This is What I Get for Attempted Bragging

So, I wanted to finish my little cliffhanger this weekend, but Friday the A/C quit working on the Ark. Friday afternoon, the repairman nearly cut his hand off trying to remove the fan blade which had corroded to the unit. (I warned him to turn it off first.) Needless to say, he was forced to cut the blade off to reach the defective motor beneath...but not until Saturday morning as he didn't have the necessary replacement blade for the cut one.

I was content (read: deliciously cool and refreshed---something akin to a perfect, icy mason jar of sweet tea) for about 30 minutes on Saturday morning, when the repair man checked "job complete" on a crinkly, yellow invoice.

At the 31 minute mark, I knew something had gone terribly wrong.

The vent by which I rank how well the air conditioning is working, seemed to me a little lukewarm and was blowing with all the intensity of Senator Boxer. Yes, Ma'am, it was. (Actually, it wasn't even close to blowing that hard, but I couldn't let that one pass.)

It is now almost 24 hours after I started typing this. I wanted to finish last night, but the keyboard was starting to melt and I couldn't keep my fingers from sliding off the keys. Lucky for you, however, it is now a brisk 82 degrees here on the Ark at 6:30 AM and I managed to not lose my total body weight in sweat last night; thus being up and at'em to finish typing this morning.

Fortunately, yesterday was not as hot as it could have been.

Unfortunately, it's going to be that hot today.

I made the comment to Hannah, who one would never guess grew up on the Horn of Africa, that it was "Africa hot" yesterday.

Using all her strength to lift her wilting body off the fold-out couch in the basement where we all (yes, all) bunked last night, she scowled back at me, "Africa is not this hot." And then with a dramatic sigh collapsed on to her makeshift bed.

So, now the A/C guy is supposed to be coming today to fix whatever it is that is not working.

I will be back with updates (and to finish my story) once I have the A/C set to snow.

Braggin'

It seems I still have pictures and stories from around Easter to put up here on this blog. Somehow the last few months seem to have gotten away from me. This summer is providing me with a slower pace and different times of the day to myself. It's just taking me a while to adjust to the change in schedule. Nonetheless, I thought I'd at least start sharing some of the pictures and stories as time permits.

This first story is one that I was reminded of last night while chatting for a good, long while with a dear old friend. I hadn't talked to her for a while, so our joyful story was news to her. Afterwards, I shared with her that I hadn't blogged this story yet, because it seemed to me a bit boastful. But I slept on it last night and decided two things:

A) If I am trying to chronicle our family's story here, this is one I don't want to leave out.
B) This story actually pertains to another big decision that I've discussed here previously.

And now, I've run out of time.

(Is it possible to write a whole other story before actually getting to the story you intended? Apparently the answer is yes.)

The story (and more) coming soon.

Two Great Links

Here are two incredible blogs that you'll want to make sure you stop by and check out:

First, our adoption agency has started a blog. It is a blend of all of their country programs as well as their humanitarian work throughout the world. You especially will want to read this touching story of an "older child" adoption.

Second, dear friends of ours (whose adoption blog you might recall) just recently gave birth to their fourth child. Despite the diagnosis delivered to them while their daughter was still in utero, family and friends have come together to support, encourage and hold this family up in prayer as they begin the journey of a lifetime. Please stop by to read about this awesome, family of strong-faith and to send a kind word their way.

To Old Friends...And To New Ones

For my dear old friends who always provide excellent service in welcoming the traveling Ark, and for those dear friends I've not yet met...this repost is for you.

There was nothing good about the afternoon of my first teaching job as a newly married woman. I imagine the same holds true for my dear husband. The last thing I suspect a new husband wants to do is saunter home from work where your wife has been creating---or at least attempting to create(we won't even MENTION Mexican Chicken Suprise or the healthy cake sans eggs) as a warm and cheery homestead and tell her that plans have changed.

Instead of three years in Georgia, you've now got a three-year all US Army expense paid tour of Deutschland. Good-bye new job. Good-bye first home. Good-bye family and friends (who this bride cried about leaving when we married and left the Northeast for points unknown aka-the South). But the Army wasn't interested in my opinion, as I would soon find out.

Although I suspect the thwack with the saber on my rear end with the accompanying, "Welcome to the Army, Mrs. Marcoux!" should have clued me in.

At the very least, I guess I can't say they didn't warn me.

So, off we went to live our first three married years across the pond. It was one of my first experiences with seeing first hand how God provides:

You miss your friends? Here are 10 other ladies who miss theirs, too. And I'd bet that you've got a few more things in common besides.

You miss your work? Here's an assignment, the first of many, that will challenge anything you ever learned in school. It'll take nine months before the position opens, but that'll give you time to sharpen your skills. And if you're smart-SLEEP!

You miss the holidays back home? You won't believe the Christkindlmarkts here, and those fireworks you thought were the blitzkrieg? Why that's New Year's...right outside your bedroom window.

You think the food is strange? One word-schokolade.

Worried about being alone for birthdays, celebrations, baptisms, deployments, etc...Here's where I do my best work. You see, I am about to place in your life people that will lift you up and allow you to do the same through all of that and more. You will look back on the time you spent here when your three years are up; and wonder, how it could all be over so soon. Of course, you'll be happy to land on terra firma in the USA again, but nowhere (and trust me, I know) will ever be like the place where you became a family.

And years later, after spending a brief, but wonderful evening reconnecting with some of those same friends; and watching them pull their van (yes, the one you're dreaming about) out onto the road in the early dawn, you'll smile knowingly because you'll know that--once again--I was right.

The Dependable Blogger

At first glance, that title seems quite misplaced around this neglected part of the blogosphere. But bear with me a little longer and you'll see just how it fits.

When I first started this blog, it was out of sheer convenience for keeping a multitude of friends and family informed as we navigated the adoption process for the first time. A second short while later, we were adopting again and so the purpose of this blog was once again streamlining communications regarding our adoption.

But if you've been reading here for a while, our most recent adoption has been fraught with ups and downs: We've become first-name-only customers at our local pharmacy. I have the Pediatric Sub specialty Hospital on speed dial...in my cell phone. It has taken every ounce of energy of every person on board the ark to get through the longest days and weeks we've faced over the past eight months.

And it's left me with much to think about.

Little things like: Will my laundry room ever be clean again? (answer: probably not)

And big things like: What things can be scaled back (I mean waaaayyyy back)? What things are really important?

Given the squeaky-wheel-nature of a family of seven grade-school and younger children and a frequent-flier husband, I didn't need to wait long for an answer. Hence, the lack of blogging happening around here in this season on the Ark. It was quite clear to me that as soon as my children and family were competing with blogging, it was time for a re-organization of priorities.

The summer will be different, I think. Lazier days and fewer obligations will allow for more time to upload photos and write out thoughts---but maybe not.

I know that breaks every law in the blogging universe. If I want a high-traffic site, I have to maintain it more than once a month. A good blogger is dependable. Reliable. Someone you can count on.

There's truth to that logic, but it stretches far beyond blogging. If I can't be dependable, reliable and someone to count on first and foremost in my home than I was never a very good blogger after all.

What God Will Ask (Blog Version)
by yours truly(with apologies to the original author)

God will not ask you what your Google page rank is, but He will ask where He ranked in your daily life.

God will not ask you if you're powered by Typepad, Wordpress or Blogger, but He will ask if your work was powered by His love for you and for others.

God will not ask you how many followers you had, but He will ask if you followed Him when it mattered most.

God will not ask the size of your Technorati score is, but He will ask the size of your heart for others--especially those whom He has entrusted to you.

God will not ask what the traffic visiting your blog looked like, but He will ask if you took the time to welcome the people who visited your home.

God will not ask if your template was original and creative, but He will ask if you marveled at His perfect, original creation when you looked in the eyes of your child.

God will not ask about the number of blogs you read, but He will ask how much time you spent reading His word.

God will not ask about the number of comments each post received, but He will ask if you made time for conversation when your child or spouse called your name.

God will not ask how important your blog was, but He will ask if through it you just might have found what was truly important.

As We Remember Those That Protect Us, On Memorial Day And Always...
Dear Heavenly Father, We gather together this day to remember, reflect upon, and honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for America and for us. Bless all who have fallen in the cause of freedom and liberty, and grant them eternal rest with You. We remember also our brave men and women now serving in our Armed Forces, who are defending us from harm and injustice both at home and abroad. Please bless them and bring them safely home to their families, their loved ones, and to us, whom they have served so selflessly. Please bring Your peace and mercy to our world. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.
Take a Moment to Reflect and Pray: To help re-educate and remind Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day, the "National Moment of Remembrance" resolution was passed in December 2000 asking all Americans at 3 p.m. local time "to voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to 'Taps'."	Other Ways to Observe This Day: Visit cemeteries and place flags or flowers on the graves of our fallen heroes. Visit local memorials. Fly the U.S. Flag at half-staff until noon. Fly the POW/MIA Flag Pledge to aid the widows, widowers, and orphans of our fallen soldiers, and to aid the disabled veterans.
Greater love than this no one has, than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. –John 15:13 Wishing you all a Blessed Memorial Day! Image and Prayer courtesy of Living Grace

Stopping In...

to my poor neglected little blog to make sure that those of you in my neck of the woods caught wind about this recall.

Looks like brats and dogs for Memorial Day.

H/T Mom ;-)

A "Fine" Howdoyoudo

A humorous look at the words we say and the ones our spouses hear.

In the 'Aw Shucks, Folks' Category

I didn't even know I'd been nominated.

H/T Right back 'atcha Dawn. ;-)

A Mother's Day Prayer

Loving Father,

We thank You for the love of the Mothers in our lives, who cared for us when we were helpless, who comforted us when we were hurt, and whose love and care we often took for granted.

When they are down, give them comfort; when they are discouraged, give them hope; and when they feel as though they have no patience left, give them strength. May they feel Your love in their hearts, Your peace in their minds, and Your joy in their spirits.

Bless all Mothers, that their love may be deep and tender, that they may lead their children to know and do what is good, living not for themselves alone, but for God and for others. Most of all, our caring Father, we ask You to give Mothers the grace they most need and desire today.

We ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me.
They have clung to me all my life.
--Abraham Lincoln

H/T Living Grace

Father Corapi on Obama at Notre Dame

After a rocky start, Father Corapi has made it his life's work to preach, teach and impart the Catholic faith to others.

Hear what he has to say about Notre Dame's commencement speaker decision and to award President Obama an honorary doctorate of law.

Simple Truth

Most of you have probably read--or at least heard of--The Purpose Driven Life...
Below is an interview by Paul Bradshaw with the author, Rick Warren. He tells about his wife now having cancer and him having "wealth" from the book sales. He points to some simple truths that are wonderful reminders for us all.
(H/T my MIL via email)

In the interview by Paul Bradshaw, Rick said:


People ask me, what is the purpose of life? I respond: In a nutshell, life is preparation for eternity. We were not made to last forever, and God wants us to be with him in Heaven. One day my heart is going to stop, and that will be the end of my body - but not the end of me. I may live 60 to 100 years on earth, but I am going to spend trillions of years in eternity.

This is the warm-up act.

The dress rehearsal.

God wants us to practice on earth what we will do forever in eternity. We were made by God and for God, and until you figure that out, life isn't going to make sense.

Life is a series of problems: Either you are in one now, you're just coming out of one, or you're getting ready to go into another one. The reason for this is that God is more interested in your character than your comfort; God is more interested in making your life holy than He is in making your life happy. We can be reasonably happy here on earth, but that's not the goal of life. The goal is to grow in character, in Christ likeness.

This past year has been the greatest year of my life but also the toughest, with my wife, Kay, getting cancer. I used to think that life was hills and valleys - you go through a dark time, the you go to the mountain top, back and forth.

I don't believe that anymore.

Rather than life being hills and valleys, I believe that it's kind of like two rails on a railroad track, and at all times you have something good and something bad in your life. No matter how good things are in your life, there is always something bad that needs to be worked on. And no matter how bad things are in your life, there is always something good you can thank God for. You can focus on your purposes, or you can focus on your problems; If you focus on your problems, you're going into self-centeredness, which is my problem, my issues, my pain.' But one of the easiest ways to get rid of pain is to get your focus off yourself and onto God and others.

We discovered quickly that in spite of the prayers of hundreds of thousands of people, God was not going to heal Kay or make it easy for her. It has been very difficult for her, and yet God has strengthened her character, given her a ministry of helping other people, given her a testimony, drawn her closer to Him and to people. You have to learn to deal with both the good and bad of life.

Actually, sometimes learning to deal with the good is harder.

For instance, this past year, all of a sudden, when the book sold 15 million copies, it made me instantly very wealthy...It also brought a lot of notoriety that I had never had to deal with before.

I don't think God gives you money or notoriety for your own ego or for you to live a life of ease. So I began to ask God what He wanted me to do with this money, notoriety and influence. He gave me two different passages that helped me decide what to do, II Corinthians and Psalms 72.

First, in spite of all the money coming in, we would not change our lifestyle one bit. We made no major purchases. Second, about midway through last year, I stopped taking a salary from the church. Third, we set up foundations to fund an initiative we call The Peace Plan, to plant churches, equip leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick, and educate the next generation. Fourth, I added up all that the church had paid me in the 24 years since I started the church, and I gave it all back. It was liberating to be able to serve God for free.


We need to ask ourselves:

Am I going to live for possessions?
Popularity?

Am I going to be driven by pressures?
Guilt?
Bitterness?
Materialism?

Or am I going to be driven by God's purposes (for my life)?

When I get up in the morning, I sit on the side of my bed and say, God, if I don't get anything else done today, I want to know You more and love You better. God didn't put me on earth just to fulfill a to-do list. He's more interested in what I am than what I do. That's why we're called human beings, not human doings.

Happy moments: Praise God


Difficult moments: Seek God


Quiet moments: Worship God


Painful moments: Trust God


Every moment: Thank God

Where Were You Last Night?

Were you outside?

Right through the dinner hour?

With six hungry children? (one of whom spied a distant concession stand)

During a rain shower that quickly progressed to a thunderstorm that went all monsoon?

To watch The Boy compete in the All-City Junior High Track Meet?

Only to have the meet delayed BEFORE The Boy competed in any of his events?

While the Captain was out of town on business?

Were you there?

Hopefully, you were somewhere considerably drier.

But the mountain of soggy clothes in our laundry this morning evidence a truth as Mother's Day approaches: We mothers will do almost anything for our babies. Even when they're not such babies anymore.

Sweet Sixteen

Before the day was done yesterday, as my mother-in-law phoned to announce the cancellation of our weekend track meet due (in part) to swine flu, I jokingly remarked to her that it only took a minor pandemic to garner a relaxing weekend at home.

Earlier in the day, however, my mood was less than jovial.

I had been nursing a head cold since the exact moment that the press released news of the outbreak. Then, we had to make the trip downtown to finalize Baby Girl's papers as Chicago began closing schools due to probably cases of the virus. So, it is not an understatement to say that I had begun to panic a full 48 hours prior to yesterday when I had to take Baby Girl in for her follow-up appointment. It didn't help matters that apparently our medical clinic had gotten the panic memo, too and was prohibiting entry to their facilities until each arriving patient had been "interviewed". Upon talking with Baby Girl and I about our fever-less, cough-less ailment, we were re-directed to the Urgent Care section of the clinic for evaluation. Additional masked health care providers met us at the door and did the most helpful thing for a panicked mother and child---showed us to an out-of-the-way waiting room (so we wouldn't be around any sick people, of course) and left us to sit for a while.

As five minutes turned to ten and ten to fifteen, I began to think that this process wasn't going to be as quick and easy as it seemed and I had two preschoolers to pick up from school. Flagging down one of the masked faces, I inquired about our wait time. She returned quickly only to inform me that eight more people were scheduled to be seen ahead of us. Unable to wait any longer, I headed out to my car where Beulah and Hannah had been waiting for me: reading and listening to the radio.

For those of you who are knowledgeable about automobiles and such, you might predict here what happened next.

For those of you like me, you hopped into the car, frustrated with the situation and worried about the impending apocalypse, and turned the key in the ignition expecting to make a mad dash to preschool pick up and hearing only: click...click...click...click...click

The car battery was dead.

It was more than one mom could take in a day. I laid my head down on the steering wheel and between tears cried, "Nononononono--this is not happening." I pulled out my cell phone, which fortunately was charged and called the Captain.

Between sniffles and sobs, I struggled to explain my current crisis:

"I was taking Baby Girl to the doctors (sniff) and everyone at the door had on masks (sob). They're testing people for the swine flu (sob sob) and we waited for so long (sniff sniff) but I had to pick up the girls from preschool (sniffle sob sniff). Now I turned the car on and it just "click clicks" and won't go (soooooobbbbbb)."

The ever level-headed Captain assessed the situation, created a contingency plan and worked it out.

Then he called me back:

"It's okay. I'm on my way to get the girls now. Once the mechanic jumps the car, just come home. I'll meet you there."

Breathing a deep sigh of relief, I nodded in the affirmative into the phone.

"One last thing," he said with a chuckle, "Next time you call me in tears, please don't lead off with 'They're testing me for swine flu.'"

Sixteen years ago today, The Captain promised before a church full of friends and family (and a few West Point wedding tourists) to accept the role of loving me and our little family in a way that mirrors the love God has for us.

He's been watching my back ever since.

Hi Everyone!

It's me, Baby Girl.

My mom is too busy tonight watching American Idol folding laundry, grading papers and other noble causes to blog, but I had some free time and I thought she'd want you all to know that tomorrow is a big day on the Ark.

It's my re-adoption hearing. That means tomorrow mom will dress me up in something really scratchy, put shiny shoes on my feet and attempt to coerce my hair into some form of hair "pretty" so that people don't think I'm a boy.

As if all the pink she puts me in doesn't do it.

So, I'm off to bed now to prepare for a busy day tomorrow. I'll try to remind mom to snap a picture or two...and if she doesn't get around to uploading all the pictures on her camera sometime soon, I just may take matters into my own hands. ;-)

Home For Good

I am happy to report that Baby Girl came through her surgery yesterday with flying colors! She was supposed to stay at the hospital until at least 3 or 4 in the afternoon (and possibly overnight!), but by the time she had been out of recovery and in the room for an hour and a half, she had managed to drink two full sippy cups and remove her own IV!

At that point, the hospital staff decided it was time to send us home. ;-)

With no arguments from anyone.

And, in even better news, her endoscope was totally clear, which means that she had a totally normal upper airway and throat...and showed no evidence of the condition which she had been diagnosed with in Ethiopia. It either resolved or was never there in the first place.

By the time she came home and took a good, long nap, she woke up well-rested and into as much mischief as is her status quo.

In case you were wondering, yesterday was also the day we received the results of the MRI (done both with and without contrast) because her soft spot was still open at 18 months. In a completely perfect ending to an already perfect day, her MRI was absolutely, 100%, thoroughly N-O-R-M-A-L!

Praise God!

And thank you, for all of your prayers and support! We had a wonderful surprise at the hospital, when the husband of a friend from our parish strolled his friendly face into Baby Girl's room as her anesthesiologist!

They say the Devil is in the details, but yesterday God was right there...two steps ahead of him.

Mantra

Phillipians 4:13

(tweaked for my purposes)

I can handle one more hospital visit, IV stick, multiple doctors and nurses and one more procedure through Christ who strengthens me.

Home For Now

Well, we (Baby Girl and I...okay, mostly I) made it through the MRI.

Now we're just waiting for results. Hopefully soon.

The staff was wonderful---even though it took the pediatric anesthesiologist three tries before his nurse got the IV started on the fourth try. Thank goodness for nurses!

Naomi and Candace were so happy to see her when we got home that before I knew what was happening they were all sharing a celebratory bag of Cheetos!

Thanks for your prayers. We'll continue to need them as the rest of the week unfolds.

Hospital Bound

I guess I didn't get to those Easter pictures. Bad blogger, I am. But real life prevailed.

We're leaving this morning for Baby Girl's first procedure--the MRI with sedation. Pray for a successful procedure, for wise and caring staff and, of course, for good results!

I'll update later.

Scheduling Surgery

I hope everyone had a very blessed, joyous Easter. I have many pictures from our Triduum and Easter celebration, but I have yet to transfer them from my camera to the computer. Eventually, I'll get them up here.

We had a lovely Easter. The weather was perfect and we enjoyed a cozy little brunch for about 30! We also had our annual Easter egg hunt. This is the 5th year we've hosted Easter and it is amazing how many new faces have joined our family since we first began!

My third quarter grade reports are due to Kolbe and the entire house is on Spring Break this week so we're trying to plan some fun activities. Soccer (for the big girls) and track (for The Boy) started last week and we have games/meets this weekend. Besides all of the excitement, we've been back and forth for a few doctor appointments for Baby Girl.

She'll be having surgery next Thursday (keep her--and all of us in your prayers please!) to remove her adenoids, scope her throat and re-check the tube placement in her ears. She'll also be undergoing an MRI of her head as at her 18 month appointment it was noted that her soft spot (the one on top) wasn't yet closed. Apparently, this is not completely uncommon. Other people have shared stories with me that their children (some even older than 18 months) have soft spots that hadn't closed yet either. The only difference being in their situations, they could tell how the pregnancy progressed or whether the labor and delivery was complicated or not. Unfortunately, we don't know any of those details, leaving us with the MRI as our only "good option". The good news is we'll find out if there is any cause for the soft spot being open or if, perhaps, there is nothing wrong and we possibly had been given poor birthdate information. Needless to say, she must be sedated for the test, which is next Tuesday.

The good news in all of this is that my mom is coming to spend the week with us! Yeah, mom! (Remember Renee's mom post?!? So true!)

Hopefully, I'll be back soon to post those pictures!

New and Improved Adoption Website

Although they formerly offered facts about adoption, the US State Department now offers a comprehensive website listing information regarding individual country programs, news and statistics, Hague Convention updates, links to all the US government adoption paperwork and much more--including a new blog!

If you are considering adoption but don't know where to begin, this would be a great place to start!

Movie Review: Come What May

“My father was right. If you don’t believe your wife is precious, you won’t cherish her. If you don’t believe love is best when it’s pure and new, you won’t wait patiently for it. If you don’t believe the baby in the womb is the living handiwork of God, you’ll do nothing to protect it. What do you believe?”
-Caleb Hogan (played by Austin Kearney) in “Come What May”

For Their Home Journals

A perfect lesson for any day, but a great one the day before coloring Easter eggs.

Strawberry Dreamin'

Hooray! Hooray! Gooseberry Patch has a new cookbook out---Summer in The Country. These are some of my favorite cookbooks. The recipes are so delicious and the illustrations are charming. This month they are offering a Fresh Strawberry Shortcake recipe for FREE!

We'll definitely be saving this recipe for this year's strawberry picking adventure!

Free Divine Mercy Materials

Prior to Lent this year, I was mulling about with ideas for enhancing our daily prayer life aboard the Ark. There were a few prayers I really loved, but had not committed to memory. We have a pretty solid weekly scripture memorization routine, but I was hoping to add to it.

The Divine Mercy is such a powerful prayer with such amazing promises, it seemed a perfect fit for us. Plus, the girls (even the little ones) love the tactile sense of smooth rosary beads between their fingers. And even the smallest ones can stay attentive during this much-briefer-than-the-rosary prayer.

And, since we are often on the go during the apres-school hours, it is a blessing (and a convenience!) that Relevant Radio prays the Divine Mercy every day at 3pm! We are gearing up to begin the Divine Mercy Novena this Friday and I was thrilled to hear that Relevant Radio was giving away a FREE packet of information to help people countdown to Easter and to Divine Mercy Sunday.

I Won't If You Won't

There goes my post about jet plane ownership.

Easter Logic

Two ladies, dressed to the hilt in their Easter finery, were making slow progress in the crowd trying to get into the entrance to the church...

Finally one of them burst out impatiently, "Now wouldn't you think that these people who do nothing but go to Church Sunday after Sunday would stay home at Easter and leave room for the rest of us."

While this is all in good humor, there is a shred of truth to this little anecdote.

And it doesn't only come from the Creasters. There is impatience on both sides when churches are standing room only on these highest of holy days.

Rather than heeding the advice of the woman in the story and staying home this Easter, why not plan to leave a few minutes early for church? Then you'll be comfortably settled in when the not-so-frequent-fliers arrive. And better able to extend a welcoming hand to the new faces around you. Who knows, the impression you leave may be the only impression that person has of what a "Christian" looks (and more importantly, acts) like over the course of an entire year.

"Preach the gospel at all times, when necessary use words." -- St. Francis of Assisi

Before or After?

For my next Catholic Company review, I chose to read the book about the stories behind the movie Bella.

But, although I know the movie's premise, I have yet to watch it.

Note to self: subject for another post---how to squeeze in watching a feature length film when the oldest kid heads to bed at nine and you can't make it up past 10...

So, to those of you who have seen it...do I pull an all-nighter and try to see the movie first, or should I just go ahead and read the book before the movie?

Geography and the Ark

We spent the better part of the day yesterday in downtown Chicago. Unbeknownst to either the Captain or myself, The Boy had achieved the highest score in his school during an oral geography bee; which earned him a chance to take a written test which would determine the top 100 students in the state (grades 4-8).

Wouldn't you know if that Boy didn't just score in the top 100! We always knew his eerily strange knack for remembering and navigating to places wasn't just a quirky inherited postal gene, but a bona fide skill. This award did wonders for solidifying his family nickname of "On-Star."

Having not studied for either test (how do you study for a test you don't know you're taking?) he decided to stick with his healthy ambivalence for test taking and not crack open atlas one for the competition.

So, yesterday we headed down to the Field Museum for the Illinois State National Geography Bee. The winner would score an all-expenses paid trip to the National Geography Bee in Washington, D.C. and $100 (I'll let you guess which was more enticing to The Boy).

We declined the invitation to spend the night before the Bee downtown for fear that it would be one giant Krelboyne-fest. And based on the atlas toting youth who had decided to study for the Bee, it seems our suspicions were well-founded. But pocket protectors and coke-bottle glasses aside, it was a very nice, well-organized competition. The Boy did well, but didn't make it into the final round, which in the end was probably okay. I don't know that he would have known what to do with the overly emotional moderator when she announced between tears and sighs the winners.

Besides, I'm not sure that our nation's capital is quite ready for a visit from The Ark.



Want to see how much you know about Geography? Try some of the sample questions here or take the daily quiz here.

Fast Fixin' Friday

We've had a fun-but busy-day today. I hope to post the details over the weekend. And return a few phone calls I want to make. (Looking in your direction, Cath). Hence a quick meal was deemed the order of the day for dinner--and being a Lenten Friday--meatless. Rifling through my recipe cards, I pulled out a recipe that is short on work, but long on taste: homemade (and I use the word loosely, but I invite you all to take a mallet to my head if I ever find myself with so much time on my hands that I debate the term homemade vs. from scratch vs. any other unmentioned meal etiology) quiche.

Without further ado, the quiche.

Preheat oven to 375 F

1/2 c. milk
1/2 c. mayonnaise
1/2c. -1c. shredded cheese
1/2c.-1c. vegetables or meats
dash red pepper
2-4 eggs
1 frozen (for those homemade purists, I invite you to make your own--and then, perhaps, make one for me) pie crust

Mix all ingredients, pour into the pie crust. Bake until golden brown on top-about 30-45 minutes.

Let cool before cutting.

Join in the Rejoicing!

Don't waste your time here with me today.

There is a very special family who just grew one bigger today who you simply must visit.

Faith and Investing

Did anyone catch Phil Lenahan of Veritas Financial Ministries on Relevant Radio last week during Morning Air? A woman nearing retirement called in and posed a very interesting question. She asked:

Given the volatility of today's stock market, was the timing right to transfer her assets from her various 401K plans to a more stable mutual fund--and specifically, to one of the Catholic funds (such as Ave Maria or Epiphany).

One of the main reasons I like listening to Phil Lenahan is that he gives good, solid financial advice tempered by his understanding of the Catholic faith. And his answer to the woman's question pointed her to an article that he asked the good folks at Catholic Answers to write.

I had never heard of either of those funds before. An important point he made before the call ended was that funds will not necessarily perform any worse or better whether or not they are following Catholic Christian principals.

So, armed with that knowledge, I wonder how successful these funds are compared to traditional, secular funds?

Lenten Pretzels

For a fun multi-age, interdisciplinary Lenten activity, we made Lenten pretzels. We learned the religious history of the pretzel, made our own homemade pretzels (recipe and pictures below), and did a little Lenten reading to make a well-rounded activity.

(From The Year of the Lord in the Christian Home, The Liturgical Press, 1964)

"Pretzels were made in the fifth century as a Lenten food in Austria, Germany, and Poland. People began to make them on Ash Wednesday to prepare for the very first day of Lent. During this time, the faithful kept a very strict fast all through Lent: no milk, no butter, no cheese, no eggs, no cream and no meat. They made small breads of water, flour, and salt to keep with the fasting and abstinence laws. To remind them that Lent was a time of prayer, they shaped these breads in the form of crossed arms since in those days they crossed their arms over their chest while praying. Therefore, they called the breads "little arms" (bracellae). From this Latin word, the Germanic people coined the term "pretzel."

Thus, the pretzel can be an important food symbol in Lent. It still shows the form of arms crossed in prayer, reminding us that Lent is a time of prayer. It consists mainly of water and flour, therefore proclaiming Lent as a time of fasting and penance."

Bread Pretzels

1 1/4 c. warm water
1 T dry yeast
1/2 t. sugar
4 1/2 c. flour
1 egg yolk
1-2 t. water or milk
coarse salt

Let yeast and sugar dissolve in water for one hour. Add flour to yeast mixture and beat until smooth. Knead mixture for seven to eight minutes. Place in a greased, covered bowl and let the dough rise until double in size.


Divide the dough in half; then divide each half in to smaller pieces of equal size.


Roll each piece in your hands to make pencil shapes twelve (12) to fifteen (15) inches long.

Shape each length of dough into pretzels. Place on a greased baking sheet. Brush with egg yolk and water or milk mixture. Sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake at 325 degrees until lightly browned on top. (Ed. Note: As long as they are cooked through, they will be done in about 20-30 mins depending on your oven)


Before you eat, say the following prayer together:

Dear God, we ask you to bless these pretzels, which remind us that Lent is a sacred season of penance and prayer. Each time we eat a pretzel, may we be reminded that this is the season of Lent, a time of prayer. Help us to remember to pray for those who need our prayers each day. Keep your loving arms around us, O God, to protect us. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Somebody Had a Birthday

I can't tell you who, though. You'll just have to guess!

But I will give you a hint, the birthday person laughed his way through the birthday video from Grandma and Grandpa that showed him with Dora the Explorer. And...he passed on birthday cake to go outside and shoot baskets with his brother.

Catholic Company Photo Contest

Win $100 Gift Card for the Cutest First Communion Photo!!

The Catholic Company, the market leader for online Catholic books and gifts, has just announced a First Communion Photo Contest. What a great excuse to pull those photos out of the photo book and show them off again.

Oh--and if that isn't enough--bloggers, podcasters, and webmasters can win a $50 prize for referring the winning entry! What great motivation to help spread the word!

For a look at last year's winner and other entries click here.



Good luck!

I Hear We're Expecting Snow This Weekend

But that didn't stop me from taking this Spring-y Quiz!

You Are Blooming Flowers

You are an optimistic person by nature. In even the darkest times, you are hopeful about the future. You feel truly blessed in life and can sometimes be overwhelmed with emotions. You have an artist's eye. You are always looking for beauty in the mundane. You have a good sense of aesthetics, especially when it comes to shapes and color.

What Part of Spring Are You?

Any other late-bloomers (big groan) out there?

Congratulations Miz!

Pittsburgh's Perfect!

But don't take my word for it. Listen to this guy...



Way to get it done! You are now officially the most edumacated one in the family. You're so smart, I can't even figure out the topic for your doctoral studies---because you just know I want to link to it...

Updated: Thanks for sending the link, Miz!

Book Review: Graced and Gifted

Sometime last Fall, (yes, last Fall) I received my copy of Kimberly Hahn's new book, Graced and Gifted to review for The Catholic Company. And it sat on my shelf for a while. Some of you might remember it was rather busy around here at that time. I peeked inside once or twice, but was not drawn into the book as I originally thought might happen.

At some point I took the book of the shelf and moved it to a more approachable side table certain that simply seeing the book would make me inclined to read it. Unfortunately, its new location did little more than give me a new spot to rest my nightly cup of tea.

In December, when Baby Girl headed to the hospital, it seemed the perfect time to finally read.that.book! Once the nurses were done poking and prodding at her, I would slip out the book and get to it. Sadly, as soon as Baby Girl was resting comfortably, I would arrange myself on the sofa/bed in her room and cuddle up with my crisp, white hospital sheet to read. And promptly fall asleep. I did manage to read a few pages while I was there, but all in all, the book was not what I had expected.

I should start by saying I love Kimberly Hahn. I have her CD series A Mother's Rule of Life in the Domestic Church and the book Life-Giving Love both of which I couldn't put down.

Then, this February, Kimberly and her husband Scott came to speak at our parish. I wasn't planning to go due to a scheduling conflict, but decided it might be the shot in the arm I needed to get motivated to read this book.

Their talk--especially hers--was wonderful. (Scott Hahn was wonderful, too. I just forgot to finish my doctorate in Theology before attending.) But she was as gracious and spirit-filled and wise as I remembered from her earlier works. The stage was set to finally begin the book! So, for Lent, I promised myself to work through the book little by little until it was finished.

A few chapters in, however, my motivation started to lose steam. The book was more Scott Hahn and less Kimberly Hahn in many places, becoming less a cozy, women's bible study book and more a theology student's text book in parts. Not what I expected, or desired from one of her books.

This is not to say that the book isn't full of wonderful biblical wisdom for women.

It is.

But the style is not what I was expecting. I don't think I would select it for use as a bible study either, as it is quite lengthy. Although, there are wonderful lists of chapter discussion questions (more than you could ever topple in one bible study meeting) in the Appendix.

Most disappointing to me was the lack of "Kimberly-ness" in the book. At times, her vibrant personality shined through, but at other times the book seemed flat. Perhaps it is just that I like listening to Kimberley Hahn more than I like reading her? That being said, there is a Graced and Gifted Book and DVD series also offered by The Catholic Company which promises, "Kimberly Hahn's lively presentation of the Graced and Gifted material to a seminar audience." which is where, in my humble opinion, she does her best and most passionate work.

This review was written as part of The Catholic Company product reviewer program. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Graced and Gifted-Biblical Wisdom for the Homemaker's Heart.

A 4ever Family

One of the best benefits of our adoption agency is the online support group. It is a wonderful resource for the before, during and after stages of adoption (and a most excellent place to get pictures of your children from traveling parents!)

Recently, one of the parents shared a website that offers an in depth look at attachment and bonding specifically in children who have experienced trauma at a very early age. And as has been said here before, no matter how perfect the adoption situation---nor how terrible the original family life, the loss of a first family is traumatic for a child.

From the website:

Welcome to A4everFamily! We’re glad you’re here. If you are a parent or will soon be a parent of a child (including an infant or toddler) who has experienced one or more of the following, we especially welcome you!

Adoption
In-utero stress (which may include birthmother's stress over pending adoption)
Foster Care
Orphanage
Sudden separation from primary caregiver
Moves between families
Move to a new country
Hospitalization
Unresolved pain issues such as reflux or ear infections
Neglect (including unintentional, due to orphanage stay)
Abuse

Adoption aside, one could argue that Baby Girl's first year was chock full of trauma. Between the myriad of illnesses she faced and the multiple doctor visits which prompted an array of invasive procedures, we wondered aloud, "Can a baby suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome?"

And wouldn't you know it?

This website had an answer. If you are the parent of a child who has experienced trauma early on in life, I highly recommend taking a look at this site. You'll be glad you did.

Processing Grief and Children

When Amy Welborn shared that people continue to ask her, "How are the kids doing?" since her husband Michael died, I felt a funny sort of camaraderie. Although we have only exchanged the briefest of online dialogue, I was no longer a bystander, but a participant in this intimate conversation.

Hannah and Mr. T lost their first mother to illness about 3 years ago. When they came home, she was 8 years old and had limited English, but it didn't take a translator to know when something had touched a nerve that was still very raw and painful for her.

We allowed her to talk as she wished, to cry and gave her lots of hugs and kisses. We reassured her that her mother waited for her in heaven and that we would all be together again someday there. And there would be great rejoicing and much happiness. More than might be thinkable to a newly orphaned eight year old or the mother trying to navigate parenthood through this murky sea.

Is that not the most amazing gift of our faith?!?

Anyway, just the other night, she shared with me stories about the actual night her mom died that I had never heard before, and how it affected her. Having parented Hannah and Mr. T for a few years now, it is easy to forget this primal wound my daughter (and when he is old enough to understand, my son) carry. But it is important not to let that happen.

For all of us.

Even now, three years later, there are still stories to be told, tears to be cried and a very special birth mother to be remembered in heaven.

Not Just for the Birds

Don't forget to share the miracle of the swallows at San Juan Capistrano today.

You can find this wonderful story by Leo Politi available here.

Feast of Saint Joseph

As a child, I always associated this feast day with the festival of San Giuseppe at the Catholic high school my dad worked at of the same name. Now, as an adult, but especially as a wife and mother, St. Joseph holds more meaning for me than the cannoli-laden plates of my youth.

What a role model our sons and husbands (and fathers) have in him. Given a culture that belittles the role of authentic fatherhood, St. Joseph is a beacon for those men, young and old, trying to find their way. Two wonderful articles are over at the Catholic Exchange. You can read one article here, and while you're at it, this is an oldie (from two years ago) but a real goodie!

Blessed Joseph, we come to you in our troubles and humbly beg you to help our family in our needs.
Watchful Guardian of the Holy Family, protect us from every worry and difficulty.
As once you rescued the Child Jesus, so now protect us. Shield us by your constant care so that we may be able to live with peace of mind and obtain eternal happiness.
Amen.

Multi-tasking

As a mom of many, I often think I have perfected the art of multi-tasking. You know, returning phone calls from my mobile office while driving kids from point A to point B. Or fixing meals while carrying a crying baby and helping with Math homework all at the same time.

But apparently I am not the multi-tasking goddess I once thought. It seems Baby Girl has cornered the market in that department and I ought to take lessons from her. If I only knew how to eat and sleep at the same time, think of the time I could save...and how well-rested I would be!

To Tell the Truth

A few mornings ago, I sat on the floor in the little girls' room, mental checklist in hand, making sure everyone was prepared for the day.

• Teeth brushed?
• Clean clothes?
• Clean clothes that match?
  

(Brief interlude while I explain that just because clothes were clean yesterday does not mean they are still clean today.)

• Clean underwear? (repeat same explanation above)
• Hair brushed?
• Bed made?

Naomi and Candace were finishing this morning routine, while I dressed Baby Girl. Candace quickly made her bed and presented herself for inspection. Satisfied, I sent her downstairs. Naomi was still looking in the mirror, trying on different headbands, petting the cat, "brushing" her hair when I called her to come in and finish making her bed.

Then, I turned my full attention to the task at hand of dressing Baby Girl, which is a little like trying to fill a straw with jello. I don't know why it surprised me after several minutes of intense concentration to look up and find that Naomi had disappeared without my knowledge.

And that the bed was still unmade.

As she made her way back upstairs (how had she gotten so far in such a short period of time?!) I asked her, "Was there something you were supposed to do here before going downstairs?"

Looking around the room, her eyes darted from the bed to me, "Ummm...I don't know."

Right. Knowing she knew full well, I said to her, "What about making your bed?"

Twisting her left foot around almost 360 degrees (is that a sign of lying that I don't know about?) she said, "Oh. Right. I just forgot." She then started on the long, slow journey the next five feet to her bed to finish the job. Two feet away from the bed, she turned back to me, "Mommy," she pursed up her lips and spoke in a low voice, "I did remember. I just didn't want to do it."

"I know." I replied quickly, with one hand on Baby Girl who was making a hasty retreat to the upstairs hallway and the flight of stairs outside the door, "Please go and make your bed now."

And she did.

I've told and re-told this story to the Captain (who is convinced that her strong-will is a good thing and that we simply need to harness her powers for good--not evil), to her grandparents and any one else willing to listen. And a funny thing happens each time I tell it. It becomes less a funny Naomi-anecdote and more an allegory about forgiveness.

This time, her strong will was used for something very good. It reminded me of the importance of God's mercy and forgiveness. When we find ourselves caught in a sticky mess of our own sin, it is never to late to stop, acknowledge what we've done and make a sincere apology with a contrite heart.

Our Father already knows our weaknesses. And He sits upstairs calling to us, just waiting to forgive.

March and Maple Sugaring

According to the calendar and (more importantly) to the mallards and robins who have returned to the Ark, Spring is just a few days away!

Dawn from At Sun and Candlelight shares The March Sap Moon just to get you in the spirit!

And, you'll have a chance at an Ark-on-wheels sighting next weekend at this awesome, FREE Maple Sugaring event!

Hope we see you there!

Pssstt...looking for a unit on maple syrup? Dawn (my homeschooling partner-in-crime) sent this great link to me. Definitely bookmark worthy.

On the Road With the Ark

I wish you could all have joined us as we traveled to Wisconsin last month for a little family getaway-Ark-style!

For Christmas, the Captain and I gave the arklings a group gift--time away as a family! We planned a two-night stay at our favorite hotel/waterpark in the Wisconsin Dells (who was offering midweek room rates that we could not pass up---$124/night for 9 people including the daily water park passes!) Since we were not out to break the bank on this trip, we packed a cooler and filled our little hotel kitchen with breakfast and lunch items so that we only ate out twice for dinner--a treat in and of itself! During the day, we spent the majority of the day at the waterparks (there are several indoors) and brought a few favorite board games and DVDs for the evenings.

Heading off the first day, the children heaved a dramatic sigh as we rolled right on past the Dells and continued North.

Our destination?

The Shrine to Our Lady of Guadalupe in LaCrosse, Wisconsin.



But before that, because we're just that type of family, we drove past that destination and clear across the Mississippi River into Minnesota.

Why?

Because we'd never been to Minnesota before. And let me tell you, the first few miles of I-90 West are terribly exciting. Perhaps next time, we'll even let the kids out. (All kidding aside, we'd really like to make a trip up to "the cities" as our Minnesotan friends call Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Maybe next time.)

Unfortunately our wanderlust threw a little kink in our schedule, and we arrived at the shrine at 3:30 only to find it closed at 4:00.

What terribly scatterbrained person would have scheduled out a million and one details only to neglect the hours of operation? I don't know, but it sounds like the same kind of person who would schedule a trip to visit Caddie Woodlawn's homestead and realize, while driving, that the directions were oh-about 200 miles or so-off.

Note to self: do planning for next trip while awake.

Anyway, we finally made it to the shrine, and to the Dells and even squeezed in a field trip on the ride back home.


If you're ever in Southern Wisconsin, be sure to stop by the Milton House to learn a great deal about the Underground Railroad and Midwestern life during the late 19th century. If you think your kids might not be interested for the hour or so long tour, the promise of actually walking through the underground tunnel that was used to shuttle fugitive slaves along on the Underground Railroad will definitely hold their attention.

"Runaways entered through the cabin to the rear of the inn and then through a trap door in the cabin's floor to the dirt tunnel that led to the basement of the inn. "
from the website

How'd You Get Here From There? Part XIII--English Language Learning

Let me preface this by saying that I am by no means an expert in teaching an older child to speak English amidst the multitude of adjustments happening in an international adoption. It just so happens that I have experience in doing so one time.

With one particular child.

From one particular country.

You might even read my painful attempts to speak Amharic and wonder if I know much of anything at all. So, read on, but don't say I didn't warn you.

In a previous post on Language and Adjustment of older adopted children, I opened with the caveat that

"each child will have his or her own unique timetable regarding adjustment and language. This will be dependent on a number of things: age, emotional condition, ease of adaptability in general, and with regard to acquisition of a second language (in this case English) the level of acquisition of the native language (in this case Amharic). "

If you are seeking to understand language acquisition and the theory behind it, that post is chock full of excellent links to people who are much smarter than me giving their two cents on English Language Learning. But today, let's talk about the nitty-gritty "How do you do it?" or "How do you make it through each day communicating with a child you barely know, whose dance you've yet to learn, without (either one of you) going insane?"

I think the first and most important thing to understand is that learning a new language is difficult. It can be easi--ER for some people, but in general, it is a process that takes time. In fact, the average length of time for fluency ranges from between 3 years to almost 7 years! (I like to remind myself of that fact when I am still correcting subject-verb agreement in an eleven year old. I think it makes both of us feel better.)

Another important thing to remember is (particularly if you have other children or have ever been a child) is that people have been teaching and learning language inherently in their families for, well, forever. Unless your family lives in complete silence, moving silently from one moment to the next--in which case, I might like to vacation in such a peaceful surrounding--your home is probably rich with language--spoken and written. So, just as you learned English, and as you taught your babies English, you will also teach your older adopted child English.

• As you did with your babies, you will start small. Begin with letters, sounds, sight word and rhyming words. Sing the ABC song and read bedtime stories. It may feel quite normal to do all of these things with a chubby little bundle of a 1, 2 or 3 year old, but it may feel mighty awkward at first to do these things with an older child. But guess what? That's one paradigm parents of older adopted children need to break--and break early. There will be moments, trust me on this, when you will be embarrassed in a public forum by the toddler language spewing from the mouth of the 'tween body of your newly arrived child. Parenting is the best slice of humble pie you may ever be served and with older adopted children the waitress just keeps dishing them up!
• You will worry about having speakers of their first language nearby--like sitting at your kitchen table ready to interpret, explain and reassure your child. We knew a few native Amharic speakers--but not well enough to have regular contact with them. We kept phone numbers from family who remained in Ethiopia and other age-mates from the orphanage who were adopted into American families. After a short amount of time, however, the Amharic conversations were replaced with English and when that wasn't possible, conversations became photo exchanges.
  
• You will feel torn between ensuring your child learns English and understanding that in order to do so, slowly her first language will retreat to a less-often used portion of her mind. It will make you wonder if it is a fair trade.
  
• And you will be frustrated by their seemingly slow or stalled progress. In case you hadn't heard this newsflash...

The feeling will be--without question--quite mutual at times.

The good news is when progress comes--and it will--you will both understand and appreciate how far you've come.

Another blessing of an older child's language learning process?

An older child will come with a pre-made template that enabled her to learn her first language, which will aid an older child in learning a second language (and will remain in place should your child choose to "re-learn" her native language someday). A child who is proficient in her native language will have an easier time acquiring a second one. Also, one great benefit to our little Ethiopian-English phrase book was that we could point to the word or phrase in English and Hannah could read the Amharic translation to understand what we meant. There were some haphazard pantomimes which occurred, but eventually we understood each other. But these first stories are part and parcel of the process. And they are priceless in creating memories necessary for bonding.

Like I said, language acquisition is a funny thing. It takes years for fluency. And while I fully believe that speaking correctly and teaching our children (whether first or second language English speakers) to speak properly is important, I have come to appreciate not acting as the grammar police on every.single.occasion. Because language is more than a Pygmalion-perfected speech. And sometimes, when you're not paying attention, you learn a little something along the way, too.

Veni Sancte Spiritus!

Confirmation Day

Sharing the day with the sisters. The other little ones were home with a favorite babysitter (who even came while Naomi was sick!)

The Boy and his good buddy from Arizona--these boys have been friends since preschool!

The Boy with his sponsor (who is the dad of his friend, Candace's godfather and an all around good-guy!)

Confirmation Day March 8, 2009

Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit,
that my thoughts may all be holy.

Act in me, O Holy Spirit,
that my work, too, may be holy.

Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit,
that I love but what is holy.

Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit,
to defend all that is holy.

Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit,
that I may always be holy.

Amen.
Saint Augustine of Hippo

The Hypnotic Spell of the Shamwow

You thought it was just me.

But oh-how-wrong-you were...

Seems everybody is jumping on the shamwow bandwagon.

ShamWow Song (lyrics from Vince Offer) @ Yahoo! Video

Now, I'm off to learn the lyrics.

The Holy Spirit, The Radio and Catholics Returning Home

I had approximately 9.3 minutes in the car alone this morning.

My alone time was sponsored by a drop-off of a "sample" for Baby Girl at the lab. Lovely thought, huh?

Anyway, I've been taking my alone time in the car either in complete silence (a novelty!) or in prayer (a blessing!) or listening to Relevant Radio without distraction (ditto BOTH above!)

Tuning the dial to 930 AM, I was able to catch just one complete segment before my garage door lifted and little faces peeked out the door to welcome me back. (It wasn't even ten minutes, people!) And when the speaker gave the web address for the organization he represented, I think the Holy Spirit might have smacked me. At least that's what it felt like. I was met with an overwhelming thought to make sure I shared this site here today.

So, I'm sharing it.

Today.

I don't know why.

But maybe one of you visiting here today does.

Saturday Silly

From Fran via Email


WE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE LUTHERAN AIRLINES IS NOW OPERATING IN MINNYSOTA!

ALSO SERVING VISCONSIN, NORDERN MITCHIGEN, NORT & SOUT DAKOTA


If you are travelin soon, consider Lutran Air, the no-frills airline.
You're all in da same boat on Lutran Air, here flyin is a upliftin experience.



Dair is no first class on any Lutran Air flight.

Meals are potluck. Rows 1 tru 6, bring rolls; 7 tru 15, bring a salad;
16 tru 21, a hot dish, and 22-30, a dessert.

Basses and tenors please sit in da rear of da aircraft.

Everyone is responsible for his or her own baggage.

All fares are by free will offering, and da plane will not land til da budget is met.

Pay attention to your flight attendant, who vill acquaint you wit da
safety system aboard dis Lutran Air. Okay den, listen up; I'm only gonna say dis vonce:

In da event of a sudden loss of cabin pressure, I am frankly gonna be real surprised and so vill Captain Olson, because ve fly right around two tousand feet, so loss of cabin pressure would probably mean da Second Coming or someting of dat nature, and I wouldn't bodder with doze liddle masks on da rubber tubes--you're gonna have bigger tings to worry about den dat. Just stuff doze back up in dair liddle holes.

Probably da masks fell out because of turbulence which, to be honest wit you, we're gonna have quite a bit of at two tousand feet, sorta like driving across a plowed field, but after a while you get used to it.

In da event of a water landing, I'd say forget it. Start saying da Lord's Prayer and just hope you get to da part about forgive us our sins as we forgive dose who sin against us, which some people say 'trespass against us,' but what can you do?

Da use of cell phones on da plane is strictly forbidden, not because day may confuse da plane's navigation system, which is by da pants all da way. No, it's because cell phones are a pain in da wazoo, and if God had meant you to use a cell phone, He wudda put your mout on da side of your head.

We start lunch right about noon and it's buffet style wit da coffeepot up front.

Den we'll have da hymn sing; hymnals are in da seat pockets in front of you. Don't take yours wit you when you go or I am gonna be real upset and I am not kiddin!

Right now I'll say Grace:

Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest
and let deze gifts to us be blessed.
Fader, Son, and Holy Ghost,
May we land in Dulut or pretty close.

Keepin' Up With Miz

75,000 people came out to voice their concerns against massive cuts in NYC's budget--including (but not limited to) the termination of 15,000 public school teachers and the closing of more hospitals.

And ONE of those social-justice minded people was my card-carrying activist baby sister, who filmed this brief clip of the event.



The magnitude of this protest was demonstrated in the breadth of people stretched from City Hall all the way to Canal Street!

Toddler Magnet

Ancient Chinese proverb:

"One cabinet without child lock negates one hundred cabinets with them."

Just the same ol' same old around the Ark...

Free Waterpark Passes!

The newly-opened waterpark, Raging Waters, located in Yorkville has a great offer for active kids. Here are the details:

Take the Plunge - and Receive a Free

Day Pass to Raging Waves

Raging Waves announces "Plunge into Fitness," a new exercise program for local schools. From March 16 to May 1, children in kindergarten through 5th grade are invited to exercise 30 minutes a day, keep a fitness log, and submit their parent-signed forms to their classroom teachers. (Homeschoolers can submit forms directly to Raging Waves.) Any physical activity may be logged: biking, skateboarding, jump roping, and even playing team sports. Over the seven week period, students will have exercised at least 25 hours - and will earn a free day pass to Raging Waves. Check our website on or after Monday, March 9 to download "Plunge into Fitness" forms.

H/T super-neighbor Denise via email

Shoot Me Now

Or please, for the love of all that is good, help me hide Baby Girl's new favorite toy.

New Book Giveaway!

Mary Ostyn, who blogs from the Owlhaven and is a fellow adoptive mom, is about to debut her first book(including a minor contribution from yours truly), The Sane Woman's Guide to Raising a Large Family.

Visit her this week (as well as the next three!) for a chance to win a copy!