The "Ack! Advent's passing!" Edition I. So we tried to take a Christmas card photo after Mass last Sunday. I am, if nothing else, ambivalent about the results. And what about poor little Baby Francis Waldo? Typical Number Seven, fighting for his place in the sun. II. Speaking of "Baby" Francis... The kid is keeping me on my … [Read more...]
Sometimes
On the Need to Breathe, Reboot, Be Happy "Sometimes I get frustrated I just want everyone to go away Sometimes I roar like a lion cub That’s when Mama knows I need a little extra love" From the song "Sometimes" (by Frances England) I walked into the kitchen on Wednesday morning and sniffed the air. "Am I baking something?" I asked myself, and … [Read more...]
Heaven will be Better
On Failing to Love and Growing in Trust and Trying to Laugh and Yeah. Today I'm making this French Toast for breakfast because I owe the kids at least that. Last night was bad. This morning will be better. I'm a mommy who bakes in reparation. * * * * * It was really just one of those days. I thought and thought about the people in the … [Read more...]
An All Hallows’ {almost} Daybook
Outside my window... It’s cold & crisp here in Minnesota, my very favorite time of year. Have you seen Minnesota in the fall? It’s beautiful. George brought me an “apple cider leaf” the other day and then later, when we were talking about the Maple tree in our neighbor's yard, he exclaimed, “Oh! That’s what I meant when I said ‘apple … [Read more...]
A Perfect 10
Last night, my big boys and I played Apples to Apples. For the record, this is how I get them to play [non]electronics with me: I buy a couple quarts of ice cream and then deny my teenagers access. "You want a few scoops of 'Cookies & Cream'?" I ask. "Then grab a game and meet me at the table." They’re 14- and 16-year-old … [Read more...]
L’Innocence
I had a lighthearted little post on deck for today and I may still publish it tomorrow or Thursday, but after seeing a headline in the Pioneer Press this morning...and gathering Cate into my arms & starting to cry... I need to write about Truth and persecution. There is a part of me that can't handle reading the paper anymore. It's not … [Read more...]
On a Lighter Note
[Or not] I took these photos after dropping Joe, Jem and Cate off at school yesterday morning. Clearly my issues with snacking on the go continue. Not really. In truth, it was Family Appreciation Day, and the faculty was handing out coffee and donuts. “Oh!” I said to my son’s Lit-Comp teacher. “I’ve got, like, 18 kids at home! Can I have … [Read more...]
Autumn Anecdotal [Reprised]
A Semi—scratch that—Totally Insane Narrative Hey everyone, it’s Monday! Are you ready to conquer the brand new week? Are your ducks in a row and is your goose in the oven? Me, neither. And anyway, I think my goose is already cooked. My Life. The school kids and all their…stuff has us hopping. Seriously, I do not love our big white … [Read more...]
Parental Navigation
I am the mom of these bookend boys. The tail end bookend will be 9 months tomorrow. 9 months already! Can you believe it? Francis is at a funny, demanding age, where he wants to be free at the same time he wants wants WANTS! Momma's arms. Yesterday he scooted across the floor to me. Hand over hand, he pulled himself up on my legs, … [Read more...]
Between a Rock and a Happy Place
Last night, 4-year-old George was waiting on Mom for a “tuddle.” “What’s wrong with Daddy?” my husband asked. “Why can’t you cuddle with me instead?” “Well,” George told him matter-of-factly, “You’re not a girl and you’re not a mom.” * * * Therein lies the problem lately. It’s hard enough being a hormonal girl, but this business of being a … [Read more...]
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