Ash Wednesday

Today is Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent. Lent is the 40 day period before Easter in Western Christianity. It is a solemn season in the church, a time to reflect and have our hearts softened by God in preparation for the celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus. When I was growing up in the Roman Catholic Church the focus in Lent was sacrifice. We were encouraged to "give something up" for Lent. I remember giving up chewing gum in seventh grade, cursing in high school etc. The point was to sacrifice something to God in the hopes that it would bring you closer to Him. I don't know if it ever did that but I like the concept.

About 10 years ago I was working someplace where my commute was approximately 30 minutes each way. I enjoyed listening to my stereo on the drive there and back. That year for Lent I gave up listening to music in the car. Though I had left the RCC the idea of giving something up for Lent never left me. I was determined to use that 60 minutes a day to pray in an attempt to renew my relationship to God. I did pray...everyday I made that commute and I did notice a change in my relationship to God. It seemed to deepen and strengthen and I liked that.

Well Easter came and went the radio went back on in the car. I actually never even considered keeping my Lenten discipline up after Easter. But then one day about a week after Easter I went put to my car to discover that the stereo had been stolen! Replacing it was not a financial priority at the time so I went without. I didn't start praying right away again and I don't think God "took" my radio...but eventually when I did start praying on my commute again I was able to embrace the missing radio as a pathway to God.

Tonight we will go to church for the Ash Wednesday Service where we will have ashes (made from the palms from last year's Palm Sunday Service) placed on our foreheads in the shape of a cross. This is a symbol of repentance before God and it is an outward expression of our faith. There aren't many of those anymore...for me at least...so it is a good reminder.

As I have grown as a Christian I have determined that giving something up for Lent isn't enough. A while back I decided that I also wanted to add something during Lent. This year we are going to read from a Lenten family devotional each night at dinner. I hope this will be a rich experience for our entire family. I haven't fully determined what I am giving up..but I can tell you it won't be Grey's Anatomy or blogging!!!

Thoughts on Pop Culture

It's a snowy day and we've been inside a lot so I thought I would take a moment to pass along my most recent thoughts on movies, music, TV etc.

Movies

I have to admit that this is one ares of popular culture that I am sorely lacking in. We don't get to many movies these days...but we try and see them on demand or on DVD when we can. I did see The Pursuit of Happyness with Will Smith and I really loved that. I love Will Smith and was pleased to see him in this kind of role. I also recently saw Little Miss Sunshine and thought it was absolutely brilliant.

Music

Since getting satellite radio I have been listening to a lot of the singer/songwriter genre and enjoying it very much. But I'm also loving Justin Timberlake's newest effort (go ahead and laugh - he rocks it out) as well as a kid's record by Dan Zanes. And I couldn't be more thrilled that the Dixie Chicks kicked ass and took names at the Grammy's this year. Their album is fantastic!

TV

Best show on TV, hands down, Grey's Anatomy. I love it, every moment of it. For the warm fuzzies nothing beats Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. I'm warming up to Life with Brian and still enjoying NUMB3RS.

So there you have it...my faves for right now!!! Check them out, I hope you won't be disappointed.

Calling All Moms

Before I was a Mom...
I slept as late as I wanted and never worried about how late I got into bed.
I brushed my hair and my teeth everyday.

Before I was a Mom...
I cleaned my house each day.
I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom...
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Spit on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom...
I never held down a screaming child so that doctors could do tests. Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom...
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put it down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom...
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child. I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom...
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much before I was a Mom.

Best Valentine's Gift?!

Mom’s #1 request this Valentine’s Day?

TIME FOR MYSELF.

MomJunction.com surveyed mothers across the country about what they really think about the Holiday of Hearts. The answers might surprise you.

New York (February 10, 2007) – Hey Dads: Don’t rush off to the florist or Chocolate Shop so fast this Valentine’s Day. Turns out that moms across the country actually just want 24 hours to relax.

In an exclusive survey conducted by MomJunction.com, the premiere online resource for moms to find and share information, 51 percent of moms said that for Valentine’s Day this year, they would gladly forgo flowers, chocolate, and jewelry in exchange for 24 hours to simply do nothing. No kids, no husband, no car pool, no cooking. Just serenity.

And some more info for eager-to-impress fathers: Over 85 percent of moms surveyed said that they’d prefer a small romantic gesture on a random night of the year over any kind of gift strictly on Valentine’s Day. So think twice before hiring the private chef this Wednesday.

“We all know that being a mom is the hardest job in the world, so we expected some answers to be of the ‘I wanna sleep’ variety. But we were shocked at how many, especially given the other possible choices in our survey, which included spa treatments, a romantic night with your special someone, and of course, flowers and candy,” said Rory Murray, Senior Vice President of Mom Relations at MomJunction.

Only 14 percent of moms preferred flowers on Valentine’s Day this year, as opposed to 86 percent wanting them on some random day. As one mom put it, “I’d prefer a bouquet of ’Because it’s Tuesday‘ flowers, as opposed to ‘Oh, I had to get you these because the greeting card company said I did.’”

70 percent of moms thought every day gestures are more meaningful than momentous Valentine’s celebrations, with many expressing their wish that dads would be less forgetful about saying “I love you,” or showing it outside of Valentine’s Day.

When given the power to “stop time,” and get a free day, “sleeping,” “reading,” “relaxing,” and “spa treatments,” were the top four choices. Only 19 percent of moms would choose to spend their free day with family.

The survey was conducted by MomJunction, Inc. and includes responses from over 300 moms across the country.

Hmmm interesting. I have to say that the idea of 24 hours by myself is very very appealing to me. To sleep without interruption, get up at my leisure, watch the morning news, surf the internet, read the paper, go to the bathroom alone, knit, take a walk, pray, watch the evening news, take a long hot bath, curl up on the couch with a chick flick and a glass of wine...it all sounds so great. I could never appreciate when I was single the quietness and solitude of that stage of life. It felt intimidating then and scary. But now that I am married and a mama I long (just a little bit) for some solitude. I would say that 90% of the time I love the noise of my life...it feels alive and abundant and I cherish that. But there are moments when I recall that commercial from my youth and yearn for CALGON to take me away!

All that makes me is human I guess. I think sometimes, as mamas (and especially ones who have made motherhood a career), it feels a little like failure to admit we want/need time away from it all. Take heart, even the moms who don't admit it still want it...they are just too afraid to say it. So honey, if you're reading, forget the flowers and cards, send me to the nearest Hilton for a night!!!

Bad Blogger!

I've been really swamped lately but I'll be back later today with something I hope is worth waiting for!!!

Baby, it's cold outside!

My goodness the deep freeze has set in. I'm glad I took the kids outside to play last night because the next few days are going to be too cold for much outside time at all. The pic above (not mine...found it by googling Pittsburgh snow pictures!) is of the dinosaur statue outside of the Carnegie in Oakland. He looks cold too, no?

Stay warm my friends. Pop some popcorn, cuddle up under a blanket with your loved ones, and settle in. I'm thinking warm thoughts of you all!!!

I love that Groundhog...this year!!!

Early this morning Punxsutawney Phil, the world's most famous groundhog made his yearly prediction about the onset of springlike weather. He didn't see his shadow and so spring should be here early this year!!!

So as I sit and type, the snow is falling outside my window and the forecast for the weekend is for high temperatures of 10 and low temperatures of -5. But still, Phil says spring is coming early and so I'm feeling relieved and excited. The end is in sight and before I know it things will be blooming and we will be playing outside everyday again!

Before you question my sanity too much, I know this groundhog isn't the true measure of the weather...but it feels like a psychological victory for me in the battle against the winter blahs. I've made it to February and with Daylight Savings Time starting earlier this year (March 11) the end is in sight. I don't hate winter...in fact this one has actually been rather pleasant! For some reason, though, I crave the sunshine that is in short supply in my neck of the woods this time of year. I love the warmth of it on my face and though I've never been addicted to anything I feel much the way I imagine a addict does while waiting for their next fix. Any glimpse of the sun draws my attention and awakens in me an intense desire for more.

Pretty soon it will be sweltering and I'll probably complain about that too. I like moderation...I don't care much for the extremes. Sunny, 82, low humidity...that's my ideal weather. Anyone know a place like it? If so, I'm moving.

Happy Groundhog Day!

Survey Fun!

I found this on NEW DOT MOM and thought it would be fun!

1. What did you do in 2006 that you’d never done before?
Went to Sheboygan, Wisconsin!

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Don't make resolutions.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Lisa gave birth to twins

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Grandad

5. What countries did you visit?
None

6. What would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006?
An uninterrupted night's sleep.

7. What dates from 2006 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
January 3 - Lucy in the hospital and Grandad died
July 8 - Jenna and Johnny's wedding
August 5 - Bill and Monica's wedding
October 31 - Lisa's twins' birthday
November 4 - Got my nose pierced

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Teaching Annie to read.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Not maintaining my friendships well.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nothing serious.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
Satellite Radio!

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My oldest daughter - she has matured and grown into a lovely young lady - I'm so proud.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
George Bush

14. Where did most of your money go?
House.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Jack's speech therapy and the progress he has made.

16. What song will always remind you of 2006?
How Can I Keep From Singing Your Praise - Chris Tomlin

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?
a) Way happier
b) Not much difference
c) See #2

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Gone on dates with Alex.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Going online.

20. How did you spend Christmas?
With my mom and then my brother and SIL.

21. Did you fall in love in 2006?
Yes. Everyday with Jesus, my husband and my children.

22. How many one-night stands?
Oooookay, whatever.

23. What was your favorite TV program?
Grey's Anatomy

24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Not so much.

25. What was the best book you read?
Girl Meets God - Lauren Winner


26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
See The Morning - Chris Tomlin

27. What did you want and get?
Pool membership!!!

28. What did you want and not get?
ipod docking station and new digital camera.

29. What was your favorite film this year?
Cars

30. What did you do on your birthday and how old were you?
Had lunch with my mom, got a pedicure and had a romantic dinner with Alex. I turned 37.

31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Nothing that I can think of.

32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2006?
Comfortable and washable.

32. What kept you sane?
The pool this summer.

34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Dr. McDreamy.

35. What political issue stirred you the most?
The war in Iraq.

36. Who did you miss?
My grandfather

37. Who was the best new person you met?
I think it is Serina - she has such a neat outlook and does so many cool things.

38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2006.
You can't fix what you don't know is wrong.

39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
"I'ts a beautiful day..."