I have been told more times than I can count that if I were truly against abortion I would have to be pro-contraception.  “Contraception prevents unwanted pregnancies,” the argument goes, “so putting women on reliable birth control would cut down on unwanted pregnancies and there would be fewer abortions.” It’s an old argument, but always flung at me as if it were fresh and new and something I had never considered before this present moment.  I think they expect me... Read more

It has been all too easy in the last couple weeks to lose sight of the big picture around here.  I keep focusing in on the trials and forgetting the celebrations.  This is our Spring of Sacraments, our Season of Grace.  How fitting that in this dark, dark time our family will be receiving the strength and consolation required to get us through it. I thought I’d share the happy with you. #’s 1, 4, and 7 Confirmation, First Communion... Read more

After 19 years with my husband, I’d like to think I know him pretty well.  I think I do, so why do I have to keep reminding myself of the lessons I’ve already learned?  How many times do I need to learn them before they stick.  (Note to self : The Computer Guy is not me.  Thank goodness.)  The differences in our personalities are never more apparent than when we are dealing with stress. I am an information hoarder.  I... Read more

as always, thanks to LarryD for hosting!   1. I think the poor guy sitting behind me in Mass last weekend has a serious hearing impairment.  He told me how beautifully I sang.  Now, I’ve been pretty honest about my vocal abilities in the past, and beautiful is not a way a normal person would describe them. I don’t know what to do in that situation.  When he said “You have a lovely singing voice.”  should I have a) informed... Read more

***Working it out on paper.  I cuss.  A lot.  I gave it up for Lent.  So what?  I don’t have the energy to care right now.  Totally disjointed ADD ramblings.  It’s where I am right now.*** Have you ever had a mental breakdown? A humming discordantly to yourself, flapping your hands desperately, tugging on your hair, wild-eyed mental breakdown?  I’m teetering on the edge.  I’m watching myself from somewhere outside of myself and thinking “Shit.  I’m totally losing it here.”... Read more

#4 went to a birthday party today.  It’s all I’ve heard about for 2 weeks, the neighbor girl’s birthday party.  It was the light at the end of the tunnel last week for her.  “Just get through this week and then the birthday party.”  (Birthday party needs glitter there.  I don’t know how to do that.  Can you imagine it?  Thanks.) It was horrible. I totally blame the mom. It’s not her fault. (According to my much more sane husband.)... Read more

//www.youtube.com/get_player #5 in the hat he swears makes him look EXACTLY like a snake.  I didn’t see it until he showed me the moves.  He’s right……he’s my favorite snake EVER! Read more

The last few weeks I’ve felt a bit like Ginger Rogers, “dancing backwards in high heels.” It feels so appropriate for where I am at this point in my life. I can’t see where I’m going. Someone else is in charge The steps are complicated and intricate I have to keep up I have to figure it all out and somehow manage to look confident and capable in the midst of it all. The high heels?  ……..Cute shoes are always... Read more

#4 has Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. We saw a nationally recognized expert this morning.  She was kind and knowledgeable. Unlike all the other doctors we have seen up to this point, she knew what was going on the moment she saw our girl. “She has a sausage toe,” she said.  Then, turning to her medical student, she pronounced, “That’s classic of psoriatic arthritis.”  I liked her no nonsense style.  She wasn’t overly blunt, but she didn’t try to soften anything either. ... Read more

1. My eldest son made bread yesterday.  I told him to be sure to follow the instructions to the letter or it would not rise, as yeast can be tricky to work with.  He completely ignored my advice and just poured the ingredients into the bowl willy-nilly.  I smiled at the lesson he was learning about the importance of following directions. The bread was perfect.  The instructions don’t seem to matter.  He laughed out loud when he pulled the loaves... Read more