Minnesota Mom

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Me? A Master Woodcarver?

by Filed Under: Minnesota Me, Real Learning 11 Comments

It seems unlikely.In my mind, the equation goes like this:1 highly caffeinated woman + 1 very sharp knife = Not a good idea.Yet life can be surprising.Every Tuesday afternoon this summer, my boys are taking a wood carving class. I hesitated before signing them up; the class is almost an hour away—in the hinterlands as far as I’m concerned—and this … [Read more...]

This One’s on Me

by Filed Under: Anecdotal, Humor, Minnesota Me, Spiritual Growth 4 Comments

Ever one to want to bask in my mom and dad’s approval, I sat them down for an impromptu recitation by my son: the Hail Mary in Latin. (Whose idea was that? you’re wondering. No you’re not. You know it was mine.)Certain that they would be tremendously proud of my son’s impressive grasp of a foreign language (and—dare I hope?—even proud of his … [Read more...]

Our Poor Encloistered Turtle

by Filed Under: Anecdotal, Family Fun, Keeping It Real, Minnesota Me 9 Comments

…is now free.As are Frindle the frog and his tank mate, Rosa.We did a mass amphibian release last evening at the park where we originally found these creatures. Our kids were wistful but resigned. I’m pretty sure they realized it was time.Ultimately there were two straws that broke this momma’s back. The first was my sister’s remark that the pet … [Read more...]

The Biggest and Best Pro-Life Raffle in Town

by Filed Under: Gratitude, Minnesota Me, Prolife, Special Events, Spiritual Growth 2 Comments

Continues today through Monday.Do you think that you don’t make a difference? Do you think that God doesn’t care about your efforts? Well, you’re wrong.One woman started this raffle.One woman started this home.One woman chose to have her baby.One more soul…forever.* * * * *I have personal ties to the St. Gianna Maternity Home. The director and … [Read more...]

Just when you thought that you’d throttle your toddler….

by Filed Under: Anecdotal, Gratitude, Minnesota Me, Motherhood 12 Comments

For her taking the liquid soap out of the bathroom and instead, “washing” her hands on top of the ottoman; For her furtive removal of the turtle from his tank (and for hiding him in Mommy’s teapot); And for her using the top of her dresser as a potty (Who does that?!!) You come around the corner and see this scene.“I reading!” she … [Read more...]

Don’t Cry for Me, Minnesota

by Filed Under: Family Fun, Minnesota Me, Reviews 10 Comments

The truth is, I have gone to the library and stocked up on plenty of good music to keep this baseball mom’s daily commute interesting.Here are my musical picks for the month of June:For God and Country by Dolly PartonFashion-sense notwithstanding, Dolly Parton is (in my opinion) one heck of a little cutie pie with a voice much larger than she is. … [Read more...]

Not Much Pomp but Lots of Pride: Kindergarten Graduation 2007

by Filed Under: Minnesota Me, Special Events 8 Comments

Mass and chocolate muffins made up for the lack of cap and gown at this morning’s happy commencement. Representing a variety of home academies from across the Twin Cities were 8 outstanding young scholars, all of whom graduated with top honors.When asked if he felt proud to be a kindergarten graduate, six-year-old Jack replied emphatically, “Yes, I … [Read more...]