Be careful what you ask for (aka "The Capital of Indiana")

During one recent family visit, we got on the discussion of state capitals. One family member claimed that she knew them all, and so then everyone felt the need to start quizzing her. At the point of getting several of them wrong, she declared that she apparently didn't know any of them.

I then turned to Noah and said, "What's the capital of Indiana?" I thought, perhaps, he might know it, having been to Indianapolis before. Although I did know that they hadn't yet talked about state capitals in school.

Noah, however, heard a different question -- a grammatical question instead. He tilted his head to one side and said, "Ummm...the letter I?"

And, really, that was hard to argue with. "Yes, you're right, Noah. The I is the one that is capitalized."

Sensing My Worry About Homeschool

As I tucked the boys into bed the other night, I reminded them that Spring Break would be over soon, and that they would be heading back to school on Monday. I asked them if they were happy to be going back to school.

Noah quickly said, "Yeah! I'll like to see all of my friends."

I think that I felt my shoulders shrink down and I looked at Eric with a worried look on my face.

"Now, don't even do that," he chided me. He then continued to the boys, "Mommy worries that you won't like homeschooling."

"Why wouldn't we like it?!?" Jack asked, as if I had suggested that they might not like chocolate.

The next morning, one of the first things out of Jack's mouth was (with a smile on his face), "Do you know what I will like about homeschooling, Mom? I'll really like that people won't bring in dogs and cats to show and tell like they do at regular school sometimes." And, then he just sat grinning at me.

I couldn't help but smile back at him. I knew that it wasn't just random that he told me that. It had probably been rolling around his six year old head all night, just waiting for morning to remind me that they are excited about it.

Bring back my wife!

Years ago, during the Christmas when Noah was 3 1/2 years old and Jack was about 17 months old, Jack received a Fisher Price Noah's Ark set.

If you are a parent, you might already be seeing a point of contention for the children -- Jack received a Noah's Ark set, and Noah did not.

Now, first, before I continue, I must interject that we are pretty strict on that certain toys aren't owned by certain children. Like a commune, apparently, toys are typically owned by the collective. We typically say for the first couple of days, the first owner can really OWN it. After that, it is pretty much community property. There have been a few exceptions to this, if that makes sense, given whatever the circumstances may be. These generally rules have really only come to be in the last several years. Really, before this story took place.

Okay, so back to the Ark.

This idea of Noah's Ark not belonging to our son Noah was very confusing to him. He would say, "No, it's MY Ark. Noah's Ark." We finally explained to him, and thought it got through, one day that the little old man Little People person in the set was ALSO named Noah, and it was his Ark that God told him to build.

After that, there was peace in our home.

That is, of course, until one day when they started questioning who the female Little People person was. We told them that it was "Noah's wife." And, really, it was still okay for a day or so. Then the next day when they were playing, Jack kept trying to take the female and hide her. Finally, he just put it in his hands and started running.

Noah quickly jumped up and shouted, "BRING BACK MY WIFE! BRING...ME...BACK...MY...WIFE!"

I have seen a lot of things that have tickled my funny bone in my life, but amongst the top of the list have to be a 3 1/2 year old shouting to a 17 month old to "bring back his wife."

After things settled down (e.g. we stopped laughing, we re-explained this whole "Noah's wife" business, and stopped the boys from fighting), Eric and I both came to the conclusion that we hoped we would have to see that scene play out with our boys again. Because, while funny as toddlers, it would not really be so amusing between adults.

13 Games I have Managed to Play Obsessively (Thursday Thirteen #7)

Thirteen Games I Have Managed to Play to Extreme Okay, so I happen to have an obsessive personality. I wish I didn't, but it is just something that I have had to accept. One of those things I can get obsessive about is playing games. Makes me crazy! So, I generally try to avoid them, as to not get addicted. But, here are 13 games that have grabbed ahold of me throughout my life, including some when I was younger than some of my kids and was sitting with bugged out eyes in front of the TV that was built into the big cabinet using an Atari with the joystick. This list was inspired by my 40 minutes of playing my newest game obsession.

1. Pac Man

2. Frogger

3. Tetris

4. Super Mario Brothers (the original)

5. Shrunken Heads (online -- from smashingames.com)

6. Mine Sweeper

7. Hearts (on the computer)

8. Mario Kart Double Dash

9. Home Before Dark (on Webkinz)

10. Cash Cow (on Webkinz)

11. Cash Cow 2 (on Webkinz)

12. Hyperbowl Plus! Edition

And the latest obsession....

13. Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party (for the Wii)

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If I stop having my craft business, what will I do with my stuff?

I have been seriously pondering pulling everything out of my Etsy shop (or having some "business closing sale"), and finish having my craft business.

And really, I'm pretty fine with that idea. I'm actually more than fine with that idea. I don't like the book keeping aspect of it, and know that I often don't put the time into it that it would need (and other times just put far too much time into it). Seriously -- it is WAY appealing to me to not have to deal with junk like sales tax, inventory tax, year end taxes, etc.

Oh...and then there is the little fact that though I went into this as a business, I would guess that there will come a time when the IRS says it is a hobby.

My only real issue is -- I love making saints bracelets, rosaries, and the like. What will I do with them if I don't put them in my Etsy shop?

ETA: Oops -- sorry if I wasn't more specific. Thanks for the comments, but I was actually just asking what I would do with things I made if I didn't sell them at all (craft shows, etc. included). I'm not really looking for alternate selling options versus Etsy. Just was worried I would have tons of rosaries hanging around my house.

Maybe I'll just keep my shop and only put in stuff when I feel like it and just not worry about it. Oh, and then there is also the controlling what I spend as to make the business not a loss. (I'm bad like that, of course.)

WFMW: What I have learned about potty training

I will stop myself short of saying that these are potty training tips, because quite frankly, I think that me trying to pretend that I can give awesome potty training tips is like a vampire giving suntaning tips.

But...after potty training three children, including two or three that were difficult to potty train, I do feel like I have learned a few things.

Tip #1 for successful potty training: Don't force it. Yes, I know -- there can be a lot of pressure.

"Oh, so Susie is already three and not potty trained? That's funny, Janie was about 3 months old and said, 'Mother, I need to have a bowel movement now' and I would just plop her on the toliet and she would go."

Still, do what is best for your own child. I have seen a few kindergartners (back when I taught) who still had some serious bathroom issues. One Mom fessed up to me that her son had those issues because she thought her husband was too hard on him when he was potty training.

Just remember -- unless there are some serious issues, your child will eventually use the toliet. It may not be on your schedule, but it will happen. So, stop worrying and just commend Janie's mom on her genius baby.

Tip #2: Bribery can work. Bribery is not wrong, as long as you don't take it to an extreme. Think of it this way -- would you (or whoever works in your household) keep going to work if you didn't get a paycheck? So, think of the bribery as their paycheck.

But, here's the important thing, you need to find a time to back off of whatever you were doing.

For instance, with my children, we used a chart for earning stars. They got a star every time they successfully, and when they filled up their chart, they earned a prize/reward/treat/etc. At first, the chart (just drawn on regular computer paper) might have four empty boxes on it, if they are having a really difficult time learning to potty on the toliet. As they become more successful, add more boxes. We had a point where we had as many as 35 squares on a paper!

Here's the beauty of it though, it has been my experience that by the time you get to that point, they stop forgetting that they want a star each time. And, at that point, you need to stop giving them a star unless they mention it. The bribes start to get faded out, and it will even probably come to a time when you can just quietly stop doing the chart all together.

If they complain, hopefully they will be at a point where going on the toliet is so natural that you won't have back peddling when you stop charting. (Either that, or they need to start losing stars for having accidents.)

Tip #4: Although I did mention taking away stars, I would only do that in an extreme situation. Personally, we never did that. So, that's this tip -- praise accomplishments, but don't punish accidents. Just clean them up (or have them help/do it themselves), and give them encouraging words. I often told my kids, "That's okay. Accidents happen sometimes, but I know that you will do a fabulous job next time!"

Tip #5: I have this tip thanks to the most difficult of my potty training kids -- Jack. Granted, Noah and Jack potty trained at the exact same age, but Jack was more difficult because he was able to use the toilet, but just never seemed to be able to get around to doing it. (Whereas Noah just wasn't able, but I'll get to that.)

We tried tons of methods of positive reinforcement with Jack for potty training. Nothing worked. We even talked to a psychologist (we were there for a different reason), and he suggested having a toy that Jack was only able to play with while he sat on the potty. This, I thought, was a great idea, so feel free to work with that one. But, it still didn't work for us. It just didn't motivate him. Nothing motivated him.

And then, one day, it hit me. Juice. Jack loves juice. Juice will motivate Jack. And, so I came up with a plan for my then 4 years and 10 month old son (remember -- he has some special needs, of course, though he has grown out of a lot of those that were holding him back at that time) that I was afraid was mean. Every time he would want juice, we would require him to go to the bathroom first. If he didn't go, no juice until he did.

I thought I was a horrible mother for this plan.

Two days later, Jack was potty trained with zero complaints from him. As a matter of fact, he even would often say, "Can I have some juice?" and then would run to the bathroom to potty, knowing he had to do that first.

(I will add in here -- Jack always went A LOT. So, I was not afraid that I would be withholding liquids from him.)

My tip in all this?

Find what motivates YOUR child. You won't find this answer in a book on how to potty train. You need to put serious thought into this, and then you'll know.

Tip #6: Okay -- one last thing I have learned about potty training. Be patient, and watch to see if your child is actually ready. Just because you want them to be potty trained doesn't mean it is really time. Perhaps that means that you need to stop and introduce it again in a week, a month, or several months.

When we potty trained Noah (with high functioning Autism -- Asperger's Syndrome), he really wanted to try to do it, but he was scared. He would cry when we would try to put him on the toilet, so we would stop and try again another time. We tried to bribe him, and he would cry because he just couldn't do it. That, my friends, is a sign to stop.

And, then one Wednesday afternoon, after never successfully using the toliet, he announced he had to go to the bathroom -- on the potty. From that moment forward, he was potty trained -- day and night.

It was his time, and he was ready. Our schedule was not his. And I am still so thankful that we finally backed off and just let him wait for that moment when he was ready. What a gift that was!



For lots of tips, tricks, and ideas on a huge variety of topics, be sure to check out Works for Me Wednesday at Rocks in my Dryer!

Nobody Moves Like You

We just got Dance Dance Revolution (Hottest Party version) for the Wii for Easter.

Jack and I have been playing it a lot. While Jack tends to get frustrated, I just laugh when I mess up a lot and know that I'll get better as I keep working on it. (Besides, it's good cardio, right?)

Last night, the game said, "Nobody moves like you."

Jack, ever the astute boy says, "Do you think that he means that in a good way or a bad way?"

Eric and I had to burst out laughing.

What other six year old would even ponder that?

Super Yummy and Quick Lemon Pie

I recently had this pie at a MOPS meeting, and just had to share the recipe after everyone at Easter dinner said they preferred it over the Chocolate Silk Pie from Marie Callendar. Knowing how much everyone in my family likes that one, I thought that meant that the lemon pie definitely got two thumbs up. I'm already planning to make a couple of them for Noah's First Communion Open House.

I got this from my MOPS newsletter, but they didn't cite where they got it before that.



Ingredients:

2 cups cold milk
2 pkgs (4-serving size each) JELL-O Lemon Flavor Instant Pudding and Pie Filling
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 Graham Cracker Pie Crust (6 oz)
1 tub (8 oz) Cool Whip, thawed

Directions:

Pour milk into large bowl. Add dry pudding mixes and lemon juice. Beat with wire whisk for two minutes or until well blended. (The mixture will be thick.)

Spread 1 and 1/2 cups of the pudding mixture onto the bottom of the crust, and then set it aside.

Add half of the Cool Whip to the remaining pudding (still in the bowl), and stir gently until well blended. Spread this over the pudding layer in the crust.

Top with the remaining Cool Whip that is still in the tub.

Refrigerate for three hours or until set. (Angie's note here: I actually had it in the refrigerator for about four hours, and although it was mostly set, it kind of fell apart taking it out of the pie pan.)

Garnish with lemon peel, if desired.

Store leftover pie in the refrigerator.

Photo from FreeFoto.com

Menu Plan Monday: March 24th Edition

Monday: leftovers from Easter dinner

Tuesday: Pesto Ravioli with Chicken and Walnuts (assembled at Dream Dinners)

Wednesday: Biscuits and Gravy

Thursday: Three cheese tortellini

Friday: Pancakes (and other breakfast stuff)

Satuday: lunch ---> sandwiches / dinner ---> From Out

Sunday: lunch ---> BBQ sandwiches / dinner ---> One of the Chicken dishes I have in the freezer from Dream Dinners

Holy Thursday and a Family Foot Washing

This evening was a busy one for our family, and although I am beginning to feel like I might fall asleep right here at the keyboard, I wanted to take a chance to write before that happened.

This evening (after stopping by a nursing home facility to see two of our grandmothers [great-grandmothers to our kids]), we went to our parish's "simple supper."

This supper isn't really all that simple, except that I suppose it is. It is simple in that nobody brings elaborate food, but there is always a lot of food to be had. People are assigned to bring either a salad (which can be any type of salad -- pasta salad, green salad, fruit salad, etc.) or a type of bread. Then, the church provides a few types of soup. It is so tasty!!!

We had a great time, and sat with a couple of other families that we know from the parish, but also spent a good deal of time chatting with other people as well. I commented to Eric that it was funny that we mostly only knew people who were in or involved with RCIA when we went to the supper last year, and this year we were talking to so many different people.

I think that really added to the evening -- to have that fellowship during our supper, and to remind us of the fellowship of the Last Supper.

After dinner, everyone headed over for Mass (there was really a gap of time, so even those who were eating at the very end of the supper still had plenty of time to make sure they had stopped eating an appropriate amount of time before Communion).

The Mass was enjoyable, and we even were able to sit with some new friends, though I think it made Jack extra squirmy.

My plan was then to go home and do our own foot washing for our family, as the only people to have their feet washed during the Mass at our parish are 12 people who are in the RCIA or RCIC. My original plan was for Eric and I to wash the feet of the children, and then to have them wash our feet. As I sat in the van waiting for Eric to run into the grocery store for cold medicine though, the plans changed in my mind.

When we got home, I got warm water in a pitcher and brought out a large bowl. I set Molly up in the chair to go first, and then we (the whole family) talked about the significance of the foot washing.

The boys were expecting that I was going to wash Molly's feet, but then I told them that they would each do one of her feet. And, so that was how we did the kids' feet. Each child had one of their feet washed by one sibilng, and then the other foot washed by their other sibling. I decided that this was more appropriate, I thought, for the purpose of the foot washing.

Likewise, when Eric went (before me), instead of having the kids wash his feet, I had all three kids wash one of his feet, and then I washed his other foot. The family did mine in the same fashion.

This did all mean that we were up past the kids' bedtime, but it was defintely worth it. I suspect (hope) that this will be a new tradition in our family!

Pizza Hut Book It Program for Homeschoolers

I basically just did my very first act signing up for something as a homeschooler (since it is for next school year) by signing up for the Pizza Hut Book It program (this link is specifically for homeschoolers).

My boys always love getting those certificates at school, although we are bad about actually finding the time to use them. But, with them being home next year, maybe it will mean for a special lunch when they earn them.

13 Quick and Easy Meals that I Enjoy (with recipes) (TT #6)

Thirteen Quick and Easy Meals I Enjoy

1. Asian-Style Chicken and Broccoli

2. Chicken and Potato Bake (one pan)

3. Beef Noodle Bowls

4. Ham Sandwiches (on rolls, baked)

5. Club Quesadillas

6. Broccoli-Cauliflower Salad (which, of course, is not a *meal*, but is my very favorite salad, so I had to add it)

7. Quick Chicken Teriyaki

8. Spinach & Egg Fettucini in a Five Cheese Sauce from Bertoli (with just one chicken breast cut up and thrown in!) -- of course, this is not a recipe, but it is quick, easy, and tasty!

9. Better-than-ever Beef Enchiladas

10. Creamy Rice, Chicken, & Spinach Dinner

11. Salads (Romaine lettuce and Spinach -- or something else you like) topped with grilled chicken (packets can be picked up from Tyson), hard boiled eggs, crumbled bacon, and lowfat cheese

12. Honey Chicken Sandwiches

13. Honey Mustard Steak

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WFMW: Encouraging Your Child (and Family!) to Pray

We have been working on trying to be more mindful of finding time to pray as a family this year. When we have been doing this, we typically have been lighting a candle and taking time for each family member to be able to pray for things they are thankful for, and then we go around another time to pray about concerns. Although we have not been as good about doing this every night as I had hoped, it has been a really great experience for our family, and I think has been good for the kids to see that sometimes prayer is just saying outloud what your thoughts or concerns are.

But...this posting is actually about some things that I bought this weekend, which are already helping to encourage more times of spontaneous prayer for different family members.

This weekend, I was at the Hearts at Home Conference, and I was blessed to be able to meet the women who own a company called Doorposts. I picked up several of their products, and was not only impressed with their products, but also with the women who own the company!

My kids were instantly attracted to both the Family Prayer Candle and the Chosen Family Prayer Rocks!

And, this totally cool thing has happened since we put out the Chosen Family Prayer Rocks -- I am noticing people just quietly going over to the bowl of rocks, finding a rock with someone's name on it, and praying for them. Not only is that so great to see, but it's also great to see the reaction of the person who is being prayed for, if they happen to notice!

What a great find this has been for our family, and I can't wait for the opportunity to share some of the products from Doorposts with friends and family as gifts.

What a fabulous way to foster a prayerful heart in our families! After just a few short days of having these products, they already rank as a "works for me!"

(Please note -- I was not compensated to write this review. I simply fell in love with these products and had to share the prayerful behaviors I have seen from my family because of these beautiful visual reminders.)

To read more Works for Me Wednesday tips, please check out Works for Me Wednesday at Rocks in my Dryer!




*Pictures from the website of Doorposts

Winner of the 100 Mommy/Business Cards Announced!

I used random.org to pick the winner of my Ultimate Blog Party door prize (it was for Mommy/Business Cards), and I came up Storm from All Things Cherished.

Congratulations!

The Welcome Wagon

The Welcome Wagon is alive and well, I have decided after a conversation with Eric today.

Molly and I had lunch with him, and at one point, he said that he had slept so soundly last night -- more soundly than he has been able to for a while (because of being sick).

I told him that I knew he must really be sleeping because I was able to get into bed and asleep without him reaching over to touch me. Despite efforts on my part to get into bed as quietly as possible, I apparently almost always wake him up. Although at that point I am beat, and the last thing I typically want is to sneak into bed and be detected.

I said to Eric as I drove, "It's just like you want to welcome me into our marriage bed each night in the hopes that it will, um....really be our marriage bed."

Eric said, "SEE! There you go! I am not trying to bug you, I'm just trying to be hospitable."

So...apparently all these years, I thought he was trying something, and all these years he just thought it was being a polite host.

Hmmm...yeah, that's it.

How I came to start the Catholic Mothers Online blog roll

It was last year around this time when I was getting farther into blogging (having started in December 2006), and I was on the look out for a blog roll for Catholic women (I was, of course, just about to become a Catholic woman last year at this time). Unfortunately, no matter what search words I was putting in or where I looked, I just didn't seem to be coming across anything.

I then found a Christian blog roll that looked interesting, and I decided to sign up. However, as I read through the belief requirements, I realized that this list did not include Catholics. I read through it again, and remembered the very specific wording used on one requirement (I can't, unfortunately, recall it now) that reminded me of hearing of the Protestant Reformation in history classes. So, I was sad, but I didn't try to join, obviously. It was just shortly after that that I found out another blogger I knew (who is Catholic) was specifically denied membership because she was Catholic.

I became not only sad, but angry. I remember thinking, still a Protestant at that point for another week or so, "How can you abandon me? I have been one of you my whole life. How can you deny me being on a Christian blog roll just because I now want to be a Catholic Christian?"

This made my search become more furious for a blog roll for Catholics. And, I felt like I was coming up empty handed.

Late one night with this heavy on my mind and heart, I sat in one of the recliners in my living room with my computer on my lap. I puttered around the Internet, and then I heard a voice that spoke to me through my heart. "If there is no blog roll that's right, start one yourself."

"I don't know how," I answered. "Besides, what if nobody joins and then we look stupid? It will look like proof that there shouldn't be a Catholic women's blog roll."

The voice in my heart urged me forward, "Trust Me. I am with you, and you need to trust Me. I want you to do this."

"I don't know how," I answered again. Because, well...I didn't. Not even a little bit.

"You'll figure it out," I was told. "Now...go get busy. Figure it out."

And, that's what I did. For hours on end after the kids all went to sleep, I worked on it. I looked at other blog rolls, I studied coding that I might be able to tweak, and I experienced a whole lot of trial and error.

I was blessed to not only have the voice that spoke through my heart each night to push me along, but also very sweet and encouraging postings in my comments from Rosemary at A Catholic Mother's Thoughts. Surely the Holy Spirit was working through her to help me along.

I will admit, I felt guilty at this point. I was working on all the details like a maniac throughout Holy Week. I thought to myself, "I should be in prayer. I shouldn't be sitting here working on JavaScript coding." I thought this many times until then the voice in my heart said, "I asked you to do this. You are doing this for Me. Stop feeling guilty!" And, so I did.

Finally, my coding was done, the blog was up, buttons were made, and the blog roll was launched. I watched my email inbox for sign ups, and though I got a couple, it was very slow going.

I doubted myself and the blog roll. "This was foolish," I said one night at the computer. Of course, my attitude was quickly met by the voice, "BE PATIENT! You NEED to trust in what you were called to do."

I will admit that I still wasn't patient. But, then, emails started flooding in. I was shocked. People I didn't know saw the blog roll on someone's blog that I also didn't know, and wanted to sign up.

I got so many emails of people who were excited about the blog roll. Women who thanked me for starting it. Women who said that finding out about the blog roll was an answer to their prayers. And, every time, I was humbled. I had been so untrusting about this, and something so wonderful was created that has spoken to so many people and helped to form new friendships and a new community.

And, so less than a year later and numbering over 300 blogs on the blog roll, I thank God that I was asked to be part of this. What a beautiful experience it has been so far!

What's Going in the Kids' Easter Baskets? (Thursday Thirteen #5)

Thirteen Things about...What's going into the Easter baskets this year(this is just a hodge podge list of all three of the kids' stuff put together)

1. Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party Bundle (for the Wii) (I used a $50 gift certificate that was a gift to me to make this a more affordable gift option to give to one of the kids, since then I only really spent $20 of our money on it)

2. Ben Ten (for the Playstation 2)

3. Barbie Mariposa Rayla doll

4. Care Bears Oopsy Does It DVD (with little Oopsy figure)

5. A small $5 Oopsy Care Bear (stuffed animal)

6. One package of swirly sidewalk chalk with a sidewalk chalk holder

7. Plastic Army men

8. small chocolate bunnies (one for each basket)

9. A package of M&M minis to split between the baskets

10. A bag of Nestle chocolate eggs to break up between the baskets

11. Absolutely no plastic eggs

12. Yep...no Easter grass either

13. No cheap plastic junky toys just to act as filler so that it looks like more -- we prefered the idea of better things but fewer things

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Protecting Your Refrigerator While Thawing Meat (Works for Me Wednesday)

I just posted this tip as a comment on someone else's blog, and then I thought, "Hang on...maybe I should go ahead and post it on my own blog too!"

So, here's my friendly tip about safely thawing meat (or really anything) in your refrigerator while also keeping your refrigerator clean...

One thing that I think is important to remember for helping to keep your refrigerator cleaner is to always put things you are thawing on a plate or in a bowl.

Yes, I know -- sometimes space in a refrigerator can be a precious commodity, and adding in a plate or bowl takes up more room. But, it is REALLY worth it!

I had one time that I was thawing a roast in the refrigerator and am SO thankful I had it sitting in a bowl because the bowl ended up with blood/juices all in the bottom -- the package had leaked while thawing.

Eeewwwww!

If I had just had that sitting on a refrigerator shelf, not only would it have been a huge mess to clean up, it would have been seriously unsanitary!

So, lose a little space in your refrigerator with a bowl or plate, or maybe even a small bin specifically for throwing in things that you are thawing (if you thaw a lot). But, save yourself the future headache (and potential health risk) of having a horrible leak!

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For more tips and ideas, be sure to check out Works for me Wednesday at Rocks in My Dryer!!!

The Snow Told Me To Homeschool the Kids

Okay, yeah, the snow didn't really tell me to homeschool the kids. But, let me give a brief overview with my announcement on the blog for (almost) the first time -- we have decided to homeschool the boys next year.

I hadn't wanted to write about it on the blog yet until I felt pretty confident that we were going to go ahead with it. But, now that I feel excited and confident about our decision, I wanted to go ahead and share it.

Homeschooling is something that we have considered for a while, but I have always just put out of my mind. Before Noah was going to start kindergarten, I thought about it some more, but then went ahead and put him into public school. And, again when Jack was having so many problems in school, I thought about it, but, again, I set it aside.

It was brought to the front of my mind again several months ago when a woman that I didn't know at church turned around at the end of Mass and said something along the lines of, "I know this might sound funny -- but do you homeschool or have you considered it?" Seriously. Right there in the church. She told me later that she had not done that before, nor has she done it since. She just felt called to ask. It isn't hard to imagine that the Holy Spirit was working through her.

She got me on an email list for a group of Catholic homeschoolers, but then I changed email addresses and forgot to grab her email address before deleting it. Then, a chance discussion with her sister-in-law ended up getting me back on the emailing list.

And, then many others "signs" seemed to indicate to me that I was being called to bring the children home for school.

Despite actually having two current teaching licenses, I told Eric one night, "I just don't know that I feel qualified." He laughed. But, then at Mass that week, in our associate pastor's homily, he said that even if we don't feel qualified for what God is calling us to do, if God is calling us, then it is what He wants for us. Seriously -- no joke. I almost wanted to stand up and say, "Okay, God, I get it." But, still, I said I was praying for a clearer sign. (This is the point at which Eric and I joked that at some point Jesus might come to our front door and say, "Really, Angie, I think I have been clear enough, haven't I?")

Finally, one day a couple of weeks ago, I opened the blinds as I put away dishes. This, I admit, is not something I do often. (The opening of blinds, not the dishes, which is done far too often for my liking.) There was snow on the ground, but it was not snowing. It was actually crystal clear outside.

I was busy thinking about what my boys had told me the day before about their discussion with the school OT (occupational therapist) about that we might homeschool. I silently kept saying, "I just don't know. What should I do?"

At that moment, I looked up and snow was everywhere. It was coming down in huge snowflakes that were quickly swirling all around as far as I could see. It was then that I took a deep breath and had an argument with God.

We argued talked for a couple of minutes. I kept saying that I just wasn't sure. Would I do a good job? Would it all work out? Throughout this, I felt God's gentle urging, "Just a year. Commit to a year for now. I'll be with you." All the while, the snow was flying through the air at a breakneck speed.

"Okay!" I shouted, all alone in the kitchen, but with my eyes gazing upward, knowing that I wasn't really alone. "One year. I promise You, unless something happens between now and next school year that makes it impossible, I'll commit to the year and see where it goes from there."

And then, the snow stopped. Immediately and completely. And, I think I stopped breathing for a moment.

Then, I couldn't help but say aloud, "You think You're pretty funny, don't You?"

I continued to put away my dishes and then thought to myself, "Huh. So, am I really going to do this?"

I looked up at the window, and then snowflakes started to fall again where there had been none just a moment before. I have to admit that at that point, I just laughed and shook my head. "Okay, okay. I get it. No more doubts for now," I announced, standing at the sink, with a calm submission.

The snow, again, stopped. I went to the phone and called Eric at work, just to make sure it hadn't only snowed in our backyard. (It hadn't, by the way. It really had done this crazy sudden snow all around town, which stopped just as suddenly as it started.)

I shared this story with someone I know. She said, "I guess you must have started praying just before it started snowing."

I guess it would be easy to believe that. Why would God take the time to talk to me that afternoon? Maybe it was just all a coincidence and a matter of good timing. Perhaps I am kooky to have seen more than just an unexpected weather pop-up.

My faith, however, tells me otherwise, and I know that I was not alone in the kitchen that afternoon.

Noah's First Communion Banner

We finished up Noah's First Communion banner this weekend, and then we were able to turn it in!

With Noah being our oldest, we haven't had to make a First Communion banner before, so we did have to look around online for the general concept, but then went with our own design.

First...I just have to say -- oh man! I *love* the self-adhesive felt that I picked up. The felt for the chalice had a sticky back, and not only was it easier to put on the burlap we were given for our banner, but it also made it easier to cut. I also bought self-adhesive 2" black letters as well. They were more than I wanted to spend, but they were SO worth it!

Noah was very impressed with the glitter felt that I picked up, so we decided to try to brainstorm for an idea of how to use our favorite one that I picked up -- the one we ended up using for a sky.

I will admit -- Eric and I did all of the cutting, and then we helped with the layout, but Noah helped as well. All three of us did some of the puffy paints -- Eric doing the the actual artsy version of the puffy paint, me doing the top of the chalice to make sure it looked like a chalice (and the cross, again, to make sure it came out clearly), and then Noah did the wobbly outline of the chalice. I found myself stressing some about that not being perfect, and then I thought, "Darn it -- it's his banner, it's okay if it actually looks like he helped."

Really -- I suspect that when I look back at it in years to come, that wobbly gold glitter puffy paint will be my favorite part.

You can check out other links to see other examples of First Communion Banners or even How to Make a First Communion Banner.

Menu Plan Monday: March 10th Edition

Monday: Potato Soup and Beer Bread

Tuesday: Spiral Pasta and Veggies with Alfredo Sauce

Wednesday: Homemade Cheese Pizza

Thursday: Crockpot Beef Stew (that I assembled at Dream Dinners)

Friday & Saturday: Eric's Choice

Sunday: Food from Out (lunch) / Pancakes & Other Breakfast Goodies (dinner)

Welcome to the Party! (There's Even a Door Prize!)

I can't believe I got so busy that I almost forgot about the Ultimate Blog Party!

So, if you are visiting via the Ultimate Blog Party on 5 minutes for mom -- WELCOME!

Here's the quick synopsis of me and my blog -- My name is Angie, and I'm a 31 year old stay-at-home Mom (who works with Early Intervention for a few hours a week when my husband is home). My high school sweetheart and I have been married for almost 12 years, and we are still best friends. We have three children -- ages 8, 6, and 3, and they are just fabulous (though our three year old has become quite the sassy princess).

While I cover many topics here at Many Little Blessings, it seems that most of those topics fall under faith, family, and household management, peppered with little funnies that my kids come up with, products that I love, adventures in raising kids with special needs, and I'm sure you'll be hearing a lot more about homeschooling next school year. (Shh...that's the first time I've mentioned that here on the blog.)

As a door prize to welcome you to my blog, I will randomly draw a name from those who comment on this post between now and March 14th (when the Ultimate Blog Party ends). That winner can pick a Mommy Card/Business Card design from my Etsy Shop -- Autumn Daisy Studio -- and I will print them a set of 100! If you don't think you can use them, I will even allow you to have them printed as stickers, and you can use them for book labels or with a teacher's name on them for an end of the year teacher gift! The possibilities are endless!

Just leave a comment to enter to win the door prize!

Thanks for stopping by Many Little Blessings!

Oh...and as requested in the rule guidelines, I need to list which prizes I am most interested in winning (seriously -- if you haven't gone to check out all the prizes available, you really must!). Here are my top six picks...

1. Prize # 14 — 12X12 Custom Wall Canvas; Provided by: JuJu Beane Boutique

2. Prize # 63 — $50 Gift Certificate; Provided by: Emily Rose

3. Prize # 61 — The Very Cool Lunchbox; Provided by: Victoria P. Zurcher Designs

4. Prize # 34 — Custom Tutu; Provided by: Live~Love~Dance Boutique

5. Prize # 7 — Bead Dangle Photo Tile Necklace; Provided by: Elemental Memories

6. Prize # 129 — $15 Amazon.com Gift Certificate; Provided by: Mommy Cracked

13 Things I Bought While I Ran Errands on Wednesday (Thursday Thirteen #4)

Thirteen Things that I Bought While I Ran Errands on Wednesday Okay...so I'm pretty tired and not being really all that creative. Sorry! But, here is a highlight (not the entire list) of some of the things that I bought while Molly and I ran errands on Wednesday. (We were, in particular, going out to look for stuff for making Noah's First Communion banner, but that wasn't all we picked up.) 1. Self adhesive felt letters and numbers 2. A variety of sheets of felt, including solid color, self-adhesive backed, and sparkly 3. Puffy paint in both regular colors and glitter color. 4. A tiara for Molly. 5. Shrinky Dink "paper" 6. Xyron 150 refill (the permanent adhesive type) 7. A refill for my Hermafix tab gun 8. Beads (only some on clearance) 9. Bagels & Cream Cheese 10. Bread (Whole grain white) 11. Whole wheat English muffins 12. Arm & Hammer Laundry Detergent 13. A Baby Bottle Pop

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others' comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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WFMW Backwards: Favorite Party Foods & Sewing Machine Tips?

It's the first Wednesday of the month, and so there is always a theme at Works for Me Wednesday. The theme this month is again a "backwards" edition. So, instead of giving a tip, we ask for advice.

I just couldn't narrow down my question -- and so I had to pick two that I have been thinking of.

1. What are your favorite party foods? This can be desserts, salads, dips...whatever! Just something you love to have at a party. You can post a recipe (or link to one) or just post the general idea. For instance, I would say Spinach Dip in King Hawaiian Bread, since I always have that at a party. So...I can't wait to hear your great suggestions!

2. I would love some recommendations on a new sewing machine! Or, if you don't have a specific recommendation -- what are some features that I should definitely look for (or avoid) in a new sewing machine?

Thanks a ton!!!!

Be sure to check out Works for Me Wednesday this week and see if you can offer up tips and information to other bloggers!

There's a New Catholic Magazine for Kids

Be sure to visit this link (click on the banner) and sign up that you are interested in the magazine, so that they can show that there is interest in this kind of magazine while looking for publishers! You'll also get to download a sample issue for free!




Thanks to Matilda for posting it on her blog!

Menu Plan Monday: March 3rd Edition

I'm still recouping from a weekend retreat at church (Christ Renews His Parish -- CRHP), but am finally sitting down to post my menu.

Monday: Pork BBQ on French Bread and Potato Wedges

Tuesday: Roast with Potatoes and Carrots

Wednesday: Something Quick

Thursday: Thai Peanut Coconut Chicken (assembled at Dream Dinners)

Friday: Cheese Pizza and Breadsticks

Saturday: lunch ---> Breakfast / dinner ---> From Out

Sunday: lunch ---> Soup & Bread / dinner ---> Not sure yet (plenty of food in the house though)

For more menu plans, visit Menu Plan Monday at Orgjunkie.com!