I wear many hats, figuratively speaking. I would like a real hat for every figurative one, but my family thinks I'm odd enough as it is. :-) Hats...they come in many shapes and sizes, colors and materials. Hats have many purposes, be they practical or just for looks. Figuratively speaking, once again, the list of a mom's job responsibilities reads like a hat catalog. There are some that are just for looks, but mostly they are practical. They come in all sizes and never seem to END.
During Lent I usually spend a portion of the 40 days de-cluttering my house. I get rid of what we no longer use and I organize what happens to be laying around. I also spend some of the time rethinking the way we do something. For example, maybe I don't like the way the toys are always out so I come up with a plan to eliminate that stress from our lives. It might come in the form of a new toy swap routine or possibly getting rid (gasp, heaven forbid we part with our toys!!!) of a few here and there.
As I was pondering my de-cluttering plan for this Lenten season I couldn't help but examine my figurative hat collection. YES, I need de-cluttering. My goals need de-cluttering. My interests need de-cluttering.
Catholic Hat - This hat tends to be wore all day and all night. I think its more like a beanie that never comes off. Prayers and instructing the kids, growing my own spiritual life and mentoring to others - it never stops. I would like to read more and learn more. Before that I should make sure the boys are learning more. Before that I should pray. Before that...oh there is nothing before that. School time. SWITCH HATS
Teacher Hat - I'm planning on creating file folder games in the near future. Before that I must finish the matching games I printed off, cut out and laminated for the little boys. Before that I need finish cutting them out. Before that I need to finish teaching for the day. Why is no one coming when I call??? SWITCH HATS
Mom Hat - I am planning on working on my patience level with the boys in regards to their faults. I need to train them the right way and not just expect my yelling or nagging to actually do anything but harm. Before that I want to read up on character traits and how to develop them properly. Before that I need to have the time to read. Before that I need to analyze my boys and see where each one has a weakness (or ten). Before that I need to clean the house. SWITCH HATS
Housekeeper Hat - I have a pretty good system for keeping the house clean and under control. Even the laundry is somewhat kept up. I would like to update our daily/monthly/yearly cleaning charts as they were for the last house which we moved away from a LONG time ago. I would like to do some more research on making my own cleaning products and how to save money. Before all of that I actually have to clean the house and have a moment to spare. Before that I should come up with a plan for supper. Before that I should teach school. SWITCH HATS
Teacher Hat again - opps dirty diaper SWITCH HATS
Mom Hat again - ok, done oh poop I should take out the garbage SWITCH HATS
Housekeeper Hat again - done now its lunch time NO WAY we just started our day SWITCH HATS
Chef Hat - I had started a weekly menu list, complete with shopping list for that week, some time ago. I finished 4 weeks and it worked very well when I used it. I have another 5 weeks left to type up. Before I do that I want to research some healthier recipes to try. Before that I should organize my cookbooks, both e-book and true book. Before that I should just make lunch and think up a supper plan. Before that I should just stop and hug the boys because half the day is gone and all I have managed to do is juggle hats. SWITCH HATS
Mom Hat again - hugs all around and kisses for those who will allow such affections. Gee, boys can be so particular when they grow up. :-)
Teacher Hat again - school is almost done
Housekeeper Hat again - laundry and picking up the house before Darren comes home
Mom Hat again - hugs to the baby who fell off the chair
Wife Hat - Darren is home. I really want to be a good wife. I try and try. I do read books and blogs and listen to audios telling me how to be a better wife. Before that I should listen more. Before that I should have more patience. Before that I should forgive more. Before that I should love more. Before that I should actually attempt to focus on him. Sometimes it is so hard to put the husband before the house and the kids. Supper time. SWITCH HATS
Actually - its more like a stack of hats now. Chef hat, housekeeper hat, mom hat, wife hat and even a teacher hat in there at times. Suppertime can be a good time.
Prayers and bed...ahh quiet.
This is me time. Which hat to wear? Should I put on my Creative Hat and so some cross stitching? How about my Seamstress Hat and finish that apron that is 75% done. Or what about my Herbalist Hat (well, its more like the start of a hat) and read up on the benefits of garlic. I do like my Relaxation Hat, so maybe I'll grab a good book and take a hot bath. Maybe I should put on my Teacher Hat again and finish cutting out the matching cards for the boys. Or the Blog, Blog, Blog Hat (which is sorta like a Blab, Blab, Blab Hat) and post some worthless to most post. Housekeeper Hat? Nah, just let the mess stay until tomorrow. Wife Hat? Ummm...sounds great and probably the best option.
I GOT IT! I know which hat to wear. NONE OF THEM. GO TO BED, SLEEP, GET UP and start again tomorrow. Another day, another juggling show.
Yes, I need to de-clutter. But where to start??? As I ponder that I will be accepting applications for a housekeeper, teacher, mother's helper, chef and spiritual director. I must point out you will not be paid and the hours will be long. Sounds great huh?? Ahhh...my Blarney Hat is dusty, forgive me. The housekeeper hasn't had time to dust it this week. ;-)
Friday, February 26, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Untitled
This is a story, my first attempt at writing a short story to be exact. Emphasis on s-h-o-r-t. I wrote it while in the van on our way home from a trip to South Dakota. We did indeed drive by a house with a tree next to it (its on the south side of I-90). As for the exact location - I'm not sure, but it is closer to Vivian than to Rapid City. I should look for the mile marker next time we drive that way. I am honestly not sure what type of tree it was, so I just chose one. The story is untitled and unedited, so bear with me.
Untitled
A lone tree stands near a rundown house. They do not mean much to the people who speed by everyday, but if the house and tree could talk they would surely share their wisdom.
It was back in 1923 when a young man built a small, cozy house on the west side of his 80 acre farm. Though the house was small it was well-built and weather tight. The house was set on a nob of a hill, not too tall as to catch the wind but high enough to see some of the surrounding prairie. The young man had just come west from Minnesota where his family lived. He had come from a hard working family of nine. God had placed him in the middle and so there was little chance of him inheriting any of his father's land. Determined to make a good living, he set out for the prairies of South Dakota and found the perfect little place near Vivian.
The young man had land, a house and plenty of back-breaking work to do, but his heart was sad. When he left his home town in Minnesota he had also left behind the love of his life. She was the pretty young daughter of the local general store owner. She was somewhat short with long, curly brown hair and captivating brown eyes. Her heart ached just as intensely as her beau's. It had been agreed that he would come back for her after he had built a house and harvested his first crop. She kept herself busy by sewing fine dresses for the ladies of standing. This also earned her some money which she intended to use to buy a few pieces of furniture after they married.
Just as promised, the young man boarded a train headed east when the last of his crop had been harvested. It was during this journey that the house grew to feel very lonesome. No one opened the door or windows so the air inside became stale. The only sounds the house heard were the wind blowing and the coyotes howling in the distance. It was a lonely time indeed. Just when the house thought she couldn't take it any longer a wonderful thing happened; the young man came back bearing his beautiful bride with him. The house couldn't have been more pleased with a fresh coat of paint for now she was a home.
As a special wedding present for his bride, the young man had bought a young oak tree. He planted the oak to the west side of the home. Now the home took it upon herself to protect the young tree from whatever elements of the weather she possibly could. She was as kind and protective as any good mother would have been.
As the oak grew so did the young man's family. The home was tickled from her floor boards to her shingles with every birth. The children learned to walk on her floor and talk to her walls (for their mother was sometimes too busy to listen). These things pleased the home, but it was the nightly family rosary that delighted her. Both the home and the oak tree loved to listen to the melodious sound of the family praying out loud. It was times like this that the home herself wished she too could pray out loud. What joys filled her heart through these growing years.
Many years passed by for the home and the oak. The young man became an older man and his wife's hair turned gray. The children grew up and left the home, which sadden her. The home itself became older and bit rundown for the old man couldn't take care of her as well. The oak grew and took over the job of protecting. He was like a good son and tried his best to shelter the home as she did for him when he was young.
Then the saddest day arrived - the old man and his wife must move to town. They packed their few belongings and loaded them in their car. Both took a few moments to remember the joys and sorrows shared in their small, cozy home. Both shed a few tears and said one last good-bye to the home. Gone were the pitter-patter of small feet, gone were the giggles of little ones, gone were the sounds of the family rosary. The only things that remained were the wind and the howl of a coyote in the distance.
To this day the house is not lonesome for she has the oak tree to talk to. They remember the good times and bad times. They continue to age and only time will tell how long they have together. Their only regret is no one says a rosary anymore. It is because of this that God smiles down with great happiness upon the house and the oak tree.
the end
Untitled
A lone tree stands near a rundown house. They do not mean much to the people who speed by everyday, but if the house and tree could talk they would surely share their wisdom.
It was back in 1923 when a young man built a small, cozy house on the west side of his 80 acre farm. Though the house was small it was well-built and weather tight. The house was set on a nob of a hill, not too tall as to catch the wind but high enough to see some of the surrounding prairie. The young man had just come west from Minnesota where his family lived. He had come from a hard working family of nine. God had placed him in the middle and so there was little chance of him inheriting any of his father's land. Determined to make a good living, he set out for the prairies of South Dakota and found the perfect little place near Vivian.
The young man had land, a house and plenty of back-breaking work to do, but his heart was sad. When he left his home town in Minnesota he had also left behind the love of his life. She was the pretty young daughter of the local general store owner. She was somewhat short with long, curly brown hair and captivating brown eyes. Her heart ached just as intensely as her beau's. It had been agreed that he would come back for her after he had built a house and harvested his first crop. She kept herself busy by sewing fine dresses for the ladies of standing. This also earned her some money which she intended to use to buy a few pieces of furniture after they married.
Just as promised, the young man boarded a train headed east when the last of his crop had been harvested. It was during this journey that the house grew to feel very lonesome. No one opened the door or windows so the air inside became stale. The only sounds the house heard were the wind blowing and the coyotes howling in the distance. It was a lonely time indeed. Just when the house thought she couldn't take it any longer a wonderful thing happened; the young man came back bearing his beautiful bride with him. The house couldn't have been more pleased with a fresh coat of paint for now she was a home.
As a special wedding present for his bride, the young man had bought a young oak tree. He planted the oak to the west side of the home. Now the home took it upon herself to protect the young tree from whatever elements of the weather she possibly could. She was as kind and protective as any good mother would have been.
As the oak grew so did the young man's family. The home was tickled from her floor boards to her shingles with every birth. The children learned to walk on her floor and talk to her walls (for their mother was sometimes too busy to listen). These things pleased the home, but it was the nightly family rosary that delighted her. Both the home and the oak tree loved to listen to the melodious sound of the family praying out loud. It was times like this that the home herself wished she too could pray out loud. What joys filled her heart through these growing years.
Many years passed by for the home and the oak. The young man became an older man and his wife's hair turned gray. The children grew up and left the home, which sadden her. The home itself became older and bit rundown for the old man couldn't take care of her as well. The oak grew and took over the job of protecting. He was like a good son and tried his best to shelter the home as she did for him when he was young.
Then the saddest day arrived - the old man and his wife must move to town. They packed their few belongings and loaded them in their car. Both took a few moments to remember the joys and sorrows shared in their small, cozy home. Both shed a few tears and said one last good-bye to the home. Gone were the pitter-patter of small feet, gone were the giggles of little ones, gone were the sounds of the family rosary. The only things that remained were the wind and the howl of a coyote in the distance.
To this day the house is not lonesome for she has the oak tree to talk to. They remember the good times and bad times. They continue to age and only time will tell how long they have together. Their only regret is no one says a rosary anymore. It is because of this that God smiles down with great happiness upon the house and the oak tree.
the end
Saturday, February 20, 2010
My Family
My mother was interviewed by Modern Woodmen of America (their insurance company) in regards to our large family. It was a great article. Thank you to Darren's Aunt Arnis for sending me a copy of the magazine. The company also paid for a photo shoot. This was one of the best pictures, taken out in the yard. That is Bear Butte behind our family. Mom has a few more pictures that were taken inside the house. When I get a copy of them I plan to put them on here as well.This happened to be our first family picture without Mark, even though Dad had Mark's picture in his shirt pocket so he was not forgotten. This was also our first family picture with Brech. Since then Luke and Jess have had Rebecca Dawn and soon Mauri will get married. It seems as though our family picture never stays updated long. ;-) My family reminds me of a poem I was given while in high school.
Our family.
Our family is a circle
of strength and love. With every
birth and every union the circle grows.
Every joy shared adds more love. Every
crisis faced makes the circle grow stronger.
...................
My family is the best. I am so grateful that God put me in this family. I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Female Driver
Yah, its true what they say about female drivers. I proved it yesterday. The van and I had a bit of a mishap with the right side of the garage. Grandma pointed out that someone must have moved the wall - so that's my story and I'm sticking to it. HA HA Honestly, I just turned too quick before I was completely out of the garage. I did manage to miss the garage door track, so it still shuts nicely. My husband is a patient and loving man!! He only grumbled for a few minutes. I am not sure how Saturday will be though. He plans to fix the wall, if he can. DUMB ME!!
Dent in the side of the van.
Close up of the deepest dent.
The wall and siding, no longer tight. They have drifted apart after all these years. Let it be known that a redhead came between the two of them. Shame, shame - tis a crying shame.Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Spinach Salmon Bundles
Last Friday we invited our priest over for supper. We do not eat meat on any Friday throughout the year, with except to First Class feast days. What do you serve company on a Friday??? I had some spinach that needed to be used, so I tried this recipe and it was WONDERFUL! I could eat this at least once a week!!
Spinach Salmon Bundles
courtesy of 2010 Taste of Home cookbook
2 tubes (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent rolls
4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/3 cup garlic-herb cheese spread
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry (NOTE: I used fresh spinach and it worked nicely.)
Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate into four rectangles; seal perforations. Place a salmon fillet in the center of each rectangle: sprinkle with salt and pepper. Spoon cheese spread over each, top with spinach (I used 4-5 fresh spinach leaves). Fold dough over filling and pinch edges to seal.
Place on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Serve bundles immediately. Yield: 4 servings.
Spinach Salmon Bundles
courtesy of 2010 Taste of Home cookbook
2 tubes (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent rolls
4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/3 cup garlic-herb cheese spread
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry (NOTE: I used fresh spinach and it worked nicely.)
Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate into four rectangles; seal perforations. Place a salmon fillet in the center of each rectangle: sprinkle with salt and pepper. Spoon cheese spread over each, top with spinach (I used 4-5 fresh spinach leaves). Fold dough over filling and pinch edges to seal.
Place on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Serve bundles immediately. Yield: 4 servings.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Library
Yesterday I did a brave thing. I took all five boys to the library AGAIN! Much to my surprise they behaved themselves again. I am beginning to think I should just take them into public more often. They found books, sat down and read them, quietly. Well, somewhat quietly. Rex was a bit loud at times, but hey - he found a dinosaur and couldn't keep it to himself!! "Mom, MOM, its ME, look its ME!!"
Even Brech was behaving himself. He was trying to read the books the bigger boys were and it wasn't going as well as he wanted. I took him over to the little board books shelf and he was quick to pick out a few. He would go sit down and read whatever book he found for about 30 seconds, then hop up and go get another. OH well...its a start.
The ladies at the library are so nice to us. The library started a website hold system so now I just request my books and they are ready to go when I get there. Makes my visit to the library SOOooo much nicer. There were Saturdays I'd spend an hour just finding books. They are much quicker than I am!!
I suppose I will have to make more of an effort to take the boys to the library. I don't mind going myself, but keeping track of 5 boys is interesting. I have a few rules to help me maintain my sanity. They may not leave the area with the children's books. They are to remain quiet. They are NOT to take out too many books at a time. In fact, they must show me what book they want and I help them to take it off the shelf. This helps me know what they are looking at and where it came from. The last rule is if they break any of the other rules, we get in the van and go directly home. They followed the rules yesterday and were each rewarded with a video of their choice. Even Brech tried to pick a video, but he picked one we already owned so we had to put it back. BOY was he MAD and did he break the rules after that!! heehee Thankfully we were just walking out the door anyway.
Blase's picks for the week: three Nate the Great books (one which was read on the way home)
Stephen's picks for the week: Atlas of the Ancient World and a huge Dinosaur book
Cormac's picks for the week: Look-Alikes Christmas, Can You See What I See? (both of those are like I Spy books), The Sorcerer's Apprentice
Rex's picks: 5 Thomas the Tank Engine books, 1 Dora book, 1 Diego book and 4 books about little mice (4 of my favorite children's books)
Brech's picks: a dinosaur I Spy book and a Peter Rabbit touch and feel book
I didn't pick out one book for myself. I have so many ones here I haven't read yet. I'm working on it though. In the last 3 weeks I have read 5 books with at least 350 pages in each.
Today's plan - school, laundry and movie from the library after school is done.
Even Brech was behaving himself. He was trying to read the books the bigger boys were and it wasn't going as well as he wanted. I took him over to the little board books shelf and he was quick to pick out a few. He would go sit down and read whatever book he found for about 30 seconds, then hop up and go get another. OH well...its a start.
The ladies at the library are so nice to us. The library started a website hold system so now I just request my books and they are ready to go when I get there. Makes my visit to the library SOOooo much nicer. There were Saturdays I'd spend an hour just finding books. They are much quicker than I am!!
I suppose I will have to make more of an effort to take the boys to the library. I don't mind going myself, but keeping track of 5 boys is interesting. I have a few rules to help me maintain my sanity. They may not leave the area with the children's books. They are to remain quiet. They are NOT to take out too many books at a time. In fact, they must show me what book they want and I help them to take it off the shelf. This helps me know what they are looking at and where it came from. The last rule is if they break any of the other rules, we get in the van and go directly home. They followed the rules yesterday and were each rewarded with a video of their choice. Even Brech tried to pick a video, but he picked one we already owned so we had to put it back. BOY was he MAD and did he break the rules after that!! heehee Thankfully we were just walking out the door anyway.
Blase's picks for the week: three Nate the Great books (one which was read on the way home)
Stephen's picks for the week: Atlas of the Ancient World and a huge Dinosaur book
Cormac's picks for the week: Look-Alikes Christmas, Can You See What I See? (both of those are like I Spy books), The Sorcerer's Apprentice
Rex's picks: 5 Thomas the Tank Engine books, 1 Dora book, 1 Diego book and 4 books about little mice (4 of my favorite children's books)
Brech's picks: a dinosaur I Spy book and a Peter Rabbit touch and feel book
I didn't pick out one book for myself. I have so many ones here I haven't read yet. I'm working on it though. In the last 3 weeks I have read 5 books with at least 350 pages in each.
Today's plan - school, laundry and movie from the library after school is done.
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