I recently spoke about a book that I am rereading, A Mother's Rule of Life. I read it a few years ago, related to a lot of it and found many really helpful ideas.
One idea that I did not really relate to was the idea of a Mother's Day Out. Holly Pierlot, the author, explains how every other week she has a Saturday to herself. She is able to leave the house and the children to her husband and come home only when she is ready, feeling rejuvenated for her role in motherhood for the next two weeks. While this all sounded fantastic three years ago, it seemed luxurious and not like something that was necessary in my life at the time. Honestly, I may have even judged her for this "indulgence."
Times have changed. When reading this book now, I think this concept is one of the ideas that has spoken to me the most. It no longer seemed like a luxury, but a necessity.
What's the difference between then and now? Well, we have three children now. Homeschooling requires more time and energy then it did then. And while we are still active in Engaged Encounter, I have also taken on a more active role in our parish.
For several months now, I have felt a strong need for a break. A real break. Not just reading for seven minutes while I eat a sandwich before I do the dishes from lunch. Jason recognized this need in me, perhaps because I mentioned it several times in tears. Jason understands and is a compassionate rock of strength and love for me. It was he that first suggested that I get a "day off" before I even began rereading Holly's explanation of it.
Even though I feel that this is a sincere, very real need of mine, it still makes me feel guilty. I know so many other moms that don't get days off and they seem to be handling motherhood just fine. Many of them have more children than I do and are also homeschooling. I also feel guilty that I need to devote one of our weekend days entirely to myself. It seems selfish. Jason works hard all week too. What about Father's Day Out?
Of course, if Jason expressed that he also wanted days scheduled like this for him, then we would make that happen. But Jason doesn't need to get away from the house and the children like I do. He's happy to be home.
Jenny says that I'm not allowed to feel guilty about this and that she is my advocate. What a nice thought!
For now, I think we will try to make a Mother's Day Out scheduled once a month. That seems sufficient. But maybe if I was homeschooling five children like Holly, I would need this every two weeks like she does.
So today is my first official day off. What will I do with myself? Well, I am starting with my first zumba class with a new friend. I am also hopeful to get some reading and writing done. Maybe a little shopping. I will be going to Confession and perhaps to evening Mass. And I will end the day by getting a drink with Jenny.
Sounds like absolute bliss. Thanks, honey - I needed it :)
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Friday, March 9, 2012
The Spelling Bee!
Our Joshua made me so proud this week. He was in his first spelling bee!
I was astonished that he wanted to participate at all. This boy clung to my side at his first soccer practice in the fall of 2010, crying the whole time because he was so nervous to try. Joshua also refuses to go to Children's Liturgy during Mass because this requires him to stand in front of the congregation for a blessing before the children are dismissed. Two Christmases ago, he attempted to sing with the children in the front of the Church, but then ran back to the safety of our pew.
I really thought that this would also be the case at the spelling bee.
A few weeks ago when I tried to explain what the spelling bee would be like, he responded enthusiastically, "I've been waiting years for this!"
No worry on his part or mine was needed at all. Joshua absolutely rocked it! With each word, he stepped right up to the microphone and spelled each word clearly and with confidence. Afterwards, I asked if he was nervous and he answered, "Nooo," with eyes that said that this was the silliest question he'd ever heard. Noah was so inspired that he wants to try it next year.
In a couple of weeks, Joshua will turn seven. In the past couple of years, he has grown so much! It's so great to see your children surprise you and try things you never thought they would. Makes me wonder what's next!
Happy Friday!
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Mamma Can't Live Without...
My slow cooker.
I write this quickly in a small window I have for a bit of a break. Veronica is currently eating a snack in her high chair and the boys are playing outside in the odd light that is coming down from the weird sky that looks strangely blue. (What is that stuff again? Sunlight or something?) Using small windows of time efficiently has become like riding a bike. And this definitely also pertains to making meals.
We will be leaving soon to go to the Y so that I can get a workout in and the kiddos can play.
When we come home, the house will smell gloriously of roast chicken, carrots, potatoes and onions. Yes, we will come home at dinner time and dinner will already be made. And the boys have already set the table.
This is why I cannot live without my slow cooker. We received it as a wedding present 8 1/2 years ago and it still works great. During the first year of our marriage, I used it a lot because I was in school and at work all day. Now, with my days full for other reasons, my slow cooker is once again a dear friend who visits our kitchen at least once a week.
To have the flexibility to prepare dinner whenever I have a window during the day, and not just in the early evening, is a must in our household. I can't always attend to cooking meals around 5:00 and on those days, my slow cooker simmers all day so that we can still sit down to a healthy, delicious family dinner.
I also use it for breakfasts. I have a wonderful Weight Watchers steel cut oats recipe that I can make before bed so that we wake up to a delicious, healthy breakfast. This is wonderful for Sunday mornings before we go to Church.
Do you have a slow cooker? What's your favorite slow cooker recipe?
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| See how some of the word "crockpot" has worn off? That's how well loved my slow cooker is. |
We will be leaving soon to go to the Y so that I can get a workout in and the kiddos can play.
When we come home, the house will smell gloriously of roast chicken, carrots, potatoes and onions. Yes, we will come home at dinner time and dinner will already be made. And the boys have already set the table.
This is why I cannot live without my slow cooker. We received it as a wedding present 8 1/2 years ago and it still works great. During the first year of our marriage, I used it a lot because I was in school and at work all day. Now, with my days full for other reasons, my slow cooker is once again a dear friend who visits our kitchen at least once a week.
To have the flexibility to prepare dinner whenever I have a window during the day, and not just in the early evening, is a must in our household. I can't always attend to cooking meals around 5:00 and on those days, my slow cooker simmers all day so that we can still sit down to a healthy, delicious family dinner.
I also use it for breakfasts. I have a wonderful Weight Watchers steel cut oats recipe that I can make before bed so that we wake up to a delicious, healthy breakfast. This is wonderful for Sunday mornings before we go to Church.
Do you have a slow cooker? What's your favorite slow cooker recipe?
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Mamma's No Recipe Cookin' - Meatballs!
Who doesn't love a good meatball?
Meatballs can definitely be mastered recipe free. I've been making them for years and have never used a recipe.
On this particular day, I cooked them in my slow cooker. They can also be baked in a 375 degree oven for about fifteen minutes or until cooked through. If you like a crispiness to the outside of your meatball, then it would be best to sear the outside of the meatballs in a skillet and then finish them up in the oven.
The essentials (for about 4-5 servings): One pound of ground meat - I used turkey on this day, but you can experiment with others too. Beef is pretty fool-proof. Chicken could be used, but may be a little dry so maybe compensate by adding a little milk or another egg. Lamb would work well. I think that pork would probably be a little too greasy by itself, put it's great to combine with a different meat. You can also combine ground sausage with other meats for a lot of flavor.
Other essentials - Eggs, Breadcrumbs, Salt, Pepper, and Garlic.
If you are cooking these in a slow cooker, another essential would be some type of liquid. I used some marinara mixed with red wine. You could also use stock with some type of thickening agent, like flour or cornstarch.
Nice-to-Haves: Onion, Italian flat-leaf parsley, other seasonings.
Roll the mixture into about 1 1/2 inch meatballs. If using a slow cooker, spray it with non-stick spray and place the meatballs into the slow cooker before adding any liquid. If baking, place them onto a broiler pan sprayed with non-stick spray.
Meatballs can definitely be mastered recipe free. I've been making them for years and have never used a recipe.
On this particular day, I cooked them in my slow cooker. They can also be baked in a 375 degree oven for about fifteen minutes or until cooked through. If you like a crispiness to the outside of your meatball, then it would be best to sear the outside of the meatballs in a skillet and then finish them up in the oven.
The essentials (for about 4-5 servings): One pound of ground meat - I used turkey on this day, but you can experiment with others too. Beef is pretty fool-proof. Chicken could be used, but may be a little dry so maybe compensate by adding a little milk or another egg. Lamb would work well. I think that pork would probably be a little too greasy by itself, put it's great to combine with a different meat. You can also combine ground sausage with other meats for a lot of flavor.
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| The Lineup |
If you are cooking these in a slow cooker, another essential would be some type of liquid. I used some marinara mixed with red wine. You could also use stock with some type of thickening agent, like flour or cornstarch.
Nice-to-Haves: Onion, Italian flat-leaf parsley, other seasonings.
Now put your meat, eggs, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper and garlic in a bowl. I use two eggs per pound of meat. For the breadcrumbs, a large handful or probably about 1/2 to 3/4 cups. But remember, this is No-Recipe Cookin'. Get comfortable with not measuring. Make sure to use a decent amount of salt, pepper, garlic and any other seasonings. Unfortunately, there's no taste test for this one until after they're cooked. But if they're bland, then you didn't use enough! I know, pretty obvious. If that's the case, just use more next time.
If you are using onion or parsley, chop or food process them into very small pieces. I used about a half of an onion. I actually didn't have parsley on this day, so I substituted fresh spinach. Add the chopped onions and parsley (or spinach) to the mixture.
Now get your hands dirty and mix that all together.
In a slow cooker, pour your liquid onto the top of your meatballs - a splash (or cup!) of wine.
Then the marinara.
A couple of bay leaves for more flavor.
Cook for 4 hours in the slow cooker on high. Serve over pasta or in sandwiches. Enjoy!
Monday, March 5, 2012
Missionary Work From Home (for now)
I am on such a high right now. I feel on top of the world and like I could accomplish just about anything.
Saturday night was a big night for me and for our St. Luke Church community. This summer we have 29 fabulous missionaries who will be traveling to work for 9 days in El Salvador at Project FIAT. Saturday night was our fundraiser dinner and I have been praying about it for months now.
For a few years now, Jason and I have been feeling strongly called to become involved in missionary work, something that terrifies and excites us at the same time. We have been unsure of how we can best answer this call and at times were scared and even frustrated. Simply to say that you think you should do "missionary work" is a little vague. When? Where? And for us, most importantly is HOW? With three young children at home, this raised a lot of questions. We realize that people do this, that there are very brave people who quit their jobs, sell their houses, leave their lives and travel to far-off places to do the Lord's work. Even with small children. Of course this idea is incredibly frightening. But we still considered it as we realize that what we are called to do is not always within our comfort zone.
The most frustrating part was that this calling to do missionary work seemed in conflict with other directions that the Lord has taken us, such as creating a welcoming home and resting place for our family; being close with our extended family, fostering those relationships and helping them when they need us; and for me, being a stay-at-home, homeschooling mom. How could these two callings be in harmony? We discussed this conflict of callings a lot and prayed about it.
In September, I was asked to be on the Short Term Missionary Trip Committee at Church, which was a true answer to our prayers. From there, I was able to learn more about the mission trip programs that are available, help choose one that works well for the needs of our parishioners and help prepare those who are going for their trip.
We are not going on the trip. Not this time anyway. Veronica will only be a year old and we simply are not in the phase of life to make a trip like this right now. But in supporting these missionaries, I have learned so much and am becoming more prepared (and less scared!) for when it will be our turn. And I also feel that in a small way, I am contributing to the work they will be doing this summer, which is good enough for me right now.
So Saturday night was our fundraiser dinner, which I chaired. This is the first time I have ever organized an event like that. Basically it means that I helped organize things, that I delegated a lot and helped iron out any problems that arose. I worked alongside an AMAZING team of people who honestly did most of the work.
I have been very nervous for this event. It was a lot of work for a lot of people and I wanted it to be worth everyone's hard work, time and energy. For weeks, ticket sales were not doing great and I was worried we'd have like two people attend. By last week though, the concern changed to how were we going to fit everyone. We had 160 attendees and the 29 missionaries there.
I was also worried that we would not make enough funds to be worth all of our efforts. A car wash or a bake sale is much easier to organize. In my mind, we needed to make a lot more money than one of those fundraisers would in order for the dinner to be a success. In the end, we made more money that we had even hoped for.
God is good. He answered our prayers triple-fold. My heart is so full right now and it feels so open to whatever He is calling me to do. Yesterday we had the ministry fair after Mass and I found myself thinking, "I could do that. And I can do that. Oh and that sounds like fun." There is such a balance to saying yes to what I am being called to do and not over-committing, so that I can fulfill my calling as mother and wife with grace, kindness, patience and a little energy too.
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| Siblings living in extreme poverty in El Salvador. Image via Wikipedia |
Saturday night was a big night for me and for our St. Luke Church community. This summer we have 29 fabulous missionaries who will be traveling to work for 9 days in El Salvador at Project FIAT. Saturday night was our fundraiser dinner and I have been praying about it for months now.
For a few years now, Jason and I have been feeling strongly called to become involved in missionary work, something that terrifies and excites us at the same time. We have been unsure of how we can best answer this call and at times were scared and even frustrated. Simply to say that you think you should do "missionary work" is a little vague. When? Where? And for us, most importantly is HOW? With three young children at home, this raised a lot of questions. We realize that people do this, that there are very brave people who quit their jobs, sell their houses, leave their lives and travel to far-off places to do the Lord's work. Even with small children. Of course this idea is incredibly frightening. But we still considered it as we realize that what we are called to do is not always within our comfort zone.
The most frustrating part was that this calling to do missionary work seemed in conflict with other directions that the Lord has taken us, such as creating a welcoming home and resting place for our family; being close with our extended family, fostering those relationships and helping them when they need us; and for me, being a stay-at-home, homeschooling mom. How could these two callings be in harmony? We discussed this conflict of callings a lot and prayed about it.
In September, I was asked to be on the Short Term Missionary Trip Committee at Church, which was a true answer to our prayers. From there, I was able to learn more about the mission trip programs that are available, help choose one that works well for the needs of our parishioners and help prepare those who are going for their trip.
We are not going on the trip. Not this time anyway. Veronica will only be a year old and we simply are not in the phase of life to make a trip like this right now. But in supporting these missionaries, I have learned so much and am becoming more prepared (and less scared!) for when it will be our turn. And I also feel that in a small way, I am contributing to the work they will be doing this summer, which is good enough for me right now.
So Saturday night was our fundraiser dinner, which I chaired. This is the first time I have ever organized an event like that. Basically it means that I helped organize things, that I delegated a lot and helped iron out any problems that arose. I worked alongside an AMAZING team of people who honestly did most of the work.
I have been very nervous for this event. It was a lot of work for a lot of people and I wanted it to be worth everyone's hard work, time and energy. For weeks, ticket sales were not doing great and I was worried we'd have like two people attend. By last week though, the concern changed to how were we going to fit everyone. We had 160 attendees and the 29 missionaries there.
I was also worried that we would not make enough funds to be worth all of our efforts. A car wash or a bake sale is much easier to organize. In my mind, we needed to make a lot more money than one of those fundraisers would in order for the dinner to be a success. In the end, we made more money that we had even hoped for.
God is good. He answered our prayers triple-fold. My heart is so full right now and it feels so open to whatever He is calling me to do. Yesterday we had the ministry fair after Mass and I found myself thinking, "I could do that. And I can do that. Oh and that sounds like fun." There is such a balance to saying yes to what I am being called to do and not over-committing, so that I can fulfill my calling as mother and wife with grace, kindness, patience and a little energy too.
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| To learn more about the history of El Salvador and the conditions there in past decades, the movie "Romero" is very good. |
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Changing Perspective
On Life as a Mom, a blog that I read often, Jessica Fisher recently wrote a post titled Failures into Victories. In it, she describes the way God always knows what he is doing. What seems like a failure at the time can be made into victory.
This really helped me to look at things differently on a recent Sunday evening. It had been a frustrating day. The night before, I had done a great job of preparing things so that our family could easily get ready for Church. I had clothes laid out for all three children and myself. Furthermore, I had prepared steel cut oats in the slow cooker so that breakfast would be ready to go in the morning.
In the morning, I showered, ate and made sure the boys were off to a good start. When I entered Veronica's room, the smell of vomit hit me. There was vomit all over her crib, her blankie and of course her, mostly crusted in her hair. She had never made a peep. I have no idea when she actually threw up.
The day went on. She had a very stuffy nose, diarrhea and later, hives on her cheeks. What the heck! Not knowing what was going on, I canceled going to see my sister's concert. A call to the on-call doctor was no help. The hives came and went, leaving me thoroughly confused.
At the children's bedtime, I began to shiver and could tell I was getting a fever. Now I was sick too! How on earth was Jessica's entry able to change my perspective?
Well, while I really did feel awful, it was actually a very convenient time to get sick. When does that happen? It seems like never in our house.
Besides missing the concert, I had an open calendar for the next couple of days. Jason would be home on Monday because of President's Day. I had just cleaned the entire house that Friday. And we had done an enormous grocery shop on Saturday. So I was in a good place to be able to lie around on the couch and get well.
While it stinks being sick, reading Jessica's entry really helped me not have a big ol' pity party :)
This really helped me to look at things differently on a recent Sunday evening. It had been a frustrating day. The night before, I had done a great job of preparing things so that our family could easily get ready for Church. I had clothes laid out for all three children and myself. Furthermore, I had prepared steel cut oats in the slow cooker so that breakfast would be ready to go in the morning.
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| The evening before she got sick - she sure seemed fine! |
At the children's bedtime, I began to shiver and could tell I was getting a fever. Now I was sick too! How on earth was Jessica's entry able to change my perspective?
Well, while I really did feel awful, it was actually a very convenient time to get sick. When does that happen? It seems like never in our house.
Besides missing the concert, I had an open calendar for the next couple of days. Jason would be home on Monday because of President's Day. I had just cleaned the entire house that Friday. And we had done an enormous grocery shop on Saturday. So I was in a good place to be able to lie around on the couch and get well.
While it stinks being sick, reading Jessica's entry really helped me not have a big ol' pity party :)
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| Sweet Baby |
Friday, March 2, 2012
Finding Beauty
This week, my attitude has been changing. I can feel my heart and my spirit growing, swelling within me.
For quite a while now, I have felt like I could not get on top of things, like I was always a little behind. It seemed that I was living inside my head, constantly forming a never-ending to-do list, not being fully present to my family or the world around me. Have you ever felt like that?
I am rereading a book that helped me immensely a few years ago called A Mother's Rule of Life. This book helped bring meaning and purpose to my role as a mother. It helped me be able to see that role as my vocation and understand what that meant.
This book changed my perspective so much that I have been avoiding reading it again. I knew that it held the answers to many of the issues I was struggling with, but I also was aware of the work and change involved to overcome them. Do you ever fight against change, really battle internally against it, even when you know that it will be change for the better? Why do I do this?
One benefit of following A Mother's Rule is that I can stop living in my head so much. I can begin to see my life with more clarity and more authority. Rather than feeling as though life is wearing me out, I can begin to feel as though I have the energy and the grace to wear life out!
I say grace because this is not through my own power, but only because of the strength and wisdom and peace I find in the Lord. When I rely on Him, and when I live my life for Him each day, I am able to accomplish so much more. When I offer my efforts up to God, He blesses them and they multiply. Suddenly life doesn't seem so chaotic and my days don't seem so unmanageable.
When this is the case, I am so much less stressed, less anxious, less worried. My shoulders relax. I smile more. I spend more time with my children, really listening to them and enjoying them. It helps me not to yell so much :)
And I am able to pause and enjoy the beauty around me - in my home, in my kids, in my husband, in my friends and family and community, and sometimes in the morning just right outside my window.
For quite a while now, I have felt like I could not get on top of things, like I was always a little behind. It seemed that I was living inside my head, constantly forming a never-ending to-do list, not being fully present to my family or the world around me. Have you ever felt like that?
I am rereading a book that helped me immensely a few years ago called A Mother's Rule of Life. This book helped bring meaning and purpose to my role as a mother. It helped me be able to see that role as my vocation and understand what that meant.
This book changed my perspective so much that I have been avoiding reading it again. I knew that it held the answers to many of the issues I was struggling with, but I also was aware of the work and change involved to overcome them. Do you ever fight against change, really battle internally against it, even when you know that it will be change for the better? Why do I do this?
One benefit of following A Mother's Rule is that I can stop living in my head so much. I can begin to see my life with more clarity and more authority. Rather than feeling as though life is wearing me out, I can begin to feel as though I have the energy and the grace to wear life out!
I say grace because this is not through my own power, but only because of the strength and wisdom and peace I find in the Lord. When I rely on Him, and when I live my life for Him each day, I am able to accomplish so much more. When I offer my efforts up to God, He blesses them and they multiply. Suddenly life doesn't seem so chaotic and my days don't seem so unmanageable.
When this is the case, I am so much less stressed, less anxious, less worried. My shoulders relax. I smile more. I spend more time with my children, really listening to them and enjoying them. It helps me not to yell so much :)
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