In the Heart of my Home

Deja Vu All Over Again!

Seems like yesterday this was the baby on the Fourth of July.

 

Now this is the baby:

The difference is in the dimples;-)

Happy Independence Day from "The Little Girls" (and all the rest of us)!

Photo Credit: Mary Beth

Friday Favorite

I like to use my Google Share box as a sort of filing system. I tend to "share" items that I know I'll want to find later. I put things there that I want to remember to pass along to Mike. There's no criteria list or anything like that. It's more whimsy--and sometimes I even forget that you see it. I thought it would be fun, though, to gather in one place your favorite posts of the week, mostly so I have a list of links to peruse over the weekend (we no longer get the Sunday paper). So, leave a comment with a link to your favorite post in the blogosphere this week and we can all enjoy some weekend reading. Comments are moderated and I'll have to check out the links to be sure there's no spam, so please be patient if yours doesn't appear right away.

Here's mine: I don't want to be a yelling, screaming crazy mom.

Small Successes: Just Do It

I thought I'd jump back on this bandwagon. Actually, I was in the grocery store this morning and saw Kate Gosselin staring at me from the cover of a magazine. She said she feels like a failure. And I looked at her picture, and said, out loud, "I know what you mean." June wasn't particularly good. Before people go off connecting imaginary dots, I'm still madly in love with my husband and he's not going anywhere. It's just been a bad month. And I'm not feeling very successful. So, I thought I'd walk away from this blog, because I pretty much don't want to blog bad stuff. Some of my bad is no one else's business. And some of it is just plain yucky and I don't think anyone would care to read it--unless you're someone who enjoys yuck. Life's messy. So, do you blog it or not? I remember once debating about whether to link to a song that I was afraid would bother some people. A friend told me that if my style was personal essays, I couldn't be afraid to be authentic. Fair enough. I thought about changing my "style." I can't. So now you know. If I'm not blogging much, it must be ycky around here. On the other hand, it was nice to go back and read through the archives and see how non-yucky and downright lovely so many of our days have been. Seems like a good reason to keep looking for silver linings and chasing rainbows. On to the successes: 

1
 
After Christian injured himself at his lifeguarding job and we went to the ER for stitches, I caught a pharmaceutical mistake and then recognized some complications. My pediatrician is sure we headed off a major infection.

   
2
After my husband complimented my clothes, I wore the same "outfit" two days straight. I was wearing said outfit when we went to the ER. The nurse looked at Christian and then looked at me and then asked whether his mother knew he was in the hospital. She was astonished to learn I am his mother:-). Not sure if that's a success, but I felt twenty years younger and way more energetic.
(Note to Rebecca: It was that classic outfit--hoodie and jeans)


3
 I lost five pounds. Stress will do that to you.

What are your successes this week? This is a great exercise in holding ourselves accountable and patting ourselves on the backs. Mothering and homemaking don't have built in performance reviews and bonuses. The  internet can be a source of support and encouragement. Let's encourage one another in our small successes.I'm very late to the party, but you can still share too at Faith and Family Live!

Jenny Sanford and Forgiveness

Not a lot of time to blog these days. Last week, I wrote this piece for the Herald. Jenny Sanford's strength, grace, and faith is extraordinary.

Well that was fun!

I have a million things I need to do and two million things on my mind. But, I just spent an hour making my "colors" look pretty and now I'm stopping to blog about it.

Huh.

I do feel a little better...

Thanks for the inspiration, Jen!

Pondering and Praying this Summer

Do not let any occasion of gaining merit pass without taking care to draw some spiritual profit from it; as, for example, from a sharp word which someone may say to you; from an act of obedience imposed against your will; from an opportunity which may occur to humble yourself, or to practice charity, sweetness, and patience. All of these occasions are gain for you, and you should seek to procure them; and at the close of that day, when the greatest number of them have come to you, you should go to rest most cheerful and pleased, as the merchant does on the day when he had had most chance for making money; for on that day business has prospered with him. ~Saint Ignatius  Loyola

Ian Benjamin Kelly

Chris writes:
Tonight we welcomed the arrival of Ian Benjamin Kelly, who was born at 7:31pm. Ian weighed in at 7 lbs, 4 oz and is 19 1/2 inches long. Mom and baby are doing great.

Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and prayers.

Love,
Chris, Cindy, Brian, Sean, Colin, and Ian

[I have pictures and he's totally adorable, but I'll let Cindy show him to the world.]

Praying for Cindy!

Cindy just called to let me know that she will meet her new son tonight! She's on her way to the hospital where she will deliver by c-section (for the fourth time). Cindy has long had a devotion to St. Anne. Won't you pray with our family this afternoon and evening as we wait to welcome our new godchild?

Many thanks to Charlotte who sent this prayer card which serendipitously arrived just minutes before Cindy called!

Homeschooling Boys

 

Suzanne offers some very wise advice on homeschooling boys.
I've only got five boys. She's got six.  I'm taking notes and making some changes. Thanks, Suzanne!

Baby News

All the news is happening on the beautiful pink blog:-)

Light a Candle for Katherine

Update 11:00 ET: Doug says things are moving slowly. There's progress but it's slow progress. Stay tuned--and pray harder:-)!

Please pray with me for Katherine, who is laboring  and for her baby girl. Katherine asked especially that we remember her to St. Michael.

Commanders of the heavenly hosts,

we who are unworthy beseech you,

by your prayers encompass us beneath the wings of your immaterial glory,

and faithfully preserve us who fall down and cry to you:

"Deliver us from all harm, for you are the commanders of the powers on high!"

 

Below is the Akathist, Katherine's favorite prayer.  It's divided into twelve parts. Perhaps we can pray one part each hour. (Hopefully, this will take Katherine well past labor and delivery and into recovery.) I'll let you know when I hear news.

Having secretly received the command, the Archangel hastened into Joseph's abode and spoke to the Holy Virgin. He Who bowed the Heavens with His descending, is wholly contained, yet unchanged in You. And seeing Him taking the likeness of a servant in your womb, I stand in amazement and cry unto you:

Rejoice, O Unwedded Bride [3 times].

Kontakion 1

Unto you, O Theotokos, invincible Champion, your City [or "we your people"], in thanksgiving ascribes the victory for the deliverance from sufferings. And having your might unassailable, free us from all dangers, so that we may cry unto you:

Rejoice, O Unwedded Bride.

Eikos 1

The Archangel was sent from Heaven to cry 'Rejoice!' to the Theotokos. And beholding You, O Lord, taking bodily form, he stood in awe, and with his bodiless voice he cried aloud to her such things as these:

Rejoice, you through whom joy shall shine forth. Rejoice, you through whom the curse will vanish.
Rejoice, the Restoration of fallen Adam. Rejoice, the Redemption of the tears of Eve.
Rejoice, O Height beyond human logic. Rejoice, O depth invisible even to the eyes of Angels.
Rejoice, for you are the King's throne. Rejoice, you bear Him, Who bears the universe.
Rejoice, O Star revealing the Sun. Rejoice, O Womb of divine Incarnation.
Rejoice, you through whom creation is renewed. Rejoice, you through whom the Creator is born a Babe.

Rejoice, O Unwedded Bride.

Kontakion 2

Beholding herself in purity, the holy one courageously said to Gabriel: Your strange voice seems almost unbelievable to my soul; for how do you speak of birth-giving without seed? And she cried aloud:

Alleluia.

Eikos 2

Seeking to know the incomprehensible knowledge, the Virgin cried to him who ministered to her: How may a Son be born from a virginal womb? Tell me! To her he answered in fear, yet crying thus:

Rejoice, O seer of the ineffable Will. Rejoice, O surety of those praying in silence.
Rejoice, you the Preface of Christ's miracles. Rejoice, you the Pinnacle of His commandments.
Rejoice, O heavenly Ladder, by which God descended. Rejoice, O Bridge leading those from earth to Heaven.
Rejoice, O Miracle, much marveled of Angels. Rejoice, O trauma, much dirged of demons.
Rejoice, you who ineffably gave birth to the Light. Rejoice, you who revealed the mystery to none.
Rejoice, O knowledge superseding the wise. Rejoice, You who enlighten the minds of the faithful.

Rejoice, O Unwedded Bride

Kontakion 3

The power of the Most High then overshadowed the Virgin, that she might conceive; and her fruitful womb He made a fertile meadow for all those desiring to reap salvation, as they chant:

Alleluia.

Eikos 3

Carrying God in her womb, the Virgin hastened to Elizabeth, whose unborn babe forthwith recognizing Mary's salutation rejoiced, and with leaps as it were with songs, he cried out to the Theotokos:

Rejoice, O branch of the unwithering Vine. Rejoice, O Land yielding the untainted Fruit.
Rejoice, O Husbandry of the merciful Husbandman. Rejoice, O birthgiver to the Planter of our life.
Rejoice, O Field bearing abundant compassion. Rejoice, O Table laden with an abundance of mercies.
Rejoice, for you make the meadow produce contentment. Rejoice, for you prepare a haven for souls.
Rejoice, acceptable Incense of intercession. Rejoice, Oblation for all the world.
Rejoice, Favour of God to mortals. Rejoice, Access of mortals to God.

Rejoice, O Unwedded Bride.

Kontakion 4

Having doubtful thoughts, the righteous Joseph was troubled; for he suspected a secret union as he beheld you unwed, O blameless one; but when he learned of your conception through the Holy Spirit, he cried:

Alleluia.

Eikos 4

On hearing the Angels praising the incarnate presence of Christ, the shepherds hastened as to a Shepherd, and beholding Him as a spotless Lamb pastured in Mary's womb, her they hymned and said:

Rejoice, Mother of the Lamb and Shepherd. Rejoice, Fold of the rational sheep.
Rejoice, O Defense against invisible foes. Rejoice, Opener of the gates of Paradise.
Rejoice, for the things of Heaven rejoice with the earth. Rejoice, the things of earth join chorus with the Heavens.
Rejoice, never-silent Voice of the Apostles. Rejoice, never-conquered Courage of the Martyrs.
Rejoice, firm Support of the Faith. Rejoice, shining Token of grace.
Rejoice, you through whom Hades was laid bare. Rejoice, you through whom we are clothed with glory.

Rejoice, O Unwedded Bride.

Kontakion 5

Beholding the Godward-pointing Star, the Magi followed its radiance; and holding it as a lantern, they sought through it the mighty King. And having approached the Unreachable, they rejoiced and cried to Him:

Alleluia.

Eikos 5

The sons of the Chaldees saw in the hands of the Virgin Him Who by His hand fashioned man; and sensing Him as Lord, even though He had taken the form of a servant, they hastened with gifts to do homage, and they cried out to her who is blessed:

Rejoice, Mother of the never-setting Star. Rejoice, Dawn of the mystic Day.
Rejoice, you who have quenched the fiery furnace of error. Rejoice, you who enlighten the initiates of the Trinity.
Rejoice, you who have removed the inhuman tyrant from power. Rejoice, you who have shown Christ, the man-befriending Lord.
Rejoice, you who have redeemed us from the pagan religion. Rejoice, you who have rescued us from the works of mire.
Rejoice, you who ceased the worship of fire. Rejoice, you who saves us from the flames of passions.
Rejoice, Guide of the faithful to chastity. Rejoice, O Delight of all generations.

Rejoice, O Unwedded Bride.

Kontakion 6

Having become God-bearing heralds, the Magi returned to Babylon. Fulfilling Your prophecy, and having preached You as the Christ to all, they left Herod as a trifler, who knew not how to chant:

Alleluia.

Eikos 6

Having shed the light of truth in Egypt, You expelled the darkness of falsehood; and unable to bear Your strength, O Saviour, her idols fell; and they that were set free from them cried to the Theotokos:

Rejoice, Uplifting of men. Rejoice, Downfall of demons.
Rejoice, you who trampled upon the delusion of error. Rejoice, you who censured the deceit of the idols.
Rejoice, Sea which drowned the symbolic Pharaoh. Rejoice, Rock which refreshed those thirsting for life.
Rejoice, Pillar of fire, guiding those in darkness. Rejoice, Protection of the world, more spacious than a cloud.
Rejoice, Nourishment, successor to manna. Rejoice, Minister of holy joy.
Rejoice, Land of promise. Rejoice, you from whom flows milk and honey.

Rejoice, O Unwedded Bride.

Kontakion 7

When Symeon was prepared to leave from this age of deception, You were presented to him as a newborn Babe, but he recognized You as perfect God. Wherefore, he marveled at Your ineffable wisdom, chanting:

Alleluia.

Eikos 7

New was the Creation which the Creator showed to us His creatures when He sprang forth from the seedless womb; and He preserved it incorrupt, even as it was, that we, seeing this Miracle, may praise her and say:

Rejoice, Flower of incorruption. Rejoice, Crown of self-restraint.
Rejoice, O shining Token of Resurrection. Rejoice, you whom reflects the life of the Angels.
Rejoice, Tree of delectable Fruit that nourishes the faithful. Rejoice, well-shaded Tree under which many find shelter.
Rejoice you who bears the Guide of those astray. Rejoice, you who gives birth to the Redeemer of captives.
Rejoice, Intercession before the righteous Judge. Rejoice, Forgiveness for many transgressors.
Rejoice, Robe of confidence for those bare of courage. Rejoice, Tenderness conquering all desire.

Rejoice, O Unwedded Bride.

Kontakion 8

Seeing a strange childbirth, let us estrange ourselves from the world by transporting our minds to Heaven; to this end the Most High God appeared on earth a lowly man, that He might draw to the heights those who cry out to Him:

Alleluia.

Eikos 8

The Infinite Word was wholly present with those on earth, yet never absent from those in Heaven; for this was a divine condescension and not a mere change of place; and His birth was from a Virgin chosen of God, who heard such words as these:

Rejoice, Land of the Uncontained God. Rejoice, Gate of the sacred mystery.
Rejoice, doubted Rumor of the faithless. Rejoice, undoubted Pride of the faithful.
Rejoice, all-holy Chariot of Him Who is above the Cherubim. Rejoice, most excellent Dwelling-place of Him Who is above the Seraphim.
Rejoice, you who conducts the opposites of unity. Rejoice, you who has woven maidenhood into motherhood.
Rejoice, you through whom transgression is annulled. Rejoice, you through whom Paradise is open.
Rejoice, Key of the Kingdom of Christ. Rejoice, Hope of eternal blessings.

Rejoice, O Unwedded Bride

Kontakion 9

All angel-kind was amazed by the great deed of Your Incarnation; for they saw the inaccessible God as Man accessible to all, dwelling among us and hearing from all:

Alleluia.

Eikos 9

Orators most eloquent do we behold mute as fish before you, O Theotokos; for they are at loss to explain how you could remain a virgin and yet give birth. But as for us, marveling at this mystery, we cry with faith:

Rejoice, Vessel of the Wisdom of God. Rejoice, Treasury of His providence.
Rejoice, you who prove the philosophers fools. Rejoice, you who prove the logicians illogical.
Rejoice, for the subtle debaters are confounded. Rejoice, for the inventors of myths are faded away.
Rejoice, you who break the webs of the Athenians. Rejoice, you who fill the nets of the Fishermen.
Rejoice, you who draw us from the depths of ignorance. Rejoice, you who enlighten many with knowledge.
Rejoice, Raft for those who desire to be saved. Rejoice, Haven for those who fare on the sea of life.

Rejoice, O Unwedded Bride.

Kontakion 10

Wishing to save the world, to this end did the Ruler of all come of His own will; and though as God He is the Shepherd, for us He appeared as a Man like us; for by this likeness He called those of like kind, yet as God He hears:

Alleluia

Eikos 10

You are a fortress protecting all virgins, O Theotokos and Virgin; for the Master of heaven and earth prepared you, O Immaculate One, and dwelt in your womb, and taught all to cry out to you:

Rejoice, Pillar of virginity. Rejoice, Gate of salvation.
Rejoice, Leader of spiritual restoration. Rejoice, Bestower of divine goodness.
Rejoice, for you regenerated those conceived in shame. Rejoice, for you gave guidance to the thoughtless.
Rejoice, you who abolished the corrupter of hearts. Rejoice, you who gave birth to the Sower of chastity.
Rejoice, bridal Chamber of a seedless marriage. Rejoice, you who joined the faithful to the Lord.
Rejoice, fair Nursing-mother of virgins. Rejoice, bridal Escort of holy souls.

Rejoice, O Unwedded Bride.

Kontakion 11

Defeated is every hymn that strives to pay homage to the multitude of Your many compassions; for even should we offer You, O holy King, odes of praise numberless as the sands, we should still have done nothing worthy of what You have given to us who cry to You:

Alleluia.

Eikos 11

As a brilliant beacon-light shining to those in darkness do we behold the holy Virgin; for she kindles the celestial Light and leads all to divine knowledge; she illuminates our minds with radiance and is honoured by these our cries:

Rejoice, Ray of the spiritual Sun. Rejoice, Beam of the innermost Splendour.
Rejoice, Lightning, enlightening our souls. Rejoice, Thunder, striking down the enemy.
Rejoice, for you caused the many-starred Light to dawn. Rejoice, for you caused the ever-flowing River to gush forth.
Rejoice, you who depict the image of the Font. Rejoice, you who wash away the stain of sin.
Rejoice, Laver purifying conscience. Rejoice, Wine-bowl over-filled with joy.
Rejoice, sweet-scented Fragrance of Christ. Rejoice, Life of mystic festival.

Rejoice, O Unwedded Bride

Kontakion 12

Wishing to bestow His grace, He that forgives the ancient debts of all mankind came of His own will to dwell among those who departed from His favour; and tearing up writ of indebtedness, He hears from all:

Alleluia.

Eikos 12

Whilst praising your Offspring, we all praise you, O Theotokos, as a living temple; for the Lord, Who holds all things in His hand, dwelt in your womb, and He sanctified and glorified you, and taught all to cry to you:

Rejoice, Tabernacle of God the Word. Rejoice, Holy one, holier than the Holies.
Rejoice, Ark made golden by the Spirit. Rejoice, inexhaustible Treasury of Life.
Rejoice, precious Diadem of godly kings. Rejoice, venerable Boast of faithful priests.
Rejoice, unshakeable Tower of the Church. Rejoice, impregnable fortress of the Kingdom.
Rejoice, you through whom trophies are raised up. Rejoice, you whom enemies are cast down.
Rejoice, Healing of my flesh. Rejoice, Salvation of my soul.

Rejoice, O Unwedded Bride.

Kontakion 13 [3 times]

O all-hymned Mother, worthy of all praise, who brought forth the Word, the Holiest of all Saints, as you receive this our offering, rescue us all from every calamity, and deliver from future torment those who cry with one voice:

Alleluia.

Eikos 1 Repeated 

The Archangel was sent from Heaven to cry: Rejoice! to the Theotokos. And beholding You, O Lord, taking bodily form, he stood in awe, and with his bodiless voice he cried aloud to her such things as these:

Rejoice, you through whom joy shall shine. Rejoice, you the Redemption of the tears of Eve.
Rejoice, Height hard to climb for human thought. Rejoice, Depth hard to explore even for the eyes of Angels.
Rejoice, for you are the Throne of the King. Rejoice, for you sustained the Sustainer of all.
Rejoice, Star that causes the Sun to appear. Rejoice, Womb of the divine Incarnation.
Rejoice, you through whom creation is renewed. Rejoice, you whom the Creator is born a Babe.

Rejoice, O Unwedded Bride

Happy Father's Day

In Harm's Way

When he was growing up, Michael had a friend who had a knack for, um, mischief. Jimmy could always be counted on for a rollicking good adventure. He is still a favorite around here. Michael is Mike now and Jimmy is Jim. A big strapping guy on his way to do heroic things, Jim's a great kid from a great family. From the time he was little, he's always reminded me of the Littlest Angel, a holy wonder, barreling through life with a twinkle in his eye and his halo just a little askew. But a halo he has. And now, he's got wings, too.

Isn't she adorable?

Check out the cover girl at Faith and Family Live today. And while you're there, click through all the new features. Did you know there's a "community" happening there? Sort of a Facebook- meets- a- message- board for Catholic women. There are feature articles up every day, now, and of course, the blogs are still happening. There's no excuse now for not being in the know in the Catholic woman's world. There is an excuse, though, for not getting the laundry done;-).

Go, click on over and see that curly girl. Stay awhile, read about letting kids get dirty, baby blues (loads of good tips there), and small successes. And that's just today.

The Strength to be Gentle

Read Hope for a Gentle Summer here.
Please:-)

Surviving the Baby and Toddler Years

This a great list of "tips" (I think they're so much more than tips, but I can't think of a better word because I'm way too sleep-deprived). As usual, Jen is thoughtful and wise and incredibly articulate. I'm printing this and filing it away for my kids to read one day. Don't miss it.

Wordless Wednesday: Sweet Sister

Been There, Done That: The Seasonal Post on Choosing Curriculum

This time last year, I sat with several syllabi from a well-planned curriculum (or two). I had enrolled my oldest in a "homeschool school." I was all set to use someone else's plans for everyone in the family. I reasoned that this decision would free me up to devote more time and energy to household tasks and babies. This decision was a holy one. At least I thought it was.

I cracked open my brand new planners and began to plot it all out, pulling from all the various pages and texts in those various syllabi. Then, the tweaking crept in. I substituted a little here, a little there. I recognized that I didn't have certain books, but I did have worthy substitutes. Scratching, switching, tailoring, tinkering...and so it went, until I recognized that it would indeed be simpler to plot out my own plans and then to pull from those as the year progressed instead of forcing a fit.  And "the homeschool school" had no problem with my tinkering. They understood that my son had special needs and that the program they mapped out wouldn't suit him at all. I was free to sustitute as I saw fit--just as long as I recorded everything and submitted it to them. Perfect, I could still do all the work I'd been doing all along, only now I could pay for the privelige of filling out more paperwork.

Did I mention that I was pregnant as I discovered all of this?

I use the word "discovered" loosely. To discover it would mean that it was the first time I happened upon the knowledge that I just don't do well with someone else's plans. The truth is, I'd "learned" this about myself several times. Only this time, I had come at it from a different perspective. I was caught up in the counsel of people I respect and quite taken by the idea that this would indeed give me control over my large family, the relationships that matter most, and my home environment. All that if I would just take school out of a box.

I took a walk and had a long talk with a friend whose house is always perfectly clean and beautifully decorated. She shared the relief she had in knowing that when she chose her curriculum seven years ago, she'd never have to choose again. Every summer, she opened the box with the sun on it and rays of light shone in her house (well, maybe not that, but close). I didn't give too much thought to the fact that she had a third the kids I do and she hadn't been pregnant in ten years. Nope, it was that sunny box that made her house clean and kept her laundry current.  That box put her in control.

But there is no syllabus that cleans one's house, folds one's clothes, or talks to one's husband. It didn't take me too long with those boxes to learn that they were not the right fit for me. For us. It was better in so many ways for me to use the abundant library in my own home, the resources I already had, and the enthusiasm for writing curriculum with which I'd been blessed to create our lists and plans. I knew I'd over-plan (I have managed to learn a few things about myself along the way, not every mistake do I make over and over again). But I also knew that in those extensive booklists, there would be something for everyone and a safety net should life heat up in other areas. (And Whoa, Nelly, did it ever!)

I am not in control and I won't ever be in control.

 The lesson I learned last summer--for the first time--is that homeschoolers can feel very passionately about their curriculum choices. They can give them moral weight and equate them with holiness. And they can see them through absolute lenses. In black and white, with no shades of gray. Many a happy homeschool support group has been rocked to its core by disagreements over curriculum choices.

Homeschoolers tend to be a passionate bunch. That's a good thing. It takes passion to carry us through something that is so set apart from the mainstream that it can be lonely and alienating. Our passion can blind us though. It can make us tend towards sweeping judgements of each other. And it can be misplaced.

There is more than one way to do this home education thing. More than one way to do it successfully. Success itself is measured differently in different families. I didn't go to any conferences this year (to speak or to listen). I haven't read any catalogs. I'm determined not to try to persuade a single soul or to give specific curriculum advice. It's a year of quiet.

So, here's my answer to the swelling number of emails asking me how to choose what to teach: pray about it, research your options, know what's in all those boxes, pray about it,  talk to your husband, pray about it, and then trust God to lead you in the right direction. His yoke is easy and his burden is light. You'll know when the yoke fits. And when it does, don't let anyone tell you that it's an inferior yoke. It's the yoke God himself made for you. Grant grace to your neighbor; trust that she is doing what she  believes in her heart of hearts to be the right thing for her family. Pray for her and bless her for her earnestness. Be her friend-- because homeschooling friends who stick with you over the long haul are rare and treasured blessings.

It's all good.

Or at least it all can be if we let it.

Instead of blogging, I

~held a feverish two-year-old whose hair curls in ever tighter ringlets when she's hot.
~comforted a feverish eight-year-old who is obsessed with numbers and had to be kept from the thermometer. (Note: the number was 104.6 and when he's better we'll tell him he's the all-time fever champion)
~made lemonade slushies.
~read Brown Bear, Brown Bear fifteen times before 8:00 AM.
~wondered what time it was in LA. Called Mike anyway.
~watched Mickey Mouse Clubhouse against my will at 2 AM.
~added chamomile to a tepid bath.
~dosed tylenol, advil, and holy water.
~had a good cry.
~took a nap with my baby.
~prayed. Hard.

Belated Thanks

I seem to be about fifteen paces behind in the internet world these days. Please accept my belated thanks for nominating this blog, In the Heart of my Home, for several Catholic New Media Awards.
~People's Choice
~Best Blog By a Woman
~Best Written Blog
~Most Spiritual
Voting is well underway, but remains open through the end of the month. You can register to vote here (only takes a moment). I'm particularly excited by the inclusion of podcasts this year. Nothing makes it easier to stay with a household task than listening to a good podcast while working. And there is a treasure trove of podcasts nominated for these awards. Award lists are always great places to find, well, "new media." Take a few moments to click around. Good stuff there!