7 Quick Takes Friday {Take 29} Feasts, Super Bowl snacks, and early Lent prep edition...

Afternoon all! In contemplating my post for today, I thought to myself, "what is interesting and is going on with me right now?" I answered myself, "why, my weekend, of course!" Yes, I do talk to myself in my head. I hope that's not weird. And as for *how* interesting my weekend is, I suppose that is in the eye of the beholder. *I* find it interesting. One can only hope that no one reads this post and thinks to themselves, "oh that poor woman, she really thinks *that stuff* is interesting." Ah well. There's only one way to find out, no?

-1- Sunday is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, otherwise known as Candlemas. I posted about this yesterday, as I enjoy this day each year, as well as the feast of St. Blaise, coming up on Monday February 3rd. People get down on February, but it has some great feast days in it. #thisissoobvious ;-) It also has my birthday in it, so February has always been a hidden gem of a month to me. Although I will grant, the older I get the more my birthday seems like a looming punishment rather than a happy occasion, but I digress.

-2- Speaking of feasts, Monday will herald my next review in the Let Us Keep the Feast series of books! This installment will be for the Epiphany/Lent volume, complete with a giveaway. There is also a discount code that I will post if you'd like to purchase the book or the Advent/Christmas volume. Come back Monday for more feasting talk and fun!

-3- This coming Sunday is also Scout Sunday in our parish for Hank's cub scouts troop. Henry, adorably enough, was chosen to bring up the gifts during Mass, and I'm just bursting my buttons with pride and Catholic mom positive energy. The entire family is attending to see Henry in his big moment. Afterward, we will be having doughnuts and juice in the Parish Center while the kids conduct the Pinewood Derby. I think Anne will enjoy all of this too, and I'm terribly excited.

-4- Sunday is of course, also Super Bowl Sunday. Is it me, or is the Super Bowl actually the crappiest game of the entire season if you're a football fan? I mean, if your team is in it, then disregard my statement, because of course that is different. But otherwise, the Super Bowl bears no resemblance to a good old fashioned football game. It's all marketing drama and the half time show...don't even get me started. We're actually DVR'ing the game so that we can delay our start time and skip the half time show.

We're also having some friends over, so you know what this means. I'll be frantically picking up toys from right out of Anne's hands and making complicated snacks in the kitchen (that I've never tried to make before, but I think they sound *really impressive* so I'll try to make them anyway) to the detriment of my own emotional health. I'm planning a chicken wing dip and possibly a party bread. Do you think I could pull off Tapenade? See what I mean?

-5- I am also planning this weekend to engage in some Lenten preparation. Yes, I know that Lent is over a month away, but it never hurts to be overprepared does it, gentle reader? My impetus for this endeavor is the upcoming Olympics, and the fact that every two years I select a knitting project to complete in its entirety during the two weeks of the games. It's quite fun. What does this have to do with Lent? We're getting there. :) I have Lent crafting projects planned, and I thought the Olympics were the perfect opportunity to tackle and finish them before the end of February. Some of them are gifts, and I want them to get to their recipients prior to Ash Wednesday. You're trying to imagine a Lenten knitting project? Never fear, I will provide details when they are finished. Let's just say a lot of purple yarn will be involved.

-6- Speaking of Lent, I found out today that the lovely Benedictine Sisters of Mary, Queen of Apostles are coming out with a new album, entitled "Lent at Ephesus." To say that this made my morning would be a gigantic understatement. It comes out February 11th and can be preordered now. I know you're as excited about this seasonally appropriate music as much as I am . :0

-7- I'm currently reading a fiction book that I'm really enjoying, called The Amish Bride, by Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould. This is book three in the Women of Lancaster County series, and I have enjoyed the other installments that I have read. The plots are much more complex than other Amish romances that I've read. I highly recommend!

I have a meeting (what have I done to deserve this?!) so I have to run. Enjoy your weekends, everyone! And head to Conversion Diary for more 7 Quick Takes! Talk to you on Monday!

The Catholic Nook: Candlemas

Annnndddd, we're back with another installment of the Catholic Nook! I've missed writing these posts, it's one of my favorite segments on the blog. I meant to write a few during Advent and was just too busy with other things. Pleased to be with you again, gentle reader. *beams*

Yesterday, I was brainstorming about topics, and it struck me that we are approaching February 2nd, an important day on the Church calendar. I just love the name, Candlemas! I mean, did you ever? Anything with a "mas" at the end is going to endear itself to me. So, what is Candlemas?

It is the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, which we all know and love as the 4th Joyful Mystery of the Rosary. Since the fourth century, the Church has celebrated this feast on the fortieth day following the Nativity.

On this day, Jesus was brought to the Temple as an infant, in accordance with Jewish law. This is where Mary met up with Simeon, who prophesied that her heart would be "pierced by a sword." Obviously, for Mary, this was a very emotional visit. We don't know what Mary said to Simeon, if anything, but one would imagine that her heart and mind were awhirl with thoughts of what the future held for her son. This is also the day that the Church observes the Purification of the Blessed Virgin, another indication of Mary's obedience to the laws of her faith which bid her to ritually cleanse herself 40 days after giving birth.

In the liturgy, this days includes the blessing of candles that will be used throughout the year, and subsequently a candlelit procession through the darkened church, representing the entry of Christ, who is the Light of the World, into the Temple in Jerusalem. As the procession makes its way through the church, the Canticle of Simeon is sung:

"Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word in peace; because my eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples: a light to the revelation of the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel." (Luke 2:29-32).

Every year my parish makes available for a minor donation beeswax taper candles that were blessed on Candlemas. I have bought some, and hoarde them in my bedside table for "when we need them." When might that be? The Apocalypse? I don't know, but it makes me feel safer having a stockpile of these candles. In fact, I should buy some more this year, I think we're down to only four. February 2nd is a Sunday this year, and I'm anxious to see the liturgy in action since I don't recall being present at a Mass on this day before. The procession may not happen at every parish, I'm reading, but I would think we would all see the blessing of the candles. Let's compare notes next week, shall we. :)

Does your parish offer blessed candles for home use after Candlemas each year? Leave me a comment!

Clearly, I have too much time on my hands...

As Anne would say, da da DAAAAA!!!!

Hip new look, it's called "Librarian Sassy"

:) My new glasses. They are all the rage.

 And speaking of Anne...

She demanded in on the photo op.

"This is my 'I say cheese!!!' face"

I had to get them readjusted yesterday, but besides that all is well. I kind of love them.

Other than that, I don't have too much going on besides work and my family. Barreling through a tundra each day, sure. Just walking from my car to the library has been taking my life into my hands these days. That's been interesting.

I've also been knitting like crazy, and all of my walking and dancing has caused me to lose almost 2 pounds towards my 6 pound goal. You have to stay warm somehow. :0

I'm ruminating over a Catholic Nook post for tomorrow, that's long overdue. I haven't selected a definite topic yet, trying to keep it all suspenseful. If you have an idea, leave me a comment. :)

Adventures in tour guiding...

So, yesterday was my big day of finally volunteering at Henry's school to help out at the open house. I've been wanting to do this for years, but never had worked up the initiative. Anything that requires me to socialize with people I don't see all that often is something that makes my introverted personality want to run and hide. But our experience at the open house when we were looking to switch Henry to Catholic school was SO positive, and we have liked the school so much, that I wanted to give back a bit. The open house is a part of a larger "Catholic Schools Week," wherein Catholic education is promoted in the media, and fun activities are planned for the kids. It's a lovely thing to be a part of.

A form was sent home that you could write your name on if you wanted to volunteer for the open house. It helped that it was so easy, because I don't remember this form going home in the past. I just wrote my name down, and tucked the form into Henry's backpack. I figured I could be put to good use handing out brochures or welcoming people into the school. Pointing the way to the juice and cookies, perhaps.

Sunday morning dawns, and I dressed cutely and professionally, wanting to make a positive impression for the school. I head out, arriving a few minutes early, like a good eager beaver should. I look around for a few minutes, trying to find the room where the volunteers are slated to meet up. The problem, you see, is that I don't know my way around the school terribly well. I'm not involved in the Home School Association, and any other time I'm at the school for events Henry is a part of or for teacher conferences, I have Henry or Mike to guide me.

I see a few other people and tag along behind them. One of the women is clearly In Charge.

"Tour guides? Yes, right in here."

Uh oh.

Obviously, there must be another room where all of the NON-tour guides will go. The people who are fairly clueless and want to point to the cookies. I mill around for a bit, doing what I do best: listening in.

I discover nothing. Nobody else looks concerned about this turn of events. The form said nothing about volunteering to be a tour guide specifically. It just said, "if you'd like to volunteer for the open house, please sign this form and return it with your child." But there doesn't appear to be any other volunteer opportunities available. I wondered if everyone else knew about this tour guide thing. I casually sidle up to a lady who looks nice:

"Have you volunteered at the open house before?"

"No." Her eyes widen. Clearly, a kindred spirit.

"I don't know my way around very well, so I didn't realize they only needed tour guides..."

"Oh my gosh, ME NEITHER!"

I love this lady.

We talk for a bit, and I recognize a few mothers of children in Henry's class. Some clearly are part of the HSA and are "in the know." The others move over to our group.

"You know, I don't know my way around very well, I'm a little nervous about being a tour guide..."

Whew! It's not just me. However, we're all in a bit of a predicament. There are "tour guide information" announcements being made, and I'm feeling my palms sweat. Clearly, the people in charge need and expect us to be tour guides. I finally get an opportunity to corner the head lady:

"Do you need people to do other things besides being a tour guide? I don't know my way around the building very well."

"Well, no."

At least she's honest.

"Don't worry. Every parent is paired with a middle school student who has received formal training. The kids will do everything in terms of leading the way. We are in desperate need of adults to be a part of the tours. All you need to do is talk to the parents."

Well, she did phrase it in such a way that made me *somewhat* less anxious.  And sort of like I couldn't say no. So I obsessively read the sheet they had given us, wiping my damp palms on my pants. Keeping it classy.

Next thing you knew, I was placed with an 8th grader named Cassie and we were herded off to greet a set of parents with their 3rd grader in tow. The husband works for the diocese. Fabulous. No pressure there.

But honestly, it went very well. Their son is currently enrolled in public school (the same one Henry went to for kindergarten, so nice conversation fodder there) and would be going into 4th grade in the fall, also the same as Henry. I could tell that they definitely wanted to make the switch to Catholic school, it was just a matter of whether it would be this one or one other. The other one we considered for Henry, actually. Cassie led the way, and I made introductions, answered their questions, and inserted my experience as best I could.

They spent a lot of time at the school, so I'm hoping that they will enroll their son, we will see. I actually didn't have time to give another tour, since I was with them for the majority of the 2 hour open house. There was a HUGE turnout, with 10 local Catholic schools closing and parents scrambling to find new schools for their kids.

Thus, overall I had a very nice time. The initial anxiety notwithstanding, I'm so, so glad that I did this and really enjoyed participating. Since we toured the 4th grade room, I got a sneak peek at Henry's next room and teacher, which was a huge bonus. Everything just reinforced why we chose this school for Henry - I fell in love with the warmth, the sense of family and community, the Catholic statuary and prayers in every classroom. Another good open house experience.

Is it Catholic Schools Week in your diocese as well? Are you thinking about Catholic education? Leave me a comment!

7 Quick Takes Friday {Take 28}, New Years resolutions and early morning Tiffany edition...

I'm still in recovery mode, but I'm doing a LOT better this week than last. Thank you for thinking of me, because I know you all were. :0 This week was one of transition for me, heading back to work and getting into a daily routine. I have also been pondering themes for the new year and how I want to shape things from here on out. And so, how did we do?

-1- *blank stare* "Um, what happened to...YOUR FACE?!"

My jaw is finally healing. I've been applying a special, natural cream obsessively like gangbusters, as well as other natural implements (see the bottom of Tuesday's post re: my husband and children living in a salad-like environment) and the bruising is really fading. The broken capillary situation still makes it appear like my face broke out a bit in that area, which is unfortunate, but beggars can't be choosers. I'm just grateful people no longer gasp when they see me. I think the moral of this story is that I need to work on my vanity, because clearly I have some.

#ugh

-2- "Excuse me, are you the librarian?" "Why yes!!" "Oh good." *expectant pause* "Where are the restrooms?"

So, the face situation is improving, but I'm finding that it's been difficult to adjust to going to work again. I'm not such a happy camper come 6 am, and I've been rushing in the mornings, which I HATE. But this has definitely been a week in which I feel very "out of sorts," especially at work. I don't like to feel out of sorts, I'm too Type A for this, gentle reader. Now that I have tenure, I rather feel very "where am I going?" I'm very goal oriented. I have met a major career goal, so what does this mean now?

I am a librarian, and I love being a librarian. But my responsibilities have changed a bit, more change is in the air, and I can't help but wonder what this means for my day-to-day tasks and my identity as a member of a service profession. I know that things will come together a bit over the course of this year, but I prefer instant gratification, I'll be honest. :0

As I've been doing the readings and prayers for my Marian consecration this year (via the book Totus Tuus: A Consecration to Jesus Through Mary with Blessed John Paul II, I highly recommend it), I've been really reflecting on how my job is truly an important ministry, in the same way that many jobs are in the way I'm about to describe. People who are asking for help are vulnerable, we've all been there, and a kind response can make all the difference in their endeavor and in their day. That makes me feel a lot better.

-3- I used to LOVE creative writing in grade school *gold star!*

And thus work is still very disjointed right now in terms of what I will be doing over the course of the next few years. I don't feel very creative at work right now, I feel very "tasky." Personally though, my creativity is hitting a nice stride. I love that I have this blog. I have always been a regular blogger, right from when I started this baby up. :) I aim to post 5 days per week, but many weeks I can do only 3 or 4 posts. However, that is still plenty of content for a week, and it's a joy to do. It's a wonderful way for me to analyze and reflect on things happening in my life, and I love writing humorous material for the enjoyment of others. I feel *fulfilled* by the writing I do here. I don't get any notoriety or money for it, but that has never been my goal. I like writing, and people read my writing. That means so much to me. This makes your Catholic Librarian very HAPPY.

-4- *Somebody* actually likes me!!

Hence, it brings me great joy to let you know that this humble blog has been nominated for a 2013 Sheenazing Award over at A Knotted Life! This is actually a pretty big deal. :0 I've been seeing a lot about it on social media. My blog was nominated for "Best Link-Up" for the Advent Veiling Link-up that I hosted. If you'd like to vote for me, head on over! Voting is only until Monday, 1/27. I sort of need all the help I can get, given the competition. :0 You'll know what I mean when you see the list. :)

#itisanhonorjusttobenominated

-5- "Honey, I think the scale is broken again!! That's the *only* explanation for why I keep gaining and losing the same 2 lbs!!"

Ok, so in other New Years resolutions issues, I have determined that I want to, once and for all, lose what I call my "weaning weight." Yes, yes, I haven't nursed a baby since July 2012, but never us mind that little factoid. This happened with both of my kids. I lose my pregnancy weight, but over the course of breastfeeding I put on a little weight that is SO difficult to lose after the baby is weaned and your metabolism changes. I want to lose 5.5-6 lbs. I know that isn't a big deal, but it would be nice to just take that off and get back into a good routine of healthy eating and regular exercise. It's an overall wellness goal, truly. These are important things for those of us (ah hem ) pushing 40. And thus I have cracked down on myself with snacking and have been trying to pack healthy lunches and plan dinners again. It takes a long time to really change habits, but this week we've made excellent progress. Which leads nicely into...

-6- *Middle Eastern music blares*

I like to walk, but making time for that isn't always easy with the kids and my job. I have been prioritizing it again of late, but some days it simply isn't possible. And so, I have come up with a new alternative plan for those days that I'm quite pleased with.

I'm not a gym person, and plus I'm exhausted in the evenings after I get home from work. Exercise is the last thing I want to do. But I always love to dance, and dancing is about much more than burning calories to me. It's also about creativity. So, on the days that I can't walk, I put Anne to bed and for 15-20 minutes I dance. I put one of my belly dance playlists on shuffle (I have pop music, classic, drum, Saidi, slower rhythms that work with veil, general instrumental that doesn't fit into another category, I AM INSANE) and just improvise to whatever comes on. I did this last night, and it was *fabulous*. Not only does it get my heart rate up for that spell of time, it is FUN, and it allows me to work on my improvising abilities.

Speaking of which, for the first time, I watched a video of myself dancing solo. It took a lot of courage, I really think I deserve a medal for this. And I needed a drink afterward, but it actually wasn't as bad as I feared. :0 The fact that I even dance solo now is quite a miracle, let me tell you. It wasn't bad! I did see some things that I can improve on (I saw that many of my movements were smaller because I was nervous, I like to be in control, what can I say), and it was an excellent learning opportunity. Happy! I now need to figure out a way to create a file for my family and friends. I am a bit technology impaired in such matters. 

-7- Brushing up on my pamphlet handing-out abilities...

 In another resolution, I am going to stop just *talking about* doing things I've always wanted to do, and actually do them. The open house for Henry's Catholic school is on Sunday, and I have volunteered. We had an outstanding experience at the open house when we were looking at the school for Henry, and with Catholic schools closing in our area due to lack of enrollment, I really want to help out. So I'm signed up for Sunday with absolutely no idea what I'll be doing, but I'm resourceful. Hopefully I won't embarrass myself, that's always the goal. I'll report in on Monday!

All right, back to work! Head over to Conversion Diary for more 7 Quick Takes!

Catholic Book Club: Walking with Mary

January's selection for our Catholic Book Club is Walking with Mary: A Biblical Journey from Nazareth to the Cross, by Edward Sri. I thought it was a great title for a month that begins with a solemnity dedicated to Our Lady and includes so many interesting feast days of saints devoted to her. A theme!

This is a much more serious spiritual book than I usually read. I may in fact have spiritual ADD, I just have such a difficult focusing on books that contain more academic writing about such topics. I'm happy to report that this book kept me interested, despite it being a very scholarly and well researched source.

My favorite thing about this book is that it is set up chronologically as a look at the major events in Mary's life. It made her seem very "human," which of course she was, but we so often see her saintly countenance in artwork that it's easy to forget that she was (in most ways) just like you and I during her earthly life.

The author begins with some background information about Mary and the time and region that she lived in, including her betrothal to Joseph and things that we can surmise about her family. *Extremely* interesting historical information, much of which I had not known.

Dr. Sri's chronology mirrors specific mysteries of the Rosary (very lovely), and begins with the Annunciation. He draws heavily from Scripture as he writes about Mary's response to the angel Gabriel and what this meant for her future. We also read about the Visitation, and then Mary's journey to Bethlehem, including some fascinating information about the Roman census and what this meant for her and Joseph. Next, we explore the Presentation in the Temple, and Mary's likely sickening realization that her motherly heart was going to be broken beyond repair sometime before her death. The chapter on the Finding in the Temple is particularly fascinating, examining how such a seemingly embarrassing incident was the only event from Jesus' childhood recorded in Scripture, and how it could have easily happened given the customs of the time. The final chapters of the book address Jesus' miracle at Cana, the Crucifixion, and Mary crowned in glory as seen in the biblical book of Revelation.

I really enjoyed the way that Dr. Sri approached this topic, and learned a great deal not only about Our Lady, but about the history and customs of that time period. His knowledge of Scripture is solid, and there is a tremendous opportunity within this book for in-depth study of the passages he cites. In fact, this would be an outstanding book to tackle as a Bible study over Lent. I would recommend the book to anybody wanting to learn more about the Mother of Jesus and the reasons why the Catholic Church views her in such high esteem.

What did you think of this book? Leave me a comment!

Ok, so January is a wrap! For February we will be reading The Hidden Face of St. Therese, by Ida Friederike Gorres. Great Lenten preparation! Lent doesn't start until March this year, so major prep work in February. Join us!

A Catholic Librarian weekend of hookah, potty training, and visits to the periodontist...

Aren't you all just simmering with excitement. :0

Lots happening, let's see...I suppose we should just start with Friday:

My face continues to heal, but it is still bruised even today, so you can imagine that on Friday it looked even less good, if that makes any sense. I was determined, however, to have a night in which I felt normal again. Prior to dance class, I applied makeup for the first time all week, slathering on the concealer and carefully straightening my hair. I thought I looked pretty decent. :0 I arrive at class, and:

"Oh my gosh, ARE YOU OK?! You look so different!!"

Let's just say I've been feeling pretty self-conscious about the whole thing. I know it isn't permanent, but looking different than you usually do is tough psychologically, you know? I'm so impatient about healing processes. A day is fine, but after that I want to be back to my normal self. :0 I probably still have a week or two to go before the bruising is totally faded, so I'm steeling myself for the long haul.

At any rate, Friday night after class I went with a few dance friends to a local hookah lounge to see one of our troupemates perform. Happily, it was dimly lit, so I wasn't too worried about my face. :0 I had never been to a hookah lounge before. I'm not a smoker, so the intensity of the smokey environment isn't really my thing, but it really wasn't that bad. It was pretty low key, the owner and other employees were very respectful of the belly dancer. I had fun, although I do so hate being places in which the music is so loud you can't talk to/hear your table companions. #signofaging?

Too depressing to contemplate.

Anyway, it doesn't matter how many times I've seen someone dance, I ALWAYS love to watch them again and again. Everyone brings something unique to each performance and each interpretation of a song. I love dance. It's a real lovefest.

Saturday, our potty training adventures with Anne continued. It appears that our potty training experience with her goes as follows:

Day 1 - Anne = 1, Potty Pushing Parents = 4. There is much rejoicing.

Day 2 - Anne = Too Many to Count, Potty Pushing Parents = Totally Defeated.

Day 3 - Anne = 3, Exhausted Parents = 3. It's neck and neck.

Day 4 - Anne =5, Parents Losing All Hope in a Joyful Tomorrow = 1.

This morning, however, I get a phone call at work. I answer.

"Hello?"

"Hi Mommy."

The kid can now have full phone conversations? I wish she would stop growing up so fast!!

"Hi Anne. How are you, Sweetie?"

"I am good. Guess what, Mommy?"

"What?"

"I went poo!"

It's a true sign that you're a parent when you get excited about bowel movements and talk about them on your blog.

"Did you go poo *in the potty*?!"

"Yes, Mommy!!!"

"GOOD GIRL!! I'm so proud of you. Mommy will bring you home a treat!"

"*happy giggle* I have my green ball, Mommy."

*rest of the conversation is a bit odd* You know how that goes. ;)

So, today may be a good day. Tomorrow may make us lose our will to live. We will have to see.

So that's the potty news. In periodontal news, I went for a post op followup yesterday. My periodontist is just the sweetest person. He saw me and I could see a pained look of chagrin cross his features.

"Oh, I really got you good, didn't I? I'm sorry!"

A periodontist who apologizes? This guy is a keeper.

He looked in my mouth and declared that I am doing excellent, that the healing is going smashingly. I have to leave the lower sutures in until next Monday (which is a drag, they're really loose and bothering my poor beleaguered tongue) but everything looks great. I go back in a week for the final suture removal.

And so, that is that. I'm hoping that next week my bruising will be almost gone. I've been a woman on a mission, trying to look up natural foods and creams that cause bruises to heal faster.

*Mike comes home* *sniffs the air suspiciously*

"Honey, did you make...a really big salad?"

"Why?! Does it smell like vinegar in here?!"

"Well yeah."

"No."

*does not elaborate, due to bizareness of concoction*

We'll get there. :)

Tune in tomorrow for January's edition of the Catholic Book Club! We'll be discussing Walking with Mary, by Edward Sri.

How was everyone's weekend? Leave me a comment!

7 Quick Takes Friday {Take 27} Healing, Catholic schools, and potty training edition

Lots of personal healing and milestones being undertaken this week at the Catholic Librarian home. And you would expect no less than lots of discreet details, no?

;-)

-1- I am officially de-swelled from my dental surgery. I am, however, sporting bruises on the lower part of my face which are forming a very unfortunate goatee pattern. The bruises are oddly colored, much darker than normal bruises, and thus makeup isn't doing too much to aid my cause. I keep telling myself that they will fade (eventually, sigh), but in the mean time I look a bit swarthy.

#notrealhappy

-2- And of all nights, I'm scheduled to go to a hookah lounge tonight (don't ask) to see a belly dancer friend perform. I'm planning on breaking out the concealer again later, but I'm not real optimistic that I'll look cute enough for public viewing. Alas, what is a post op girl to do?

-3- Henry, though, is officially recovered. He had some sort of 24 hour bug. He doesn't get sick real often, and I nurture the heck out of him when he does. I can't help it, I think it's in my DNA. I MUST NURTURE. I baked a pan of brownies that came out harder than a concrete wall, but I put a lot of love into them. Baking has just never been my forte. At any rate, he went back to school today, fit as a fiddle.

-4- And speaking of his school, we had a scary news item that we were awaiting this week. Over the past 10 years, our diocese has closed and/or consolidated a significant number of parishes and Catholic schools. It was all very heartbreaking, but I understand that population shift and subsequent financial hardship meant that there was no other option. Back in the fall, we heard that once again some schools would be closed. The diocese currently operates 51 Catholic K-8 schools, and they wanted to take that number down to 41 by the next academic year. Henry's school has a decent number of students (considering the situation, with fewer families choosing Catholic school), but over the past 10 years has lost almost 200 students in their total population number. There is also another Catholic school a stone's throw from here. We were sweating it a bit. Henry brought home the letter the other day, and his school is remaining open. Big sigh of relief there.But of course, 10 schools were not so lucky, and there are a lot of unhappy parents.

-5- And so, Anne. She is two years and eight months old, and the time is nigh. She needs to be potty trained. We've been putting it off, because, you know. We have a new couch. And we're a bit lazy. :0 We did try several months ago, and it went very poorly. As is every child who has ever been born, Anne is a bit resistant to the idea of sitting on the potty. So we did what we could this morning. We got her set up with a Dora episode, her pink potty, a salty snack, and a juice box. M&M's awaited a successful pee pee into the pot. Sometime into the second Dora episode, we heard a tinkling sound. A glance up evidenced a wide eyed Anne staring at us.

#victoryisours

-6- The second go round didn't go so smoothly. There was an attempt at hiding under the dining room table. There was pee pee in the princess underpants. There was a request to please put the potty away. But eventually, with a bit of unabashed bribing, Anne sat on the potty again. Before the end of her show, more pee pee was produced. I'm hoping that we're *finally* getting somewhere.

-7- And so, back to my mouth. :0 I get at least some of the stitches removed Monday morning, and I'll be back to work Tuesday. You will hear from me then, with amusing updates on all matters dental, pee pee and hookah-related. Until then!

Head over to Conversion Diary for more 7 Quick Takes!

Reporting in from the infirmary, and some thoughts on prayer and consecration...

Well, we now have 2 diminished family members, and only 2 healthy ones. :0 Henry came home from school yesterday with chills and a fever. The poor babe ended up in bed for the rest of the day. He's home from school sick today, though he is definitely much improved over yesterday. I've been nurturing him by baking (or at least attempting to, please don't inquire about the finished products :0) and trying to feed him. He is not complaining.

As for me, I'm still sore, but healing well. My jaw has gone from swollen to bruised pretty quickly, so the "bar brawl" look is going to be lingering for some time. :-\ I'd actually rather have the bruising over the swelling though, truth be told. Swelling rather distorts your face, making you a stranger to yourself. With bruising, I look like me, just with bruises. :) We're getting there. I'm still working on making "punched!" seem like a cute new look. (I just tried to take a photo of myself to show off my bruises, and let's just say that didn't go so well. *hits delete button on camera*)

Other than that, I've just been doing things around the house and tending to the kids. Not very exciting, but the time has been quite nice, since it's so different from my usual office routine. Each day I have been reading from Totus Tuus: A Consecration to Jesus Through Mary With Blessed John Paul II, and it has been wonderful. It's a 33 day process, and my consecration day is set for February 11th, the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.

A Marian consecration following the formula of St. Louis de Montfort (of which Totus Tuus is one of many) can be started on any number of dates throughout the year, all scheduled to synch up with a Marian feast day. I like this January/February timeline since it's a cozy time of being inside, leaving lots of quiet time for reflection. Last year, February 11th, the date I finished my consecration for 2013, was the date Pope Benedict XVI announced his intention to step down from the papacy, a big day! I was so glad that I had been in a formal time of prayer leading up to that. One of the words that I keep writing in my journal is "silence." Winter is a time of silence to me. Reflection while the world and nature are sleeping.

All right, Henry is on his third episode of "G.I. Joe", which means it's time for me remember that I'm a mother and wrap this up. I'll be back tomorrow for 7 Quick Takes Friday. I hope that you all have a lovely Thursday evening!

This post is about nothing, truly.

Aren't you so glad you subscribe to this blog for uplifting titles such as this one. ;-)

Just checking in! I have zero ideas for this post (very unlike me :)) I just figured I'd post an update for how things are going here on the home front. My swelling has gone down a bit overall, but my lower jaw is still very much swollen. Also, in the 30 minutes I wasn't examining my gums in the mirror this morning, bruising started to develop on my chin.

Oh goody.

SO glad that I took the whole week off from work. Taking off more than 3 consecutive sick days triggers this horrific FMLA train at work, even when you have paid time accrued (don't get me started, the whole thing makes me SO mad) but I'm glad that I tackled the paperwork beast so that I don't have to go to work looking like someone punched me in the face.

Thank goodness for small favors. :0

The inside of my mouth is healing. I will spare you the details, but on a Disgusting Scale of 1-10, with 10 being "hideous and frightening" and 1 being "a choir of angels sing, you look so good", my lower gums are now around a 4. That's down from a solid 7-8, so things are looking up. :)

It's been nice being home. Anne is loving having me home and I'm enjoying lots of nice errand running with her and Mike while Henry is at school. I've been happily reading the daily readings and prayers from Totus Tuus for my Marian consecration next month, as well as keeping up with the Magnificat prayers, knitting and tweeting. :) It's been lovely.

I'm hoping that my swelling will be down enough for me to go to dance on Friday. I'm optimistic. I get my stitches out on Monday, which I can't wait for. Things are going great!

How are things with you all?! Leave me a comment! I would love to hear from you as I convalesce.

*beams*