Breadalicious

Yesterday Faustina and I made some tasty wild rice bread. It is from my new favorite cookbook, Savoring the Seasons of the Northern Heartland. Lucia Watson is one of the co-authors of the book and she has several restaurants in the Twin Cities area. I like that her cookbook is very 'downhome' calling for lard, bacon fat etc - the old fashion way (fat is flavor)! I am kind of a cookbook fiend.


Although I'm not a huge bread eater - I love making it. It always has such a pretty and satisfying result. I was inspired earlier in the day by seeing this website Seattle's first pro-life breadshop. This place looks amazing! Maybe I can do this after all the kids leave the house. Someone else can run it, and I can make the bread!

Playing Ball

Jude and I had some quality ball time today in the kitchen. He could do it forever, I think.
Getting ready to throw.

Just threw it to me.

Just dove to get both balls.

Jude thinks....well, everything is pretty funny.

Lenten reminders

Here is our Lenten crown of thorns. It is on our dinner table and every time Faustina or any children who are here do an act of kindness or obedience, we take a thorn out of Jesus' crown. The hope is that all the 'thorns' will be out by Easter, and then we can paint it.

I like having these reminders up around the house during this season. And this crown with the toothpicks is a good one - it really does look vicious! It certainly reminds me of how Jesus suffered for our sins.

Easy recipe:
4 cups flour
1 cup salt
warm water
toothpicks

Braid the clay and bake at 350 for an hour.

Reasoning with the unreasonable

Here is Faustina pointing to her favorite shirt: her twins shirt from Grandpa. And her very bright sparkly 'dororthy' tap shoes.



Faustina is quickly approaching 3 years old and she is in a new stage of learning and reasoning. In many way, it seems unnecessary and almost silly to explain concepts to people so young. Yet, the last several months, Mike and I have witnessed how she needs an explanation for everything. Why?

- she wants to learn
- she wants to understand
- she wants the truth
- she wants to be an adult
- little kids are not stupid, they are capable of more than we often give them credit for

How much does she really understand? Who knows. But that doesn't matter. She is learning how to learn.

Faustina has been spending a lot of time in 'time-out' or her crib lately. She will scream and scream relentlessly for over an hour. But, if she receives an explanation for her punishment along with a time-out - she usually is accepting of it. After 15 minutes of her screaming, if I go into her room and give her reasons why being rude to Mom and Dad is wrong and that she needs to be quiet in her crib for 10 minutes, then she is okay.

Little people really are fascinating as a parents witnesses personalities emerge. Faustina is the type that when she makes a decision to do something - she does it and doesn't turn back - but again, she needs to know why she is doing something. I can see the wheels turning in her head when we explain ideas to her.

Last fall Faustina was still taking a bottle of milk to bed - a comfort for her. We had tried to ween her off it before, to let her cry without it, and other things - all to no avail. Finally we set her down and explained that she was too big for this habit, milk was bad for her teeth, etc. And from that night on she never had milk again. She never asked for it or cried - she quit the habit cold turkey. In fact, she would give us 'lessons' about why she couldn't have milk anymore. When she was 17 months, she potty trained herself, and last week she moved into a big girl bed. Again, we had attempted this move before so that Jude could move into the sturdy crib Grandpa made - but she was not ready, there was no reason for her to change her situation. I sat down with her one afternoon and explained that the crib was too small for her now, Jude was scooting his pack 'n play crib across the room because he was getting to big for it, and other things. Then, she was ready for the change.

When I carry her screaming to her room in a tantrum, she doesn't seem like a reasonable being. And technically, 7 is the age of reason. There, however, is more than meets the eye at these younger years.

Our boy, ALL boy

Here is our Jude. And, this picture may be a little scary, but we also thought it was pretty funny.

This little boy is hilarious. Really, he is quite amusing. He is a charmer and very soon upon acquaintance, people are attracted to him. However he does it, he seems to strike the right note with people. The other day he ran up to an older man in a wheelchair who had gnarled hands, missing teeth, and a cigarette in his hand. Jude ran up to him, squatted in front of him smiled and said hi and then ran away. The man started laughing and said, "This guy is all boy. Come here and give me five." Jude ran back and grunted while giving him a boisterous high five.

He runs around grunting and galloping (like the men pretending to ride horses in "Mighty Python"), stops right in front of you, squats, looks at you, laughs and then tackles you. This is what he does for 90% of his existence. He is a goof ball. He loves every kind of ball and throws it to anyone around him. Yet, he still is gentle with people and loves to gives hugs, he is very affectionate (especially with his father!). He is usually a little bit more reserved around new people, yet, when he is around people for long enough his personality slowly shows itself. He is saying more and more words and it starting to get into books a bit more. Our little guy is growing up.

On Monday we had a long appt. at Childrens Hospital testig to see how his kidneys are doing. They are doing 'okay', but not 'great'. They are functioning better than they were before he had his surgery in July 2010, but there is still reflux in his left kidney. We'll wait another 6 months to see how he grows and how his kidneys are functioning at that point.

Breaking the ice

There was no way that we were going to miss out on the beautiful morning today. We spent several hours outside enjoying the 55+ degree weather. It was perfect - especially with a winter coat on!

The gang was fully equipped and pretty excited to be outside; we've missed our second living room (the front yard!) this winter.

We brought out the bike, the balls, the lawnmower, etc. Before I knew it, Faustina threw her boots and socks off and was cruising down the sidewalk on her radio flyer. (The shoes didn't stay off long, but I don't really blame her. Who wants to ride a bike with boots on?)

Obviously, breaking the ice is one of the more fun things to do as spring time approaches. And the water puddles are perfect right now to jump on and crack the top layer of ice and then several inches of ice are below. We can enjoy breaking the ice now, and then as the weeks go on and ALL the snow melts, we'll have to get galoshes on for splashing in the puddles.








I love the different seasons! A person is always ready for the next season to enjoy, whatever it is. When I lived in Seattle, I missed the four seasons terribly. Of course, warm sunny weather can always be enjoyed, but I argue with my college California friend that MN weather gives us character! ;) We've endured quite the winter, here comes spring.

Models we are not

But we tried for one night.

The company that we do life insurance with asked, 'Hey, do you want to do some modeling for us and we'll give you a hundred bucks?!" Without really thinking about it and only hearing that an hour of our time would earn us a few dollars, I said, "uuuhh, sure."

They said it would take an hour. So, of course, I scheduled an outing at 7pm downtown with a dating couple at a swanky restaurant.

Well, the evening did not go very smoothly, to say the least!

Our sitter got sick at 2pm, so I scrabbled and was able to find my wonderful brother Travis to help out. We were suppose to start taking pictures at 5pm. We got there at 5:45 because of a snowstorm we were in. We didn't bring great clothes or many outfits to choose from(my fault). Then they had to put make-up on everyone which is always interesting and time consuming with kids. The 'shoot' ends up taking 2.5 hours! Jude who is usually so smiley didn't know what in the heck was going on and just stared at the bright lights. Faustina...well, she probably didn't smile at all. Mike and I tried, but, let's be honest, it was all in vain because we were pathetic! We tried to look 'worried' 'stern' 'excited' but then just started laughing at each other because it was so silly. The whole time I was sweating because I knew we would be late for dinner.

And we were late. And, actually, we didn't end up going. And the couple we were suppose to meet was not happy with us!! But, we got some pizza and enjoyed it with Travis and the kids went to bed pretty early. It ended up as it should. But, boy, what a fiasco of an evening it was. Everything that went wrong pretty much did. I was hoping they wouldn't use any of the pictures they took!

The one they picked may have been one of the very few decent ones. At any rate, they sent us a cd of the pictures and I got plenty of laughs out of them, we look ridiculous in them!

We will not be doing that again any time soon....! We'll keep photo shoots in the home.

New friends

We now have little Julien with us. He is 18 months, Jude's age, and a very cute little boy. Faustina has been fantastic the last few weeks helping him feel at home and comforting him when needed. I find myself either calling him Neil because his uncle is my same age and was one of our next door neighbors on Niles (they look identical) or I call him Adrien combining three of the boys names (Julien, Adric & Jude)! Faustina still runs the show with three boys around.

Billie Holiday

Listening to some of the oldies but goodies inspired Faustina and I to some dance lessons. In turn, Faustina passed on her dancing skills to Jude and Julien, our new friend. I love Billie Holiday.

The simple things

I am reading the book He Leadeth Me and I am left stunned every time I put the book down.

It is not a theologically heavy book, it is not densely written so that you have to reread every paragraph, it is not long, and it is a book that, I believe, everyone can relate to in some way.

The book is about Walter Ciszek, a priest, who was imprisoned in Russian work camps for 23 years in the 40's and 50's. He writes his spiritual account of how God led him to Russia and the truths he learned through his experiences.

It is a profound book, yet paradoxolly he is a simple man. His chapters are short and to the point; he tackles topic such as: the body, the Mass, conformity to God's Will, Humility, God's seeming silence, suffering, and more. What I am struck by is that from all these topics arise timeless questions that theologians have been contemplating forever. There is clearly an abundant amount of grace in Ciszek's writing because he captures his experience and revelas truths in a unique and life changing way.

The suffering Ciszek endured is basically unthinkable to the modern 21st century American. He was in solitary confinment for 5 years only with interruptions of being interrogated by awful Russian authorities who played with his mind and tryed forcing him to admit things he didn't do. He was thrown into ruffian crowds of slave labors where he had to fend for his life and given only enough food to barely survive. For years he worked 7 days a week 365 days a year 12-14 hour days in Siberia with no end in sight - most mens' goal was to survive. The suffering goes on and on.

Yet, Ciszek did his best to unite his suffering with Christ's suffering on the cross and he believed none of it was in vain. Every mundane moment of existence had a purpose and he offered that to God.

Perhaps there is a better title for this post, but I used it because as Ciszek searched for meaning in his suffering he always came back to prayer and the Mass. These 2 things united him with God. Prayer and the Mass are infinitely deep in terms of the graces they bring and the connection they give us to God, but they are simple in the fact that prayer is humbling oneself before God in his presence while seeking him and the Mass is celebration of Christ's sacrifice on Calvary for our salvation. It sounds nice to keep things simple: when in doubt, seek prayer and go to Mass. :)

Jumping Jude

Well, here we are - snowed in our little home for at least the 2nd time this winter. I can't believe how much snow we are getting again!! `What do we do? We get a little stir crazy. Here we are in the basement just sitting here being entertained by the kids as they run around, listen to music, act out different animals and giggle at everything. Here is a video of Jude trying to jump. This has been his new trick lately. He'll jump up (kind of) and then fall on his belly and face and laugh hysterically.

Smooches

This kid is so darn cute, I just want to smooch him all the time (not to mention that his skin is the softest thing in the world). Whenever I asked him for a smooch today, these are the faces he is giving me. I love it.

Lenten reading

Lent is coming soon and I have been thinking of different readings I can use as Lenten meditations. Saint Faustina's Diary and Walter Ciszek's He Leadth Me will be my focus. Saint Maria Faustina's Diary is a big, big book and I have read parts of it. It is quite intense but incredibly insightful and certainly has changed my thinking drastically over the years. Her ultimate theme is God's mercy - yet she is very real in how she describes God's justice. It really is a perfect reading for Lent as one narrows in on our Lord's suffering. Faustina's diary seems very extreme as she describes her own sense of nothingness and misery. I am accustomed to always being warm in a cozy house, being able to eat whatever I want at any time, to having loving family puff me up with their love and service. Reading about Faustina's awareness of her own smallness and desire to suffer for God almost seems strange. But I believe she has it right, and I need to readjust my own thinking. Here are are few excerpt that stuck with me the past few days and I have been looking at it again.

"I must never judge anyone, but look at others with leniency and at myself with severity. I must refer everything to God and, in my own eyes, recognize myself for what I am: utter misery and nothingness. In suffering, I must be patient and quiet, knowing that everything passes in time."

"I will hid from people's eyes whatever good I am able to do so that God Himself may be my reward. I will be like a tiny violet hidden in the grass, which does not hurt the foot that treads on it, but diffuses its fragrance and, forgetting itself completely, tries to please the person who has crushed it underfoot. This is very difficult for human nature, but God's grace comes to one's aid."

The big thaw

With the warm weather in the 30's and 40's this past week, I have come to realize how arctic MN winters truly can be. I was going outside in the 30's with no jacket on thinking it was almost hot. By the rest of the world's standards I fully realize that is bizarre thinking. But we took advantage of the weather and got out for a few walks. All three of the kids thoroughly enjoyed the puddles. They were stripped of wet clothes when they came in and slept well.

Our dear Danish friend

We are so thankful for Lizzia - she and her daughter, Betina, really are family to the Lees. Lizzia lived next door to us on Niles for about 20 years. She is a saintly woman and spoils us rotten with her time and gifts. I remember growing up and going over to spend time with the Kohlers when I was a little girl. Lizzia and my Mom were very close friends. Lizzia went to all Mom's chemo sessions with her and then took her out to eat afterward; after Mom's 2 years of remission, Lizzia took her to Hawaii. Not bad!!

We cherish Lizzia's friendship and look forward to many more outings as the weather gets warmer!

Today we ventured out with our friend, Lizzia, to the conservatory. Besides the fact that we almost died from the cold weather and wind going to and from the car, we had a great time.

Grandma Saunders' 90th

This past weekend we packed everything up and headed to North Dakota. The whole Saunders clan was getting together to celebrate Grandma's 90th birthday party.

We left a day early and spent Friday night with Uncle Mark (my Mom's youngest brother) and Aunt Mary who live in Cayuga, ND. They live on the farm that my Mom grew up on and it was a delightful time to see their place again and spend some one on one time chatting with them. They just put on a new addition that looks fantastic. Mark is the ping-pong champion, so of course he has the table set up and Mike was able to challenge him a bit (to no avail this time).

On Saturday we headed over to Grandma's place in Fargo ND. Grandma looks terrific and it was fun to see all the cousins. Oh, the memories I have growing up with all the cousins. It was so much fun! I have 25 cousins on the Saunders side; the ages range from 18 years old to 41. And Grandma Saunders now has 20 great-grandchildren. The family is expanding exponentially with marriages and children being born.

We had several delicious meals, a fun 'program' to honor Grandma with memories, songs, books, etc. We celebrated mass on Sunday, had brunch and headed home. For me a highlight was so see a video of Grandma, Grandpa and their kids at a young age on the farm doing different activities and having family time. It was very special to see pictures of my Mom at that age, see her interact with people, family, smile, play etc. The picture above is of Grandma, my Mom and my Mom's sister Debbie. We'll have to all get together to celebrate Grandma's 100 years! :)

A New Cousin!

Welcome baby Josephine! What a cutie; we can't wait to meet her! Due to sniffles, we have not been able to see the newest addition to the family, but we look forward to it. Sounds like everything went well for Mom and baby; she was born on the feast day of St. Thomas Aquinas, a great saint to be associated with!

Venting

This winter, the new fad has been 'sitting by the vent'. Why? To keep warm of course! :) In these MN winters coming inside from 0 degree weather or waking up to a 60 degree house will quickly push any little person toward warm air blowing out of vent.

Activities done by the vent: reading books, eating, dressing, just sitting zoned out. Dad introduce the vent idea, so he frequents the kids in this activity more. The bathroom, since it is so tiny and has a vent ends up being a favorite vent destination.

Captivated

Auntie Kim has an audience with her fancy droid and laptop. These kids probably already know more than me about computers....

A look at January

As we are soon looking to close out the month of January, it has proven to be a peaceful month here. It has been so cold, but it is (believe it or not) cozy to have a safe small little house to enjoy company, hot drinks, movies, reading, watching the kids sprint all over the house or whatever. Thankfully, I am not sick of winter (yet!).

We have been very busy this month, but not overwhelmed; and we are fortunate to spend much leisure time with friends and have not been dictated lately by needs that are out of our control such as work, health, or any life things that come up.

Jude is 'gaining' on his sister daily as his abilities to communicate grow each day. He is a smart little boy and his gentle and goofy manner are quite irresistible. [Although, he has been keeping us up at night a bit too much lately!] He is our ball boy with any sort of ball almost always glued to his hand.

Faustina is now reading books to Mom (partially memorized and partially made up from looking at the pictures). She wants to see everything I am doing. As she was watching me cook dinner the other night she stood on the stool next to me rubbing my back and saying: "You are a very good cook Mom. Thank you for cooking us food. Your food is nummy. You are talented." Thanks, Faustina! I'll take the compliments.


Mike is busy with work and I am quite taken with quilting lately. We've been sharing meals with friends and family several times a week. Life is good. Thank you Lord.