tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44413098274895931602024-03-12T20:32:47.012-05:00The Musings of a MomRandom thoughts from a stay-at-home, work-at-home MomAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17462151326564479190noreply@blogger.comBlogger722125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441309827489593160.post-58415808994996734662016-02-14T11:22:00.001-06:002016-02-14T11:22:59.451-06:00First Sunday of LentI don't know about you, but I look forward to Sundays. Even though it is my weekend to work, we run to early Mass and have the rest of the day to shape into any form we please. Right now, I am snuggled up in my room, working, and decided to take a moment to clear my head.<br />
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So in the days since Lent started, I have not started any spiritual reading nor have I worked on praying the rosary or chaplet of Divine Mercy, but I have managed the other items on my list. On Friday, I believe I wrote that the fast from Facebook was not too hard. Oh how pride goeth before a fall. Last night, as we were watching a movie as a family (<i>The Croods </i>- not my favorite), I was on my laptop. I decided to balance the budget. When I finished, all I could think about was how badly I wanted to be surfing Facebook as well as playing games. I did not go on FB, but I did hop on Google+ (boring! does anyone even use it anymore?). I played 1 round of Candy Crush Soda-totally dissatisfying. After that, I shut down the laptop, and snuggled in for the rest of the movie. <br />
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This morning at Mass, the gospel was the temptation of Jesus. I chuckled to myself and thought how appropriate. I know we use this reading every Lent, but the timing couldn't have been more perfect. Father's homily (as usual) hit the nail on the head. He started talking about this commercial from the Super Bowl:<br />
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I love how he tied this to spiritual hunger, and how fasting makes us hungry. Think about Ash Wednesday-we fast. On any given day, to not snack, to eat smaller meals is not a big deal. Then, because I have to, I am downright <i>HANGRY. </i>Father also took the opportunity to relate this hunger to forms of addiction. We are so hungering for something that we have to have it. Instead, he encouraged us to take that hunger and use it to be closer to Jesus. That is my goal this Lent. That is my prayer. </div>
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Hoping you are having a blessed Lent!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17462151326564479190noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441309827489593160.post-73641219665293247962016-02-12T11:26:00.000-06:002016-02-12T11:26:15.601-06:00Day 3: First Friday of LentLent is off to a good start. I have stayed off of Facebook and all games. My hubby has made sure that I see any pictures of our beautiful great nieces and nephews. I truly don't feel disconnected. I mean, I've reached for my phone out of habit, but the apps are gone. I don't even feel sad. I am like, oh, that's right and I move on.<br />
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One the flip side, I am renewing my love of reading! It has been so long! I started with something light- <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Supreme-Macaroni-Company-Novel/dp/0062136593"><i>The Supreme Macaroni Company</i> by Adriana Trigiani</a>. It's the third book in a trilogy that I started years ago. The family is very Italian culturally so I can totally relate. I started it 2 nights ago and I am already 60% complete (kindle).<br />
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I also have some less fluffy type reading planned. I started <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hashimotos-Thyroiditis-Lifestyle-Interventions-Treating/dp/0615825796/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1455297652&sr=1-1&keywords=the+root+cause">The Root Cause</a> a while ago, but put it down. I have been diagnosed with Hashi's and I am trying to come to terms with what I need to do to feel better. I will be picking that one up soon.<br />
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Also on tap will be some spiritual reading. For those that know me in real life, I tend to get really sleepy when I read something heavy. I will persevere.<br />
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Other than that, just keeping on. With the job I started last October, I work every other weekend. Right now, I am on day 2 of 6 in a row. By Tuesday night, I will be mush. I am used to it, but it is hard as I spend the weekend not so connected to my family. I am attempting to settle on a Mass. I work Saturdays from 8-5 and Sundays from 9-6. There are options but they aren't my parish. Sigh...need to get this figured out.<br />
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What are you up to this weekend? Comment so I can live vicariously through someone who is not working! :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17462151326564479190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441309827489593160.post-17890493749406956792016-02-11T12:32:00.000-06:002016-02-11T12:32:08.960-06:00Remember me?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Pardon me while I dust things off a bit...So it's been 5 years since I posted here. I started a couple of other blogs and it just never felt right. This Lent, I am taking a Facebook fast, and I need a place to write. I am trying to focus on my spiritual life, as well as overall well being. When I stopped writing here, it became too easy to just post a quick update over there. I had some issues going on with former friends, so I needed the break. It feels good to be back, and I hope that some of you who remember me will come a long for the ride. More to come, but for now, know that I am trying to get my groove back. There's going to be a lot of musing going on...hope you're ready! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17462151326564479190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441309827489593160.post-1095918732470087172010-09-01T20:13:00.002-05:002010-09-01T20:41:02.012-05:00Musings, Thoughts and Possible ChangesSo some of you know I have been a tad overwhelmed and stressed lately. part of it is work, part of it is the return to school, and part of it is that I am prone to anxiety. I tried taking a blogging break, and it helped. I have also been praying about my priorities and trying to sort out what I should do.<br /><br />This morning, the thought occurred that maybe I should give up blogging. I've been in a rut for a while. I am also a bit I don't know...I can't think of the word for what I am trying to say. I have had some discussions about blogging of late. I have never had aspirations of being one of the big bloggers. Quite honestly, I am not that talented nor do I have the background to market myself in that way. I think that I am a bit jaded though about some of the big bloggers. Some of them have gotten their status because of a tragedy in their lives. If it happened that way, I am sorry for that. Others have done it by latching on to a group of big bloggers. That's OK, too. I think it is just there are so many "experts" out there who aren't experts at all. Some people just hitch a ride hoping they can take part in bloggy fame.<br /><br />Then there are the conventions. Quite honestly, I could never afford to go to one if I wanted, but I also think that these conventions prey on the average blogger making them believe that if they follow x,y,z then they too can be a big blogger and make money and do great things. For most of us, that will never be the reality. Again, it is not why I started blogging, nor why I currently want to blog or not blog. I hope I don't offend anyone who might have gone to one of these things, just my opinion.<br /><br />Anyway, so where does that leave me? Like I said, I have been doing a lot of thought and praying and the truth is that I don't know. I had a revelation today that I am a bit worried that I might be putting too much out there in regards to my children. This blog started as a way for me to muse when I was home alone without another adult to talk to. I don't know. I think I may be worrying about Internet safety and such things.<br /><br />Then I think about the friends I have made. If I stop blogging, will the friendships go away? Some of them might, and that makes me very sad. Then again, I have connected with some of you on facebook, and if I invest time in those friendships, then I don't need to worry.<br /><br />Tonight, I had the idea of locking down this blog (for my family's safety), but then start another one where I blog more about my musings and less about my family. The question is would you follow me?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17462151326564479190noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441309827489593160.post-28578833202166399482010-08-27T00:29:00.001-05:002010-08-26T20:41:25.443-05:00Friday Flashback-Portraits!<p align="center"><a title="Friday Flashback" href="http://themusingsofamom.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" alt="Friday Flashback" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge58Q0XoXVi0j0LeqIoV2R7QXEitgAT2Wxk8Djj0Enk0YbTMK0pim5eoTq2qG4w-xNzsa9HRI0wu-ojNcytRYAgq9Qn47QpT5yDFTQsMhAMuSIICZh_yU-JYGjG64EnrSJyzvSnVIORb9h/s1600/Flashback.png" width="350" height="231" /></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9g7nVOLjL2dBBCh7B_z3S5pIb_iZHqGqOkv6ZMRHd__nTojkGnP4zX6u-UHZWYCEUIvMzWQuDUqie8ZbwjPFyNQuJztiAlTrlKcgoPGMke3LHUOdGUHmXdnbjzm0ZaD1pVNu2Z2YoWUGo/s1600/Drew+%231.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509896962866747810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9g7nVOLjL2dBBCh7B_z3S5pIb_iZHqGqOkv6ZMRHd__nTojkGnP4zX6u-UHZWYCEUIvMzWQuDUqie8ZbwjPFyNQuJztiAlTrlKcgoPGMke3LHUOdGUHmXdnbjzm0ZaD1pVNu2Z2YoWUGo/s320/Drew+%231.jpg" /></a><br /><p align="center"><a title="Friday Flashback" href="http://themusingsofamom.blogspot.com/"></a></p><p align="center">Here is one of my sons at the same age<br />as Alex is now.</p><p align="center">Any guesses which one?</p><p align="left">What are you flashing back to? Please grab the button from the bottom of my blog for your post and then link up your post. Make sure you link back to me. Failure to do so will result in your link being deleted. Happy Weekend, Everyone!</p><p align="left"></p><p align="center"></p><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=41689"></script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17462151326564479190noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441309827489593160.post-77148867957136457062010-08-26T00:01:00.000-05:002010-08-26T00:01:00.807-05:00<p align="center"><a title="Recipe Swap Thursday" href="http://themusingsofamom.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" alt="Recipe Swap Thursday" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyyFPaOj9KDo-_UYHecKtNUsoQu1qdzZQtY0jPmmciDxJqc1F90mD1pZj_e-x7KuxFiqphWNwQ8fkYrBgjYYWGOQC-SBHmUs7A2MKGB6MjhgWYwaekyFyVIf33DRjZeAYtNGVe9rj3vofW/s1600/Recipe.png" width="350" height="231" /></a></p><p align="center">Veggie Dip</p><p align="left">1 16 oz. sour cream</p><p align="left">1 packet dry veggie soup mix</p><p align="left">1 4 oz. container crumbled feta</p><p align="left">Mix ingredients and refrigerate until ingredients meld. Serve with veggies, crackers, or bread. Enjoy!</p><p align="left"></p><p align="left">This is one of my favorite munchies! I love feta in just about anything!</p><p align="left">Now it is your turn! Grab the button from the bottom of my blog for your post. Then come back to link your recipe up with this post! (Please link your recipe post, not your entire blog!)</p><p align="left"></p><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=41553"></script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17462151326564479190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441309827489593160.post-6187700399754058522010-08-25T22:33:00.003-05:002010-08-25T22:38:23.628-05:00Almost Wordless Wednesday-Better Late than Never!<div align="center">We took the kids for pictures today. </div><div align="center">There will be many more to follow, but I wanted share</div><div align="center">the beginning:<br /><br /></div><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrupbyw0zoe0Hz2sW7IfucptGt0Hsf5auRYIecwh8jgsmmzG6tseeDHXRCaRswVFXxPVAx2jT8eX5sw8hhlgEDit5gFycpLwnsXgGT3G9ignfsP2CCh1VtPgx-JwR_EMWmM7qlBsC2JmFM/s1600/0015.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509557286960052754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrupbyw0zoe0Hz2sW7IfucptGt0Hsf5auRYIecwh8jgsmmzG6tseeDHXRCaRswVFXxPVAx2jT8eX5sw8hhlgEDit5gFycpLwnsXgGT3G9ignfsP2CCh1VtPgx-JwR_EMWmM7qlBsC2JmFM/s320/0015.jpg" /></a> </p><p align="center">And THE END (at least for Alex!).<br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJb-8ChVB0i3AJNhnqnHOhVGAVyzGKOUgrBhGGxq48TH9S9W5YUmqiSwjTlnrRb2Cp2AOuMZuIz1eVaWUxiXjpFw-24jke8cI2fCbT39e5XRfyTZlZaaKWsiwh9WUkRAuHOywNL016qw9/s1600/0104.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509557279547943618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJb-8ChVB0i3AJNhnqnHOhVGAVyzGKOUgrBhGGxq48TH9S9W5YUmqiSwjTlnrRb2Cp2AOuMZuIz1eVaWUxiXjpFw-24jke8cI2fCbT39e5XRfyTZlZaaKWsiwh9WUkRAuHOywNL016qw9/s320/0104.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17462151326564479190noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441309827489593160.post-24163717473566725632010-08-23T11:06:00.001-05:002010-08-23T11:09:04.624-05:00Back in Business!<a title="Recipe Swap Thursday" href="http://themusingsofamom.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" alt="Recipe Swap Thursday" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyyFPaOj9KDo-_UYHecKtNUsoQu1qdzZQtY0jPmmciDxJqc1F90mD1pZj_e-x7KuxFiqphWNwQ8fkYrBgjYYWGOQC-SBHmUs7A2MKGB6MjhgWYwaekyFyVIf33DRjZeAYtNGVe9rj3vofW/s1600/Recipe.png" width="350" height="231" /></a><br /><br /><br /><p align="right"><a title="Friday Flashback" href="http://themusingsofamom.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" alt="Friday Flashback" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge58Q0XoXVi0j0LeqIoV2R7QXEitgAT2Wxk8Djj0Enk0YbTMK0pim5eoTq2qG4w-xNzsa9HRI0wu-ojNcytRYAgq9Qn47QpT5yDFTQsMhAMuSIICZh_yU-JYGjG64EnrSJyzvSnVIORb9h/s1600/Flashback.png" width="350" height="231" /></a></p><br /><br />I am planning on being back to business this week for both Recipe Swap Thursday and Friday Flashback! The code for the buttons are at the bottom of my blog. Who's joining me?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17462151326564479190noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441309827489593160.post-9443064888430089372010-08-23T08:33:00.005-05:002010-08-23T08:50:13.252-05:00A Scattered LifeI've been doing a lot of reading over the past month. I think summer allowed me to take a breath and find some time for one of the things I love to do. I am going to be doing some reviews of some of the books I have read this summer.<br /><br />The first one I want to showcase is <em>A Scattered Life</em> by Karen McQuestion. I first met Karen about 14 years ago. Our husbands work together. From time to time, Andy would come home with a copy of an article Karen had published. When I began blogging, I started following <a href="http://mcquestionablemusings.blogspot.com/">Karen's blog</a>. Karen has this great wit about her. I have also been able to follow her road to publishing there.<br /><br />Last year, she self-published on Kindle. At some point in the process, <em>A Scattered Life</em> was picked up for a movie option. Then, this year, it was published as a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Scattered-Life-Karen-McQuestion/dp/193559706X/ref=tmm_pap_title_0">paperback</a> (through Amazon Encore) on August 10. In fact, now all of her books are about to be published as paperbacks. Check out her blog for her path to being published (and she has giveaways from time to time too)! Now onto the book:<br /><br />I have to say that I LOVED this book! Karen has a great writing style, and is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors! <em>A Scattered Life</em> is a great story about unlikely friendship. It is a beautiful story, one with a few twists and turns that will leave you laughing one minute and crying the next. I was not able to put this book down! I hope they do make a movie of this book-I would love to see it come to life!<br /><br />You can check out the trailer for the book <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5d9V59xIrWA">here</a>. Well done, Karen!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17462151326564479190noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441309827489593160.post-649740996169547402010-08-18T14:11:00.002-05:002010-08-18T14:25:21.029-05:00Winding DownCan you feel it? I certainly can...summer is starting to wind down. I'm kind of sad about it, and this is a first for me! I think I conquered summer this year! In the past, since I've had kids in school, I have always hit the point of, "When do you all go back to school?" Not this summer though. I am not sure what it is.<br /><br />In the past, I have resolved to have a schedule and stick to it. In the past, I have failed at this. So, when summer loomed its head this year, I decided to not write up a schedule. We kind of had a routine anyway because of the baby's nap schedule. That was enough for me.<br /><br />What I do know is that this summer has been different. Busy, but good busy. We did a lot. No vacations this year because we have a family wedding this fall. But we have been busy. We had lots of family in to visit. Nieces and nephews home from college. My brother and his family came to visit, and my sister-in-law and her kids came a different week and stayed with us. Local cousins came over to play and swim. We had a lot of family time. I love this! We also went to Six Flags, State Fair and our parish festival (a carnival in and of itself). There was only one ER visit-for me (I didn't write about it because it was silly really-I dropped a heavy case on my foot and thought it was broken. Thankfully, it wasn't.). We went to our State Capital for fireworks on the 4th. It was a great summer! Andy and I keep saying that to each other, "This has been a great summer!"<br /><br />Monday, we had one last cousin sleepover. When they went home on Tuesday, I told the boys it was blackout time (no video games for the rest of summer). We are starting back to school mode complete with back to school bedtimes. They start school in a week and a half. Soccer starts next week. I have never felt this way. Normally, I am ready for them to go back. This time, I want summer to go on. Maybe it is because Michael is starting this fall, maybe it is because Peter is moving to the upper grades. Whatever it is, I know that this summer is one that I will look back on and smile! And I need to file this post away for next summer so I can remember to celebrate this time because it all is going too fast!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17462151326564479190noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441309827489593160.post-4088661136166896102010-08-16T09:38:00.002-05:002010-08-16T09:56:20.687-05:00I think I am back!Thanks for putting up with my mini-break. I just was feeling totally overwhelmed and I needed some time to sort out life. Still doing it, but I am feeling in a better position...at least right now...<br /><br />I started a new project at work. I have written before about my online teaching gig. It is a remediation program for reading and math, grades 3-9. The majority of our students are at-risk youth, and I have to say that I have seen a lot of growth in some of these kids. So, a couple of weeks ago, I was asked to help out (one of only 5 teachers from a pool of hundreds) on a new project to add additional districts.<br /><br />It is 20 hours a week, and the bulk of it is during the day. I have been working during Alex's naptime, and Peter has been watching his little brothers while I do this. It has been totally overwhelming! I have been feeling so far behind on everything! That was the start of my blogging break last week. I told Andy this morning that I don't know how to keep up on everything. We also moved kids around bedrooms this weekend. It's just been very busy.<br /><br />Fortunately, this project only lasts until October. I have also put in for a different position where I am working. Please say a prayer if you have a chance. i should hear about next steps this week.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17462151326564479190noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441309827489593160.post-80005161030233935752010-08-12T14:19:00.003-05:002010-08-12T14:25:14.621-05:00Still BreakingI came across something I wrote in 2008, and did not feel ready to share. I realized that this very much still applies to the person I wrote this for. I am also coming to another realization-I need to get back to some real writing. I remember feeling very good after I had written this and gotten it off my chest. So, without further ado,<br /><br /><br /><div align="center">To a Friend</div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"></div><br /><br />Friendship-something each and every one of us has at least encountered at some point. Friendship-something I am not sure I could have lived without during some of the best and worst times in my life. Friendship-something I see fractured between us right now. I don’t know if it can be fixed. I don’t know if I want it fixed. We’ve always been very different, perhaps too different. Maybe I am just too tired of having to be different from you. I won’t let go of my beliefs, and you of yours. I feel like there is this wide chasm between us, and I don’t want to jump. You’ve known me longer and better than almost anyone one else-with the exception of my husband and family, but I am tired, tired of the differences, tired of having to explain why I believe what I do, and hear from you why it’s not valid.<br /><br />I have new friends. Well, they are not entirely new, but newer than you. They don’t make me feel like I need to apologize for who I am. They accept me. After years of feeling like I had to steel myself against criticism, I no longer have to. They love me-unconditionally.<br /><br />So, what should I do when I feel like a relationship is fractured, broken, beyond repair? Part of me wants to scream,”NO! Don’t let go!” but part of me understands the reality. It is time to move on. And I am OK with that. Are you?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17462151326564479190noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441309827489593160.post-64151654588097704672010-08-10T10:44:00.001-05:002010-08-10T10:45:18.819-05:00BreakTaking a little blogging break. I've been feeling really overwhelmed of late, and I need some time to sort this out. Hoping you will wait for me! :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17462151326564479190noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441309827489593160.post-80087585332041427772010-08-06T21:52:00.003-05:002010-08-06T21:57:12.445-05:00Guess Who Needed Glasses?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOi_u6gfJ0FHCU5ZAX4C3zplGZIAq5I6occOmFAi_EuJn70UiJVmQRX70m8PqL7P6pVPB9bnqV7iRo_mJNF1Pq4U3p3w6b6ZZNF2gcS5jKS-b3gWvHItJTrL4uCcacFiFXGKW2R9URLXIF/s1600/IMG_3506.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502495846035636850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOi_u6gfJ0FHCU5ZAX4C3zplGZIAq5I6occOmFAi_EuJn70UiJVmQRX70m8PqL7P6pVPB9bnqV7iRo_mJNF1Pq4U3p3w6b6ZZNF2gcS5jKS-b3gWvHItJTrL4uCcacFiFXGKW2R9URLXIF/s320/IMG_3506.JPG" /></a><br />Because the two older boys needed glasses at 4 and 3 respectively, we make it a habit to take the youngest in right <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">before</span> they go to school. Today was Michael's day. Yes, he needed glasses. He takes after his Mama. He has not one, but 2 lazy eyes! So, he has glasses. Michael will go back in 6 weeks. If there is not measurable <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">improvement</span>, he may need patches. I would like to ask for prayers that the glasses will do the trick. Thanks!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17462151326564479190noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441309827489593160.post-50040163344891664142010-08-06T00:06:00.001-05:002010-08-06T07:05:20.867-05:00Friday Flashback<p align="center"><a title="Friday Flashback" href="http://themusingsofamom.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" alt="Friday Flashback" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge58Q0XoXVi0j0LeqIoV2R7QXEitgAT2Wxk8Djj0Enk0YbTMK0pim5eoTq2qG4w-xNzsa9HRI0wu-ojNcytRYAgq9Qn47QpT5yDFTQsMhAMuSIICZh_yU-JYGjG64EnrSJyzvSnVIORb9h/s1600/Flashback.png" width="350" height="231" /></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6cDhwFh34eGf8-xS1ENlTmYdHtjF3z5xfFc3HsNqERy2v8XHVAPGHdx6HRcaSQCrgiMAbNGhIalJV6DhFkXYr0kh1RYKhLFcNJByRHgU9GOHXRl3z971Bh8AD1v6j2CuXffebxQG_TnuO/s1600/MVC-651L.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502114200577728562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6cDhwFh34eGf8-xS1ENlTmYdHtjF3z5xfFc3HsNqERy2v8XHVAPGHdx6HRcaSQCrgiMAbNGhIalJV6DhFkXYr0kh1RYKhLFcNJByRHgU9GOHXRl3z971Bh8AD1v6j2CuXffebxQG_TnuO/s320/MVC-651L.JPG" /></a><br /><p align="center"><a title="Friday Flashback" href="http://themusingsofamom.blogspot.com/"></a></p>This is a picture of Andy, Drew and I from my parents' 45th Wedding Anniversary (Peter was off with his cousins). It was such a beautiful, happy day. We celebrated about 2 weeks early because my Mom was scheduled to go in for surgery. This was March. We knew both of my parents had cancer. Mom died August 11, and Dad 19 months after her. This was the last time we would all be together as a family. My heart is a little heavy this week with the anniversary of her death coming up, but I am trying to focus on the positive. THIS was a beautiful day, and I am so glad we were all there for it!<br /><p align="center"></p><br /><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=38438" type="text/javascript"></script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17462151326564479190noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441309827489593160.post-91456643548792167792010-08-05T00:04:00.001-05:002010-08-05T00:04:00.593-05:00Recipe Swap Thursday!<div align="center"><a title="Recipe Swap Thursday" href="http://themusingsofamom.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" alt="Recipe Swap Thursday" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyyFPaOj9KDo-_UYHecKtNUsoQu1qdzZQtY0jPmmciDxJqc1F90mD1pZj_e-x7KuxFiqphWNwQ8fkYrBgjYYWGOQC-SBHmUs7A2MKGB6MjhgWYwaekyFyVIf33DRjZeAYtNGVe9rj3vofW/s1600/Recipe.png" width="350" height="231" /></a></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Cold Veggie Pizza</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left">2 tubes crescent rolls</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">1- 16 ounce carton sour cream</div><div align="left">1- 8 ounce cream cheese</div><div align="left">1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch dip</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">assorted veggies, chopped into bite size pieces</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">Roll out crescent rolls on a large cookie sheet or jelly roll pan, carefully joining all seams. Bake off dough according to package directions. Blend sour cream, cream cheese and ranch packet. Spread on cooled crust. Top with chopped veggies. This can be varied depending on preference/seasonal veggies. Ours usually includes broccoli, cauliflower, grape tomatoes (halved), mushrooms and red pepper. Cut into squares and serve.</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">Now it's your turn! Post your recipe and then come back and link up here (please link to your post, not to your blog). Can't wait to see what everyone is sharing!</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><br /></div><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=38149"></script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17462151326564479190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441309827489593160.post-94723298556956352010-08-04T14:38:00.000-05:002010-08-04T14:39:57.299-05:00Recipe Swap Reminder<div align="center"><a href="http://themusingsofamom.blogspot.com/" title="Recipe Swap Thursday"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyyFPaOj9KDo-_UYHecKtNUsoQu1qdzZQtY0jPmmciDxJqc1F90mD1pZj_e-x7KuxFiqphWNwQ8fkYrBgjYYWGOQC-SBHmUs7A2MKGB6MjhgWYwaekyFyVIf33DRjZeAYtNGVe9rj3vofW/s1600/Recipe.png" border="0" width="350" height="231" alt="Recipe Swap Thursday" /></a></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I am sharing an APPETIZER tomorrow!</div><div align="center">What about you?</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17462151326564479190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441309827489593160.post-13583108650484885782010-08-02T09:54:00.003-05:002010-08-02T13:37:20.642-05:00Favorite Catholic Prayers<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSalojRgoICpbqSNyPI_9MSIZ4B1cThuMsib5u5RzdltEuo1FGylxFuRfnnColRtyOCFPEiSm-Uh7c9ZtgTTuJLgueO21IY2B2Xa35s-vTfzIxlB7DXvURXSgBtosWemkGvhfRtAy307J/s1600/praying+hands.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 253px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500826345503400466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSalojRgoICpbqSNyPI_9MSIZ4B1cThuMsib5u5RzdltEuo1FGylxFuRfnnColRtyOCFPEiSm-Uh7c9ZtgTTuJLgueO21IY2B2Xa35s-vTfzIxlB7DXvURXSgBtosWemkGvhfRtAy307J/s320/praying+hands.jpg" /></a> Lovely <a href="http://lovemylittleflower.blogspot.com/">Gardenia </a>has tagged me in a meme about my favorite prayer.<br /><br />The rules are as follows:<br /><br />"Name your three most favorite Catholic devotional prayers, and explain why they're your favorites. Then tag five bloggers - give them a link, and then go and tell them they have been tagged. Finally, tell the person who tagged you that you've completed the meme. The Liturgy and the Sacraments are off limits here. I'm more interested in people's favorite devotional prayers."<br /><br />Here are mine:<br /><br />1. Hail, Holy Queen!<br />Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us. And after this our exile, show unto us the blessed Fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen.<br /><br />2. Memorare<br />Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.<br /><br />3. St. Michael the Archangel<br />Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the malice and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.<br /><br /><br />Now, who do I tag?<br /><br /><a href="http://aussiecoffeeshop.blogspot.com/">1. Therese at Aussie Coffee Shop</a><br /><a href="http://prayer4thejourney.wordpress.com/">2. Sarah at Prayer for the Journey</a><br /><a href="http://makemeasaint.blogspot.com/">3. Jamie at Lord, Make me a Saint</a><br /><a href="http://withahopefulheart.blogspot.com/">4. Sarah at With a Hopeful Heart</a><br /><a href="http://wwwchristine-christine5.blogspot.com/">5. Christine at, well, Christine</a><br /><a href="http://annebender.blogspot.com/">6. Anne at Imprisoned in my Bones</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17462151326564479190noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441309827489593160.post-88522306171683935482010-07-30T00:02:00.002-05:002010-07-30T08:18:36.537-05:00Friday Flashback!<p align="center"><a title="Friday Flashback" href="http://themusingsofamom.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" alt="Friday Flashback" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge58Q0XoXVi0j0LeqIoV2R7QXEitgAT2Wxk8Djj0Enk0YbTMK0pim5eoTq2qG4w-xNzsa9HRI0wu-ojNcytRYAgq9Qn47QpT5yDFTQsMhAMuSIICZh_yU-JYGjG64EnrSJyzvSnVIORb9h/s1600/Flashback.png" width="350" height="231" /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmiMyykrBTGTjmSGxus7cNCfSK4zDK3fHOn4nDCUylW292FF2VRj-UFQ4-Fzi3NZLWMEABoxQv0HPeJslVKHXPummeoaGlQRqGQhKwrf6BU_Ohw9yhlrW3qaf4iJl4EMLHHz6x6xKKijOd/s1600/DSC06363.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499509088385225602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmiMyykrBTGTjmSGxus7cNCfSK4zDK3fHOn4nDCUylW292FF2VRj-UFQ4-Fzi3NZLWMEABoxQv0HPeJslVKHXPummeoaGlQRqGQhKwrf6BU_Ohw9yhlrW3qaf4iJl4EMLHHz6x6xKKijOd/s320/DSC06363.JPG" /> <p align="center"></a>September, 2007.</p><p align="center">Peter was entering second grade and Drew K4.</p><p align="center">Michael was just 2 years old.</p><p align="center">We start school in a month and all 3 of my boys will go off to school.</p><p align="center">It all goes VERY fast!</p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"><strong>What are you flashing back to today? Grab the code from the bottom of my blog and come back to link up!</strong></p><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=37441"></script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17462151326564479190noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441309827489593160.post-38755865401831721152010-07-29T00:04:00.000-05:002010-07-29T00:04:00.480-05:00Recipe Swap Thursday Freestyle!<p align="center"><a title="Recipe Swap Thursday" href="http://themusingsofamom.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" alt="Recipe Swap Thursday" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyyFPaOj9KDo-_UYHecKtNUsoQu1qdzZQtY0jPmmciDxJqc1F90mD1pZj_e-x7KuxFiqphWNwQ8fkYrBgjYYWGOQC-SBHmUs7A2MKGB6MjhgWYwaekyFyVIf33DRjZeAYtNGVe9rj3vofW/s1600/Recipe.png" width="350" height="231" /></a></p><p align="center"><strong>Rosemary Pork Roast</strong></p><p align="left">1 pork loin roast</p><p align="left">2 T olive oil</p><p align="left">2 T fresh rosemary chopped</p><p align="left">2 cloves garlic minced</p><p align="left">salt</p><p align="left">black pepper</p><p align="left">Combine olive oil, rosemary, garlic salt and pepper. Rub over roast and place in roasting pan. Cook in 325 degree oven until internal temp reaches 160. Slice and serve with sides of choice.</p><p align="left"></p><p align="center">Now it's your turn! </p><p align="center">Have a favorite recipe to share?</p><p align="center">Leave the link to your recipe post below:</p><p align="center"></p><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=37195"></script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17462151326564479190noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441309827489593160.post-17521360681982528132010-07-28T10:04:00.002-05:002010-07-28T10:07:47.541-05:00Wordless Wednesday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYCp4JQO8J1tiXtVbp2f4ngqH_GTJBdyzu-MPajjGOLHXqt2090JyCP-lEOy3ff2669b3jaHr9TWbsms9p5SfHeUgrZfWY-m5X-OmEoyTQkwvJorlJ1TO72HY8Ecfk4JzsHAAkXlDUM543/s1600/IMG_3257.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498973993291925666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYCp4JQO8J1tiXtVbp2f4ngqH_GTJBdyzu-MPajjGOLHXqt2090JyCP-lEOy3ff2669b3jaHr9TWbsms9p5SfHeUgrZfWY-m5X-OmEoyTQkwvJorlJ1TO72HY8Ecfk4JzsHAAkXlDUM543/s320/IMG_3257.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17462151326564479190noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441309827489593160.post-4187462880494346402010-07-28T10:02:00.001-05:002010-07-28T10:04:32.712-05:00Recipe Swap Reminder<p align="center"><a title="Recipe Swap Thursday" href="http://themusingsofamom.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" alt="Recipe Swap Thursday" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyyFPaOj9KDo-_UYHecKtNUsoQu1qdzZQtY0jPmmciDxJqc1F90mD1pZj_e-x7KuxFiqphWNwQ8fkYrBgjYYWGOQC-SBHmUs7A2MKGB6MjhgWYwaekyFyVIf33DRjZeAYtNGVe9rj3vofW/s1600/Recipe.png" width="350" height="231" /></a></p><p align="center">Tomorrow is Recipe Swap Thursday around here!</p><p align="center">Come on over and share a favorite recipe!!!</p><p align="center">(freestyle this week-no set theme!)</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17462151326564479190noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441309827489593160.post-47378992219493104322010-07-26T14:09:00.003-05:002010-07-26T14:11:11.195-05:00This weekend<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc4QgO99BfXJCQ1IItmK8eiGlJKPjAtidqIh1E0WdQvTXo9u3zr2B4-8nIA-MMVAl2RV78xBShojGo7HPgPdAYj6tf07FcX43f5fEC3DyiqiBCaAbuAqTewAoHj9Dea8lLvyB1L5olA5I3/s1600/michael+asleep.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498294214789139010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc4QgO99BfXJCQ1IItmK8eiGlJKPjAtidqIh1E0WdQvTXo9u3zr2B4-8nIA-MMVAl2RV78xBShojGo7HPgPdAYj6tf07FcX43f5fEC3DyiqiBCaAbuAqTewAoHj9Dea8lLvyB1L5olA5I3/s320/michael+asleep.jpg" /></a> Our parish festival was this weekend. </div><div align="center">This was Michael at about 7 PM last night.</div><div align="center">We still had fireworks at 9:30,</div><div align="center">so this little nap helped.</div><div align="center">Today?</div><div align="center">Utter exhaustion!<br /></div><div align="center"></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17462151326564479190noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441309827489593160.post-80890228882211226982010-07-23T08:21:00.005-05:002010-07-23T08:36:11.151-05:00<p align="center"><a title="Friday Flashback" href="http://themusingsofamom.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" alt="Friday Flashback" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge58Q0XoXVi0j0LeqIoV2R7QXEitgAT2Wxk8Djj0Enk0YbTMK0pim5eoTq2qG4w-xNzsa9HRI0wu-ojNcytRYAgq9Qn47QpT5yDFTQsMhAMuSIICZh_yU-JYGjG64EnrSJyzvSnVIORb9h/s1600/Flashback.png" width="350" height="231" /></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyFE5dS8Dl1A2RCMnUG68JdJ9Eedly-Qyd36cxd1LMuxIdtR1nNjw-VcM93NCmMa5gHcCinqeW1Q-nTRKCV6oolqLFRAYczb5gm5oDJHpkSVMed9hC6MkWzHw4LyJz6c7UTQGqDYAvRHA/s1600/MVC-560L.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497094046318578274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyFE5dS8Dl1A2RCMnUG68JdJ9Eedly-Qyd36cxd1LMuxIdtR1nNjw-VcM93NCmMa5gHcCinqeW1Q-nTRKCV6oolqLFRAYczb5gm5oDJHpkSVMed9hC6MkWzHw4LyJz6c7UTQGqDYAvRHA/s320/MVC-560L.JPG" /> <p align="center"></a><br />Seven years ago (on the 27th), my Drew was baptized. Hard to believe it was seven years ago!<br /></p><p align="center">What are you flashing back to?</p><p align="center">Grab my button at the bottom of my blog, then come back and link up!</p><p align="center"></p><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=36436"></script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17462151326564479190noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441309827489593160.post-38777304678021494612010-07-22T00:01:00.000-05:002010-07-22T00:01:01.729-05:00Recipe Swap Thursday Summer Fruit<p align="center"><a title="Recipe Swap Thursday" href="http://themusingsofamom.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" alt="Recipe Swap Thursday" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyyFPaOj9KDo-_UYHecKtNUsoQu1qdzZQtY0jPmmciDxJqc1F90mD1pZj_e-x7KuxFiqphWNwQ8fkYrBgjYYWGOQC-SBHmUs7A2MKGB6MjhgWYwaekyFyVIf33DRjZeAYtNGVe9rj3vofW/s1600/Recipe.png" width="350" height="231" /></a></p><p align="center">Welcome to Recipe Swap Thursday!</p><p align="center">Today's theme is:</p><p align="center">Summer Fruit!</p><p align="center"><strong>Berry Smoothie</strong></p><p align="left">1 C milk</p><p align="left">1 C Strawberries, frozen</p><p align="left">1 C Raspberries, frozen</p><p align="left">1 C Vanilla yogurt</p><p align="left">Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Enjoy!</p><p align="left"></p><p align="left">Now it's your turn! Share your favorite summer fruit recipe on your blog and come back to link up here!</p><p align="left"></p><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=36238"></script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17462151326564479190noreply@blogger.com5