureen on their first date? Answer: I don't know - we probably went to Avanti's. Whatever Maureen says is the correct answer.

20. How many years did Karl mow for his Aunt Suzie? 3, 7, 12 or 13 Answer: The correct answer is 13 years, from age 9 to age 22.

21. Instead of cake, what does Karl get from Mom on his birthday? Answer: pumpkin pie

Eatin' bonbons and watchin' soaps

That's what I never wanted to be: a stay at home mom who just sits around all day. I think that's part of the reason I push myself so much to keep the laundry going, mop the floor, make the bed each morning, have dinner ready and bake homemade bread. You see, in my little mind, the laundry cannot wait.

This thinking has led to much frustration with L, though, since she wants to be held so much. For some reason I have always equated being a good mom with having a clean house. I really do think a clean, orderly home is very important for children, but I've very recently come to understand that L's happiness and healthiness are first and foremost what make me a good mom, not the condition of my home. I know, it seems a no-brainer, and it's what I've been told over and over again, but I guess I just had to learn it for myself.

So, what this means is that when L starts getting fussy and attention-needy sometime after 2pm I sit down with toys and books and play with her. I hold and bounce her. I sing and read to her. I encourage her to sit up and roll around, and I do sign language with her.

But I also have the tv on. I watch Dr. Phil and Oprah almost every day now and you know what? I (finally) don't feel guilty about it one bit. They provide me a little bit of "adult conversation" while I provide L with much more of my attention and affection than I did when I was trying to clean the bathroom with her unhappily strapped to my body. The house is still clean, I just tackle the jobs when she's napping or playing by herself in the mornings. After doing this for one week I feel sooooo much less stress, frustration and guilt.

It is that time of the year again - time for me to begin complaining about football.

And how it takes up hours of my husband's life. And how I hate that one annoying commentator on his college football video game. And how I've had to be the one in charge of L for the last 3 days because it's IVC's homecoming. And how it annoys me that he's at the game right now and not at home. Oh football, it's a good thing you've brought me Peyton & Eli.

PETA's great idea

Maybe you heard about how PETA sent a letter to Ben & Jerry's suggesting they use human breastmilk to make their ice cream. Supposedly it would save the cows or some stupid crap like that.

Now, of course it is very nutritious - everyone knows that breast is best - but just how did PETA want to harvest all this milk? Would us lactating women be hooked up to pumps for hours each day instead of the cows? I can see it now - a whole new type of Work at Home Moms. Brilliant!

Of course I'm not advocating for a crappy life for cows, especially since happy cows just taste better.

But more than that, I have HUGE issues with harvesting anything from humans for mass consumption. That's just wrong, wrong, wrong. I have nothing against nursemaids or breastfeeding toddlers and I've even tasted my own milk (it squirted on my finger and I licked it off) but I am not comfortable with breastmilk ice cream. Women have more dignity than cows, silly PETA.

Simple Soup

I got this recipe from LB's annual family cookbook, though I made a few changes to make it cheaper to make. It was soooooo good.

Spinach Tortillini Soup

3 C water
2 chicken bouillon cubes
1 bag cheese tortellini
1 can diced tomatoes
1 box frozen spinach
2 tsp basil
salt and pepper
shredded Italian cheese

Boil the water, dissolve the bouillon cubes.
Add the tortellini and simmer about 5 minutes.
Mix in the tomatoes.
Drop in the frozen spinach. Stir the soup as the spinach thaws and breaks up.
Ladle into bowl and top with some cheese.
Add basil and salt and pepper to taste when spinach is thawed.

Who I'm voting for...

I like this post about the presidential candidates and their running mates.

Growing up I was a Democrat because my parents are Democrats. But I think that the older I get the more I like the idea of limited power for the federal government which, correct me if I'm wrong, is a typical Republican belief. This was something I realized while watching the HBO documentary John Adams (which was very good and you should rent it!). As Mr. Adams and Mr. Jefferson were arguing I noticed that I sided with good ole Tom a lot more.

It also doesn't hurt that Republicans vote against abortion. I don't know if I can say they're pro-life, though. To me, pro-life means you believe in the dignity of every human life: unborn babies, convicted felons, immigrants, the poor, etc.

Lately, I've been spending time here: http://www.barackobama.com/issues/
and here: http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/Issues/

Honestly, I consider myself an Independent, because both sides have goodness in them. But I didn't even vote for Obama to be my senator, why would I want him to be my president? I like some of the things he has to say. I like more of the things McCain has to say. And I don't like Biden at all. But I love Palin.

It's Fall, baby, yeah!

I love autumn!

Bring on the sweatshirts and jackets. Give me cool baking weather and falling leaves. Halloween and Thanksgiving are just waiting for me. I am giddy.

The high school Trav works at is having it's Homecoming this week and L and I will be going to the parade Friday, then tailgating with the faculty and then the big game. I'm so excited.

Canning 101

This August and September my mom has been teaching me how to can. My mom taught herself how to do this, just like she taught herself to cook, bake, sew and do other domestic things that I never would have taken the time to learn to do if it weren't for her showing me as I grew up.


Mom and I spent several Saturdays snapping peas, boiling fruit, heating water and sanitizing jars. It was a lot of work and I was tired at the end of the day, but it's so great having food that I made. It's pure and clean and natural and super yummy. I will be doing this again, though next year I think I'm going to recruit some more help. Grandma Joan, wanna help? :)

I will never can pears again. Though I will add them to my applesauce (so good!)

Makin' the sauce.

In the end we canned peaches, applesauce, pearsauce, cinnamon pears, plain pears, grape juice and green beans.

L loves books and the basket we keep them in

We got a lotta rain a few days ago

This is Lower Eureka Park. Those white ovals back there - those are basketball hoops.
The creek that runs through the park flooded the road.
These are the middle school's softball and baseball fields.

Please pray for me

Things have been really stressful lately. We're all sick, which means I'm super tired, and this has probably made things worse. And then on top of it comes the fact that I still can't get her to nap. Some days she'll have an awesome nap and it's almost effortless: I see that she's tired, I change her, nurse her and put her down for 90 minute nap. The next day it won't work at all. She'll just fight sleep and cry and cry and fuss.

All of this makes me feel like a crappy mother and as my frustration builds, I start cussing at my daughter ("What the hell do you want." or "Damnit, L, stop crying.") And then the moment after I feel so ashamed and like an even worse mother.

Motherhood is so easy when she's sweet and smiling (or better yet - sleeping!) but I feel like I'm always failing when the it gets hard. I don't know if I set my standards too high when it comes to keeping house, etc. or if I just expect too much out of myself.

You know those women who don't really know if they want children but are sure that if they do have kids they'll be working moms? I always thought they were crazy but now I think that maybe they just know themselves a lot better than I ever have.

Wellies

I'm in love with Wellington boots. A few years ago I saw a picture of Kate Winslet in a great pair of these and have silently wanted a pair for years, though I didn't know anything about them. With all the rain I was looking for galoshes and found these. I love them!

If you don't vote, you're a moron

Cracker Barrel, you're really not as good as people like to think you are. Or maybe the people who think you're so great don't cook a lot. But my husband's ham tonight tasted like salt. And my pulled pork - well - I've had better. You season your vegetables so that they only have a hint of their original flavor. And your biscuits are not as fluffy and good as others. I can do much better than you.

But how can I say "no" to a free dinner out?

I have a head cold and it sucks!

I was sitting in my art history class when I first heard about the planes crashing into the World Trade Center. All other classes were cancelled for the day and as I drove from my college to my parents' home I remember listening to the radio, which was not yet being edited or censored. I could hear every "Oh God," every scream, and I remember the announcer telling, with such fear, despair and horror, about the people he saw jumping from the windows. There was fear and confusion and sorrow in every voice. I sobbed, terrified about what it all would mean and how many would be dead before the day was over. I remember it was a gorgeous day here in Central IL. The sky was so blue and the grass still so green. It is one of the most vivid memories I have.

At the time I had no idea how much more terrifying the whole day would have been if I had children. But now that L the thought of it all is much more intense.




Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.
And may the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle and be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.

4 months

L is now 4 months and 2 days old. Yesterday was her check up. She weighed in at 14lbs and was 24 & 3/4" long. She was a champ at getting her shots, although she did some mighty screaming. The nurses and doctor all talked about how beautiful she is. One of the nurses even said, "I have to stop looking at you, it's breaking my heart how you're smiling and I'm about to give you a shot."

And I know what they mean. She's gorgeous.

This is L doing her two favorite things: taking a bath & eating her feet.

L's first time in the high chair

Gratitude Wrap

The lovely Miss Katie made this Gratitude Wrap for me, along with the personalized stationary. She saw the idea on my blog and decided it was a good idea and would make a good Christmas gift. I got the prototype.

And I love it!

Women Priests

On the last post, KJ left the following comment: so do you think there will not/should not be women priests?

I think the answer is worthy of a post on it's own, rather than just a response in the comment box. I will try not to get too long winded here, and I will assume a basic knowledge of the Gospels. If there are questions or the need for clarification, please leave a comment. Also, please note that I am writing this as a faithful, practicing Roman Catholic. I fully embrace all of the Church's teachings because I have thought about them, prayed about them, compared them to other teachings and, quite frankly, I find them to be the best.

So here goes:

Yes, KJ, I do.

The Roman Catholic Church will never have women priests. There may be a group of Catholics who break away from the Pope and they may have women priests, but they will no longer be members of the Catholic Church, even though everything else about them may still be/seem Catholic.

That takes care of the "will they be" part of the question. Now for the "should they be" part.

I believe women should not be priests, just as the Church teaches. I do not believe that this teaching is in any way anti-woman. In fact, the best form of feminism I have ever found has been in the Catholic Church. It is important to note what Genesis tells us, that men and women are made in the image and likeness of God, so that our dignity is equal, but that He created man and woman, so that we are different. Society, and secular feminism, likes to tell us that equality means being the same. Women need to have the same access to the same jobs at the same wage to be equal. To a point I agree with that thinking, but I cannot look past the fact that we women are NOT the same as men and our differences are what gloriously enhance each other. Also, while it is one thing to be able to have the same job, vocations are a different matter that has nothing to do with equality as the world sees it. A man or a woman can be president, but only a woman can mother and only a man can father. Being president is a job, being a wife and mother is a vocation. All of this is because of the very nature of who we are.

That said, a woman could never be a priest because she cannot father. Christ gave us Holy Mother Church and the Blessed Virgin Mary to nurture, love, support and guide us in feminine ways. He established the priesthood to give us fathers to do the same in masculine ways.

Further, when Christ established the Church he did not make any women priests. There were 13 men at the Last Supper on Holy Thursday. It was those men whose feet He washed and with whom He celebrated the first Mass. It was those men He later breathed on and gave the Great Commission to, telling them to forgive sins and baptize. There were no women. Yet, when we study Scripture and have a basic knowledge of Jewish culture in Jesus' time, we see that all of Christ's interactions with women were radical - from the woman at the well to Mary and Martha. If God wanted to ordain women He would have done it then, along with the men. Christ didn't need to wait 2,000 years for society to catch up with His thinking. His thinking was changing society 2,000 years ago.


This post has become rather long. I'll stop here unless there you want/need more.
This link is about women priests in the Anglican Church, which you might find interesting: http://gkupsidedown.blogspot.com/2008/01/wimmin-priests.html
Here is a Catholic website that addresses the issue in more detail: http://www.catholic.com/thisrock/2002/0201sbs.asp

To the woman I met at the church group:

When you say that you firmly believe we will have women priests within the next century or so and then you tell me it's okay that you believe this because you went to Catholic school and even taught there, you do not make me feel better about your beliefs. You only reaffirm my beliefs on Catholic schools.