Monday, July 17, 2006

• First, I think it's important to dress your children for church. Even daily Mass. Children who have a special set of clothes different from their playclothes learn that church is something separate from play. A collared shirt or a skirt may help signify that special behavior is expected of them.
• Secondly, I think it's helpful right outside of the church doors to get down to eye level with your kids and explain to them softly and seriously that you are entering the home of Jesus and let them know that you expect them to be quiet during Mass... that they are welcome to play AFTER church.
• If you have a choice of orthodox Mass options, the earlier the service is usually the better for families. Earlier liturgies tend to be simpler, quicker and less crowded. Plus they won't interfere with nap times and you may get the added bonus of having drowsy kids in church rather than wired kids.
• Seating. Some parents need a quick escape route, so they sit in the back or near a side exit. Other parents may find it helpful to sit right up front where kids are watching what's taking place on the altar rather than the backs of peoples' heads. This could depend on your priest too. It's really helpful when your priest makes a point of how welcome children are at the liturgy... that their baby babble only adds to the praises of God. If unfortunately, the priest seems a little put off by kids, I'd stay near an easy exit.
• Our rules for the under 3 age is that baby babble is fine during Mass. There's not much (short of duct tape) that you can do to prevent this. "Let the little children come to me," says our Savior. We need to remember that despite the stern looks of disapproval you may get from some people, children are an essential part of God's family too. Plus, how can they be expected to behave in church without being welcome there to learn?! Anyway, if a young one starts excessively whining (or falls off the pew, or stabs himself with the little pencils, etc.) or crying, then we'll take him out. Oftentimes, just standing up in the back is helpful for little ones, other times, they need to avoid the meltdown by being completely removed to the outside.
• If you are in the midst of disciplining a crier, do NOT let him/her run around outside (or even in the cry room)... this is basically rewarding their behavior; I learned this the hard way once my guys started manipulating the cry factor just so they could play around outside. So if you have to take them out or stand in the back, it's best to hold them. They'll soon learn that a little freedom in the pew is better than being confined in a parent's arms outside.
• While in the pew, I know many parents have different ideals on what to expect. My oldest son is not quite four and we are just now starting to enforce him sitting still and facing forward etc. Until that point, there's no use reasoning with toddlers. We let them have full reign of the pew (at least until another kneeling church-goer physically blocked their way). They are welcome to sit on the kneelers or crawl on the pews or stare at the people behind us etc. It's just what's worked for us to keep the peace. I know some other families make sure that everyone under age two is held in their arms but this wasn't always practical for our lives (pregnant bellies and deployed husbands can keep one on her toes).
• Here is a hotly debated topic. Should kids be allowed food or sippy cups in church? I am not going to give definitive answers since everyone needs to find what works best for them but I'm always willing to give my opinion! If you DO give snacks to your kids in church, please make sure they are not in crinkly, distracting wrappers or too messy. We never allowed food in church as a general rule, but with our firstborn, he was allowed his sippy cup of milk up until age two. This was partially because we went to such an early Mass that there was no time to feed him prior to church... so the milk held him over. Now, we have a leisurely 10:30 we go to and have no excuse for food or drink in church. I keep a very small water bottle in my "kid bag" just in case that becomes necessary but we rarely use it. They know church isn't time for snacks. It never sit well with me ever since I attended a Mass in Cali once where the whole family was eating NACHOS in the kid's cry room!!! Oy. There's a time and place people... It's nice if kids know they get doughnuts (err... I mean, whole grain, organic bagels... yeah) or something (dependent on good behavior of course) after Mass.
• Toys. We have a little "Mass kit" bag just for church. In it are two or three religious kid books; we love the series by Fr. Lovasik . We also have a little soft nativity scene, or a small, easy religious puzzle. Sometimes sheets of paper and religious stickers or a couple crayons. Lacing boards... anything quiet and related to God. It's important to switch out what's in the Mass bag every now and then to keep things novel.
• During the Mass, it's helpful to whisper quietly to your fussy kids... explain the pictures or statues, discuss what the priest is doing on the altar, especially calling attention to the Consecration.
• And bring your kids to Communion with you! Sometimes I see pre-Communicants sitting in the pew waiting for mom and dad to get back. But it's a great opportunity for them to get up and have an apex of the Mass, plus they can receive a blessing from the priest (which is partially why we always make sure to get in a priest's line, rather than that of an extraordinary minister)... and I know at least my family can use all the blessings it can get!
• Finally always be sure to give positive reinforcement for good behavior. Sometimes I'll whisper to Xavier... "You are being such a good boy for Jesus right now; He is very proud of you." And I really don't think it hurts to "reward" them after Mass. I don't see it as bribery... I see it as adding a special treat to a special day.
• When your kids are overly naughty, try not to let it get you down. This too shall pass. I suspect it will get easier with more children: the littlest ones will have the example of the older ones to follow (older ones can be reasoned with)... they'll be like ducks in a row. It's hard to focus on the fact that despite the desperation or frustration you are feeling now, you are being filled with graces just by being in the Presence of God. I heard of one mom who would go to an early Mass, and if the kids behaved poorly, she'd tell them that since they obviously needed more practice behaving, they'd "get" to sit through the later Mass too!!! I'm sure that taught them real quick!

-Ellie

Labels: useful ideas

one of us :: 7:54 AM :: 3 Comments

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Sunday, July 16, 2006

The Best Things in Life

There is a spot that I just discovered. It is a hidden spot (near a housing development)... A path leads to a river that is wide and shallow, perfect for playing children - even the babe. There is a little sandy beach area, lots of trees, reeds, rocks, sand, frogs; there is always a breeze, a gentle one that touches my face and makes me remember that I am a child of God. I've only been there twice, and taken my children, and we are always alone. I hope this doesn't sound too much like a John Denver song but I have been thinking about that spot a lot lately. I've been going through one of those parenting phases where I have been pretty liberal with movies and entertainment and things that keep my children quiet while I can do my chores or just have some peace. And I know we all probably go through phases of being more or less strict about those important things like nutrition, prayers, monitoring computer or tv time, etc. and that is all normal and fine and well, but when I am at that spot I am reminded of the best things in life. While at home I am constantly picking up crap- (forgive me for being harsh, I know that our material goods are a gift from God- but I feel like that sometimes when I am picking up MANMADE STUFF all day and trying to put it back into it's rightful place, or change it's rightful place and then forget where it's new rightful place is)- when I take my children to this spot we are surrounded by GODMADE STUFF - which I don't have to pick up, and delights them more than anything we could ever invent. They are usually quiet there, the yelling and screaming that echoes through the hallway of my house is somehow mute at this little refuge and I like to think that they too, are in awe of life in their own little way, and connecting with their Father-God in their own little way as the breeze touches their faces, the sun sparkles on the water rippling by, the sparrows dip and dive in the bright blue sky around us. The movie they've been watching is 8 different episodes of Dora the Explorer- we got it from blockbuster. She talks in high pitched tones and repeats words so many times that it is getting to be like that toy that your extended family member bought you that you want to throw out the window from the monotony of the electronic tunes. Not to rag on her too much I do like the theme song and the Spanish stuff, but the primary colors and perfectly shaped trees in the world of Dora, and I suppose all animation, although not bad, are just not real. I like to think that God made many things, simple things like those rolly polly bugs or shells or even sticks, for the main purpose of delighting children. I guess what I am pondering these days is that the best things in life are the real things in life- And most of the time, the best things in life are free.

Hope writes from Fillmore, CA

Labels: Reflections

one of us :: 9:32 PM :: 2 Comments

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Saturday, July 15, 2006

Feast of St. Bonaventure

"Christ is both the way and the door. Christ is the staircase and the vehicle, like the "throne of mercy over the Ark of the Covenant," and "the mystery hidden from the ages." A man should turn his full attention to this throne of mercy, and should gaze at him hanging on the cross, full of faith, hope, and charity, devoted, full of wonder and joy, marked by gratitude, and open to praise and jubilation. Then such a man will make with Christ a "pasch," that is, a passing-over. Through the branches of the cross he will pass over the Red Sea, leaving Egypt and entering the desert. There he will taste the hidden manna, and rest with Christ in the sepulcher, as if he were dead to things outside. He will experience, as much as is possible for one who is still living, what was promised to the thief who hung beside Christ: "Today you will be with me in paradise." "

from Journey of the Mind to God by Saint Bonaventure

Labels: feastdays

one of us :: 4:22 PM :: 0 Comments

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Friday, July 14, 2006

Friday Coffeehouse

Sia is off gallivanting on her family's giant farm in Ohio I suppose, and while I wish her the best of times, I'm left pretending to be the coffee expert for the day. So here goes nothing:

I like sweet, cold coffee. Iced white mochas are my favorite, but I always seem to need something grainy to "soak it up" with in my stomach. I never understood how people can enjoy really sweet beverages with really sweet foods (my husband would drink Coke with his pancakes, blah!) since it ruins the effects of both. I enjoy a sweet treat with tea... and a more plain treat with coffee, something like a bagel or basic scone or muffin. So for this week's coffeehouse post, I'll share two of my favorite recipes that compliment coffee (and tea) well... neither is TOO sweet.

This first one is from one of my favorite cookbooks by Nigella Lawson. Almost anything this woman suggests can be assured to be delicious. I have never read a cookbook from front to back like I have hers. Not only is it full of amazing recipes, she narrates each selection with her personal tips and experiences:

Orange Breakfast Muffins
6 TBS unsalted butter
1 2/3 cups self-rising flour
2 TBS ground almonds
1/2 t. baking soda
1 t. baking powder
1/4 cup sugar
zest of 1 orange
1/3 cup plus 1 TBS freshly squeezed orange juice
1/3 cup plus 1 TBS whole milk
1 egg

Preheat oven to 400. Melt the butter and set aside. Combine flour, ground almonds, baking soda, baking powder, sugar and orange zest in a large bowl. Measure the OJ and milk into a pitcher and whisk in the egg and then the cooled, melted butter. Now pour this into the dry ingredients, mixing with a fork as you go. The lumpier the batter the lighter the muffin, so barely combine it, don't overwork it. Spoon the mixture equally into 12 paper-cup lined muffin cups and cook for 20 minutes. Let cool slightly (not completely) on a wire rack before devouring.

Nigella suggests eating these with unsalted butter, jam or honey.


Best Banana Bread
I think what sets this banana bread apart from others is the sour cream... sometimes I'll throw in semi-sweet chocolate chips just for fun. It is enough to make two mid-size loafs of bread. But I only make one loaf and then use the rest of the batter for muffins. You can cook them at the same time, just take out the muffins about 10 minutes sooner than the bread... you have to kind of watch it.

2 1/2 cups flour
1 t. baking powder
1 t. baking soda
1/2 t. salt
2/3 cup butter
1 1/3 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups mashed banana (usually about 4 or so mid-sized bananas)
1/2 cup sour cream (don't you dare use "light")
1 cup chopped nuts, and/or chocolate chips optional

Preheat oven to 350. Grease pan(s) and flour the bottom of the pan. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. Cream the butter and sugar until light. Add the eggs, mixing well after each. Add mashed banana. Add flour mixture in thirds, alternating with sour cream, ending with the flour. Blend quickly but thoroughly. Stir in the nuts. Pour into prepared pans and bake 45 minutes or until center tests done.


-Ellie: Oak Harbor, WA

Labels: yummies

one of us :: 10:01 AM :: 2 Comments

---------------oOo--------------- Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha

Happy Feast Day! Blessed Kateri is the first Native American to be up for canonization. She endured extreme persecution for her Christian faith and serves as a great model for people everywhere to care a bit more about the environment... something a lot of Christians automatically (though incorrectly) marry to the liberal ideology. Kateri is the patron saint of ecologists; environmentalism; exiles; loss of parents; people ridiculed for their piety.

Here is a prayer for her canonization:

O God who, among the many marvels of Your Grace in the New World, did cause to blossom on the banks of the Mohawk and of the Saint Lawrence, the pure and tender Lily, Kateri Tekakwitha, grant we beseech You, the favor we beg through her intercession; that this Young Lover of Jesus and of His Cross may soon be counted among her Saints by Holy Mother Church, and that our hearts may be enkindled with a stronger desire to imitate her innocence and faith. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Labels: feastdays

one of us :: 9:33 AM :: 0 Comments

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Thursday, July 13, 2006

Question of the Week

Happy Feast Day of St. Henry, who shares the name of Hope's middle child!

I apologize again for the late posting... my internet is down hence the lack of postings from my end. But alas, here is the question for you. Last week we discussed spiritual books. How about reading for pleasure? What is your favorite novel and why? I just read a great one and I'll post it in the comments section.

Labels: Questions

one of us :: 8:45 AM :: 4 Comments

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Tuesday, July 11, 2006

A mother needs your help

A reader wrote in and is asking for words of wisdom from all you other moms out there, I hope you can help! And I want to commend this mother for reaching out and looking for help; I know there must be many of us who can relate to her feelings. Please add your comments at the bottom.

I am a mother of 4 children, boy: 5, girl: 4, boy: 2, girl: 10 months. We are expecting our 5th child too. I have home schooled our son for Kindergarten this past year. Since we just found out of our 5th child, we are reevaluating our decision, not sure if we can really manage it. I am in hopes that you moms may know what it is like to mother a number of kids so close together. I am about to turn 30 yrs. old and may have a lot of years of fertility ahead! We have taken NFP classes and signed up for another set but then we found out about baby #5 on his/her way. We are practicing Catholics in a secular extended family and neighborhood. The persecution coming from the ones we love the dearest hurts the most and is very tiring. We do have some friends that are practicing also but they do not have their children so close together and I feel that they really do not understand how overwhelming it is. I have a spiritual director and even have begun going to a psychologist with a diagnosis of "overwhelmed mom with young kids". The older ladies and older men and mass always say "enjoy them while they are young." I want to so bad but feel so much the opposite. I want to be that joyful mom that I was and just need someone/extra ear to hear me out and give me advice that I can use. It is certainly trying and easy to be disappointed. Many people think that if you just obey Church teaching and pray there won't be any troubles, but that of course is not the case. Any help is appreciated. Thank you.

Labels: Reflections

one of us :: 8:42 AM :: 9 Comments

---------------oOo--------------- St. Benedict

Today is St. Benedict's feast day, the founder of Western Monasticism. While not every lifestyle can adhere strictly to his Rule, I believe everyone can apply certain principles to their own lives. In fact the National Catholic Register (a highly recommended paper) included in their most recent edition how families can apply parts of the Rule in their homes.

One of my favorite quotes is from him: "Let nothing be preferred to the work of God." That pretty much sums it up.

Tomie de Paola illustrated a great kids book about this saint and his twin sister;it's written by Kathleen Norris: The Holy Twins.

Today we should pray especially for our Holy Father who chose this saint as his namesake. St. Benedict's patronage includes: against nettle rash; against poison; against witchcraft; agricultural workers; cavers; civil engineers; coppersmiths; dying people; erysipelas; Europe; farm workers; farmers; fever; gall stones; Heerdt, Germany; inflammatory diseases; Italian architects; kidney disease; monks; nettle rash; Norcia, Italy; people in religious orders; poison; schoolchildren; servants who have broken their master's belongings; speliologists; spelunkers; temptations; and witchcraft.

Labels: feastdays

one of us :: 8:25 AM :: 0 Comments

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Monday, July 10, 2006

From the minivan of another mom

This post is brought to you courtesy of Stacey Chik, who has some interesting thoughts to share with us:


You know, being a mom is a funny thing. With both of my kids' birthdays swiftly approaching (Timmy will be 2 in 11 days and Emma will be 3 in 14 days), I have been reflecting on the ways my perspectives have changed as a mom. When I was single, and then even while pregnant with my oldest, I was very sure of some of the things I would and would not do as a parent. I was adamant that children be taught 1st time obedience and that they be trained up in the Lord under the authority of God rightly given to us as their earthly parents. You know, it is our job to be their parents and not their friends. Back then I may have looked at other parents and judged them for being too lenient or allowing the child to "run the show" or whatever. Ahhh, little did I know. What is that they say about walking a mile in another man's shoes? I think of it as driving a mile in another mom's minivan.

Now that I am a well-seasoned mom of a 2 and 3 year old, I just laugh at myself and am very cautious to judge other moms. I still believe all of what I said above about parenting and for the most part my husband and I pray for the grace to be consistent and fair while being models of God the father's unconditional love, mercy, justice, and authority. But, funny thing about parenting, it just doesn't happen in a vacuum.
There are all kinds of variables that can affect any given scenario that we have absolutely no control over. It is all of the variables that we just do not see when we encounter others in public parenting fiascos. We just have no idea what the day, days or weeks have been like for that family leading up to the one glimpse we have of their interaction.

In the past 24 hours I myself have been the central figure in several parenting fiascos. (Note, I define a parenting fiasco as a situation in which one chooses to go against 'rule' for the sake of peace, or choosing one's battles, or out of momentary desperation to accomplish a goal.) These fiascos have shown me that I am the mom I used to judge. I am the:

1. CANDY BRIBER Yesterday I took the beautifully bathed and blow-dryed children to Picture People to have their portraits taken. "Don't let their model-like appearances fool you," I told the photographer, "They are a handful." The little rascals were not the most cooperative of children. (Imagine little barefooted hooligans RUNNING away from the photographer, STOMPING their feet at her, and SULKING in a corner, REFUSING to get their pictures taken.) So, while I am a perpetrator of obedience and we teach it daily, I was desperate. So, I made a quick, well-thought out decision to bribe my children with candy and the promise (albeit, empty) of McDonalds. So, there I am shoveling my kids with smarties (left-over from Halloween) and begging them to smile, or for goodness sakes at least sit still!

2. PUSHOVER When we arrived home, our babysitter was waiting for us. On the way in the house Timmy had 3 sticks he wanted to bring in the house. Now,
typically, we have a rule of no sticks in the house. I told him once that he had to leave them outside and then I saw that face: the face that tells me that he is about to meltdown into a screaming, flailing blob that only moderately resembles my handsome charming boy. What would the babysitter think? So, I quickly amended my suggestion and compromised with Timmy. "You can only bring one of these sticks in the house, son." He thinks I am still in control and yet a meltdown is avoided.

3. ESCAPEE My babysitter was there for the afternoon so that I could go walking with a girlfriend. I am training for a half-marathon so I really needed to get a 7 mile walk in. Anyways, the drive to and from the lake where we walked took longer than expected and I am sure the babysitter was convinced I was never coming back. And in reality, part of me didn't want to come back. Now, I honestly believe in what I am doing as a stay-at-home mom and that it is the best for me and the kids. I also think that some moms get overly selfish and are gone too much. That being said, I really needed this break. The friend I walked with is
single, has her own beautiful apartment and can come and go as she pleases. I am so envious of that!!! I had escaped for the afternoon and admittedly enjoyed every moment of it.

4. PUSHOVER PART TWO I have always had the philosophy that when it comes to sleeping children, they should do it on their own. I think that after three months of age, they should be in their own bed in their own rooms and be sleeping through the night. That is what has worked best for our family and we have had to learn to be firm about it. It works. People have always found it remarkable that we can lay our kids down when they are wide-awake and we won't hear from them again until morning. Well, that firm handed approach works really well when the parent is alert and clear-headed. Unfortunately, last night Em woke up at 3 am screaming for us. We both went in and helped her to fall back asleep by making our bed on the floor (she joined us, and didn't fall asleep for hours). So there I am, sore after a long workout the day before, and sleeping on my daughter's floor. Ugh. So much for that firm-handed approach.

I share these fiascos as just a few of hundreds of examples that have taught me to not judge other parents. I would not want someone to judge me for bribing my children with candy, or sleeping on my daughter's floor. These are isolated incidents that will hopefully teach our children about the mercy of God and how just like us, He meets us where we are at... where we need it most. Sure the rules of our home don't really call for parents sleeping on kid's floors but it what what she needed most at that moment. It was the way that we could speak her love language and help her to tangibly experience the love of God the Father. After all, that is exactly what these moments have shown me.

Labels: Reflections

one of us :: 1:34 PM :: 1 Comments

---------------oOo--------------- Making Do on Mondays: Didya know?!

A few random tips, absolutely unrelated to one another:

• I know we have many readers in California. Did you know that in this state (check your own for their laws... California is certainly not alone) children will be given as wards of the state if both parents die and no other legal arrangements have been made. The Court will typically choose a guardian from those who step forward on behalf of the children. Certainly family members can adopt the kids but to save them the tediousness of the court process, and to ensure that their wishes are explicitly followed, families should consider getting a living will drawn up. One big misconception is that people think they need diamonds and fur coats to have a will done. Not so. At the very least, all parents should establish guardianship of their children should something tragic happen to them. It is possible to make your own will without a lawyer but there are many specific terms and procedures that need to be used and not all states recognize "holographic wills" as valid before the courts.

• Did you know that you can buy pregnancy tests at the dollar store? Instead of springing for those $10 tests every time you suspect pregnancy, load up on the cheap versions of the same test. Also, you can get tested for free at your local Birth Right or other (pro-life) pregnancy center. Please don't patronize Planned Parenthood...

• Finally, when was the last time you took a look at your W-2 forms? I'm not claiming to be a tax expert, since every family has its own financial nuances to consider. But GENERALLY speaking, it could be a very good idea to claim a high number of witholdings. I've seen a lot of young, well meaning families claim "Married and 0" or "Married and 1" because they really look forward to that big tax return at the beginning of the year. The silly thing is this: Why let the government earn the interest on YOUR money?! If you change your witholdings and allot that extra money into the bank before you even see the increase in your monthly income, you will have your own nice chunk of change come tax time... and you will have been earning the benefits from it as well.

Labels: useful ideas

one of us :: 9:35 AM :: 1 Comments

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Saturday, July 08, 2006

"Give me my blessing now!"

I find myself scratching my head over the concept so many people let fall easily from their lips: "Babies are blessings." A baby is a gift. It sounds innocent enough, sure. But the mindset that accompanies this trite phrase is often the furthest thing from demonstrating the truth of it. Yesterday, on an after-dinner stroll down at the park a woman commented on my two boys and asked if the one in utero was a girl. "Nope, another boy." She shook her head with a smile: "We have two girls and would love to try for a third baby, but my husband is afraid of being stuck with three girls." As if they were playing the Wheel of Fortune. Another friend of mine remarked to me a while ago that she really wanted another baby (had 2 girls and 1 boy) but only if she could be guaranteed that it was a boy.

We use the term "trying" for a baby without really stopping to think of what that implies. It takes more than a man and a woman being in the right place at the right time to create another human being. It is God who opens and closes the womb to life. I don't really blame most people... even good Christians and Catholics use this word, probably because the rest of society does and probably because it feels to awkward to say "Oh were you open to another little life being created inside of you?"

I just find it sad that while we tout the phrase "Babies are blessings" so often yet so many of us demand these "blessings" on our time frame, on our schedule, when it's convenient for the lifestyle we have in mind for ourselves. While there is something to be said for responsible parenting... something even stronger should be said about the providence of God. And this is completely thwarted when couples actively refuse God's blessings. "No, God. Not right now. Your gift isn't a good time for me. I know better than you." It seems sometimes that babies aren't viewed as "blessings" but economic burdens. And this isn't always the fault of individuals. It's part and parcel of a society that doesn't value the dignity of human life anymore. That has turned materialism and hedonism into the gods that we should bow down to.

We are all victims... but we all don't need to fall prey to such lies anymore. We are not supposed to be comfortable here. We stand in contradiction to the morals of society... isn't that beautiful about the Catholic Church?! She is the one, last major institution in the entire world that opposes the same things Christ opposes... that speaks out for the defenseless and safeguards the teachings on the beauty and gift of human life. Praise God for the blessings He has given us!

-Ellie: Oak Harbor, WA

Labels: Reflections

one of us :: 10:06 AM :: 0 Comments

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Friday, July 07, 2006

There is hope

I just wanted to share something that I thought wouldn't happen for another 20 years or so in my life. I woke up naturally this morning! Since becoming a mother almost 4 years ago, virtually every morning is introduced by a child crawling in bed next to me or whining for me from the next room over or nestling into me to nurse or something of this sort. I used to wail to God: "Just ONCE, I'd love to wake up on my own!"

And it happened! By some miracle my two toddlers slept in until an unbelievable 8:20 and I woke to a soft sunlight filtering through my curtains and my dear husband leaning over to hug me. Amazing. I know all you other mothers can imagine the monumental feeling I must've had. So I wanted to encourage you that there is indeed hope... someday, when you least expect it God will allow you the glory of a gentle start to life's hustles and bustles. As it is now, I feel like this one peaceful morning made up for the thousands of groggy, aching, or rushed mornings behind me. Deo Gratias.

-Ellie in Oak Harbor

Labels: Reflections

one of us :: 12:59 PM :: 1 Comments

---------------oOo--------------- Friday Coffeehouse: Good Music, "Not For Kids Only"!

It is Friday "Coffeehouse"... why not talk music? I don't have time to put down all of my favorite albums which children seem to love, but here are a few pearls worth mentioning.

Do you ever wish that you could find music for kids that is not too "cutesy" or "dumb"...i.e, not degrading to your child's dignity? Something that is fun and geared towards their age group without compromising GOOD musicianship and overall sound? When I was first pregnant with Aidan I immediately invested in 3 wonderful albums which fit exactly into the category I speak of above:

Not For Kids Only, -Jerry Garcia and David Grisman;
Little Hands, -Jonathan Edwards;
Peter, Paul and Mommy, -Peter, Paul and Mary
Everybody's Gotta Have a Place, -Dirk Shumaker

These albums have been so much fun not only for Aidan but for myself. I think that if we as adults find "kiddie" music to be unbearable and obnoxious, that it probably isn't fit to play for our children! The music on these albums is full of good musicianship, with real acoustic instruments such as banjos, guitars, whistles and fiddles... They also are full of funny songs, traditional ballads and jokes.

Others I've noticed that kids love include: Will The Circle be Unbroken, -The Nitty-Gritty Dirt Band, and any good Irish music such as the bands Altan, Solas and many many more. Bluegrass and Irish music is excellent for exposure to truly beautiful traditional tunes and for instilling in the child's ear a sense of excellent rhythm. Try out some of these albums... perhaps you will take as much joy in listening to them as your child.

~Sia writes from Vancouver, WA

Labels: Books Music Culture

one of us :: 12:00 PM :: 1 Comments

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Thursday, July 06, 2006

Question of the week

I apologize for posting the weekly question a day late, I've been under the weather. Thanks to all who participated last week in our discussion about charity to the homeless and poor. This week's topic is not quite so heavy.
I know it is hard to find time to read as a busy mother, but weather we engage in spiritual reading or read for lesiure, it always good to get reccomendations. This week I would like to focus on the former..... What is your favorite spiritual book, saint book, or prayer book, and why?

Labels: Questions

one of us :: 8:22 AM :: 3 Comments

---------------oOo--------------- St. Maria Goretti

St. Maria Goretti, patron of youth, young women, purity, and victims of rape,
is a special Saint among young ladies, especially these days amidst our culture which is such a sexual battlefield for our young girls.

She was born in Corinaldo, Ancona, Italy, on October 16 1890. Her feast day is July 6.
I think that we all know her story... but if you don't, please click HERE.

Here is a prayer to her, found on the Maria Goretti site:

Oh Saint Maria Goretti who, strengthened by God's
grace, did not hesitate even at the age of twelve to shed your blood and sacrifice life itself to defend your virginal purity, look graciously on the unhappy human race which has strayed far from the path of eternal salvation. Teach us all, and especially youth,with what courage and romptitude we should flee for the love of Jesus anything that could offend Him or stain our souls with sin. Obtain for us from our Lord victory in temptation, comfort in the sorrows of life, and the grace which we earnestly beg of thee (here insert intention), and may we one day enjoy with thee the imperishable glory of Heaven.
Amen.

Labels: feastdays

one of us :: 12:00 AM :: 0 Comments

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Monday, July 03, 2006

Making Do on Mondays

I am filling in for Ellie today, as she is re-uniting with her dear husband after a very long while.

I'm not as full of economical wisdom as Ellie, yet for today here a few everyday discoveries I've made lately with my toddler.

My little boy loves to pick food up with his little fingers. He is now 11 months and although he lets me feed him from a spoon still, he likes the independence of trying to feed himself-you know the age! He likes a lot of foods, but sometimes he just makes that "ick, that grosses me out" sour face when it comes to steamed, cut-up yams and sweet potatoes. Gerber brand makes some wonderful pure (unfortunately not always organic though) fruit juices with no sugar added, and my latest discovery was their Apple-Carrot juice, which is delicious and full of vitamin A. I now "spice up" his sweet potatoes and yams with this yummy healthy juice, stirring it into the hot root veggies when they're done steaming and let them sort of marinate in the juice for a while, until cool enough to serve. Vegetable or chicken broth works well, too. He loves it, and gobbles this one up now. Gerber also make apple-prune juice which I find to be helpful to keep things loose on their lower end... I like to add the apple prune juice to his oatmeal in the mornings, along with some yogurt. The best part about these little Gerber juices is that they come in little 4-oz. bottles, perfect to take with you on the road and so that you don't have to open a huge jug of juice at the beginning of the week and have it go bad after using so little. "Yo Baby" Organic Stonyfield Yogurt is great to have around, too, for its wonderful size. They come in little packs of 6 and are a perfect serving-size for the little eater.

On another practical not, I just saw a friend today who is 20 wks. pregnant and was wearing a lovely top. I commented to her that it was "a really nice maternity top" and she responded, saying that it wasn't a maternity top but one right off the shelves in the regular women's section. These days the style is long and stretchy, perfect for pregnancy! So rather than paying top dollar this year for maternity clothes, take advantage of the pregnancy-friendly styles out there! A couple nice tops from Old Navy, nice and long, will give you an idea of what I mean. Check out their ribbed tees and button-down shirts! Of cousrse, Old Navy has VERY affordable maternity tees, too...(as far as new clothing goes.)

~Sia writes from Vancouver, WA

one of us :: 12:29 AM :: 0 Comments

---------------oOo--------------- St. Thomas "the Doubter"

HAPPY FEAST OF ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE!

"St. Thomas was a Jew, called to be one of the twelve Apostles...
He is best known for his role in verifying the Resurrection of his Master. Thomas' unwillingness to believe that the other Apostles had seen their risen Lord on the first Easter Sunday merited for him the title of "doubting Thomas." Eight days later, on Christ's second apparition, Thomas was gently rebuked for his scepticism and furnished with the evidence he had demanded - seeing in Christ's hands the point of the nails and putting his fingers in the place of the nails and his hand into His side. At this, St. Thomas became convinced of the truth of the Resurrection and exclaimed: "My Lord and My God," ... St. Thomas is also mentioned as being present at another Resurrection appearance of Jesus: at Lake Tiberias when a miraculous catch of fish occurred. This is all that we know about St. Thomas from the New Testament...His feast day is July 3rd and he is the patron of architects."

-from CATHOLIC ONLINE.COM

Labels: feastdays

one of us :: 12:10 AM :: 0 Comments

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Saturday, July 01, 2006

An Open Invitation

This blog was designed with a collaborative attitude in mind. We would love YOUR help. Oftentimes, our creative juices are running a little dry or, more often, we get wrapped up in the duties of our lives and can't keep the blog as updated as we'd like.

SO, if you have any ideas regarding mothering/wiving related topics or just want to speak your mind on a certain issue... we would love to post your thoughts on our site. Of course proper credit will be given. So, if you're feeling brilliant or even just want to discuss a particular aspect of how the Faith relates to YOUR life... please, please send us your ideas at:

coffeeanddiapers@gmail.com

Labels: our website

one of us :: 6:50 PM :: 0 Comments

---------------oOo--------------- Blessed Junipero Serra

I wanted to write about this extraordinary man who was beatified in 1988 because it hits home to me... who used to attend regularly the Mass at the 9th and final mission he founded (San Buenaventura) before his death... a few more were founded by his order later. Also, Hope lives right in this region and Sia grew up in California so all of us must have a bit of a soft spot for Father Serra who is largely responsible for the spread of the Faith in the Western United States... converting thousands by his simple message, austere lifestyle and evident love of God. Father Serra pray for us!

Labels: feastdays

one of us :: 6:43 PM :: 0 Comments

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