So we started praying the O Antiphons today and a good thing, too, because that is about the only thing I accomplished.
Tell me again the Latin for “bone tired?”
Little does this photo show, but these muffins are just stuffed with chocolate.We need all the help we can get on a Monday morning, don’t you agree?
I’m blaming it on the wild hormonal rollercoaster that I’ve been riding for the past eight days or so. Woo hoo! Now she’s manic; now she’s morose! My poor family.
Is it any surprise, then, that when I asked my husband if I could go to a movie with some friends last night, he handed me my hat and said, “What’s your hurry?” We saw this film which—I warn you—is not exactly Catholic (although one may argue that the title of it is). Let’s just say that it earned its “R” rating. It was also gripping and extremely well filmed, and it was just what this sad little lady needed to forget all her problems for two hours.
Plus the lead actor was just cute cute cute. (Mr. Tumnus? Can that be you?!)
Still, when I returned home after the movie to (in all fairness) my even cuter husband and saw that he had neglected to light the Advent wreath candles with the children, (including the rose-colored third candle which, as everyone knows, is always the most exciting), I felt that familiar stab of mommy guilt.
“They did ask about it, though,” my husband offered helpfully.
Double stab.
Consequently I spent a good portion of the morning making homemade reparation muffins so we could light our candles over breakfast and discuss the meaning of “O Sapientia.” (Wisdom: a Latin word meaning having the sense to not do more than you are up to.)
And then I spent another good portion of the morning cleaning up the mess I made making the muffins.
And then I fell asleep with my face in my coffee.
Ad Jesum per Mariam,
Postscript: As I type out this post, the sun is setting and the schoolwork is just beginning in earnest. Hey, we’re homeschoolers! This is what we do. Plus I’m thinking the kids can always do their lessons in the bath if they really need to. The physics of soap-on-a-rope, anyone?
Oh Margaret, I wish I could come have those muffins and coffee with you! Cyber hugs coming your way. How do you manage to write something sweet and funny amidst your suffering, you are a model of grace for us all, even asleep in your coffee! Many blessings for your week ahead, and maybe more muffins too 🙂
As always, you amaze me with your wit and good sense of humor. I’m glad you got to go out and see a movie with friends. Getting “away” mentally was probably just what you needed. And, stop doing the mommy guilt thing. 🙂 If the candles didn’t get lit, it’s okay. You and your family have been through a lot, and the good Lord knows this. I’m going to be a “mommy” here and tell you not to push yourself right now. You need rest. Make sure you get it. Even if they kids do lessons in the bath. 🙂
Continuing to pray for you…
🙂
You mean the kids aren’t supposed to be on Advent break yet?
There is nothing more important to a child’s education than learning to live one’s life—with all of its ups and downs—with faith and grace.
But then, you already knew that.
Jen’s advice is very sound. At least it sounds good to me.
And our husbands have much in common. 🙂
Love you.
Margaret,
Since this post speaks to your busy life…
Congratulations on your mention in the National Catholic Register! The blog reviewer was recommending blogs for the “Carol of the Bells” types (versus the Silent Night types), and yours was mentioned as one for moms and their celebrations with their families.
Keeping you and your family in prayer!
Ann
Dear Margaret,
I read your blog all the time, and have been praying for you and crying with you the past couple of weeks. I’ve been through what you’re going through, and it’s hard. My husband always tells me to be grateful for what I do have, and that will take some of the hurt away. (It works only part of the time! I’m weak and I dwell on the sadness!) However, I thought you might want to google the name “Randy Pausch.” Go to his website and then link through to his personal diary (near the bottom of his personal website). He is dying of pancreatic cancer, but is very upbeat. On top of that, he has three very small children. And yet, in one post, he comments on being grateful that his response (to the chemo cocktail they are giving him) will allow him a couple of extra months to spend with his wife and children. And he’s grateful that he should still be feeling relatively healthy for his last Christmas. Whenever I’m feeling down, I read this, and it totally gives me perspective. (Yes, I have to keep re-reading it, because I tend to wallow in my sadness!) I just thought that maybe this would help you since it is helping me. God bless.
Margaret, so glad you got some good movie girl time… and later muffin moments with your family. Go with whatever lifts your spirits. And that hormonal roller coaster you’re on is RUTHLESS, so take care and give yourself a little slack during the coming weeks. You deserve it, amazing mother and wife!!
I think the time away was probably nice, but Moms always have their guilt.
Two things … those muffins look yummy (as do the other chocolate ideas in Faith and Family)and we’ve done very little schoolwork today. I am thinking that we are NOW on vacation until the New Year 😉
Some days are just chocolate muffin days. We all have them. And it’s wonderful for the whole family to relax and care for more pressing needs once in a while.
Don’t feel badly in the least! You have my support – and continued prayers.
I just read Randy Pausch story. Thank you for the info. Yup – I will hug my kids tighter and my husband a little tighter – I love my faith I love being Catholic but how my tears would fall and fall if this were my husband. My life is so simple and sweet. let us all count and recount our blessings
Hee, hee…I wish I were there to catch a film with you! If you fall asleep in your coffee, who will follow me with my cup of coffee?
I finally made these this morning.
Here is the Muffin Review from our children (we added chocolate chunks):
M: I like them so much I wish the whole world could try them!
L: I like them so much I don’t have to talk while I’m eating!
Little J: I like them so much you don’t have to feed me!
Big J: Are there any in the next batch without any chocolate?