Favorite Books Read & Reviewed in 2013

Spiritual Non-fiction

God’s Bucket List*

Fresh Bread and Other Gifts of Spiritual Nourishment

A Mary Christmas 

Walking with Mary: A Journey from Nazareth to the Cross*

My Sisters the Saints*

 *Indicates a book review that was included as part of a Virtual Blog Tour 

Great Books on Faith, Marriage, Parenting, & Family Life

Pope Awesome and Other Stories 

Yes, God! 


Man to Man: Dad to Dad 

Fabulous Catholic Fiction Series

American Tragedy in Trilogy: 

Fatherless (Book 1)

Motherless (Book 2)

Childless (Book 3) 

I read and enjoyed all three, but I have only written and posted my review of the first one, thus far.  The other links are to purchase the books on Amazon rather than to reviews I've written.

Young Adult novels John Paul 2 High Series:

Catholic Reluctantly Book 1

Trespasses Against Us Book 2

Summer of My Dissent Book 3

Undercover Papist Book 4

I have read all four published books in the series, and I've even gotten to help out with and read a bit of still- to-be-published Book 5.  I have only posted my reviews of the first two books, but all four are really good reads.      

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 125)

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Grace is…accepting that some people love you for who you really are even if that’s hard for you to believe; knowing that if you’re still alive, then God can and will still work through you in this life; having a husband who, though not an English major, fully appreciates the hilarious results when people annihilate grammar and refuse to submit to competent copy editing; reaching out to someone who has lost a loved one with compassion, understanding, and prayer; having one of the most adorable people you know tell you "I love
you" totally out of the blue; knowing that you have the time, energy, ability, and skills to complete God’s Bucket List for your life…

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I’m Addicted to Books I haven’t posted nearly as many book reviews lately as I normally do.  I'm concentrating mostly on reading books and writing reviews on ones that I've been asked to be part of Virtual Blog Tours. (God's Bucket List: Heaven's Surefire Way to Happiness in This Life and Beyond is the next book that will be on tour, so check back for my review and reflection on that this November.) 

     I have been reading voraciously, as is my custom.  No worries there.  It’s kind of nice to plow through Young Adult fiction and other books of interest to me without always having to write something about every single one of them.  I do need to be better about keeping a list of what I’ve read by whom, though, so I copied my list of books I checked out from the library on my most recent trip to give me a good start.  

     What’s cool is that I have come across a number of YA novels that without being preachy or outright religious are awesome stories that have among other themes: respecting life in all its forms.  I will likely be compiling a list of these awesome books, authors, and posting them soon.  In case you haven't noticed, I also have a passion for sharing well-written, good reads.  

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The Hazards of Habits The hazards of habits came back to me the day a young child in my care twirled her finger in her hair so tight that it wasn’t possible for said kid to extract it without assistance.  I had to laugh at the scene, which seemed very much like something out of a sitcom, but I couldn’t relish the irony for long.  Usually, I’m all for the, have them figure out how to get out of something they’ve gotten themselves into philosophy (Maria Montessori was really onto something), but not when a kid’s finger is turning purple. 

     Fortunately, both the finger and the cute lock of curly hair were preserved.  I decided that was one of those times when it would be okay to advise strongly that the child stop doing something that other people do and don’t care if this child does because appendages are important.   

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Stickers Everywhere! The girls have been going crazy with stickers this week. They’ve been putting them everywhere: on everything and everyone. I came directly home after work instead of running any errands, because there was a very real possibility that I might not have found all of the stickers that ended up on my clothing during the course of 9+ hours. Basically, if you see a bright-colored sticker on the back of my pants that reads "Awesome!" or "Hop to It!" you can bet your bottom dollar that it was a cruel twist of fate that it got stuck there inadvertently after being transferred from various articles of clothing, pieces of furniture, and toys. Click on this link if you want to read more posts from My Nanny Diary.

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Things Your Toddler Might Be Thinking  These are a handful of items from the list I wrote inspired by many years of taking care of young children.  Some of my guesses about what they're thinking have been confirmed when they start talking more and/or become even more proficient in baby sign language, so I know more of the time what's going on in their little heads. Others just seem likely to follow the actions observed by toddlers throughout the course of most given days. 

“You have fun putting those books back on the shelf, because it’s gonna take me a whole two seconds to dump them all back on the floor again, which is where I want them to stay anyway.”

“Oh, look a Cheerio!  Still mostly crunchy with only a little dirt on it.”

“Take that!” the little one thinks after thrusting a book into your hand.  “Yeah, that’s the one I want to hear.  Yes, again!  Come on, it’s not that hard.  Mr. Brown can do it.  I’m sure you can manage, too.  Here let me help you: Moo, buzz, yada, yada, yada, knock, knock.”

“Miiiiiiiiiilk!  I’m so thirsty, I think I’ll drink a whole three sips before I pour as much of this out as I can before someone tries to stop me.

“If I shake this gate hard enough, it will swing open, and I will be able to wreak the havoc I have

contemplated every single time I see that stupid contraption which mercilessly thwarts my efforts.”

Knock, knock, knock. Little pig, little pig, let me come in.  Not by the hair on my chinny chin chin (whatever that is).

Here we go again.  Looks like they put away all the books, blocks, and toys I put right where I wanted them.  Some people never learn.  I go to sleep and they put things in strange places and I can’t find anything at all.  I never get a rest.  They keep messing everything up when I’ve finally gotten it where I want it, and I have to start all over again. 

For a more complete list of What Your Toddler May Be Thinking, click here.

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How to get out of Jury Duty I am up for jury duty on Fridays this month, so I felt it might be a good time to pull out my list of possible ways to get out of being selected as a juror.

Top Things to Say to Get Out of Being Selected as a Juror:

(written by my husband and me a while back)

Important Note: We don’t recommend using any of these, unless of course, they happen to be true for you. 

      “I can spot a guilty person like that!” (snapping fingers for emphasis) 

      “I have ADHD that I keep under control by doing three cartwheels and twenty-two jumping jacks every 5 minutes.”

      “I have Tourette’s syndrome, only instead of shouting profanity, I shout out the names of saints.” 

        “I’m very good at telekinesis, and my specialty is gavels.” 

       “I keep my Scrabble game with me in case I get bored.  Want to play?”

        “I have a handy dandy travel gavel.”

     Though, so far just being brutally honest when they call and ask me a select number of questions about my ethics, morality, education, religious affiliations has worked at keeping me from being selected as a juror.
   

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Got Costumes? This picture of Kevin and I dressed up as Men in Black was taken on Halloween some 5-6 years ago.  Yes, Kevin is holding a water gun that he spray-painted to look like the cricket in the movie, because that's how we roll. 

     My unusual hairdo was in anticipation of dressing up that evening. My youngest sister requested we dress up in Disney costumes for her birthday party.  My other sister thought maybe she was joking until my youngest sis informed us that she was dressing up as Tinkerbell.  Later that very same evening, I became Mulan, thus the special hairdo (and the blue eyeliner). 

Check out Jen Fulwiler’s tradition of 7 Quick Takes Friday at her tremendously popular blog Conversion Diary.  This week 7 Quick Takes Friday is being hosted by her friend who blogs at Clan Donaldson.  Click here to link up.

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 111)

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In Need of a Pint The past couple weeks have been pretty tiring for a variety of reason: not enough sleep, little ones teething, emergency vehicles outside our bedroom window at all hours, several projects and assignments to work on and prepare for, along with the usual stuff, and Kevin not feeling well at all.  Last Friday and today, I’ve arrived with not as much energy as I would like or reasonably need to keep up with three little ones for several hours.  I’ve been reminded, yet again, that God sends us angels when we need some extra help or encouragement. 

     When the usual suspects cooked up the usual chaos last week, Cathy, their grandma, who is my “other mother” (Kevin and I have been “adopted” by their family) stopped by after going to daily Mass.  She brought me a strawberry banana smoothie and she stayed for a bit to visit with the girls and me.  I had no idea she was coming, so I was tremendously grateful when I answered the door and saw who it was. 

     Later that afternoon, another angel showed up, my youngest sister.  Though she’d spent hours helping to take care of our nephew that day, she lovingly agreed to bring me what I wanted for a quick fix to make it through a long day: a pint of Ben and Jerry’s Coffee Heath Bar Crunch.  

     God loves me through the wonderful people He’s put in my life.  Thanks for the pick-me-ups and the cold, sweet treats!   

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Cutting Down, Scaling Back I still don’t think it has completely sunk in that I won’t get to see, talk with, or e-mail my friend Michele Morris who is entering a cloistered monastery in a few weeks.  She’s been sending me some text messages and photos this week since she left Virginia with no plans to return.  I miss her already, and I’d really rather not think about her absence.  I know that God will keep us connected through prayer and the letters we can write and she can receive at Christmas and Easter.  I also am grateful that He’ll bring other people into our lives to help us grow closer to Him and vice versa.  Here's Michele's FB message from Wednesday: “So, finished packing for my train ride home. This is everything I own. or rather everything I own is contained in these three bags (minus wintry stuff and shoes I mailed to the Monastery). Kinda freeing, actually. But also, very bizarre. I mean really weird. This. is. really. happening.”

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You Had Me at Hi The Lord saw fit to remind me that He’s still working and that the Holy Spirit is moving in and through people here.  A friend I met through Michele and Cursillo called today, and it put such a big smile on my face and warm feeling in my heart that she picked up the phone to check in and see how things have been with us.  Betty told me how excited she’s been that her husband is going through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) program at church.  When she spoke with unbridled enthusiasm that her husband had decided to join the Catholic Church after many years of not believing God even existed.  Of course, it made me think of Kevin returning to the Church, after many years away.  The Holy Spirit rocks, and when we cooperate, the results are truly miraculous!

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Yo Ho, Let’s Go! Sunshine and her sometimes willing sidekicks enjoy Jake and the Never Land Pirates, among a myriad of other Disney creations.  This week when playing with half spheres that fit together, she told me that she was making breakfast for everyone.  She’d put a little something in each of what she was calling bowls.  It was a charming game of make believe when she caught me completely off-guard by asking: “Can we all celebrate our balls?”  I laughed, knowing she meant that as a completely innocent question, but I just had to text her mom about her exclamation, figuring she could use a laugh, too.  I was even more amused when it occurred to me that we’ll eventually have to teach Sunshine that a hardy “Yo ho, let’s go!” isn’t really a socially acceptable greeting if you’re not actually a swashbuckling pirate (animated or otherwise). 

     Of course, this also made me think of the time Hank, who used to help his dad in the garden, called out very loudly at the church playground: “Where my hoe?!”  I knew what he meant but cringed thinking other people thought I’d taught him to talk like that, so I shouted back: “You mean, where is my gardening tool?” once I finished laughing.  

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Here Comes the Boom Kevin and I enjoyed this movie as well as the bonus features.  Actually, it’s the last movie that Michele came over and watched at our place.  She’s not terribly into boxing or fighting (neither am I), but she appreciates a good story, a good laugh, and actors that are willing to put it all on the line, so she liked it as well.  It was weird that evening, because I knew she only had a few days left to watch whatever movies she felt like, so we let her choose whatever she wanted.  A heartfelt comedy was definitely the best choice for the evening.  Boom, here comes the trailer:  

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Beware of Floss I know kids are ingenious when it comes to getting into things.  They never cease to amaze me at the lengths they’ll go to when they see something they want or feel like experimenting with something they have.  The latest and greatest alternative use for dental hygiene products was demonstrated to me this past week.  Sunshine, while sitting on the toilet, grabbed a little box of floss from the bathroom counter.  I’m in the other room with her sisters, so I don’t know she’s done this until I walk in to see what’s taking her so long, especially once her usual chattering and singing has ceased.  I come in to find that she has somehow (still haven’t tried it myself) disassembled the thing of floss and was holding the blade in her hand.  I’m not sure what she intended to do with it after that, but I wasn’t waiting to find out.        
    

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Facilitator’s Guide I’m working on a Facilitator’s Guide for the John Paul 2 High series of books, and I’m interested to know what study guide or facilitator’s guide have you as a parent, teacher, religious education instructor, librarian…found most helpful.  I have lots of ideas of what to include, but it would be nice to have a few ones that people really like to glean from. 

     As part of working on this project and because I’ve been feeling the nudge to get back to writing the Young Adult novel I started a number of years back, I’ve been reading lots of YA fiction.  It has been interesting to see what’s covered in terms of topics, issues, conflicts, and abuse in recently published novels.  I usually will find the books that have won awards, then I’ll check out other things by the same author.  Each time I come across something that is a major plot-line, character trait, and/or conflict in the YA novel I’ve written, I wonder if it’s time to polish the manuscript and start sending it out to see what happens.  Lord, please be abundantly clear what writing projects outside of those I'm already committed to I should focus on at this time.          

                  

Check out Jen Fulwiler’s tradition of 7 Quick Takes Friday at her tremendously popular blog Conversion Diary.

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 96)

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Divine Mercy Clearly Christ's Passion, death, and Resurrection which we contemplate during Lent and Easter are the greatest sources of evidence that the Lord is merciful to us.  The first Sunday after Easter has been named and celebrated as Divine Mercy Sunday.  To read more about what that means, how it is observed, and to learn one of the most powerful prayers around, The Chaplet of Divine Mercy, check out this website and/or this personal reflection on the devotion and associated prayers.

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Quality Time I had a nice treat around lunchtime on Tuesday when I went over to drop off a burrito bowl from Chipotle for my sister, I got to catch up with her a bit while holding my twelve lbs. one month old nephew, Ezra, who snuggled up in my arms and slept soundly for most of the time. Thanks for reminders of the many miracles in our lives, Lord!

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All Fired Up A dear friend of mine I’ve known since I was 11 has recently gotten a part-time job at a cool paint your own pottery place.  Though I painted all three of these pieces at the Carytown location with the same name, I’m looking forward to seeing the Short Pump one where she works and adding another bowl to our set of original water-themed dishware. They are all having to do with water and the lake since that's where Kevin and I first met, at his family's cottage on Lake Ontario when I was only sixteen.

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Young Sponges Soak Up Everything I’m reminded about a million times a day how infants and toddlers are such sponges.  Vivi will start singing part of a song or say a line from a book then ask me to read it, or she’ll suggest we do something that we used to do before her sisters were born (last May), or I’ll see one of the twins mimic their big sister.  Kids are listening to the songs you play, the words you say, the things you sing, everything they watch on TV, DVD, computer, XBOX, and it does affect them and stick with them much longer than you think.      

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Back to the Throne Room Knowing that young children are listening, watching, and imitating what I do makes me feel a huge sense of responsibility, especially since I can remember and am still affected by what people close to me said and did even before I was 5 years old.  I am that much more certain that I need to be grounded in prayer and fully relying on God when such precious, impressionable people are in my care.  I feel that way about everyone, but I have always been especially sensitive to how powerfully we can influence children’s self-esteem, interior monologue (which at a young age still is an external monologue), and the habits they form…

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The Theology of Marriage It’s been interesting to read what different people have to say about: what the definition of marriage is, what it has meant, and should mean in the future.  This is a reflection I wrote on marriage and the one book in addition to the Bible that explained most beautifully God’s love for us and His intentions for us.  This is the best recent article I’ve read (thus far) explaining the Roman Catholic teaching on marriage from the beginning.          

     

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The Chronicles of Narnia I have a confession to make.  Not only was it only within the past 6 months that I finally read all of The Lord of the Rings for the first time in my life, but also I am only now reading The Chronicles of Narnia.  I feel a much greater appreciation for classic Catholic literature now that I've taken greater steps to round out my very secular studies as an English (with a concentration in creative writing) and French major at a liberal arts university.  I’m also very excited to be working on something within the genre of Catholic fiction that will hopefully entertain and inspire many.

Check out Jen Fulwiler’s tradition of 7 Quick Takes Friday at her tremendously popular blog Conversion Diary.

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 88)

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Grounded-Winter Storm Nemo We can’t be there with snow. Before 9:30pm Thursday evening, they had already cancelled our flight from Philly into Rochester, New York, due to the latest blizzard that has caused it to "just keep snowing, snowing, snowing." This last part would, of course, be said in the tone of voice used by Dory (played by Ellen DeGeneres in Finding Nemo).  

     Fortunately, my mom left a day early, so at least she’s made it up to her mother’s funeral even though Kevin and I won’t be able to get there.  I have written a number of posts in honor of my grandmother and intend to write something for the memorial service we'll have for her here at a date still to be determined.  Here is the link to Marilyn Lohwater's obituary.  Thank you, everyone, for your many prayers, cards, phone calls, and love!        

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In a Sunburned Country I don’t want anyone to worry that I have ceased to be a voracious reader.  I still am.  I just haven’t been reading as many books that I have committed to write book reviews of for my blog.  For example, I finished a hilarious and quite educational travel book by Bill Bryson, author of A Walk in the Woods. 

     After reading that wonderful look about wading through the wilderness, I subsequently checked out Bill Bryson’s other books from our local library.  Because my mom went to Australia this past fall, she had gotten In a Sunburned Country and liked it so much that when I asked to borrow her copy she said she would get me my own.  As often happens when I’m fond of a passage in a book or exceedingly amused, I ended up reading several sections of it to my husband as well as sharing excerpts with some of my close friends.           

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Going Outback: My mom came back from her trip with a renewed appreciation for our family and the United States, which can hardly be considered a bad thing.  She’s shared some quite hilarious stories with us about her time there, ones that are even funnier knowing more after having read about the historical background of Australia’s flora, fauna, and people.  When we were out to dinner at the restaurant Outback nearby, my mom saw a large map of Australia, and made the comment: “Been there, done that, and I couldn’t afford the T-shirt, so I got the potholders.”            

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DONE Kevin and I are quite smitten with our new potholders, not just because our old ones had many scorch spots and had snowflakes on them though we used them year-round, but also because they are quite beautiful.  The images on them are copies from paintings by an artist with a very cool last name: DONE.  This is often how I feel at the end of a long project, draining crisis, and/or difficult day, that I am for all intents and purposes DONE. 

     We are presently praying for our friends Chris and Catherine, who are moving to Australia this week, that they make it there safely, and that they are brought closer to the Lord and one another in this next chapter of their lives as a married couple.   

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Boom Chicka Boom After a prolonged period of time working extra hours at work and as a volunteer for a variety of different ministry endeavors, I found myself dragging earlier in the day than is good for someone responsible for the care of three small children.  I remembered some of the songs that we used to dance to when I would lead indoor group dance/exercise at school on days when it was too rainy, cold, or scorching hot to go outside to play.  I couldn’t get the CD player to work, so I looked up some of our favorites on Youtube.  Vivi, Livie, and Sophie were thoroughly amused to watch me singing and dancing to such songs as: “Boom Chicka Boom,” “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt,” and “Bop ‘Til You Drop.”  It’s amazing how quickly I forget how much singing, dancing, and moving around brightens everyone’s mood, including mine.
     This particular picture was taken during another one of the activities that generally makes everyone smile and laugh--a visit from my husband:   

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The Lord of the Rings At the end of last year, I asked for prayers for a writing piece audition that I was working on in order to become part of a team that’s writing a Catholic Young Adult series that’s really impressed me. 

     The one “downfall” part of my informal interview was having arrived at the editor/author’s house without ever having read The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien.  I had a sense this was a grave mistake when another member of the John Paul 2 High team in attendance asked me where I would rank the series in terms of the Harry Potter series and The Lord of the Rings.  I told her with considerable embarrassment that I hadn’t read The Lord of the Rings trilogy.      

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Just Do It! To make matters worse, when I went upstairs to help set up the room in which we would be meeting to discuss the John Paul 2 High series and what my involvement in future books might be, I saw that the top part of the walls of the homeschool classroom was painted to look like Middle-Earth (minus Mordor, of course). 

     My immediate thought was: “Oh, sh*t!  There is no way someone with Middle-Earth painted on her walls is ever going to want someone who hasn’t read The Lord of the Rings on her team.  It was a little late to panic, so I meekly admitted I hadn’t yet read the masterpiece(s), and the woman in charge, kindly let me off the hook. 

     The minute I told this story to our dearly beloved brother in Christ, John immediately ran upstairs and got me the 1137+ page volume of The Lord of the Rings he had so I could begin reading it right away.

     I dove in and absolutely loved it!  (This is another explanation of why I haven’t been devouring as many books and writing as many book reviews lately as I usually do.  I was taking time to do the unofficial mandatory reading for working with the editor and authors at Chesterton Press.)     

     Check out Jennifer Fulwiler's awesome tradition of 7 Quick Takes Friday hosted weekly at her blog Conversion Diary.

Trespasses Against Us John Paul 2 High Book 2

Trespasses Against Us is a compelling sequel to Catholic Reluctantly (Book 1 of the John Paul 2 High Series).  This awesome series is definitely meant to be read in order.  To read a review of the first book, boldly click here.

   
You’ll love this fast-paced second book of the series.  The teens attending John Paul 2 High School (JP2HS) have a lot to figure out as some students begin to pair off into couples and all of them discover that great temptations and grave danger are much closer than they imagined. 

A school shooter who has evaded police is still on the loose.  No one was killed.  No bullet found.  The victim changes schools, but is she far enough away?    

    
Allie Weaver, the blond bombshell who just transferred from the public high school, arrives at JP2HS feeling completely out of place.  She’s dating the captain of the Sparrow Hills High School wrestling team, Tyler Getz who has a certain image to maintain.  His Casanova act lasts much longer than their relationship does.  

    
George isn’t the only guy at JP2HS who’s enamored with the new girl.  When he learns a stalker has been haunting Allie with obscene text messages and e-mails, he thinks he knows the culprit and takes matters into his own hands.  Has he got the right suspect?  Would he be safer letting the police take care of it?   

    
Celia Costain, George’s best friend since childhood, is left heartbroken and confused when he begins dating Allie.  She wonders whether George is trying to protect his new girlfriend or if he’s really more interested in exacting revenge on someone who went too far with hazing him.

    
The JP2HS students must band together to make it through alive, though not unscathed, when they attempt to find out if all three criminals are the same person.

     
I highly recommend getting all books available in the series as you will want to pick up the next book in the series immediately once you finish the one before it.
     
To find out more about the books, the characters, read the John Paul 2 High blog, chat with other readers on the Facebook page, check out the latest on Twitter, and be the first to find out about upcoming books, click here.

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 83)

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“Don’t Leave, I love you!!” was one of the cute things I remember my youngest sister shouting (with drama and sincerity) when people would get ready to head out.  That’s basically how I’m feeling about her going back to OSU after we’ve gotten to hang out together and as a family over the past couple weeks.  I guess I need to figure out when and how I can get up to OH to see her since she might not be back for a while, and she still hasn’t given me the West African dance lessons I want.  Someone gave me what I consider a really nice compliment many years ago: “For a white girl, you got rhythm.”  I really would love to learn West African dance which my sister has been studying in and out of Africa.        

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Baby Shower My sister and brother-in-law are expecting their first child this February.  My mom's best friend (aka in years past as our "other mother") threw a baby shower for her.  It was neat that she hosted it at her house, because my sister and her husband got married in the backyard at that very house by the pastor from their church.  Just as on the day of their marriage, there was a lot of love and hope for the future present.  It's also the same place where our "other mother" and another family friend threw me a bridal shower many moons ago.  

           

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Extending Family Two close family friends from Africa were at the baby shower for my sister.  Both women have been like second mothers to us.  Here's a photo of my mom, Madrine (from Kenya), Theresa, and Bouchra (from Morocco).

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Humility on the Homefront At one of our family gatherings, I made mention of needing to get home before it got too late so I could do my 7 Quick Takes and work on my audition piece.  Theresa asked what 7 Quick Takes are.  I laughed and explained the tradition I have been doing for 83 weeks now.  Truthfully, I've been super-excited to have over 26,000 people from 161 different countries visit my blog (and my husband thinks it's really cool as well), but as is so often true of bloggers and writers in general, most of my family doesn't read much of what I write.  C'est la vie, ou c'est ma vie.            

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What Goes Around There are few activities I believe that would make me more repentant and compassionate towards my younger sisters than having the challenge of encouraging the oldest child in a family to be a good, loving sibling.  When I see how insistent, forceful, and possessive toddlers can be, it makes me want to apologize especially to the sister closest to me in age for being such a brat when I was little.  Even knowing that it's quite normal for toddlers to guard their turf and toys, I bet I came across as pretty harsh since I was an intense kid as it was, which likely made the usual "it's all about me" syndrome more pronounced, especially when it came to a cute blond hair, blue-eyed baby who arrived on the scene when I was 2 and 1/2.

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Audition Piece Turned In I've mentioned in the previous two volumes of my Quick Takes that I've been working on an audition piece.  I turned it in this past weekend, and it is very likely that I'll know by the end of this coming weekend if I'm going to be the fourth writer of the young adult series in addition to helping them with copy editing future books.  Check back to find out if I made the cut or will just be making cuts (copy editing) by tuning in next week.    

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Our Parish's Seminarians We have two seminarians from our parish who started at St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore, MD this past fall.  John, our dearly beloved brother in Christ and best friend, you probably already know about if you’ve read this blog before.  The second young man from our parish is originally from Ghana.  He and John came by to visit me while I was nannying the girls (who are actually John’s nieces).  Henri shared some great stories with us about what it was like to grow up in Ghana.  We were all riveted.  

Head over to Conversion Diary, to read Jen Fulwiler's wonderful tradition of 7 Quick Takes Friday.  Then click here to go to the 7 Quick Takes hosted by her friend Hallie this week.  (Jen's in the hospital and could use our prayers!)

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 82)

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Our Family’s Style Meals We’ve had a number of family meals this week as part of celebrating Christmas and the fact that Theresa is home from The Ohio State University for a mere couple of weeks.  Kevin, who had a really awful case of bronchitis over Christmas, was finally able to join us for a family meal this evening now that he’s recovered.  Everything else I went to on my own, but at least my dear husband got plenty of quiet time to rest, reload his 5000 songs to his MP3 player, and eat some of the best leftovers of the entire year.     

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I Am the Body Beautiful!  I was reminded of this awesome song this week when we watched a rather bizarre movie that is in all honesty pretty amusing.  We got the soundtrack to the movie this was on: “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar” and would dance, sing, and lip sync to this song over and over.  It’s one of the ways my youngest sister and I (while I was in high school) could make my other sister laugh—a significant feat when said-sister had broken her leg in five places, had a full-leg cast and was confined to bed and wheelchair. 

           

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Creative Baby-proofing A certain little someone who is exceptionally good at getting into things that she shouldn’t (usually while I’m feeding her twin a bottle and/or assisting the toddler who is potty training) has been working hard this week.  Not only is she pulling up on anything and everything at a mere 7 months old, but she also managed to grab the cord on the Verizon box that’s behind the gate to the stairs and pull it out enough to chew on it.  While over in that corner, she found an extra outlet cover and was about to snack on that, too.  In an attempt to preserve my sanity and safeguard the area for a little longer, I grabbed what was handy-a purple ribbon and a little pink and purple Minnie mouse fold-up chair.  Once I gathered the cord and tied it with the ribbon, I secured the excess so it couldn’t be pulled through the gate, by anchoring the ribbon with the chair, then put the extra outlet cover up out of reach so it wouldn’t become a choking hazard. 

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Try and Stop Me! After rigging up the Verizon box wire so the resident livewire couldn’t reach it, I went back to feeding her sister for less than about 10 seconds before I noticed her sister sitting in the same corner with the box, her back to me, and both of her hands going to her mouth.  I made it over there in time to get the dried pine needle out of her curious little hands before she put the pieces in her mouth.  Today, for the first time ever since I have been taking care of the three girls, I put the most mobile of the twins in the pack ‘n’ play when I had to go upstairs with one of her sisters or out to the kitchen for longer than a few seconds.         

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Quiet Time? Theresa and Mom came to visit me for a little while today.  They came during what I think was the only time this entire week, perhaps this whole month, when all three girls were sound asleep in their beds at the same time.  They walked in, and it was completely quiet.  We talked for a bit, then they went off to do the grocery shopping and start the dinner at my mom’s for the family this evening.  Not five minutes after they left, all three girls woke up, and the usual insanity characteristic of the time between 3-5pm before their mommy gets home ensued. 

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Reminders from Mom My mom is one of the most giving, loving, caring people I know.  She is a charter member of the girls’ fan club, known to them as MissAnn (said as one word).  When she has come and visited me, she’s flat-out said that she often feels overwhelmed by the prospect of taking care of the three girls.  (I admittedly have several brief moments throughout the day when I feel the exact same way, but they pass quickly and are ultimately overshadowed by precious moments infused with undeniable cuteness.)  Knowing it has been a very long, tiring week for a number of reasons, my mom reminded me that it’s not only suggested, but necessary that I do some things to take care of myself during the day, so I don’t get too worn out and run down keeping up with three small children.  Yes, Mom.  You're right.    

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Signed, Sealed, Delivered Last week I asked for your prayers for the audition piece I’m working on to become one of the writers of a Young Adult series that is quite remarkable.  I’m finishing up my latest draft this evening, and plan to e-mail it to them for review by tomorrow evening.  May God’s Will be done, in this and all things!

For many laughs, head over to Conversion Diary and read Jen Fulwiler's 7 Quick Takes Friday for this week.

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 81)

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Christmas Card Cop-out I would like to say a sincere thanks to all of you who sent us Christmas cards! You didn't receive one from us this year not because we don't love you, but because I decided to try and maintain my sanity and a prayerful spirit while Kevin and I have lot going on right now. In other words consider yourself, loved, hugged, and prayed for!   

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Traditions from the Niermeyers There are three pieces that make up the holiday tradition must-do things for our family: 1.) certain Christmas music 2.) decorating the family Tree 3.) making Christmas cookies.  We really get into these three traditions every year, click here for details and a few photos.

           

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Wisdom from White Christmas which it’s our family’s tradition to watch each year.  I wrote this reflection Fall Asleep Counting Your Blessings a few years ago when we didn’t do many of our usual traditions and how they played out for us that Advent season.   

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Teeth R Movin’ This has been an interesting couple of weeks for teeth in the under 3 age bracket of the household where I nanny.  The twins both have their two front bottom teeth starting to peek through their gums the same week when their older sister had to have her top two front teeth removed.  Though it’s made me think of the song “All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth,” I’m not sure it actually applies to any of them at the moment.  Cutting teeth is painful, but having them pulled is not too fun either.  Hopefully the tooth fairy will also bring something nice for the girls’ mommy and daddy this weekend.       

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Remembering Loved Ones Lost I’ve had some dreams about my dad this week.  In one of them, there was a period of time within the dream that I thought my dad was still alive, though he had already died even (in the dream).  Thinking of him along with family and friends who have lost loved ones more recently always reminds me to pray extra for those mourning those dear to them, especially this time of year.  Of course, all of those affected by the recent tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut, will be in our hearts and prayers this year.    

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No Family, No Celebration A Christian friend texted me this week to check in and see how Kevin and I were doing.  Talk about a humbling experience, this busy single mom (of a 14 month old little boy who’s super cute!) works full-time and lives a few hours away from us, and she's the one who takes the time to reach out to us to see how things are going.  (Major guilt enter stage right and left.) I asked her what she was doing for Christmas.  She said she has to work Christmas day, and that since she has no family in this country, she usually doesn’t do anything special to celebrate.  How sad is that.  Not sure if Kevin and I will be able to go see them sometime soon, but we’ll certainly be sending something to help them celebrate Christ’s birth and God’s love!  If you know someone without family nearby, try to include them in what you're doing and/or do something special with them between now and New Year's.

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My Audition Piece Over the past eleven days, when I haven’t been chasing little ones or running errands, I’ve been feverishly rereading, taking notes, on the first four books in a YA series, and working on an audition piece I will be sending within the week to a group of authors who are actively seeking a fourth writer for their series of Young Adult novels.  The cool thing is that I’ll be working with them either way as a copy editor (though I’d really love to be the fourth writer, too!)  Your prayers would be much appreciated please and thanks!   

  

Head over to Conversion Diary, to read Jen Fulwiler's wonderful tradition of 7 Quick Takes Friday.

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 80)

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Post –abortion Healing Retreat Please join me in praying for all of the participants of the Rachel’s Vineyard post-abortion healing retreat that is taking place this weekend from Friday through Sunday at Shalom House.  Kay Marie, a dear friend who has headed up this ministry in our area with her husband Joe for many years, will be doing her first retreat since he passed away. 

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Blessed Woman, Peaceful Dove Kevin and I enjoyed Mass at St. Michael's in celebration of the feast day of our country's patron: Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. Afterwards the two of us did a Rosary walk. Still brings a huge smile to my face thinking of how far Kevin and I have come in our faith and conversion since we first became friends 16 years ago. Thank You Lord Jesus Christ for Your love and the Blessed Mother for always bringing us closer to Your Son! 

           

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What’s so special about Mary?  This seems a fitting question at Christmastime, especially with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Dec. 8) and the Feast of Our Lady of Guadelupe (Dec. 12).  Busted Halo does a great explanation in this video and you can read my own reflection on her importance here.

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Great God-Incidents  On Wednesday, I just made it to Mass on time at St. Benedict's.  Kevin wasn't feeling well, so he had gone home after work.  My friend Michele slid in next to me.  I haven't seen her much lately, so it was great to celebrate Mass on a special feast day, then have a chance to catch up with her in the parking lot afterwards.  As usual. she had a funny story for me.  Something that's common among my favorite people to spend time with: they are great at making me laugh!

  

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The Death of a Bishop "Praying for the repose of the soul of Bishop Walter Sullivan who has passed into eternal life. May God's angels welcome him and eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. A great leader, ecumenist, and reconciler. Rest in peace and rise in Glory!" -Jan Fuller former Hollins Chaplain on the death of the former Roman Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Richmond who passed away last Tuesday. 

For more information as well as the funeral arrangements and services, please see the diocesan website.

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Back from the Outback! My mom made it home safely last Friday from her two weeks in Australia.  She came over to dinner to tell us about her trip and showed us tons of gorgeous photos.  I know my grandma’s happy to have my mom back to visit her daily.  We’re also kind of glad that she’s over the need-to-travel-the-world kick at least for a little while after her most recent escapades.   

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A Spectacular New Book Series Kevin this evening: "I've never seen you this excited about a book or series...ever!" I just finished reading the first four books in a remarkable series you won't want to miss!  I'll be writing more on my blog and posting reviews of each individual book, but here's the website so you can check it out ASAP!  

Head over to Conversion Diary, to read Jen Fulwiler's wonderful tradition of 7 Quick Takes Friday.