Things I Never Would Have Expected

Reposted from January 11, 2007

I know...I've only been blogging for about seven months -- like I should be reposting things already. LOL But, I was reading back through some "old" posts, and saw this one that I just wanted to share again.
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Last night, Eric and I talked to our priest about children after our RCIA meeting, and so that kind of had the idea of kids on my brain last night. I started pondering about some of the things that have surprised me about being a mother, and that also led me into thinking about just some things that surprise me about having gotten older (you know, I *have* been 30 for almost a whole two weeks now). [ed. note -- since this was written in January, now I have been thirty for a whole six months as of today, and I feel even wiser. LOL]

1. I am a music lover. I have an iPod that is packed with music, and I love it. I have always loved music (even back to when I was little and my Mom would put a sticker on the side of a 45 record to let me know which side I liked before I was able to read). But, I never would have expected that the songs that warm my heart the most are those that come out of my kids' mouths. There is something almost magical (to my ears) of hearing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" come out in a two year old's voice -- "Tinkle Tinkle Wittle Stwar..."

2. I never expected to ever have such an urge to knock a five year old to the ground. Not my own, mind you, but any little child that is messing with my kids. You know it -- you've been there. It is a suprisingly powerful urge to protect our children.

3. I would never have thought that I would happily give up getting Christmas presents when money has been tight just so that I could give our kids more for Christmas.

4. I never would have expected that the people at the McDonalds drive through would know me on a personal basis. Okay, really -- that's a lie. They don't know my name or anything. But, some of the people that work more often *do* seem to recognize me. LOL

5. I wouldn't have expected that leaving home would be so hard. I remember taking a weekend girls only trip right after I got married, and I don't remember feeling all that weird to leave. But, now when I have gone away for a weekend, I have to fight the urge to cry when I'm falling asleep the night before.

6. I never knew that it was going to hurt so much to be a mother. It is in those times when one of my kids has been hurt (either physically or emotionally), is scared, or the like, when my heart will just ache. Literally, it seems. I try to realize that there is a comfort in those moments to know that it is because I love those kids so much that I am feeling that way. It's still hard though.

7. I couldn't have imagined that I would be so interested in other people's poop. I mean, c'mon -- really. I have had entire conversations about the bowel movements of another human being. There is just something weird about that, but when it is actually going on, it seems so darn normal.

8. I never expected that I would want to stay at home with my kids. While I never thought that I *didn't* want to stay home, I do know that I went to college with the full intention of teaching. I am thankful now to have my businesses and be able to stay home most of the time with them now, but still work a bit.

9. Speaking of teaching, I used to think it was crazy to hear about people homeschooling while I was in college getting my teaching degree. Now that I am a Mom, I can not only understand it, I admire those that do it.

10. I would never have expected that there would ever be an opportunity in my life where I felt inclined to catch the vomit of another person. Yes, that's right, catch it in my own hand.

11. I always felt like I was a pretty liberal person as a teenager, I never expected that I would have become more conservative as I grew older and as I had kids. (Of course, I'm sure the road to becoming Catholic has also made me become a bit more conservative as well.)

12. I would never have expect that each time my youngest child was between the ages of 12 - 24 months or so that I would long for "just one more." During a busy day, I will then think that I was insane for having that feeling, but then it always manages to come back. (Obviously, because we *do* have three kids.)

13. While I already appreciate my mother, I wouldn't have expected to have grown to appreciate her as much as I do now. Not only is it nice to be able to get advice, I can now appreciate all the laundry she must have done when we were all living at home (since I never did laundry until I got married!), all the large meals she cooked, and how much work it must have taken to keep the house clean.

14. But, on the flip side, I wouldn't have expected to look back at my childhood and think, "What were they thinking to let me do (insert whatever situation I am questioning)?" My Mom says it was a different time then. Still, I think things like, "I don't let my kids cross our cul de sac alone, and they let me cross huge busy streets when I was just about the same age." In an odd juxtaposition, my parents will sometimes indicate that I shouldn't let my kids do something because it is unsafe. I will always remind them of something that they let me do that was far more dangerous, and my Mom usually follows it up by proclaiming that she was stupid then, but knows better now.

15. I wouldn't have expected that I would ever mediate fights and come up with solutions when everything in the fight is imaginary. This happens to me every so often, and it makes me chuckle each time when it is done. For instance, last night, the boys were fighting because, it turns out, Noah planned to make us pretend lemonade when we got home and didn't need Jack's help. I finally suggested that cookies went well with lemonade, and asked Jack if he could please make us pretend cookies. Problem solved. And, of course, as any parent may guess, they totally forgot about it by the time we arrived home, and so there was no imaginary feast to be had. Oh well.

16. I would never have expected to sometimes listen to things like the Veggies Tales in the van and sing along...when I've been all alone. ;)

17. I wouldn't have expected that the compliments that I would appreciate the most would be those having to do with my kids.

18. I wouldn't have imagined that I would find my husband most attractive when he was doing things like reading a book to the kids, singing in the garage with Molly while he is working on a project, or when he is doing dishes.

19. I once helped to take care of kids in a family where the kids slept with the parents. I thought, "How crazy!" I never would have expected that I would have one of the kids in bed with us for so many years, even though he is finally in his own bed. (But, when he snuck in to bed last night, I was happy to cuddle up to him.)

20. I would never have expected that being a mother would both consume so much of my life and be so darn rewarding.

Added as of 6/29/07 -- So...now I'm curious -- what has surprised you about the way you have changed since having kids?

Only in this job called motherhood...

At no other job would you look one of your "employees" right in the eye and say, "Hang on -- I don't understand. Do you want me to change your pants or are you asking for a bagel?"

Our first treasure from the garden

Apparently yesterday was a day for treasures! Not only did we search for pirate treasure, but we also picked the first treasure from our garden. Hello Zucchini! May your plant bring forth lots of fruits, so we can enjoy zucchini bread all summer!

Now...the race is on. Which will be the next veggie from the garden -- a squash or a zucchini?

I've spent too much time redoing this blog!

But...here it is!

What do you think?

I know...there are a few imperfections, for sure. But, I like it. Yeh!

(Oh...except I can't figure out why there is a border around my name now. Augh!)

WFMW: Letting hubby know how important he is!

This past winter, I picked up a product called "Love Notes" when Jill Savage of Hearts at Home came to speak to my MOPS group. This set included 25 cards to slip into your spouse's wallet, laptop case, shirt pocket -- wherever you want! There are notes of encouragement, notes of apology, notes of love...etc. Some examples of cards have been:

You are a wonderful father.

I love you more each day.

Have a good day at work!

Together we can get through anything.

Oh...and then there is one that I have yet to give Eric...

You pick my pajamas tonight. (Or some such nonsense like that! LOL)

Hearts at Home has these available for sale for $5.00 for the set. They also have a set for friendship and another set that is for kids.

But, really -- even without the set, just taking the time to write down some of these kinds of sentiments and slipping them in an unexpected spot would be great. I know that Eric not only loves them, but he has been saving them. What a sweetheart!

Playing around with Blogger - Opinions Wanted

I would love some opinions. I have been messing around with things tonight on a test blog.

I can't decide if I like the look of it or not. (I actually have already changed it since posting my message. LOL Now it has with more stars on it. But, I do have a less star option as well. I have also done a whole bunch of other patterns as well, but these were the ones I liked best so far.)

I also can't decide if I actually like three columns or not.

I was actually pretty set that I wanted to get a custom designed blog. But, then the person I was going to go with listed on her information that you can't use the blogger widgets, but rather have to use it like the old Blogger. And, dang it -- I like the ease of use of the widgets.

So...any feedback would be great. The test blog was just for testing and tweaking stuff before doing anything to my current blog.

thanks!!!

(Edited to Add: Never mind -- I'm done testing, and have changed this blog! WooHoo!)

Argh! We be pirates in this house!

As happens from time to time, all three of my kids (the boys will be 6 & 8 next month, and Molly is 2 1/2) all played together this afternoon. Really -- the do play together often, but it's just sometimes when they really PLAY together. They were actively engaged in a make believe scenario of them being on a ship -- with the ship being the bottom bunk of the boys' bunk bed. They were running around and laughing, and getting on their ship and sailing. It was great...but then it was short lived. And, darn it -- I was sad that they were about to stop playing.

So...I quickly grabbed a paper from the printer and drew a treasure map. Please know -- all of my art work looks like a second grader did it, and I am apt to just not draw rather than subject myself to people seeing it. But, these are my kids, and Noah is not yet a second grader technically, so I was set.

I got Jack's attention, "Arrrrr...Captain Jack! I be havin' a treasure map for ye!"

"What are you talking about, Mom?" Jack said with a scrunched up brow and his head tilted to one side.

"Here!" I shoved the map at him. "Share this with the other pirates! It be a TREASURE MAP!"

Oh! Now he got it! He started jumping up and down. He ran into the bedroom and declared, "We have a treasure map!"

The kids started to explore the map, and soon I heard some discussion. "I don't know," said Jack, "I'll ask the lady that gave it to me."

"Hey -- what are these orange things on the map?" Yes...I knew rocks weren't bright orange, but it was the markers I had to work with in the kitchen.

"They be GREAT big orange rocks. Watch out for them -- they be dangerous," I called out from the room. I then also shouted out to point out that there were trees, a lake, the ocean and the beach, a trail, and an "X" that marks the spot. As I called out to them, I thought, "I need a treasure!"

So...I went to the pantry and got three snack sized Hershey bars. I drew a big X on a piece of paper. I set the candy under the paper, and set the paper in a hiding spot.

Just then, the kids came out. We played the hot/cold game for them to try to find the X. They were thrilled to find it! And, then shocked to pick it up and find candy underneath. They laughed and laughed, and anxiously ran to the kitchen table to eat their treasure.

And, thankfully -- they also asked if *they* could make some treasure maps. They made maps for each other, and then made maps for me. Even Molly made a map!

My favorite map, though, I must admit, came from Noah. He gave it to me, then told me to close my eyes while he hid the X. We then again played the hot/cold game, and I got close to him and saw an X on top of a desk and he was underneath it. I shouted, "I FOUND THE X." He giggled wildly and then jumped out and gave me a huge kiss. "Did you like that Mom?" he said through a proud laugh, "The treasure was a kiss from me!"

Yes, Noah, I liked it very much.

Tasty Tuesday: June 26th Edition (Small Cookbook Prize!)

Sorry to be posting this late in the morning. I was going to post last night, but then didn't have any recipes near me.

*Post a Tasty Tuesday recipe on your site and link back to Many Little Blessings. Then sign in the Mister Linky below and you'll be entered to win a {name of company from whom I received a cease and desist email} prize again this week. This week's prize (and this finishes off the six weeks of prizes with Tasty Tuesday, though I will, of course, still be posting Tasty Tuesday) is a {name of company from whom I received a cease and desist email} Cookbook.

Last Week's Winner was: http://beccasblankslate.blogspot.com/

Here is my recipe for the week -- Cheddar Chicken & Rice Skillet (from Kraft Food & Family Magazine):

Ingredients:

1/2 cup Light Italian Dressing
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (1 lb), cut into strips
2 cups Minute brown rice, uncookie
1 1/4 cups fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 cups small broccoli florets
1 1/2 cups chopped tomatoes
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sliced green onions

1. Heat dressing in large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook and stir 2 minutes.

2. Stir in rice, broth, and broccoli. Bring to a boil; cover. Reduce heat to low; simmer 5 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and rice is tender. Let stand covered for 5 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.

3. Add tomatoes, cheese, and onions; stir until blended.

Makes 4 servings of 1 1/2 cups each. (Calories per serving 440)

Menu Plan Monday: June 25th Edition

I am continuing with trying to see if I can hold out on grocery shopping until Eric gets paid again. Well...I *will* need to go get some milk for sure, but I'm trying to hold out on any real shopping. Wish me luck! (You'll notice that we still have several boxes from Market Day in our outside freezer)

Monday: Teriyaki Steak Kabobs & Vegetable Fried Rice (both from Market Day)

Tuesday: Chicken Pot Pie (also from Market Day)

Wednesday: Cheddar Chicken and Rice Skillet (I promise to post this recipe sometime!)

Thursday: Spaghetti (probably meatless) with homemade bread

Friday: Dinner from Out

Saturday: lunch ---> Tuna Burgers; dinner ---> Teriyaki Chicken (Yep...it's Market Day again)

Sunday: lunch ---> French Toast; dinner ---> Angel Hair Pasta with Chicken

Do you know what I would love???

Darn it...I would love a three column blog. I have yet to be succesful in figuring it out though, and would just rather that Blogger would give it as an option so that it worked with their handy system.

Sigh.

Tasty Tuesday Winner from this Week!

Just a quick note to say that the Tasty Tuesday winner from this past week (the winner of a small spreader from {name of company from whom I received a cease and desist email}) is Becca from Becca's Blank Slate! Congrats Becca!

Packages from the last three weeks all went out on Friday from the post office, now that I had all of my {name of company from whom I received a cease and desist email} goodies from my party.

Just one last week left of prizes for Tasty Tuesday. Well...I may sometimes announce a prize out of the blue, but this week will mark the 6th and last week of prizes for launching Tasty Tuesday.

Thanks to everyone that has been participating!

Little Known Facts About Me

I was tagged by my buddy Becca at Becca's Blank Slate for this meme. I decided I better do it now before I forget! LOL

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Yeah, there are actually two reasons I got my name. One, sadly, was for Angie Dickinson. LOL Apparently she was in a soap opera or show that my Mom liked. Also though, before I was born she knew someone named Angie that she thought was very nice and pretty, and it made her like the name. Of course, even though I mentioned two Angies, my name is *actually* Angela. (Although, I saw in, oh, maybe my baby book, that they had thought about calling me Angel as a nickname instead of Angie. No offense to any Angels out there -- but I'm happy they went the Angie route.)

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? I *think* it was last Friday when I watched a story on the Today Show about a Dad in Michigan who lost his son in Iraq in 2003. The segment was for Father's Day, and it was talking about what he is trying to do to honor those lost in the war from Michigan.

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? It used to be decent, but as I tend to use the computer all the time now, it looks like junk. Mind you -- I actually taught myself how to write in cursive. Impressed? My third grade teacher just sent me how with the book, as I had just moved to the state and they had already learned in second grade.

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? roast beef

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? three (two boys and a girl)

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? I have no idea. This is quite frankly a pretty difficult question. I mean -- seriously. How in the world do I know? I mean...yeah...I think I would be a good person to be friends with -- I think I am kind, genuine, giving, and funny. But, perhaps people actually find me grating, moody, and difficult. Hard to tell. ;)

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM ALOT? A day without sarcasm is like a day without sunshine

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Absolutely not

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Frosted Flakes, Frosted Mini-Wheats, Corn Pops, or Rice Chex -- though, I don't usually eat cereal

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? No -- especially not when I wear sandals ;)

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? In spirit -- yes, sometimes, In actual physical strength -- no

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Almond Joy (from a local place), in general -- I would get Mint Chocolate Chip

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Their face

15. RED OR PINK? Pink

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? My body

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My family that lives far away

18. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? No shoes and flowered pajama capri pants

19. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? A Chocolate Chocolate Chip Puddin' Cake from Market Day (But, I didn't actually want to eat it. I forgot to take a medicine with dinner that has to be with food. And, since they threatened me with an ulcer if I didn't take it with food, I wanted to find something heavy to take it with.)

20. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? The Tonight Show

21. IF YOU WHERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Something obnoxiously bright or obnoxiously named -- something like chartreuse or perhaps something with the same name as the paint that used to be in our den -- radiant orchid

22. FAVORITE SMELLS? Something sweet -- like baked goods

23. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My Mom

24. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Yes

25. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? None

26. HAIR COLOR? Auburn (thank you, Clariol) Without my dear friend Clariol and my favorite beautician Janelle, it was a dishwater blonde/light brown kind of combo. It was actually just about the same as my kids. Although, I have had my hair colored for so long that I have had this hair color for longer than I have *had* my kids. LOL Heck...I have relatives that don't even remember this isn't real. ;)

27. EYE COLOR? Blue-grey

28. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? No (I do wear glasses though)

29. FAVORITE FOOD? Cheeseburger

30. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy endings

31. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? A couple of weeks ago, we watched both Music and Lyrics and Akeelah and the Bee

32. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? A flowered pajama top (that matches the capris)

33. SUMMER OR WINTER? I'll say summer, but I don't prefer either. Fall is my favorite. (You could say Autumn is my middle name. Well...because it is. So, it would be true.)

34. HUGS OR KISSES? It all depends on who they are from

35. FAVORITE DESSERT? Cherry Torte

36. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? I don't know

37. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Hard to tell

38. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING: Currently looking through Fresh Ideas in Decoupage

39. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? No mouse pad -- I have an optical mouse

40. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON T.V. LAST NIGHT? Technically, since it is now Friday as I write this (LOL), "last night" I watched Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip

41. FAVORITE SOUND? My kids being sweet to each other

42. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Beatles

43. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? London, England

44. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? Not that I'm aware of

45. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Madison, WI

46. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK? Any/all of them!

Okay...so...who to tag?!?

I will tag Aimee, Barbara, Rosemary, Sharon, and...anyone who might be reading who really wants to join in!

Did I *mention* that I have a phone phobia?

Oh yes...I *did* mention that before! Anyway -- do you know what I just had to do? I sat down and made right around 10 (or maybe 11) phone calls to let people know that their {name of company from whom I received a cease and desist email} stuff had arrived at my house. In the amount of time it took me to do that, I drank two full glasses of water as well, and had to be doodling the entire time.

It's such a stupid phobia, but I still hate it anyway. Augh!

Oh, I will add that I did share my phobia with the gals that I get together with once a month. But, I forgot I told them. So, when I had to call one of them (who admitted that she also is like that), the first words out of her mouth were, "Why are you calling me???" LOL

I suppose it's nice to have friends who appreciate us -- quirks and all.

Works for Me Wednesday: Fisher Price-a-palooza

We don't have a playroom in our house. Our playroom is the room we also like to more commonly call "the living room." This means that at various times of the day, we clean everything up before people drag stuff into the living room again. Otherwise though, the toys all live in kids' bedrooms.

Every so often, I like to have what I think of as a Fisher Price-a-palooza. We have spent lots of money (or other people have through gifts) on all kinds of Fisher Price playsets and people. So, sometimes I pull out our couple of buckets of FP people, vehicles, etc and plop them down right in the middle of the living room. And, then I line the living room with different playsets (the house, the farm, the zoo, the old 1974 castle, the big Discovery City with the roadway that moves in a circle, and so on), and I just don't worry about how it looks in the living room for the day.

Something about having it all out just inspires all the kids to get down and do a lot of pretend play. And, sure -- some of the kids play with it longer than others. The almost eight year old plays for only a short time, while the two year old is at it much longer. But, still -- everyone has fun and it makes for a different and interesting day. And, really -- this tip could carry over to just about any kinds of themed playsets.

We Celebrated Our 11th Wedding Anniversary!

I didn't get a chance to post on our actual anniversary (since we had family in town), and then I forgot to post about it. LOL

On June 8th, Eric and I have officially been married for 11 years. This means that I have been married to him for more than a third of my life. Wow!

I heard this song not too long ago, and I could help but think of him. Love you sweetie!


- Brandi Carlile Lyrics

Tasty Tuesday: June 19th Edition

*Post a Tasty Tuesday recipe on your site and link back to Many Little Blessings. Then sign in the Mister Linky below and you'll be entered to win a {name of company from whom I received a cease and desist email} prize again this week. I can't remember exactly which item it is -- I *think* it is a spreader of some sort. (My {name of company from whom I received a cease and desist email} boxes will be arriving tomorrow!)

Last Week's Winner was: A Juggling Mum's Food Blog

Here is my recipe for the week -- Honey Mustard Steak

I got this meal from a Family Circle Magazine in 2005. I made modifications to it though. I'll type out the recipe as they give it, and then I'll fill you in on what I did differently.

Ingredients:

1 pkg (6 ounces) wild-and-white rice pilaf mix
1 1/2 lbs sirloin steak, 1 inch thick
1/2 cup honey mustard
2 tsp freshly ground steak-house seasoning
1 bunch asparagus

Directions:

1. Prepare rice pilaf mix according to package directions, cooking for about 20 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, heat gas grill to medium-high or prepare charcoal grill with medium-hot coals. Brust both sides of sirloin liberally with 1/4 cup of the honey mustard. Sprinkle both sides with seasoning. Set aside.
3. Trim ends of asparagus; brush lightly with 1 tablespoon of the honey mustard. Place on grill and cook about 5 minutes, turning to prevent burning. Remove and set aside.
4. Add sirloin to grill and cook 4 minutes pre side, turning once. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
5. To serve, cut asparagus into 1 inch pieces. Stir into pilaf along with remaining 3 tablespoons honey mustard. Slice sirloin acroos the grain. Serve over pilaf.

Now...on to *my* modifications.

First off -- we just totally left off the "steak-house seasoning." No desire for it. LOL

Second -- we don't like asparagus. So, we used chopped frozen broccoli and just steamed it until it was done. Then, we put it in with the pilaf.

Third -- we actually grilled the steak inside on a George Foreman grill.

Okay...now it's your turn!

Menu Plan Monday: June 18th Edition

I'm much later posting my menu plan this week. This cold has just gotten the better of me, I fear. I finally mostly have my voice back, but it was accompanied by a nasty cough. Augh!

You may notice a trend on my menu this week. I haven't been grocery shopping lately, and I'm mostly trying to clear out some of what we have in the house. I will be trying to do this over the next couple of weeks, I think. Not that it's not good to have stuff in the fridge/freezer/pantry to grab as needed, but sometimes it's also nice to just move things out. (I once had a friend from Chile who helped us move and she was amazed at all the food we just had sitting in our pantry and fridge/freezer. I have to admit, I felt particularly excessive at the moment when she pointed it out.)

Monday: Food from Out (didn't you hear -- it is officially "Do Nothing Day!" After almost two weeks of constant "doing," today is a day to do nothing)

Tuesday: Kids' Choice!

Wednesday: Cheddar Chicken & Rice Skillet

Thursday: Tuna Pasta Salad and Homemade Bread

Friday: Chicken Pot Pie (from Market Day)

Saturday: lunch ---> Cobb Salads; dinner ---> Food from Out

Sunday: lunch ---> French Toast; dinner ---> French Dip (from Market Day)

Oh...and the Honey Mustard Steak from last week was tasty! I'll post it for my Tasty Tuesday recipe tomorrow!

How do we know God is real when we can't see Him?

This was the question I posed to my Vacation Bible School kids on Thursday morning. The theme for the day was to BELIEVE. We had talked about how many things are easier to do when you can actually see them. But, sometimes, you have to have faith and believe in things you can't see.

So...I asked the kids (all just having finished up kindergarten) to ponder how we know God is real, even though we can't see Him.

The very first child who I called on answered, "Because they told us that in church." Admittedly, that made me chuckle just a little.

I then asked a variety of questions to try to pump them for more answers. One of the children then said, "Because God gave us love." I thought that was sweet.

But, even sweeter was when little Emma quietly raised her hand. She has been one of the quietest of the children this week. Often, when she wanted to say something, she would speak so softly that I had to lean in and it was like she was talking to only me. However, this time, although she still looked so serene, she also looked so very sure of her words, which were spoken with all the force she had as she motioned to us all sitting on the old wooden school floor and said, "Because God is with us...right here...right now." I have to admit, I wasn't even sure what I wanted to say. Her young eyes had scanned around the whole circle as if she was letting anyone who might doubt that truth know -- He really was in that room with us.

I wish I could say that I had something wonderful to say after she made her decree, but I didn't. All I could do was smile and nod as I looked into her face and saw her sureness, I replied, "Yes, Emma, He really is." And, I believed it. At that moment, I knew God really was in that room with us. And I knew that He was speaking to us through a quiet, pig-tailed girl named Emma.

I'll be back soon!

Vacation Bible School is almost done, and hopefully our week next week should be a little less hectic. Just a note to say -- I'm still around, but just darn tired! (And with very little voice as of last night!)

Oh...and the 50% off all items in my Autumn Daisy Studio ends tonight at 11:59 pm EST, so if you haven't had a chance to check out the stuff yet or take advantage of the great sale, make sure to go do so soon! Thanks!

WFMW: Calendar Pages for All Kinds of Uses!

This link has already been in my side bar (way down near the bottom) for just about as long as this blog has been around. But, it is easy to overlook (or not scroll all the way down to). And, as I was using these printable calendars this weekend to write out my menu plan, I thought, "I bet lots of people could really use these! They definitely warrant being a 'Works for Me Wednesday!'"

Click here to go to the online printable calendar! You can print them out in a variety of sizes, layouts, and languages!

Like I said, I use them for writing out my monthly menu plans. I can see so many things they could be used for though! Hey...for that matter...if someone is inspired to use them a certain way, feel free to share in the comments!

Tasty Tuesday: Gone Fishing

Okay...haven't really gone fishing, but the Vacation Bible School theme is the "Great Bible Reef" (get it -- like the Great Barrier Reef?). I'll still post the Mister Linky, but I'm skipping out on my recipe because I'm just too darn tired!

Remember -- still random prizes through June, so this week will be a {name of company from whom I received a cease and desist email} Mini Serving Spatula! It will ship (just like last week's prize) after my {name of company from whom I received a cease and desist email} order comes in from my party. (Hey...there is still just about two days to order from my party, if anyone is interested!)

50% off sale in my etsy shop through Thursday night!

50% off all items in my shop through 11:59 pm EST on this Thursday night (June 14th). More details can be found at my etsy store -- Autumn Daisy Studio.

No special reason for the sale -- I had a busy weekend with the {name of company from whom I received a cease and desist email} party at my house and relatives in town, and I'm now on the 1st day of five days of teaching Vacation Bible School. So...I'm a bit stressed (although, of course, I *did* have a great time at my parent and with my relatives), but a good sale is always fun. Since I don't have money to go out shopping (did I mention that my wonderful husband managed to *hit* my parents car this weekend as well? LOL), I might as well have the sale myself!

Menu Plan Monday: June 11th Edition

Here it is, once again -- Menu Plan Monday!

Monday: Popcorn Shrimp

Tuesday: Taquitos (prepared from frozen) and Spanish Rice

Wednesday: Roast with Potatoes and Carrots (crockpot)

Thursday: Honey Mustard Steak

Friday: Teriyaki Steak Kabobs (from Market Day) -- this might be the third time I have had these on the menu without eating them. LOL

Saturday: lunch --> Sandwiches & Chips; dinner ---> Food from Out

Sunday: lunch --> French Toast; dinner ---> Grill Out Burgers

Oh...really quick...here is the Tasty Tuesday Winner...

As usual, I like to ask someone in the house for a number to pick the winner. This time, I had a much easier time, since I just told my to-be 8th grade nephew, "Give me a number from one to nine, and it can include one or nine as well." This, apparently, brought about a lot of thought. Finally, he settled on two.

So...the big winner is Barbara from Bless Us O Lord (also of Praying for Grace and Prayerful Beads)!

Congrats, Barbara!

Family is in town!

I'll be away for a few days while I have some family in town staying with us.

Oh...and just a reminder, if you want to order from my {name of company from whom I received a cease and desist email} party (that's why my sister is in town -- she is the consultant), just leave a comment with your email address and I'll send you the link to shop online. Don't worry -- I will then not publish your comment so -- don't worry your email address won't actually go into my comments section.

Have a great weekend!

Eight Things About Me Meme

Rosemary at A Catholic Mother's Thoughts tagged me with this meme a few weeks ago. I finally decided "just do it already, Angie!" So, here it is!

Here are the rules:“Here are the rules: Each player lists 8 facts/habits about themselves. The rules of the game are posted at the beginning before those facts/habits are listed. At the end of the post, the player then tags 8 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.”

1. I met my husband when I was a freshman in high school and he was a junior (although we are just 17 months & 3 days apart in age). We met because he started dating my best friend after asking her to dance at a dance that was held the weekend before school started that year. About six months after they broke up, he and I started dating. (Only to break up about a month later, and then get back together a month or so after that. Ha!) Oh...and for those wondering, she was the maid of honor at our wedding, and I was the matron of honor at her wedding. (Hubbers was a groomsman at her wedding.)

2. I hate to call people on the phone. Seriously. Except for my Mom and Eric, I hate to call people. And, it's not so much that I don't like to talk on the phone, I just don't enjoy actually calling someone. And, sometimes, I don't like answering the phone. I don't know why. I have a big phone phobia. So -- if I know you personally and you wonder why I don't call -- that's why. And, really...this is EVERYONE except my Mom and Eric. It's my siblings, the pizza place, friends, neighbors, whatever. EVERYONE.

3. I used to say (before kids) that I wanted to have five kids. Eric said he wanted two. (Is it a coincidence that I am from a big family and he is from a small one?) We have three kids. And, I have to admit, after we started having kids, I always imagined we'd have four. Although we're done, I don't feel done.

4. I used to drink tons of Mountain Dew until I started trying to lose weight last year. Then, I knew I had to switch to diet, and just couldn't manage to do Diet Mt. Dew. So, now I drink lots of Diet Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper. I know I should drink lots of water, but I mostly drink soda, and then some water. LOL

5. I have owned a photography (portrait photography) business for just over two years. I have recently decided to close my business, because I have found that it takes too much time away from my family. As I told someone, "Even when I am home, I'm not *home.*" I will continue to do scenic photography, which I really enjoy. (I sell art photography, as well as other crafty stuff in my Etsy shop -- the Autumn Daisy Studio.)

6. Eric and I prayed and read A LOT last spring and decided to become Catholic. (This is probably not news to regular readers. LOL) After nine months in RCIA, our whole family (all five of us) was received into the Catholic Church in April 2007 (at the Easter Vigil Mass). And, here I am -- Catholic for not even two months, and I have already since managed to help plan the spring ladies event and will be teaching Vacation Bible School this month. Whew! As I told Eric, "If we're in, we're all in. If we're doing this, we WILL be active in the parish." One of us has been more active than the other one.

7. This week, Eric and I will celebrate our 11th wedding anniversary. This means that I have now spent more than a third of my life married to him (yes, I was married at 19), and actually have been with him (dating or married) for HALF my life! Wow! (And...shhh...don't tell, but I think this is cute -- I'm the only girl he has ever kissed. I, on the other hand, was very free with kisses, it would seem, during middle school and my first year of high school before dating him.)

8. I have attended seven years of college. Whew! I have a bachelor's degree (B.A.) in elementary education (that one took me five years -- no summer classes the whole time -- LOL) and a master's degree (M.S.Ed.) in special education (that one took two years, but summer classes both summers).

So...I'm going to cheat and not actually tag anyone, because so many people have done this one. If you are reading this and haven't done it before, consider yourself tagged!

WFMW: The "Mom -- I'm Bored!" Edition

This week is a themed Works for Me Wednesday at Rocks in My Dryer. This theme is for things to do when the kids declare they are bored during the summer.

My idea is one that *does* involve a parent, but it is fun for me (usually). When my kids start to get irritable and glassy-eyed from too many computer and video games. I grab a glass of water (for when I start needing it), grab a fun and easy chapter book (or sometimes just a stack of picture books -- like Click, Clack, Moo: Cows that Type), and I sit down and start reading aloud. (My kids love when I grab a Captain Underpants book or a Ricky Ricotta book.)

Sometimes, I say, "Okay, everyone stop what you're doing and come over here." And, other times, I just start reading aloud. Either way, everyone tends to end up around me, and we all have a nice, relaxing time.

Contest for a $25 JoAnn Fabrics Gift Card

Be sure to visit The Wooden Porch for a contest to win a $25 JoAnn Fabrics gift card!!!

Good luck!

Tasty Tuesday: June 5th Edition (and Prize!)

Sorry to be posting this so darn late into the morning. I slept for 14 hours last night. Yes, that is a one and a four together. Was I sick? No. Did I have the flu? No. Was I just tired and have a nice husband? Yes.

So...scroll down for the Mister Linky (to link to a Tasty Tuesday recipe on your blog) and to read about the prize choices for today.

Here is my recipe (that I got from a Quick Cooking Magazine quite a while ago):

Tuna Burgers

Ingredients:

6 hard boiled eggs, chopped

2 cans tuna (6 oz each), drained and flaked

1 cup (4 oz) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 cup chopped green pepper (**Angie note: I left these out)

1/2 cup chopped onion

3/4 tsp garlic salt (**yep -- left this out too - LOL)

3/4 tsp pepper

1 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing

8 Kaiser rolls, split

Directions:

In a bowl, combine eggs and tuna. Add the cheese, green pepper, onion, garlic salt, and pepper; mix well. Stir in the mayonnaise. Spoon about 1/2 cup onto each roll; wrap individually in heavy-duty foil. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes or until heated through. Yield: 8 servings.

***Prizes***

Okay...so with my {name of company from whom I received a cease and desist email} party coming up, you have your choice of four of my favorite small things from {name of company from whom I received a cease and desist email}. The winner will tell me their preference, and I'll order it for them at my party this weekend.

Here are your choices: {links to a company from whom I received a cease and desist email}

Great Catholic Father's Day Gift!

I just visited the Prayerful Beads blog, and I saw a beautiful Sacred Heart of Jesus and Ebony Bead Rosary. Barbara commented on her blog that this would be a great gift for Father's Day, and I couldn't agree more. Perhaps, just maybe...I even know someone who is getting something like this (but not exactly this one) for Father's day. (Although if you have time to scroll around on Prayerful Beads, you might find out what I am talking about!)

Menu Plan Monday: June 4th Edition

My menu plan for this week is a bit lacking, but that's because we are going to be having company! (Oh...and I'm going to be having a {name of company from whom I received a cease and desist email} party! If anyone wants to order online through my party, just let me know in the comments section and I'll get the info to you!!!)



Since it is my sister and her boys coming to visit, I'm not sure if we will be eating some meals from out, having a meal at our parents house, etc. But, since I plan a month at a time, I can plan something quickly if we end up eating at home one night, so it's all good.



Monday: Asian flavored chicken and broccoli



Tuesday: Beans and Cornbread



Wednesday: French Dip (from Market Day)



Thursday - Sunday: We'll just have to wait and see because of our aforementioned company

Stealing flowers from the cemetery

Jack has been looking forward to going to the small farmer's market not too far from our home (maybe a 10 minute drive) that is once a week. I promised him that once school was out, we would go. And, so one evening this past week, we were able to go. Just me and Jack. (He was thrilled, and even declared it to be "special time just for us.")

On the way, we passed a cemetery. Jack instantly noticed it. It is one of those newer ones that has all flat stones. What caught his eyes were all the flowers and flags. It was quite a sight just after Memorial Day. On the way to the Farmer's Market, we talked about cemeteries -- what they were for, etc.

After our trip to the Farmer's Market (where we got homemade rolls and a cookie, as well as some kettle corn), I decided that perhaps we would stop at the cemetery.

As we pulled up, I tried to remember which particular drive I wanted to go down. I wanted to take Jack to a particular area. And, to my amazement -- I actually remembered the right way. (There are a few entrances all on the same side.)

I took Jack to the small stone that was difficult to find, with grass trying to grow over it. I showed him the stone that had a depiction of a puppy under a tree and with dates that were not even two week apart. I explained to him that sometimes when babies are born, they are just too sick. And, sometimes -- even babies die. Jack has grown in the past year to have a better understanding of death. I'm sure he still doesn't understand it really, but he doesn't go crazy at the mention of it anymore. He takes more comfort in the idea of Heaven. Anyway, I went on to tell him that before his Daddy was born, his Daddy had a brother who was just too sick, and who went to Heaven when he was just a little baby. Jack looked very seriously, and we talked a bit about it. Jack felt bad that Daddy didn't get to play with his brother. And, then Jack was ready to move on. He asked to see where Daddy's grandpa was, since I had mentioned he was there as well.

We moved to that stone, and we talked some about how this was his great-grandpa, but he went to Heaven long before Jack was born. We also then talked about why some of the stones had two people's names on them. It made me nervous to explain to Jack why one of his great-grandmother's names was on that stone, even though she is still living. But, he was okay with my explanation, and he thought it was nice that people wanted to be by each other since they were married.

And, then Jack decided he wanted to walk some more. He asked about people's names, and if they were married. He wanted to know which side was the girl and which side was the boy (if I hadn't read the names to him yet). He wanted to know if both people of a married couple had passed away or if one was still alive. It was kind of surreal how calmly he was talking about it, considering the outburst he had had at the beginning of religious education this past year when Fr. Dan had come and talk to his class about Heaven.

While we were walking, Jack found two pink carnation blossoms (well -- not real ones...more like ones off of a Walmart graveside floral arrangement) far from any of the headstones. He picked them up, and I looked around to see where they might belong. I said, "Go put them over there by Dorothy, since she has ones that look like that" (I had already told him her name from her grave stone), even though I couldn't see any empty spots in the pink carnation heart by her stone. He looked disappointed. I figured he was hoping to take these home with him.

Finally, as he begrudgingly set them by her stone, he looked up at me and said, "But what about Dad's brother and grandpa? They don't have flowers." I thought for a moment about this, and then decided that if they really did belong to Dorothy's arrangement (though it didn't appear they did), I thought she wouldn't mind. I told Jack that it was a nice idea.

He carefully set one flower top each on his uncle's tiny stone and next to his great-grandpa's name on the large stone nearby, as he then jumped away toward the van, declaring that we would have to "go tell Dad who we visited."

How have I already lost track of days?

Jack has been out of school since last Friday and Noah has been out of school since this past Wednesday. And, already...I have lost track of days. Now, don't get me wrong, I am loving to have them home, but because our schedule has been different, I have totally lost track of days already.

I have also been working hard (and adding lots of new stuff) on my online store -- be sure to check it out if you haven't before. So, I think that has added to the losing track of days.

And...I also *finally* organized all of my loose recipes that I have pulled out of magazines, printed off from online, etc. I now have a one inch binder FULL of recipes. Now...I just need to start being able to move more from the "to try" sections into the "tried and true" sections!

Winner of This Week's Tasty Tuesday...

I did my very scientific method of number picking again this week. I asked Molly this time though. Molly, however, was no help. She just kept counting, "1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7." Okay...no good.

So, I shouted out to Noah, and asked which one should be the winner. He yelled back, "SEVEN!"

Okay...thanks, Noah!

So...this winner of this week's Tasty Tuesday is Sharon at The Bird's Nest. Congrats Sharon!