The Happy, Resourceful Home

Thumb Sucking Remedy: Kids Hand Aid Review

2014-09-07T16:18:00.000-05:00

Photo courtesy of www.kidshandaid.com

Our daughter was born with blisters on her thumb and was a thumb sucker until recently.

At first we thought it was cute and a little bit helpful. She would sooth herself to sleep as an infant. She would sooth herself in the car or while watching a movie or while listening to a story. But over time we became concerned as all the thumb sucking began to change the structure of her mouth and the position of her teeth as well as contribute to chronic nasal congestion. We didn't want to overreact as we had read mixed reviews about how some children will stop on their own. However, after waiting it out we realized that she was not going to stop on her own.

We searched high and low for remedies. We tried several at home remedies to help her stop: mittens sewed on her pajamas, homemade mittens with ties, reminders . . . you name it, we tried it. Nothing worked and each time she found a way around it. And each attempt at helping her stop created more tension. Around her third birthday we had had enough.

There are various devices and polishes that can be purchased, but we decided on the Kids Hand Aid. We were put off at first by the $149.00 price tag and the lack of reviews. Our thought was, "Is this legit?!" But we became desperate when nothing else worked.

The Kids Hand Aid has a custom fit. When my daughter's set arrived we were hopeful. The first night we put them on and within five minutes she had her thumb out. Fail. I contacted the company the next day and they had me send a picture of my daughter's hand in her Kids Hand Aid. That day they reworked the fit and shipped a new pair to us. The second set fit. My daughter couldn't get her thumb out and yet the fit was still comfortable. Success!

The initial transition was very difficult on everyone. Thumb sucking was her was of relaxing and feeling soothed. She couldn't do it anymore. She wanted the Kids Hand Aids off. We had her wear them during nap, during night, in the car, and while watching movies or during other "relaxation" activities. The website recommended a 24/7 approach, but my husband and I decided to target the usage since thumb sucking had become a big negative issue. After the first week she accepted that she had to wear them when we put them on. And over time she would remind us to put them on if we forgot! After about 2 months she no longer sucked her thumb. We continued to use them for about 3 months, just to be sure.

We are nearly 5 months down the road and she has not resumed her thumb sucking. It has been a wonderful boost for her and a happy transition for us. Her chronic nasal congestion is gone and her teeth have moved back to their normal position.

I cannot recommend the Kids Hand Aid enough. My only regret is that I wish we had ordered it sooner because it would have saved us a lot of frustration and tears. It's worth every bit of the $149.00 we paid.

The views in this review are my own. I have not been paid or compensated for my opinion - just happy to share a great product with my readers!

Teenager

2014-07-22T20:57:00.001-05:00

I went shopping yesterday. Today I tried on the clothes again to see if they passed the "like" test here at home. I showed a few to my oldest son (7) to get his opinion.

His instant reaction to one shirt in particular was this,

"Teenager."

"Really?" I said completely puzzled because I thought the shirt made me look very mature.

"Yes."

"You think so? How should I look?" I said.

"Like a lady."

"How about a lady teenager?" I said with a grin.

"When (insert three year old daughter's name) gets big like a teenager, she should wear that."

"You think so? How about me?"

"You look like you're twenty."

"That's great!" I said.

"Like you're getting ready to have a baby."

"Does it look good?" I said.

"Yes."

I was completely flattered. Thirty-one years old, four pregnancies, and four babies. I'll take at least one shirt in my wardrobe that makes me look like I'm twenty again. But I do think it's thoughtful that my son wanted me to look a little older . . . old enough to have a baby. Because I am, after all, a Mom and not a teenager.

From Baby to Birthday, and Everything In Between

2014-07-12T21:33:00.003-05:00

Here are a few random thoughts for this Saturday evening . . .

Tidy Baby. Baby Boy loves to throw away his own diaper. He's not interested in walking on his own yet, but will scoot across the house on his bottom, diaper in hand, pull himself up next to the trash can in the kitchen and then throw his diaper in. Such a tidy baby. But the funny part is he'll try to reach in and pull it back out. If the trash is full enough he succeeds in grabbing it back and proceeds to throw it in again. This process is repeated until someone stops him. So. much. fun. when you're one!
Double rainbows. We had a beautiful rain tonight that saved me from having to water newly planted trees again. As I looked out the window during dinner the sun began to shine to create the perfect storm for a perfect rainbow. It was a full bow in the sky. Minutes later a second bow began to appear. I can't help but think of Noah thousands of years ago and how we are united in faith. God is so faithful!
Birthday. Yesterday was the big 3-1 for me. Last year was a huge milestone. I felt the full effects of this past year - in a good way. It was a year full of challenges and I had no idea how much I would get to practice making each day a beautiful gift for God. Yesterday my day started with phone calls and a homemade "Happy Birthday" sign. All I wanted for my birthday was time with my family. Uninterrupted, guilt-free time. I got just that and it was perfect. It made me feel so good to see the kids wanting to create a party for me just as my husband and I do for them. Tradition is a beautiful, powerful thing.
Math. Yesterday my oldest son was eager for the candles on my cake. "How about a row of ten, then down at the bottom three - that's for the 30 - and then one candle off to the side." I have a feeling multiplication will be fun this year and me turning 31 provided a great platform for creativity and a little math!
Good homilies. Father talked about seeds and fertile soil tonight at Mass. He tied it in to family life. There is so much potential in our children. Is our home environment a place where our children can develop a "fertile" interior life? Can they blossom and grow under our care? He talked about how the Church says the first responsibility of parents is to evangelize their children. I think in our culture we are constantly encouraged to go outward with our gifts and talents and to evangelize everyone else first as though the people within our own home can somehow be put on hold or will get what they need by osmosis.

I felt so encouraged and further challenged by this evening's homily to look first toward my own home as a place to further use the gifts and talents God has given me. I have under my care the people who need my gifts the most. It is not always easy or glamorous, but I have to think if we all evangelized our own children first, and with as much or more enthusiasm as we usually throw ourselves into other outreach efforts, we would in turn evangelize the entire world. That's a truly profound thought. Time to get back to work . . .

A Balanced Education

2014-07-07T09:54:00.000-05:00

The education debates are endless. Please head over to Memoria Press to read an excellent article about finding a proper balance in education, especially with regard to science and technology. I'll leave you with a teaser quote . . .

"Our technological muscles are well-developed, but our moral muscles have atrophied. It is literature and the humanities that once trained us in the wisdom we needed to use the power science has given us . . ."

Boot Dryer

2014-06-29T17:28:00.001-05:00

This is a boot dryer.

Because sometimes little boys think the dirt should go on the inside of the boot rather than the outside.

In finding a solution to this problem I had to think like my mother. She is an inventor at heart and could fill a book with her clever and practical solutions to life's most common problems. I frequently show up at her house and find ordinary objects tweaked to meet a very specific need. I know she will appreciate this.

First Confession and First Holy Communion

2014-06-21T21:34:00.000-05:00

Today our oldest made his First Confession and First Holy Communion. It was a perfect day and I have several special moments etched in my mind.

I think one of my favorite moments is of him walking up the steep hill of the church parking lot. He walked with confidence and purpose; armed with his missal and a perfectly pressed suit, shirt, and tie. His shoes shined in the hot sun. He turned back to look at me and in that moment he looked like a man. He was ready.

He was so in awe of the day and so grateful for the family and friends in attendance. He was overjoyed and tonight he told me that he received many gifts, but the greatest gift he received was the Eucharist. "I can't thank you enough" he said over and over when we got home.

But what he doesn't realize is it is I who cannot thank him enough.

An older lady in the parish approached me after today's Mass and quietly asked, "Is he the one when you were pregnant and on bedrest?" I had forgotten, but in that moment it all came flooding back. She had brought me the Eucharist once while I was pregnant with our son. She was kind and brought me spiritual food for a difficult journey.

I spent over four months on bedrest. There were countless complications, fears, and worries. Would he live? He did and he is my miracle. He made me realize the gift of being a mother so I could go on to appreciate the great gift of each subsequent pregnancy and child. Our journey has not been easy and I imagine it will only get more complicated with time. But he is my living, breathing reminder that God is so, so faithful.

It was a Divine moment, eight years in the making.

The common thread is our faith. The food for our journey is the Eucharist. I am overjoyed!

Breastfeeding

2014-06-20T21:40:00.000-05:00

I've breastfed all four of my children. My fourth will turn one next week and we have no plans to stop nursing anytime soon.

I recently saw this article with images of mothers breastfeeding their babies. Unlike the underwear and swimwear ads that saturate society and make women out to be mere objects of pleasure, I was so struck by the beauty of several of these images of women being, well, mothers.

With my first child learning to breastfeed was very difficult. It was painful and stressful and a steep learning curve. But once I got the hang of it, it became a part of my day that I thoroughly enjoyed. Now, with a combined total of 60 months of breastfeeding under my belt I am completely in love. And I am convinced that God knew exactly what He was doing when He made it possible for mothers to feed their children in this way.

I know that sometimes circumstances make it impossible for a mother to breastfeed her own child. I have close friends who have made that difficult decision and I admire them for it. But I think overall if a woman can breastfeed, she will be glad that she did.

What I have noticed in my breastfeeding journey is that it is a natural way to help mother and child bond. Some of my favorite memories of my children as infants are from those quiet moments when I had the opportunity to hold them, nurse them, and then have them look up at me with love and awe; a happy drip of milk coming from their smiling face. I was their whole world. They needed me, and really, I needed them.

Every mother knows that days can quickly become hectic and overwhelmed by practical needs and chaotic schedules. When a mother must stop and feed a baby it is a forced respite from the hustle and bustle. It's an opportunity to take a breath and reconnect and remember what the day is truly about; connecting with baby and each member of the family. It's also an opportunity for prayer. I look forward to those occasional breaks that come every few hours. I try to plan ahead and pray a specific decade of the rosary or read to the children or simply sit and enjoy a few moments of quiet.

Breastfeeding it God's way of helping mother introduce a natural rhythm into the day. What a beautiful and grace-filled opportunity.

I'll leave you with a few of my favorites.

Our Daily 'Yes'

2014-05-11T15:16:00.000-05:00

Yesterday our pastor gave a beautiful homily for Mother's Day. He talked about how his own mother's 'yes' to her vocation as a wife and mother helped him say 'yes' to the call to the priesthood. He talked about how on a daily basis he was able to see all the little sacrifices his mother made to care for her family, to love his father, and to live her vocation joyfully.

It was a really good homily. It made me think about how that was one woman's daily response to God's call in her life. And yet that one woman's response to God's call had profound ripples, including impacting her son's vocation to the priesthood. And through her yes, and then her son's yes, many more people are being influenced and changed and brought closer to the Faith and Our Lord.

What about our daily yes? What about my daily yes? What about all the opportunities I have to embrace my vocation with joy and love and cheerfulness? Do those moments really matter in the big scheme of things? They do. What I do now, and what you do now, is the foundation for the future. Many little moments that seem ordinary and insignificant add up to make one big picture that will have ripples into eternity. Our husbands and children and the world will be made better (or worse) by the decisions we make today.

Changing diapers. Making meals. Cleaning up messes. Helping our children with homework. Sitting with a sick child. Running to doctor's appointments. Getting our children to Mass. Being with a loved one during heartache. Being with a loved one at a time of joy. Praying for our husbands and our children. Graduations. Birthdays. Weddings. Illness. Death. Love, joy, sorrow. One yes at a time. It all matters.

Today is Mother's Day. We do not know what the future holds. But let's never forget that, today, right now, God needs our yes! Let's make today beautiful for the Lord!

Singing His Pride

2014-04-28T21:22:00.000-05:00

Look who has taken up residence in the clematis which grows in the lattice on our deck:

Isn't she lovely?

Her nest is perfect. I had no idea that the little bird I saw the other day carefully collecting leftover dried grass clippings from last year was creating a masterpiece just steps from my back door. It's breathtaking to see the vine growing out around it, perfectly camouflaging her and protecting her from man and beast.

She also has a secret safely tucked inside. My oldest son and I quietly tip-toed onto the deck this afternoon and found her away from her nest - she's been back and forth all day - and we captured these.

I do hope that she is there tonight keeping her babies warm. Backyards can be unpredictable and I am not sure she felt completely safe.

But the real story here is the father. We first noticed him this morning on top of the swing set singing his heart out. What a beautiful song. And then she would respond, low and confident. He flew here and there, always within a safe distance of his greatest love. Singing. Always singing. Protecting. Always protecting.

This was the best we could do from a distance. Screens can be pesky little things.

I attempted to describe the scene to my husband when he returned from work today. I had no idea that birds could be so exciting, but I too was caught up in the song. My son calmly interjected, "Mommy, he's singing his pride. They're going to have babies."

Singing his pride. And sing he did all morning long. He is a bird in love; confident of his lover and what is tucked beneath her.

I can't seem to keep my mind from straying to our new little friends. I think they could teach us a little something about love and singing our own pride.

Is our song joyful and strong? I am reminded today that if it isn't, it certainly should be.

Being Still

2014-03-27T20:15:00.001-05:00

Some seasons of life demand a sense of quiet. I find myself clinging to our ordinary rhythm here at home as we contemplate change and illness and God's general call for our family. It would be easy to ignore the inner call to quiet contemplation, but I find myself drawn to it and craving it. I used to run from it. I used to be afraid of the quiet. But not anymore.

I rely heavily on my rosary during these times. It helps me to quiet the exterior noise and pay closer attention to the rhythm of my soul that needs to be nourished and pampered.

It's okay to have these quiet times of life when it's back to basics. It means saying "no" a lot, but I've learned that sometimes a no (or several) can lead to really important yeses. Sometimes the thought of laying aside the busyness is terrifying, but I've found that it's best not to ignore the nudge to do a little more listening. Sometimes it's best to simply be still.

God is in the quiet. God is in the stillness. He is there.

Feast of St. Joseph: Love Is In the Details

2014-03-19T21:42:00.001-05:00

I cannot let this special day end without some acknowledgement. I am eternally grateful to the Foster Father of Jesus, St. Joseph.

Where do I begin? I have no doubt that he led me to my husband. I have no doubt that he continues to pray for our family. I have no doubt that he is there quietly and faithfully in our life just as he was for the Holy Family so long ago.

Imagine for a moment the pure faith of St. Joseph and how his saying "yes" over and over to the plan of God, even when it did not appear to make sense, changed the course of history and all eternity. St. Joseph is an example that holiness is often quiet, constant, and ordinary. St. Joseph shows us that holiness is in the little details of life.

It is my prayer that, as a wife and mother, I can attend to the little details of my own life with the same love and care and constancy.

St. Joseph, thank you for teaching me that love, and faithfulness, is in the details.

St. Joseph, pray for us!

More thoughts on the St. Joseph's among us here.

Changing the World: The 90/10 Principle

2014-03-09T10:07:00.002-05:00

Our culture is very busy making sure we stay very busy. Stop and think for a moment about all of the things you could be doing. Think about all of the activities and events you and your family are involved in or could be involved in on a daily basis. Taking all practical daily needs out of the equation we are all very busy people with the potential to be even busier than we already are.

This looks different for each individual and family, but I think the fundamental principle is the same: we are too busy.

Yep, I think we are too busy. We create a lot of noise and excess with our constant need for activity - going here and there and everywhere trying to maintain our pace. But what if we stopped? What if we stepped back and simplified a bit? I think it would change the very fabric of our lives, our homes, and our culture. In fact, I think it is what we need.

Recently, I was contemplating a big change that would affect our entire family. I am a person who gets rather enthusiastic about new adventures and possibilities. When I am struck with an idea I generally have an urge to take off running rather quickly. There I go.

It is for this reason that I have a few core people who help keep me in check. Naturally my husband is included and first on the list right behind God. Since I know I have this tendency to take off running it is my goal to first run my ideas by these people. Is this something that is a potential good for me? Is this something that will be good for our family? Even if it is objectively good, should I be doing it at this time and with all my other obligations and duties? These are some of the core questions I contemplate with these particular individuals. This is called seeking counsel.

So I made a phone call and was running my idea past one of these core people. The advice I was given: "90% prayer. 10% action." Each time I would run different aspects of the idea past this person, the advice was the same, "90% prayer. 10% action."

It was fantastic advice. And I find myself referring to it constantly. Let me say it again, "90% prayer. 10% action." The advice does not only apply to what it was I was seeking counsel about at the time. It applies always and in every situation. Imagine a world that operated on 90% prayer and 10% action. Imagine homes and marriages and entire lives operating on this principle. Right now I'd say many lives, homes, and our world operate on the exact opposite with maybe even less in the prayer category. It is a startling imbalance.

Busyness. Activity. Running here, there and everywhere. What if, right now, we committed to taking a step back and applying the 90% prayer/10% action principle in our lives? What if each time we were faced with a decision, big or small, we paused, prayed, and then acted? My theory is that we would find greater peace and joy in our own homes, a greater sense of simplicity and rhythm in our lives, and in the process, we would change the world.

90% prayer. 10% action.

Dancing Through Melted Snow

2014-02-17T19:43:00.001-06:00

We ventured out of the house today. 50 degree weather is always a reason to celebrate and an opportunity to shake the cabin fever.

A few of the kids were reluctant to exit the van, but once we were on the trail, there was laughter in abundance and a general sense of joy.

There were little "rivers" and puddles everywhere. The snow was still piled high but quickly melting in the sun. It was a day that couldn't quite decide if it wanted to be Winter or Spring. Hopes of making it through clean and dry were quickly dashed. The kids couldn't help but stomp and splash, running ahead full of carefree energy.

And then at one point I saw her with new eyes. You know those scenes in overly exuberant movies where the characters break into song and somehow they are in the air and their heels are clicking together? It's not anything from real life, but it's certainly entertaining in a movie. Well, my daughter was doing it. It was as if her whole body was wrapped up and overcome with joy that it made her dance from side to side and then click her heels in a sort of dance skip. Think Judy Garland on the yellow brick road. Think every musical known to man. She was doing it. Pure joy in her heels and she couldn't help herself. And I didn't want her to stop. It was one of those perfect moments. She sparkled. She was radiant. She embodied joy.

We arrived home, socks and pants and shoes soaked, with a little extra joy in our step. And I don't think I'll ever forget boys running and laughing and stomping through all that water, and my little girl, clicking her heels, adorned in a little pink coat, skip dancing through melted snow.

Puking and Slobbering

2014-01-16T20:22:00.003-06:00

My life is full of good humor and I can't even imagine how boring it would be without the little people who surround me on a daily basis.

Earlier in the week when my five year old son caught me kissing his Daddy on the lips in the kitchen he graciously warned me, "Don't kiss on the lips! You'll get slobbered on!" His tone was more of a "hey, don't say I didn't warn you when you come complaining." I'll have to make note of that for future encounters.

And just this evening when I was tucking my oldest son (7) into bed while holding Baby (6.5 months) in my arms, my oldest son gave Baby a big hug. I told him to be careful because Baby was spitting up a lot tonight. He turned to me and said with a huge smile, "I love it when he pukes on me. It's like getting a kiss." He then proceeded tell me that he really wants more babies and one just like the one we have right now. He said he knows that it would be a lot more work for me, especially if we had twins, but that it would be even more fun for "us". The "us" includes all people under the age of 8 who currently reside in the house.

Although I should note that the babies are a lot of fun for all of us over the age of 7 as well!

Apparently twins are now on the radar and puking and slobbering can have all kinds of beautiful consequences. Don't say I didn't warn you!

Eight Years

2014-01-07T09:26:00.000-06:00

Dear Husband,

There is beauty with time.

There is wisdom with time.

There is understanding with time.

There is more love with time.

Challenges and crosses and steep hills to climb.

Joys and triumphs and grace.

All in that time.

Thank you for eight years.

Love,

The Best Part of My Day . . .

2014-01-06T20:31:00.002-06:00

As predicted the weather was below zero today. Pretty cold . . .

We started back at school and all went well. I think we were all ready to get back into our normal routine. It's fun to have something different to do in the midst of staying indoors for days on end. Days that are full and productive feel good.

After dinner the kids started to tidy up and get ready for bed. My oldest (7) asked if tonight after prayers we could each talk about the best part of our day. Then he offered to vacuum the kitchen floors in my place. Please, yes, and thank you to all of the above!

Floors vacuumed. All teeth brushed. Jammies on. I was asked to sit in the kitchen and be the audience while each of the kids paraded across the large doorway between our kitchen and living room declaring their favorite part of the day. Then the oldest with his "fellows" (as he called his younger brother and sister) led us in prayer and ended by parading back and forth across the doorway singing several Christmas carols.

They are safely tucked into bed. They forgot to ask me my favorite part of the day: joyful, creative children sharing their hearts with me.

I love days that seem to have a perfect end. Signing off with a grateful heart that we are warm, happy, healthy, and loved.

A New Year

2014-01-03T13:10:00.001-06:00

A new year is upon us. It's off and running. I imagine the number 2014 looking rather large and lifelike with running feet. It's going in one direction and I'm hanging on, feet flying behind me. There it goes!

I have all kinds of things running through my mind but at the top of the list is the desire I have to feel better. I rang in the new year by heading to bed early, knowing that all four of the kids were sick and it was bound to be an interrupted night. I was right. Somehow I also got what everyone else had. Motherly illness exemption is a myth.

The predicted high for this coming Monday is -1 degree. I think my house was suddenly transported to a more northern climate when I wasn't looking. But all is well. Truly, I write with an upbeat tone in my head so read accordingly. We're keeping warm and enjoying movie marathons. The other day I found myself saying, "Okay guys, you've already watched 8 movies today, let's do something else." My oldest promptly corrected, "We've only watched 7!" Right. That is such a huge difference. Glad for the reminder. That's a weekly dose in one day . . . We're either sinking to new lows or getting better at rolling with the punches and accepting our limitations. I think the latter.

Happy New Year! I have a sneaky suspicion that it's going to be a busy one and full of surprises!

Christmas Reflection

2013-12-27T12:17:00.001-06:00

Federico Barocci - Nativity

I love this time of year. I don't care for the cold weather, but I do enjoy the coziness of Christmas lights and greenery and Christmas music. I love seeing my children play with the nativity figurines and looking on in awe at a Church beautifully decorated for Christmas. I love tradition. Love it. And it's so easy to make new traditions and keep old traditions going during the Christmas season.

There is something peaceful about tucking kids into bed and then lounging on the couch simply enjoying the warm light of the Christmas tree. Quiet. Beautiful. Peaceful. Perfect.

There is something awesome about contemplating a tiny child come to earth to save all mankind. Sometimes elements of the Faith can seem distant, complex, or hard to grasp. But a baby, well, you can touch and hold and kiss and love a baby. Think about the joy of a new baby, multiply it, and that is how it would feel to hold and kiss and love the Christ Child. There is something built into our very being that, if we don't snuff it out, instinctively knows how to respond to a tiny child. To protect. To cuddle. To cherish. To love.

I took a class on the sacraments one semester. It was taught by a Dominican priest and he emphasized how the sacraments each have a spiritual and physical element. We have a body and a soul. God knew that we needed something tangible to help us draw closer to Him. Think about ordinary bread and wine becoming His Body and Blood in the Eucharist. Think about the water and oil at Baptism. Think about hearing the words of absolution during Confession. The list goes on through all seven sacraments; a spiritual element but also a physical sign that we can touch and feel and embrace. An acknowledgement of a deeper reality that is taking place in the soul.

That, my friends, is the Christ Child. God become man. A tiny, helpless person who started out just like all of us needing the perfect care of a mother and a father. God become man. God come to save man. That is what Christmas is all about. It's profound, and yet so simple.

Bible Transformed

2013-12-15T11:19:00.002-06:00

I've had this Bible since I first went away to college.

I remembering packing my things in the days leading up to the 12 hour drive to Franciscan University. I came across my Bible from high school. Even though I attended a Catholic high school, my Bible had very little wear because we used our Bibles maybe a handful of times.

I distinctly remember thinking, "Well, I probably won't need it."

Pause. I know. I'm getting ready to attend one of the best Catholic Universities in the country and I don't think I'll need my Bible. Yeah. Okay.

When we got to the university and saw the book list for my first semester classes it showed I needed a Bible. My Mom and I walked through the bookstore and I decided on the cheapest Bible there. Enter New American Bible with ugly cover. I think it was $7.00.

As it turns out, I used that Bible a lot during my first semester. But then things kicked into high gear during my second semester. I signed up for Introductory to Scripture. It was a 100 level class. I think someone got confused because that was one of the most intense classes of my college career. Ask my roommate at the time. We read almost the entire Bible in one semester. Do the math on that. A semester lasts just under 4 months. We read and memorized and highlighted and analyzed and . . . put our Bibles to very good use. It was insane and awesome.

That Bible became like a good friend to me. Over the years I've seen nicer Bibles, but I simply could not part with all of my notes and highlights. I've come to know it like the back of my hand. But it was falling apart.

This is what it looked like circa June 2013:

The cover had layers of tape. The inside was falling apart. It was a sad state of affairs. I had searched high and low a few years before for a solution and finally found Leonard's Book Restoration Station. But it was not a cheap solution. I put the idea on hold.

Fast forward to 2013 and my thirtieth birthday was right around the corner. I told my husband I really, really wanted my Bible fixed.

After several conversations with Leonard's staff I decided on a type of leather and all the details, mailed my Bible off and waited.

The day of my thirtieth birthday arrived and so did my Bible. Perfect timing.

Presenting . . . my Bible. Genuine goatskin leather. I'm in love all over again:

It had a $140.00 price tag. It was completely worth it. The quality is amazing. Think: heirloom. It's the perfect blend of old and new.

My journey with this Bible is proof that God has a wonderful sense of humor.

Wildly Organized . . . Socks

2013-12-13T19:37:00.000-06:00

Daughter (age 2.5 years, holding diaper in one hand and pajamas in the other, wildly excited):

"Mommy, why is there a bowl in my drawer?!"

Me (big grin): "It's a sock bowl!"

Daughter (even more wildly excited): "OH!!!!" (followed by excessive laughter)

Could this mean that Dear Daughter shares my love for keeping things wildly organized, including placing random containers in random drawers on a whim? I think yes!

An Ordinary Snapshot

2013-12-08T12:09:00.002-06:00

Today we woke up to the first big snow of the season. Several inches fell last night and more fell into late morning.

Who can say no to the first big snow of the season? The kids ran from window to window and rushed in to tell me that snow had fallen and they really wanted to go outside.

We bundled the three oldest. It always takes longer to gather the gear and get everyone situated. I think we spend more time getting ready than they ever spend outdoors. But that's not the point of it. It's the reality of a pure snow ready for little people to make their own.

I sent them out one by one as I finally got their boots on. Daddy was already shoveling the driveway and he greeted them enthusiastically.

Once they were all out the door I grabbed my camera. These are the days I want to remember when they are all grown. These are the days I wish could last forever. Family days that feel like warm cookies, hot chocolate and the smell of cinnamon.

I took several pictures through the window and the big glass door in front. Then everyone gathered and I took a group shot, quickly peaking my head out. Cold!

I took a few pictures of Baby Boy crawling happily on the floor, going right for the front door as if he too was going to join the party outdoors. I can't blame him for wanting to be a part of the fun.

I started to put my camera away, but decided against it. I ventured through the house capturing photos of each of the rooms, just as they are. Bed linens tossed haphazardly, toys on the floor, baby items here and there, dishes stacked but not loaded. All the things of life. All of the tiny little things that we take for granted that make up the moments of our life.

This last summer my Mom was visiting and we began to talk about the worn paths in the grass in my backyard. She said that it used to drive my Dad crazy how there were so many dirt spots in their yard when my siblings and I were little. She reminded him that one day he'd miss those spots.

I gently tucked my camera back in its bag. The house is not perfect. And soon there will be a pile of wet snow boots, coats, and mittens in my kitchen. Normally it would feel like more work, but today I'm reminding myself that someday all too soon those snow clothes will be a thing of the past, just like the worn paths that are neatly tucked under the snow.

The Best Gift of All

2013-12-06T19:46:00.000-06:00

Somehow I have managed to complete all of the Christmas shopping this week. Amazing. Unprecedented. A Relief.

Admittedly, I was bragging about this fact last night to my husband and children. "I can enjoy Advent now!" I exclaimed.

In response, my husband turned to me and mentioned that he needed a better list for me. Apparently I put too many practical items on my rather short list. I'm such a Mom like that.

At that point my oldest (7) chimed in and said he was going to get me a gift . . . "I know, I'll make you something!" I told him I would love that. Those are my favorite kinds of gifts. I turned to my husband and said, "See, you know what kinds of gifts I like . . . You know my favorite kind of gift . . . "

In my head I was thinking "letters". No kidding. I LOVE letters. I could live off handwritten letters. They are so wonderful. They are instant treasures. Keepsakes. The best gifts.

Again my oldest, listening to every word of this conversation, chimed in, "I know what your favorite gift is!!" He was rather enthusiastic and ready to respond to the bait I threw at my husband. "You do?" I said.

"BABIES!"

I tell my children they are the greatest gifts I've ever received. I think they've been listening.

The Baby Giant

2013-12-04T16:15:00.000-06:00

Baby boy will be six months old on Christmas Eve. Lately he's had some rough nights. Maybe it's teeth. Maybe it's the weather. Or perhaps it's not really anything except normal baby life. All I know is I've been pretty tired.

Last night, however, he had what I call a perfect night. It's that coveted, oftentimes elusive event that's the stuff of dreams. He went to bed around 11:00pm. He was restless in the middle of the night but a quick trick with the binky got him back to sleep. He slept until 6:30am, nursed, and then went back to sleep until . . . 11:00am. It was awesome. I'm not sure how it happened and I'm not going to question this fantastic turn of events. One night only, I'm sure. Like a free pass for sleep. The golden ticket just for me. I'll take it. I'm this sort of groovy energetic presence today. Amazing and startling what sleep can do for a person.

Anyway . . .

I went in to greet him this morning and he seriously looked like a giant. Whoa! He looked a foot taller and bigger all around. What happened? Did he eat magic beans or something? What was in that milk? What was in that sleep? I suppose growing is hard work. Keep on ~~sleeping~~ growing, Little Buddy.

Maximizing Prayer

2013-11-25T16:08:00.001-06:00

I often have moments when I feel like there is so much to pray for and about, and yet so little time. There are the usual intentions for my family and friends, and then special intentions. And of course we need to be praying for our priests and our pope and for the world! The list is endless.

I'm a mother. Things get busy around here. As one priest told me, I need to make sure I am not "nun-ish" about my prayer. I am not called to spent countless hours on my knees. My prayer needs to take place in the heart of the home. It needs to accommodate diaper changes and spilled drinks, food preparation and nursing babies.

What to do? I was tuned in to my local Catholic radio station the other day on my way to the grocery store and there was a lovely Irish woman talking about prayer. She said we need to make our prayer work a little harder. It's not that we necessarily have to spend more time doing it, we simply need to make the most of our existing prayers.

She gave a few examples and I'll do my best to give a few here. If you're praying for your Aunt Mary who is sick with cancer, lift your Aunt Mary up in prayer as you normally would, but then also pray for all of the "Aunt Marys" of the world.

Well, how about that?! I had been praying about how to make my prayer more effective and how to fit in all of those intentions and there was the answer. It was so simple and exciting. I think I even laughed out loud in my car and said something like, "That's so awesome!"

So lately, that's exactly what I've been doing. When I pray for my family to grow closer to Our Lord, I add, "And please bring all families throughout the world closer to You, Lord." And when I pray for our priest and all the priests who influence our family, I add "And for all priests throughout the world."

In a single breath you can expand your prayer to include the entire human family. Imagine the great change and the great good that could come if we all maximized our prayer in that way?

A Tiny Table for a Tiny Schoolgirl

2013-11-19T11:28:00.000-06:00

My two and a half year old daughter insists upon "doing school" with her brothers. It's not a bad thing. She brings a lot of enthusiasm to the school table. But sometimes she wants to take over the entire table.

I started bringing out a child's card table when we first started the school year, but it was just one more thing I had to get out and put away each day. I didn't need extra work and we're limited on space, so leaving it out was not an option.

What to do with the tiny schoolgirl?

Chair table with a fold up stool. Genius.

I simply slide an existing chair over to the side of the table and then pull out our handy fold up stool that I purchased for $8.00 at TJ Maxx. She's close enough to all the school action but far enough to have her own space and feel grown-up.