Minnesota Mom

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Hunkering down in the hope of hearing Him

by Filed Under: Blogging, Lent, Minnesota Me, Spiritual Growth Leave a Comment

You know what was really beautiful? Seeing the shining eyes and the flashing dimples of my 7-year-old as he emerged from the confessional on Saturday evening. What was funny was the way he then confided to me—in hushed whispers—that “Father said he likes emptying the dishwasher!” My son seemed so surprised by this.Myself, I was smiling to reflect … [Read more...]

The Loveliness of Our Beloved Pope

by Filed Under: Blogging, Cultural Commentary, Minnesota Me 5 Comments

“Now there are a variety of gifts but the same Spirit…” (I Corinthians 12:4)When I blogged about my participation in World Youth Day ’93, I never mentioned my reaction to hearing our beloved pope in person. I have heard that this phenomenon was common among the faithful—indeed, to the extent that it was a phenomenon!Basically what happened is that … [Read more...]

No Fooling

by Filed Under: Humor, Minnesota Me, odds and ends, Travel 9 Comments

Look what I found when I was digging through some old files this afternoon.And on today of all days!Well, all I can say is some jokes just tell themselves. (You are still welcome to make them, however.)I'm wondering, though, if there anyone else brave enough ("brave" being the negotiable term, of course) to post a twenty-year-old passport photo?Or … [Read more...]

Hello. How are you? I am okay.

by Filed Under: Anecdotal, Minnesota Me, Motherhood 16 Comments

But only just.It's “Open Comment” Sunday and I have nothing to share at present, other than Mass was far more “Passion Sunday” this morning than it was “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”Tell me: did your 2-year-old require multiple removals from the pew this morning? Did she poke the back of the neighboring parishioners’ heads with her … [Read more...]

Blahg Blahg Blahg

by Filed Under: Blogging, Minnesota Me, Spiritual Growth Leave a Comment

So Kristen made a comment the other day that got me thinking.You’ve read Kristen’s blog, I know. This doesn’t surprise you.In answering the following question on her “Everything Meme”—“How many people are you sending this to?”—she replied, “Over 6 billion in potency.”Wow. She’s right, you know. That’s the power of the Internet. That’s the … [Read more...]

The World According to…

by Filed Under: Anecdotal, Humor, Minnesota Me Leave a Comment

My Maria.Upon observing Vincent Van Gogh’s last painting, Crows in the Wheatfield, and being asked what the crows might symbolize: “He put them in there because he felt pecked on.”After watching the movie Flicka and discussing the horse’s name: “She was named that because she flicked people off.”Don’t be scandalized by that last one. She meant … [Read more...]

I’m blushing

by Filed Under: Homeschooling, Minnesota Me, Motherhood Leave a Comment

and encouraged to read this essay by John Mark Reynolds.Highlights include:“Whenever I feel very bad, I make sure to speak to home school mothers. These women represent something new. They are not feminists, a phrase they most often reject with scorn. Most live in very traditional households where the husband is the head of the family. However, … [Read more...]

Americana: Pinewood Derby Style

by Filed Under: Family Fun, Gratitude, Minnesota Me, Special Events Leave a Comment

Not much time for posting today; I have a story due tomorrow. (Yes, I will take a prayer or two that I make deadline and not kill my children in the process.)What? I'm serious.I would like to quickly share some photos from last Sunday's Pinewood Derby, though, as the proud momma of the gang below. Besides, I don't know that I'll ever get around to … [Read more...]