So I waxed nostalgic yesterday and then asked myself, “How interesting, really, is all that? Do people care about my past life, or are they more interested in Angela’s anecdotes and my struggles with going/not going/going/not going Low-Carb. (I may be ready to blog about my nutritional struggles again…by next August…maybe…)
I also alluded to my conversion story—a story that ended after this post because I am now at the part where God’s mercy pierced through the clouds of darkness and I fell in love with what He showed me.
How do you write about such beauty? I can try, but I’ve been procrastinating.
I thought therefore that I would put the questions right back at you. What do you want to read about when you visit Minnesota Mom? Are there any stories you’d like me to tell? Any questions you have but haven’t asked yet? Any stone I’ve left unturned?
I appreciate your taking the time to comment.
All for the Greater Glory of God,
To be honest Margaret, I love to hear ALL of these things when I come visit. I like the kid quips, the daily life struggles, and, yes, your past life and your conversion. Maybe this doesn’t help you narrow things down (sorry!). One of the reasons that I love visiting your blog is that it is a wonderful reflection of so many different parts of your life as a Catholic mom. We all have that mix to one degree or another — the spiritual side, the responsibilities, the love, the laughter…. We all have stories to tell, you just tell them so well and with so much love! So even when we may not have the same struggle or the same life or the same history, we can share. Thank you for that!
I’d love to hear how you get through homeschooling during the long winter months, and if you get lonely homeschooling. I’ve thought a lot about you this winter, and I can’t imagine winter being any longer than it is now. I don’t know if I could get through it. It seems a lot of homeschooling families seem happy with being at home, and as much as I love my kids and my family, there are days where I want to call it quits (more than less) and send them all to school. That way I could meet friends for coffee and be around other adults. But then, I would know that I wasn’t doing what I should be doing, and I’d have to live with the guilt. So, sorry for my long story. I’d love to hear if it’s the same for you, especially since I know you struggle with depression sometimes.
I agree with ELizabeth M –
When you go to a restuarant do you just order a side dish? Or do you want the full experience of the chef and restaurant? His freshest appetizer, a flavorful entree and memorable dessert, that’s the experience I want. A little bit of it all. (Even a drink to make us tipsy and laugh!)
All the types of posts you mention make up YOUR VOICE, MArgaret. And I would be disappointed if you lost your voice. 🙂
So, my vote is for you to be a TOP CHEF and “bring it!”
You ladies are sweet and you make me smile. I’m really not fishing for compliments here (though, thank you, they’re very nice) but rather, a way to focus my writing and make the best possible use of my blog time.
I am also trying to work up the courage to tell the rest of my conversion story, provided there’s still an interest.
I love all the honesty truly. You have such a real blog that is why I come back. Your faith is the thing that shines through it all…so finish that conversion story. i also like to hear about food. What can I say?
I rather like an eclectic mix myself; but having just posted myself about the winter doldrums, I have to agree with Jen ans say any post on how you get through this time of year would be appreciated.
Some blogs seem very professional, and I can appreciate that, but I do love the spontaneous, off-the-cuff, slice-of-life kind of blogs as well!
PS–My word verification is “woonify”…so go on, woonify me…
I love reading about the kids and family life and I mostly appreciate your refreshing honesty in your posts! I’ve never met you but you seem so “real” and so down to earth. I enjoy just being able to relate to your struggles and triumphs.
I want to hear the rest of the conversion story. I like everything you write. I’d also like to read about life in your household…from Ellie’s point of view.
I know you weren’t fishing for compliments! But you should know how we feel about what you blog so you know what we want, which is more of what you’re doing! But, yes, I have been inspired by your conversion story.
Word verification: reasin
Is this the “reason” for our comments, or our we to think about “sin” — who knows what thoughts random words will spark! 😉
A long time lurker peeking out to say what you’ve posted so far of your conversion story has blessed me greatly. Please write more.
But I’m tickled to peek at the rest of your life also. The mix makes a nice “quilt of snapshots.” You piece it together quite well.
Blessings,
Julie
It's all good. &:o) And I agree, I love your honesty. You put it out there like noone else, Margaret. For the record, though, I'd like to hear the story behind your move from SSPX to where you are now.
You know, I am in agreement w/ the other ladies. I like it all! I like the snippets, teh homeschooling, the struggles, the food issues, the conversion, daily life, all of it. I would LOVE to hear more about your Piux XX era, I went through a skirt only phase too and now am out of it, but it brought back memories for me and made me think: jsut the mention of it. So, more more more! Please. All of it!
I personally love hearing about your daily struggles with trying to be more holy and trying to raise holy children. It helps remind me that we are all human and that that is a constant struggle for us. I also love hearing about all the funny things that your kids do. I wouldn’t have you change anything. As my mom always told me, “I love you just the way you are.”
I came here this morning to tell you something and found this post from you!! At morning Mass I was thinking about you….Mass is at 9AM and I’d already “had a morning”. But I was trying to “sugar coat” things in my prayers. You know…pretend to God that I really AM as holy and nice and kind as I WANT to be but aren’t.
Then I remembered that He already knows that I’m not all I want to be yet but that I’m trying my hardest to be.
Then I thought of you and your blog. When you “have a day” you tell it like it is and step right back up and try your hardest to try again. You don’t “sugar coat” things to make them seem “nicer” then they are. That’s what I love about reading your blog. You’re honest in every way. You show the good and the bad; the cute and the ugly; the joys and the sorrows….and you show that they ALL lead us to God.
I don’t know if this makes sense but it uplifted me in prayer this morning. And I mean this in the best of ways. I thank you for your posts that show “real life” with no punches pulled. And I’ve been patiently waiting for you conversion story to pick up again. I can understand how hard it is to write…sometimes no words can do our faith justice!
I’m sorry for writing a blog post in your comment section!!
I look forward literally to reading everything you write…it’s that good!
I love everything you write, all of it gives us a perspective of your personality. If you only wrote about one specific thing, it just would not be the same. I love all of it!
I think everyone should just write what THEY want. You know people will read.
Write what you want, write what’s on your mind. That’s why we blog, right?
Dog stories and converstion stories…my favorite! Of course the day to day of being a mom to kids and finding out you are having another is exciting. Just do what you have been doing. I come also to read all the comments…learning a lot!
Honestly I like reading of your conversion. I am a convert always trying to learn more about this choice I made almost 12 years ago now. I still don’t know lots of things, but love what I learn. Reading here gives me the opportunity to learn and enjoy this path I’ve chosen.
Thank you and know that God has chosen you to be a light to those of us who come and read often. 🙂
I just love reading anything you write. You’re one of my very favorite bloggers. You could make toasting bread a joy to read about.
Just keep hittin’ the keys Margaret! That’s all I ask! I find your writing excellent, entertaining, and educational. Bring it!!
I enjoy it all! My favorite story, however, is the Payless Shoe Lady story. I cried with laughter and tears and I think about what you said about accepting grace. I can relate to a lot of your past, I am the same age as you are and had somewhat of a wild time in high school and college. Your blog just reasonates with me. Thank you.
Jennifer
Now is a good time to say thanks for what you do write about. I like it all. The conversion is such a good reminder of God’s goodness and forgiveness. It is such an inspiration to me to read about your life as a wife, mother and person(both ups and downs) because we all have them. I would also like to homeschool so it’s good to see what it might be like. Thanks!
I love the mix too. Someone mentioned they wanted to hear about how you came out of the SSPX, well I’d also like to know how you got involved in the first place. Also, as a new homeschooler, I’m always interested in what curriculum or other resources people have used and whats any good. And who among us doesn’t love a good conversion story! Can’t wait to read the ending.
I come here because I like reading your writing. You write very well and I can always get something good. Sometimes edifying, sometimes humor, sometimes tears. It’s all good. Love to you!
I enjoy reading everything you write! I don’t come here with any expectations other than to see what’s going on in your house. Your conversion story helps me to think about my story and the ways in which God calls us through our experiences, even many years later. I love your sense of humor and reading about your homeschooling. Even though I don’t homeschool, we do send our kids to Catholic school and I like to do extra things at home with them.
So, don’t change a thing. We love it all!
I like it all.
I really like your stories about the daily Homeschool life, your honesty is so inspiring, and I can’t wait for the rest of your conversion story.
Keep it up Margaret. I love to hear all the great kid funny things, the struggles and the triumphs. I look forward to everything. I also look forward to homeschooling thoughts. Sometimes it can get lonely even with all the kids around, so I enjoy my ‘mom’ moments catching up.
PS Margaret, was there a mom named Tracy at the Day of Renewal?–a blogger….. Just wondering.
Yesterday’s post was great. I loved you speaking positively of the SSPX (I am not a traditionalist, but I have heard a lot of bashing lately), I LOVE St. Thomas, and I loved about you and your husband making each other happy. I also like hearing stories about your kids (especially Angela because she is about the same age as my son), books you like (Fancy Nancy), housekeeping and diet struggles, homeschooling, getting sad or depressed, and I LOVE your conversion story. What I don’t like about it though, is that um, I don’t know. Probably just your blogging breaks. 😉
Everything! You are a fabulous, witty and engaging writer. I’ve never been bored yet, and I’ve learned a lot along the way. Good Show! Nikki
Margaret,
I am really enjoying getting to know you and your family through your writing. I am not officially a mom yet, but REALLY REALLY want to be.
What I would love to read about is how you make homeschooling work for you and your family. Why did you originally chose to do it? How to you make it work financially?
I was home-schooled through third grade, and then went to public, and finally private Christian school, so I am a really good case study. 🙂 I would absolutely love to home school someday, but am unsure how to convince my husband that we can make it work.
Thanks for being so transparent.
Hannah
I’ve asked this question and not received any specific answer because people (apparently) love me as I am. And I love you (and your blog) just as you are. I suppose, though, your history is most interesting to me because I gain insight on how to raise my own children. I think your faith story is unique and powerful. Mine is super boring, so to see what paths we traveled to arrive in this place is interesting to me. I love how real and vulnerable you make yourself on your blog (even though people can be harsh about that). It’s so easy to make it seem as though we all have it all together – it’s a braver choice to show our struggles.
I definitely want to hear more about your conversion story (I LOVE to hear how God works in other people’s lives! Every story is so fascinating and so different.)
And I love the daily homeschooling mom stuff as well. As a homeschooling mom of 7 kids 11 and under, I need all the hope and inspiration I can get!
I can’t do anything fun with my word verification (“hersket”), but I can say that “verification” reminds me of “validation,” which is the name of the great short movie I put up on my blog (thanks to Happy Catholic). It just made me smile! It makes you want to run out and tell everyone how wonderful they are!
I look forward to your conversion story, mostly because it hits pretty close to home. I also love hearing about your struggles as a mom, with pride, ect. I am very prideful and it’s refreshing for me to read someone who is so frank. It helps me look at myself a little closer as well. Many other bloggers seem to sugarcoat their lives, probably mostly out of charity, but it’s good for me to know that I’m not the only one who struggles sometimes. I love hearing about your kiddos, and your life. It’s like you invite us in for a few minutes. To be honest, yours is one of my favorite blogs. (I’m guilty of skimming others’ long posts, but you have a way with words and make it fun to read). I wouldn’t change the way you blog, or the things you write about.
I enjoy your all aspects of your blog. Your family life,spiritual life and your past. It is all a nice read and also uplifting. Keep doing what your doing. It’s all interesting and enjoyable. Lorraine
It’s all of it that makes you REAL. I don’t hyperventilate when I come here, unlike some of the more perfect snapshots out there.
I have noticed that when a blogger starts writing for a certain audience, they can start sounding women’s magaziny, or simply lose their luster.
I don’t know that I can add much, but what I appreciate most about your blog is that it reminds me of you. We met in person for really quite a short time, but I enjoyed the time very much. Your blog is a continuation of getting to know you. I don’t think there’s much you can, or should, change.
I do look forward to reading about your family with a new baby, though! I imagine baby’s arrival will bring enough change.
Dear Margaret,
I love coming to you for whatever your day provides. Isn’t that how it should be? No matter if I hear something new – about Bishop Williamson – or get a chuckle from “Angela” relieving herself on your dresser (“who does that”) I feel like my day starts better when it starts with you.
God Bless,
Karen
I enjoy reading everything you right Margaret! Although I’m not a homeschooling Mom, I still enjoy reading about it, and know I never could have done it. We are all called to do different things. I was a stay at home Mom for 20 odd years. Then I finally went back to teaching, which I have been doing for the past 6 years. (In a Catholic School) A lot of the things you write about used to happen in my house when my kids were little. It gives me a good chuckle!
I love to pop in and see what is on your mind, so keep on writing. But I do agree with Jen, I am dealing with the winter blues, mixed with pregnancy hormones. So maybe how you cope with the real cold would be nice.
Hi Margaret
Yeah, I like it all. Your blog is real and you say what you think and your kids are gorgeous. My girls are grown up now and I love hearing the funny things your guys say and do. Your blog makes me laugh and cry. The homeschooling fascinates me. I’m not Catholic but I like reading about you and your faith.
I feel like I’m going through this pregnancy with you and can’t wait to see the beautiful end result!
Margaret, just keep on going!
Sincerely – Joolz
Just going to toss out my agreement with your other readers here – I love it all. 🙂 I’m looking forward to hearing the rest of your conversion story too…
~Jenny
word verification — chicroom 🙂
you shouldn’t change a thing! your posts are honest, joy-filled, humorous, and full of faith.
i just SO enjoy your blog.
have loved the conversion story thus far, have loved the kid quips, have loved hearing about your marriage, your blessings, your faults, your past, present, and future!… all of it!
and have especially loved hearing about this pregnancy! i’ve prayed for you so!
keep it up! blessings and prayers!
It took a long time to scroll through all of the comments to be able to post mine! I haven’t read you from the beginning so you may have posted this before. But I’m wondering if you were a cradle Catholic and if, what lead you away. I only ask this,because I was and I stopped practicing and returned. Although I do love to hear stories of perfect faith from childhood on, it is also nice to hear of people overcoming adversity.
I also love day to day homeschooling stories. Your writing style makes me feel as if I know you.
It took a long time to scroll through all of the comments to be able to post mine! I haven’t read you from the beginning so you may have posted this before. But I’m wondering if you were a cradle Catholic and if, what lead you away. I only ask this,because I was and I stopped practicing and returned. Although I do love to hear stories of perfect faith from childhood on, it is also nice to hear of people overcoming adversity.
I also love day to day homeschooling stories. Your writing style makes me feel as if I know you.
Margaret…
Someone early on in these comments mentioned your honesty. That’s why I’m here. I come because you don’t shy away from talking about your struggles, your shortcomings, from your fears. You are real and that’s so many ladies love to visit you. I feel comfortable here. I feel like I am welcomed here and feel at home.
You are a talented writer and you make me laugh. You encourage me in my faith and remind me that it’s ok if I’m not perfect.
Thank you and as far as I’m concerned….you can write about ANYTHING you want, I’ll still drop by everyday!
Hi Margaret, I’m a long time reader (but not a blogger) since your CCL article. I would love to hear more Catholic marriage insights!
Well, you had darn well better just keep writing about all of it or we’ll be forced to invade your home and read your diary.
Margaret:
Your writing is focused. You share yourself…your ups and downs. Ins and outs. The nitty-gritty and the nutty. The sweet and funny.
Your writing is focused, you have a category. Motherhood. You pretty much stick to that subject…I haven’t seen you waver hardly an inch from sharing your day to day life. As one blogger to another, there are only a few I read everyday and only three I read while drinking my coffee. You’re one of them. My morning visit with you is like coffee with a good friend, the kind of conversation that you just don’t get anywhere else…that’s what you offer.
Finish that conversion story. Someone out there needs to read it and I’m quite sure the Holy Spirit is prompting this. An audience of one is more than enough for that particular piece. God bless you for your unfailing honesty and willingness to share little glimpses into your life, with others!
What color do you paint your toenails and why?
Do you snore? (never mind, I remember)
Have you ever been skinnydippin’ in one of the Great Lakes?
Have you started your quilt block yet?
When are you coming to Ohio?
I think that’s all.
I really wanted to be #50.
Just let the Spirit lead you, darlin’. We all love you no matter what you write. And we love reading anything and everything you write. So relax and enjoy the ride.
And tell us your story.
Hi Margaret! Yes, to all of the above! Something else that I am not sure has been mentioned – book reviews. I always enjoy learning about good fiction and non-fiction books. I enjoy your mentions of what you are reading – aka “The Friday Night Knitting Club”, or St. Josemaria Escriva writings, etc. Thanks for doing what you do – you are a great source of encouragement. God Bless!
As a non-homeschooler, I enjoy your stories about homeschooling. I like that you don’t complain about homeschooling (why do it if you don’t like it?). I also like that you don’t make it sound like you are above it all, have only saint like children and listen to Church music 24/7. Thanks for keeping it real!
Hi, Margaret E!
I know you from your SM College time! I would love to hear about that part of your life, and of course, the last segment of your conversion story.
I love your writing.
God bless!
Louise (Djalaih’s friend)
I like that you homeschool, but your blog is not about homeschooling – curriculum details and such. Like so many others, I appreciate your honesty. It is so helpful to see others admit that they messed up (with the kids, husband, cooking) but humbly ask for forgiveness, pick themselves up and try again, laugh about it. I need to read those things.
I like whatever it is I find her, and I like that there’s variety and that sometimes I just never know what I will find. 🙂 And I have never told my conversion story, and if/when I ever start, it will take me at least as long as it’s taking you, so don’t feel badly, dear Margaret. (Sort of mixing up comments for two different posts there, but time is short and I knew you’d understand.) 🙂