I suffer from stretches of insomnia, and I have been trying to keep track a little bit to see whether there is anything that I can do to improve my odds of a good night of sleep. I have also learned that being tired leads to an intense emotional cycle for me. The other day, I was so depressed and lonely, but intellectually I knew that it was really just being tired that was getting me down. If I can... Read more
At Sunday Mass this week, I saw a friend walk in with her five children, including her sweet newborn whom she was carrying in the Ergo. Wondering where her husband was, I realized that he was the lector and would therefore be sitting apart from them for the first half of Mass. My immediate thought was that I should walk to the other side of the church to help her! I know that if I was alone with my three... Read more
Red’s recent post on meanness hit a nerve with a lot of readers, and I have been thinking about how the attitude that she describes can really wreak havoc on relationships so much closer than the nearest supermarket. As a woman, I have often struggled with friendships with other women because I kick into some sort of competitive mode. In my head, I cut the person down, so that I can make myself feel that my competencies are more important... Read more
Most summers, I spend two to three weeks pouring over catalogs and book lists selecting my homeschool curriculum for the year ahead. I talk to lots of friends about what is working and what is tweaking, and I make notes and lists, until I am finally ready to sit down over a few long evenings with my computer and my credit card and order my supplies. Usually, I look forward to this planning, it sort of gets the juices flowing... Read more
What am I cooking? Meat! We just got our twice a year meat delivery, and after a vegetarian Lent, I am happy to have easy, familiar meals to prepare. Tonight I did homemade breaded chicken tenders with dijon honey, whole wheat noodles and a cucumber salad. Smiles all around! What are my weekend plans? Busy and so, so wonderful. First up, two baseball games, then the little Catholic girls club I lead is meeting to pray the Rosary, then I... Read more
Two weeks ago we welcomed our newest Incredi-bundle, a handsome baby boy! (We usually make more timely announcements, but all the builders have had a lot on their plates recently!) Bundle of joy could not be a more appropriate term. When our third son was born, our oldest was not even 3, so I essentially had 3 babies. This has been a whole new experience with three aware brothers to welcome our baby into the world! No yawn, smile or... Read more
In fact, I am mean. When I go to the food store, I think mean things about many of the complete strangers I encounter there. If I’m not pregnant, and I’ve just had a cup of coffee, I am very good at not sharing any of these mean thoughts. On good days, I may even think some nice thoughts. But on bad days, I not only think mean things, I find a way to say them. Sometimes it’s just a... Read more
With T minus 11 days until my due date, my mind is naturally gravitating toward labor and delivery. These thoughts abounded the other day while I was swimming laps in the pool, dreaming about the upcoming event and wondering how it was going to all play out. Swimming this pregnancy has been a godsend in so many ways. My end-of-pregnancy back pain is at an all-time low, my muscles feel more agile and relaxed, I have less pelvic floor discomfort–much... Read more
Dear readers ~ You have probably noticed some changes at Patheos (and therefore, at Building Cathedrals) over the past week. We simply wanted you to know that we do not have any control over, nor do we endorse, the advertisements or the links that are posted in the sidebar. We hope that you are still able to focus on the content of our posts – thanks for bearing with us during this time of transition! Blessings, Katrina and the Building... Read more
Yes, dear readers, we remember “Thoughts for Thursday” – thank you for your patience with us! What am I cooking? Steak fajitas, yum! Here is a delicious marinade for flank steak from Fr. Leo Patalinghug’s new cookbook, Grace Before Meals (makes a great gift, by the way!): For 1 1/4 pounds of flank steak: 2 garlic cloves, finely minced 1/4 c. white wine 1/4 c. soy sauce 2 T. ketchup 1 t. red pepper flakes (I left this out) 1/4... Read more
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