B-man successfully completed his first communion and confirmation last weekend. Much to our shocking surprise!! And I should clarify that these are both completed in our eyes. The church does not consider him to have made his communion because although he went up to be blessed individually with the rest of his class, he refused to accept the host into his mouth. This as I have said numerous times is something that will likely not take place until he is at least 15 or so. We will all wait for that time to come and until then, we will check this off our list.
As of late the kids are both getting very antsy!! They are both ready for school to be OVER!
I have to admit, I am also ready for it to end. As the weather gets nicer and the sky stays bright longer, its harder to stay on schedule and get the kids inside for dinner at a reasonable time, which then delays all of the other things to follow-homework, shower, bed time, and god-forbid we try to do anything as a family.
This my friends-is why I will never move away from the 4 seasons. I love having to stay inside and be cozy warm while having some quality family time. On the flip side-it gets old, especially having 2 growing boys who need to get outside and burn some energy, so I enjoy summer just as much.
Maybe someday when I am older and still trying with all of my might to hold on to every bit of youth I can muster (AKA mid-life crisis) I will want to be in the warm weather 365 days a year.. but its unlikely.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Monday, May 20, 2013
*%#%!@#*%^&*#$%.......
That is me breathing a HUGE sigh of relief!!!
Saturdays sacraments went very smoothly considering how I had imagined they would have played out.
B-man NEVER ceases to amaze me.
He woke up Saturday morning by alarm at 6:00 am.. he was quite grouchy, as were we all and patience was about as low as it can get this early in the morning on a day that we are tying to just let be what it is going to be. There was a lot of screaming and name calling, but he pulled through, and we were at the church ready to go in no time.
B-man was greeted by both priests, who tried their best to put him at ease and encourage him to do whatever he felt ok doing. I could not have been more happy about this.
Each step of the ceremony we were literally on pins and needles coaxing him through the next step, and he did it ALL!!!
He literally did it ALL! We could not have been more proud.
Needless to say the simple bribe of an early birthday present-his new bike, was something he couldnt wait for afterwards. We convinced him to wait until Sunday, and he agreed.
Sunday morning he was up at 5:30 am asking to go to Walmart and pick up his new trick bike :)
Saturdays sacraments went very smoothly considering how I had imagined they would have played out.
B-man NEVER ceases to amaze me.
He woke up Saturday morning by alarm at 6:00 am.. he was quite grouchy, as were we all and patience was about as low as it can get this early in the morning on a day that we are tying to just let be what it is going to be. There was a lot of screaming and name calling, but he pulled through, and we were at the church ready to go in no time.
B-man was greeted by both priests, who tried their best to put him at ease and encourage him to do whatever he felt ok doing. I could not have been more happy about this.
Each step of the ceremony we were literally on pins and needles coaxing him through the next step, and he did it ALL!!!
He literally did it ALL! We could not have been more proud.
Needless to say the simple bribe of an early birthday present-his new bike, was something he couldnt wait for afterwards. We convinced him to wait until Sunday, and he agreed.
Sunday morning he was up at 5:30 am asking to go to Walmart and pick up his new trick bike :)
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
4 more days
The countdown is on for this holy event in our family to take place. I have a lot of mixed emotions running through my head. And yes, they are running around in my mind and will not rest. I cannot stop thinking about this weekend. And I really cannot even begin to express how happy I will be on so many levels once this event is over with!!
The act of communion and confirmation is supposed to be this great event celebrated by family and close friends to welcome your child officially into the catholic faith and begin their journey with god.
In our house, the meaning and celebration has been completely thrown aside because the sole act of having B-man be forced to do something that requires him to talk to others is a feat of its own. This has literally consumed me.
Tonight is the rehearsal for Saturdays events. Tonight we can still hand hold and encourage (drag) him along step by step.
Saturday is the real test. I have spent the last 2 weeks discussing this event and how it will go step by step and what is expected of him, so that he can mentally prepare for what is going to take place.
Initially his primary concern was the accepting of the host. He will not put this in his mouth. He will not accept it because he knows he is supposed to eat it, this is not going to happen. My child will not eat meat because it is animal, he is clearly not going to eat the host because it is the body of christ. My solution to this, is to teach him to willingly accept the gift from the priest and then hide it in his hand to give to his father once he returns to his pew. Yes, I have actually taught my child to smuggle the host. I have had quite the mental battle with this.. is it right? definately not; is it the best solution? definately. I have contemplated asking them to not give it to him, or trying to have this done another way, but I feel this would just be complicated.
Now that I have resolved his major concern, all should go smooth right? Hahahaha,... here is to hoping!!!
2 more years and I will be doing this for AJ.. I have a hunch that one will be much smoother.
The act of communion and confirmation is supposed to be this great event celebrated by family and close friends to welcome your child officially into the catholic faith and begin their journey with god.
In our house, the meaning and celebration has been completely thrown aside because the sole act of having B-man be forced to do something that requires him to talk to others is a feat of its own. This has literally consumed me.
Tonight is the rehearsal for Saturdays events. Tonight we can still hand hold and encourage (drag) him along step by step.
Saturday is the real test. I have spent the last 2 weeks discussing this event and how it will go step by step and what is expected of him, so that he can mentally prepare for what is going to take place.
Initially his primary concern was the accepting of the host. He will not put this in his mouth. He will not accept it because he knows he is supposed to eat it, this is not going to happen. My child will not eat meat because it is animal, he is clearly not going to eat the host because it is the body of christ. My solution to this, is to teach him to willingly accept the gift from the priest and then hide it in his hand to give to his father once he returns to his pew. Yes, I have actually taught my child to smuggle the host. I have had quite the mental battle with this.. is it right? definately not; is it the best solution? definately. I have contemplated asking them to not give it to him, or trying to have this done another way, but I feel this would just be complicated.
Now that I have resolved his major concern, all should go smooth right? Hahahaha,... here is to hoping!!!
2 more years and I will be doing this for AJ.. I have a hunch that one will be much smoother.
Thursday, May 9, 2013
NEED vs WANT
I will be honest, I dont view myself as indulgent, or greedy. I definately have issues of overspending, and also finding the most ridiculous reasons to convince myself that my purchase is completely worthy.
I must also add, that my purchases are not usually for myself, but for others, or for our home. My mind is a constant flurry of activity in things I would like to do, or things I should do, and things I NEED to do.
Today the husband and I sat down with a good, wise, family friend; who laid it all out and sort of put me in my place.. .or maybe put the flurry in my head to rest, and in perspective.
He asked me flat out-tell me things you NEED in the next couple of months.
I sat there trying to muster up something that I NEEDED. Surely I have come up with a list of approximately $6000 worth of things that I WANTED.. but really none of it was a need. I couldnt even think of a far-fetched reason that one of these wants could be moved over to the need column. And yes, I did try to think of them too!!
This thought alone has convinced me just how messed up my mind is. how messed up is my train of thought.
Here I am going day to day thinking I am teaching my children the proper values and encouraging them to be giving, caring boys.. but I cant even think of a time that they didnt get just what they wanted.
In an effort to try and curb my over-spending, I am going to focus on that sole question that I was asked this morning... "Do I NEED this?"
I must also add, that my purchases are not usually for myself, but for others, or for our home. My mind is a constant flurry of activity in things I would like to do, or things I should do, and things I NEED to do.
Today the husband and I sat down with a good, wise, family friend; who laid it all out and sort of put me in my place.. .or maybe put the flurry in my head to rest, and in perspective.
He asked me flat out-tell me things you NEED in the next couple of months.
I sat there trying to muster up something that I NEEDED. Surely I have come up with a list of approximately $6000 worth of things that I WANTED.. but really none of it was a need. I couldnt even think of a far-fetched reason that one of these wants could be moved over to the need column. And yes, I did try to think of them too!!
This thought alone has convinced me just how messed up my mind is. how messed up is my train of thought.
Here I am going day to day thinking I am teaching my children the proper values and encouraging them to be giving, caring boys.. but I cant even think of a time that they didnt get just what they wanted.
In an effort to try and curb my over-spending, I am going to focus on that sole question that I was asked this morning... "Do I NEED this?"
Monday, May 6, 2013
Retreat
We spent the good part of Saturday at a church retreat w B-man. I will be honest.. I was completely dreading this. Mostly because I dont believe the age of 7/8 is proper timing for catholic children to do both their first communion and confirmation. I feel like this is a whole ton of information for their little minds to take in, and I also believe that the meaning of what is being done is lost along the way.
I always thought that your confirmation was more your affirmation that you made as a "sort of" adult in consenting that you were actually making the decision to follow the catholic faith. It sort of gave you the control to make a decision for yourself at an early age, but one that could impact you for years to come.
I am now ushering my child to move forward in something he doesnt completely comprehend, and I dont feel great about it.
And, aside from all of this mental turmoil that I have going on, I am also dealing with B-mans asperger-ish tendancies in going through all of this. He is not on board.
He does not want to talk to anyone, he does not want to be the center of attention.
I have used every form of bribery I can imagine, and am also carrying around the unblessed body of christ in my car in hopes of getting B-man to try it before he has to do this in front of our church and priest. EEK!! I have been assured that because this is "unblessed" that it is totally fine to be carrying around.. but it just feels wrong.
Speaking of feeling wrong, I have spent the last 2 days trying to teach B-man how to hide it and pass it along to his dad because thus far he is refusing to even touch it. He is very literal, and he doesnt eat meat because it is animal bodies, does anyone really think he is going to put GODS body in his mouth!?!? Seriously.. its unlikely.
We have a practice ceremony the 14th and then the real deal the 18th... fingers crossed..
I always thought that your confirmation was more your affirmation that you made as a "sort of" adult in consenting that you were actually making the decision to follow the catholic faith. It sort of gave you the control to make a decision for yourself at an early age, but one that could impact you for years to come.
I am now ushering my child to move forward in something he doesnt completely comprehend, and I dont feel great about it.
And, aside from all of this mental turmoil that I have going on, I am also dealing with B-mans asperger-ish tendancies in going through all of this. He is not on board.
He does not want to talk to anyone, he does not want to be the center of attention.
I have used every form of bribery I can imagine, and am also carrying around the unblessed body of christ in my car in hopes of getting B-man to try it before he has to do this in front of our church and priest. EEK!! I have been assured that because this is "unblessed" that it is totally fine to be carrying around.. but it just feels wrong.
Speaking of feeling wrong, I have spent the last 2 days trying to teach B-man how to hide it and pass it along to his dad because thus far he is refusing to even touch it. He is very literal, and he doesnt eat meat because it is animal bodies, does anyone really think he is going to put GODS body in his mouth!?!? Seriously.. its unlikely.
We have a practice ceremony the 14th and then the real deal the 18th... fingers crossed..
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
cell phones
When did this become such a critical part of my life!??!
I know I am aging myself, but I remember being a senior in high school and desperately NEEDING a car phone, so I got one. Mind you, nobody else had one, so my calls were minimal therefore making my phone bill fairly minimal as well.
Even 5 or 6 years ago, there was simply still just a cell phone, no data, texting or apps to be concerned with. My monthly bill was closing in on $100 for myself and my husband, and this was outrageous... so it was something being monitored and action taken.
Now, I am part of a plan with 3 other people, and have 6 lines attached. We each have a phone line, we have our home line and then we have a tablet attached. This bill is RIDICULOUS.
I am trying to squash the overspending, but in looking at the plans available, it looks like we are not able to save at all based on what we all use it for.
There lies the problem... when did my phone become such a NEED for me?? How would I be without my phone?
I have made an honest effort over the past couple of months to try and leave my phone at the door. I had started to notice that my children were also depending on my phone for games and that it was becoming too important to us all, also driving a wedge into the time we were together as a family, so I literally, leave my phone at the door, on the counter-close enough to hear if a call comes in-of which I may choose to not answer, but far enough so that none of us feel the need to grab it and play a game or start texting.
Welcome to 2013 when the art of conversation is out the window. The majority of use have lazily hidden behind the art of texting. This not only allows you to be more bold and hide behind your cell phone, but it also allows your grammar to be tossed in the trash. This leads me to one of my greatest fears for my children.. they will be dumb, but it will be ok, because their society and their generation will be dumb with them. The term dumb is being used very loosely because it is left to interpretation for sure.
Yes they will be lacking the knowledge of grammar, punctuation, speaking skills, a level of confidence in themselves. But they will be SO SMART in how to copy, paste, browse, search, create, game; their mind will be able to do things that I cannot even fathom.
I have to trust that moving forward, as they grow up and enter the real world that this will be ok. This will be the norm, and those people looking to hire them or accept them into some sort of university program will also realize that they are the norm, and it will be ok..
I would still like for my children to be able to carry on a conversation face to face, to have to deal with someone making fun of them to their face and having to in turn respond to that to the little brats face, and to also deal with heart ache and the anxious idea of asking a girl (or boy) out on a date when the time comes and having to deal with the excitement to follow or the rejection whatever it may be. I want them to grow up to be confident little men and not only whiz through the internet and whatever technology may be presented to us as they grow up, but also to remember what its like to draw on a piece of paper, write a note, or letter, use a stamp, have a conversation..
Hmm... all this because I wanted to save money on my cell phone bill... hahaha...
End of story.. Im done ranting.
I know I am aging myself, but I remember being a senior in high school and desperately NEEDING a car phone, so I got one. Mind you, nobody else had one, so my calls were minimal therefore making my phone bill fairly minimal as well.
Even 5 or 6 years ago, there was simply still just a cell phone, no data, texting or apps to be concerned with. My monthly bill was closing in on $100 for myself and my husband, and this was outrageous... so it was something being monitored and action taken.
Now, I am part of a plan with 3 other people, and have 6 lines attached. We each have a phone line, we have our home line and then we have a tablet attached. This bill is RIDICULOUS.
I am trying to squash the overspending, but in looking at the plans available, it looks like we are not able to save at all based on what we all use it for.
There lies the problem... when did my phone become such a NEED for me?? How would I be without my phone?
I have made an honest effort over the past couple of months to try and leave my phone at the door. I had started to notice that my children were also depending on my phone for games and that it was becoming too important to us all, also driving a wedge into the time we were together as a family, so I literally, leave my phone at the door, on the counter-close enough to hear if a call comes in-of which I may choose to not answer, but far enough so that none of us feel the need to grab it and play a game or start texting.
Welcome to 2013 when the art of conversation is out the window. The majority of use have lazily hidden behind the art of texting. This not only allows you to be more bold and hide behind your cell phone, but it also allows your grammar to be tossed in the trash. This leads me to one of my greatest fears for my children.. they will be dumb, but it will be ok, because their society and their generation will be dumb with them. The term dumb is being used very loosely because it is left to interpretation for sure.
Yes they will be lacking the knowledge of grammar, punctuation, speaking skills, a level of confidence in themselves. But they will be SO SMART in how to copy, paste, browse, search, create, game; their mind will be able to do things that I cannot even fathom.
I have to trust that moving forward, as they grow up and enter the real world that this will be ok. This will be the norm, and those people looking to hire them or accept them into some sort of university program will also realize that they are the norm, and it will be ok..
I would still like for my children to be able to carry on a conversation face to face, to have to deal with someone making fun of them to their face and having to in turn respond to that to the little brats face, and to also deal with heart ache and the anxious idea of asking a girl (or boy) out on a date when the time comes and having to deal with the excitement to follow or the rejection whatever it may be. I want them to grow up to be confident little men and not only whiz through the internet and whatever technology may be presented to us as they grow up, but also to remember what its like to draw on a piece of paper, write a note, or letter, use a stamp, have a conversation..
Hmm... all this because I wanted to save money on my cell phone bill... hahaha...
End of story.. Im done ranting.
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