Wordless Wednesday

The Quilting Edition

HT: Maggie

Pop on over to Michele's to see my finished square and a few other beauties designed for our virtual quilting bee this month.

(Maggie tells me italicized words don't count.)

Company Is Coming...

...this week and next and so my posting will be light during the next few days (weeks?). Or else it will be heavy...in which case I will be procrastinating...in which case you should remind me to get back to work.

Today I tackle the lower level. It's often unsuitably referred to as the basement, but it is really a nicely finished room with a half bath, a nicely finished room that would be perfect for welcoming guests or hiding noisy, restless children were it not for the piles of clothes and toys and clutter. Today I gather my courage to face this sadly neglected room.

If I should not make it back, you'll know where I am buried. Pray for me.

Life Lesson

If you happen to be running late preparing all of those snacks for the conference social and you decide to ask your teenager, who appears fairly mature on the outside, to finish up the last few batches of cookies for you, do not allow her to open the laptop to check her email.

Especially if you are a perfectionist and she, most decidedly, is not.

Oh well, the rest of the kids wanted some cookies left at home for them anyway, and I'm pretty sure they like them extra crispy.

It's a good thing she knows how to make me laugh.

If You Have a Lot to Do Today...

Like, say, providing all of the food for the Friday evening social at your local Catholic homeschooling conference...you might not want to spill a box of laundry detergent.

If you do happen to spill a box of laundry detergent, make sure that you have one of these below the box. It will make clean-up so much easier, especially if the laundry is almost done.

Thank your lucky stars that it was the powder and not the liquid.

Then, no matter if you haven't been writing for months, make sure you waste a few of your precious minutes blogging about it. So that everyone will know just what truly miserable challenges you face in your life.


And just in case you are wondering, the news from China and Myanmar is keeping everything in perspective for me these days. May God have mercy on those facing real tragedy and heartache. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, we trust in Thee.

You Should See Me at the Ice Cream Counter

I've been contemplating a creative response to that meme that's been floating around my corner of the internet world. And then I remembered this post I wrote and shelved before Christmas. I think it might actually reveal a little more about who I am than answering those forty-two random questions.

MY WALLS ARE PAINTED!

Yes, after 11 sample shades of yellow (from light lemon to dark mustard), a rash conclusion resulting in some trim and half a wall before a change of heart, and several painfully vacillating weeks living like this...

...I finally made a decision. Here's a play-by-play of the final moments.

As Jim was heading out the door to buy the paint, I handed him two paint swatch cards.

Jim, perplexed and a tad bothered: Why are you giving me two? Which one do you want?

Me, feeling pretty proud that I had actually narrowed it down to two: Call me when you get there.

I walked up and down the stairs and looked at the patches from every possible angle. I started to sweat and feel a bit nauseous. I frantically phoned my sister.

K: Hello?

Me: Jim is on his way to buy the paint. Which one should I choose?

K: I'd go with the first one.

Me: Which one is the first one?

K: I was hoping you'd know.

Lots of nervous giggles.

Me: It's between Morning Sun, the softer, butter yellow, and Slice, the more vibrant, golden yellow. I can't decide.

K: I really like the patchwork look of several different shades all together on each wall.

Click, click.

Me: Oh my gosh. That's him on the other line.

K: Go with the Morning Sun. You won't regret it. You might regret too much zing.

Me: Okay, bye.

Click.

Me: Hello?

Jim: Well?

Me: I'm not sure.

Jim: Diane, I'm next in line.

Me: I just don't know.

Jim: Diane, they're exactly the same color.

Me: They're completely different on the wall.

Jim: I'm at the counter. Go with the Slice. (randomly chosen, I'm sure)

Me: That's what I was leaning tow...

Click. (before I could say another word)

I immediately called my sister again.

K: Well?

Me: I went with the Slice.

K: You can never have too much zing in your life. And I'm so glad you didn't go with the one I suggested. Now, what you need to do is go shopping while Jim is painting. Do not look at it until it is completely done.

Me, already second-guessing my choice: I feel sick.


Well, I did stick around to watch Jim paint. And I did wonder about my decision. And I did make a few weak jokes about changing my mind.

To which Jim clearly warned me: If you decide to find a new yellow, you'll have to find a new husband...or at least a new painter.

That zipped my lips up fast. I let it go and let him paint.

My walls are now the color of Slice. They're bright and bold and cheerful and full of zing. Everything that I am not.

And I love them.

Our entry, living room, stairway, and upstairs hall are a juicy Slice of golden yellow, our family room is a warm Chestnut, and our dining room is a light Sheepskin above the chair rail and a rich Cranberry Bog below. It's beginning to feel like my home.

God bless my saintly painter. I'm doing my best to send him to Heaven.

(I think I'll wait a while to talk to him about the bedrooms and bathrooms. And the fact that the carpeting is now looking kind of shabby..)

Forget about Feeding Rodents Sweets

If you leave your husband home alone on New Year's Eve, he may try to do some laundry.

When he breaks your washing machine, he'll probably decide that it's not worth fixing.

He'll take you to buy a new one (because every mother of many knows that her washing machine is a friend she cannot live without), and the store will be having such a great sale that you'd be losing money not to buy the matching dryer.

When he takes the old washer and dryer out of the laundry room, he'll realize that it would be a good time to repaint the walls (which he would never be persuaded to do under ordinary circumstances).

He'll have to remove all of the shelves before he paints.

This will force you to de-clutter the first of twelve rooms on your list.

When the room is freshly painted, you will want to wash the floor before the new washer and dryer are placed in their new home.

As long as you're washing the laundry room floor, you might as well scrub all of the bathroom floors too.

If you spend the evening cleaning floors, you can put off writing that Christmas letter you've been avoiding for weeks.

And chances are...if you don't get the annual family letter written by Epiphany, the next time you leave him home alone for New Year's Eve, he'll forget the laundry and write the letter himself.

A Word about Advent Candles...

...for Margaret.

Tapers are so overrated.

Check out that itty-bitty-wanna-be-of-a-candle to the right (but please, don't notice the wrinkles in my tablecloth or the barenakedness of my wreath). Do you honestly believe that candle will last for another nine days? I think not.

And I knew this would happen. I've been buying pillars for years. But that cute little boy from the youth group just looked so pitiful selling tapers outside of Mass a few Sundays ago...and I caved.

I will not be duped again. Unless, of course, next year he is actually smiling as he sells them.


Postscript: Last night (Mon) I broke all the rules and lit the fourth candle instead of the first one. Elena was horrified.

P is for...

Painting!
and Puppy!

and a Petition for Prayers, Please!

Not for us, for him.

The poor little guy doesn't stand a chance.

The Duties of Homemaking Call Me

Well, today's the big day. Our guests are arriving this evening!

Am I ready? No.

Do they care? No.

Should I care? Well, I do.

So, no real post today. There are beds to make, bathrooms to scour, floors to vacuum, meals to prepare. You know the drill, I'm sure.

I'll see you tomorrow...when I am totally relaxed, enjoying my family, caring about nothing else but being truly present to them.

Mary, not Martha. This is my prayer.

Have a great weekend!

Do I Have Frugal, Home Educating Mother of Many Written All Over Me?

Do you think it's a bad sign if you go to a so-called liquidation sale at a well-known furniture store, where dozens of sales people, hungry to make a sale, are preying on browsers, and no one even makes eye contact with you? Do I need to revamp my wardrobe or wash my hair or something? I didn't even have any kids with me.

Anyway, it's just as well. Saved me the effort of saying no thank you. Liquidation sale. Yeah, right. I saw a simple sofa throw pillow, measuring 16 inches on each side, marked down to $117. I know, I know, how could I walk away from such a steal? Wrong color, I guess.

I do believe in buying a few well-made pieces rather than filling my home with lots of cheap stuff. But, come on. Some prices go beyond good stewardship, and I can't in good conscience walk down that path. Even if I could afford it.

So, tell me, where does a frugal, home educating mother of many go to find quality furniture at reasonable prices?


And yes, I am procrastinating from facing that basement. I've got two perfectly good days to squander away before things become serious.

Strategic Planning

If you just moved into a house 46 days ago,

and your mother-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, two nieces, and a nephew are coming for an extended visit on Saturday,

and you are a hopeless procrastinator who can be distracted for hours reading junk mail and sorting legos,

you might want to invite all of the moms and teens in your new home school support group over for a Rosary Social on Tuesday night.

On Monday night (Tuesday morning for non-nocturnal creatures) at 2am, you may think that this was a bad idea.

On Tuesday afternoon at 4pm, you will know that it was a bad idea.

But on Wednesday morning at 9am, you will realize that it was a very good idea indeed, especially if you stayed up after the get-together to finish the dishes. What a glorious feeling to walk into an ordered setting again.

Jim wishes I had invited them to come a month ago.


One level down, two to go. And these two will be harder since I moved a lot of piles both up and down the stairs during the last few days.

If only I could think of someone to invite over to hang out in my finished basement tomorrow, I might actually get something done today.

Pray for me!

June Cleaver I Am Not

I was really hoping to avoid the nasty little virus working its way through the blogs these days...you know, that ABCs of Homemaking meme. I so did not want to go there and definitely did not want to hang the boring, humbling, nitty gritty details of my laundry for all of my blogging world to see. But apparently that insidious little blogger named Margaret had nothing better to do in all of that Minnesotan snow than to call me by name. Somehow I just can't bring myself to say no to such a dear friend and faithful commenter (and I fear if I do, I may never be tagged again), so here goes....

(I hope this also qualifies as my contribution to It Is What It Is. I'm sorry, but you won't be seeing any photos. I have my limits for humiliation.)

Aprons – Y/N
Well, I've had an old, stained, canvas one for years, but I rarely remember to wear it…until it is too late. I remember more often ever since I found this cheerful one at the Euro Store. Honestly, it looks much better on her. (What wouldn’t?)

Baking – Favorite thing to bake:
I’m with Margaret…did you say bake or eat? Because I much prefer the latter. The bakeries are so incredibly wonderful here, offering tantalizing works of edible art for mere euro cents--- it really doesn’t make much sense to bake. At least that’s how I justify it. My two oldest girls, however, love to bake anything sweet, and they pretty much do it on their own. My husband enjoys creating the most beautiful birthday cakes. As you can see, there’s really no need for me to bother.

I do hope to try baking bread after we return to the US, even if it's just throwing ingredients into a machine. I will really miss our fresh Belgian bread each day---the baguettes, oh the baguettes.

Clothesline – Y/N?
I’m afraid not. I do believe I have more of an excuse than Kristen in sunny Orange County...but even in Orange County, I probably wouldn’t either, except for beach towels.

Donuts – Have you ever made them?
I don’t think so. Surely I would remember, wouldn’t I? Actually, I think I made them once with my youth group in high school. Does that count? I have made my grandmother’s apple fritters, which are sweet dough deep-fried around apple slices and sprinkled with powdered sugar. Sort of like donuts. Even better, methinks.

Every day – One homemaking thing you do every day:
Why is everyone saying, “only one?” Because I can’t think of a single one that I myself do everyday. Well, I do feed my family everyday, usually cooked food. And I do move piles from room to room each day. Oh, and there is always at least one toileting issue to deal with. I guess I do have more than one homemaking thing that I do everyday.

Freezer – Do you have a separate deep freeze?
No deep freeze, though I think it would be a lovely addition since I do our major commissary shopping only once a month. We do have an extra refrigerator courtesy of the Army, and that extra freezer space really helps. Not that I ever fill it with frozen casseroles or anything practical. More like ice cream and Boboli crusts.

Garbage Disposal – Y/N?
You mean besides my husband? Actually, my father was a much better one than my husband will ever be. We do not have a garbage disposal in our sink---perhaps because Belgian plumbing seems to be notoriously rotten and perpetually clogged. They do collect the compost bin every other week, and I don't really miss having a disposal.

Handbook – What is your favorite homemaking resource?
My wise friends at 4Real. Of course. I want you to know that in no way do I hold you responsible for my poor implementation of your simply elegant and efficient ideas, except that you keep me on the computer far too much.

Ironing – Love it or hate it?
Hate is a very strong word that I try not to use. Let’s just say that my poor husband is ironing his shirts as I write this.

Junk drawer – Y/N? Where is it?
Maybe this is my problem. (one of many, that is) I don’t have a junk drawer, just piles of random junk scattered throughout the house. Sigh.

Kitchen: Design & Decorating?
We live in a rental house now with ugly tan tile, basic beige cabinets and faux marble counters. It’s a contemporary, European style that is definitely not mine. The last kitchen that I was able to design had cherry cabinets, eggplant walls (meaning that they were painted a deep purple, not that they had leftovers splattered all over them), and a mossy green tile floor. It was rich and warm and I loved it. Not sure what my next one will look like, but it definitely won't be neutral. What do you think is better for a kitchen floor---hardwood or tile?

Love – What is your favorite part of homemaking?
Naps. Oh, and getting a front row seat for all of the funny and smart and creative and loving things my kids do. They are not perfect, but they are by far the best part of life, along with their daddy.

Mop – Y/N?
Yes, once a week, by my beloved maid, Ania. Were it not for this hard-working Polish ex-pat, the answer would be…not so much (i.e. only when my poor husband can’t take it anymore and pulls it out himself).

Nylons – Wash by hand or in the washing machine?
I rarely wear nylons, and they seem to snag before ever needing to be washed. I do wash my tights by hand, but the girls’ usually go in the washer.

Oven – Do you use the window or open the oven to check?
We use the grill. I guess I should clarify that…my husband uses the grill. Okay, sometimes he is late from work and then I do use the oven and---horror of Good Housekeeping horrors---I do crack the door to check. I would use the window if I could see through it. (Kidding, I'm kidding.)

Pizza – What do you put on yours?
My husband makes the pizzas around here (by now you are wondering if there is anything I do in this home...trust me, he has been wondering that very thought for years), and he puts anything and everything (within reason---no anchovies or fruit) on them. I love white pizza with fresh tomato and marinated artichoke hearts, but I’ll snarf down the works just as easily.

Quiet – What do you do during the day when you get a quiet moment?
I have six children with the gift of gab. (I had so hoped it would be true that boys are more nonverbal.) A quiet moment during the day is exactly that…a moment. Just long enough for me to catch my breath and (almost) unscramble my thoughts. My quiet moments come during the night, when everyone else is asleep. Lately I spend that time with my friends, soaking up the sisterhood and wisdom at 4Real and visiting them individually at their inspiring blogs. (Big surprise there.)

Recipe card box – Y/N?
Yes. And a folder of random recipes printed off the computer. And a gallon-size Ziploc bag, overflowing with haphazard scraps of paper and cardboard, some scribbled by my mother’s hand eons ago.I am going to organize it all…one of these days…no, really, I am.

Style of house:
My husband describes it as a Belgian house that the Brady bunch might have had. Picture the 70s with a European flair. It’s a split-level, but not in the American sense---we have six half levels altogether. No carpeting, all tile and marble. A 3'x5' brick planter in the entryway and a funky black metal fireplace (that I've grown to love) in the middle of the living/dining room. Three bathrooms with tubs/showers and sinks and three toilet rooms with toilets and sinks---did I mention how much I love my maid?

Tablecloths and napkins – Y/N?
Cloth napkins everyday, as long as I’ve done the laundry. (Too many paper ones lately.) Tablecloths for special occasions and seasons.

Under the kitchen sink – Organized or toxic wasteland?
Somewhat organized. Not that bad. Really. (My overly honest daughter might disagree.)

Vacuum – How many times per week?
Twice per week, but not by me. Once by the maid, once by my daughters.

Wash – How many loads of laundry do you do per week?
Okay, this is one that I do. (And it only took me to W to find one.) 8-10 loads per week. I sort and wash by bedroom (theoretically), which makes it easier to put away (theoretically). I really try to have it all done by Friday, so that I can take the weekend off. Of course, our electric company just changed its rates so that electricity costs about half as much on the weekends. I may have to give up my laundry-free Saturdays. Sigh.

X’s – Do you keep a daily list of things to do that you cross off?
I write lots of lists. And then I misplace them before I have the chance to cross them off. The really sad thing is that even when I find the lists weeks (or months) later, I still can’t cross off things because I still haven't done them. Sigh and smile.

Yard – Y/N?
Who does what?You guessed it, I’m sure. My husband does the yardwork.

Zzz’s – What is your last homemaking task for the day before going to bed?
Am I supposed to do a homemaking task before going to bed? Does brushing my teeth count?Lately, I’ve been falling asleep as I tuck in my babies. (You are supposed to get under the covers when you tuck in your babies, aren’t you?) I’m absolutely sure that loving your little ones to sleep is one of the essential tasks in making a good home. It’s certainly one of the most enjoyable.

********************************************************************

As I read this list over, I realize that it must look like I am a total slacker. I do admit that I did marry wisely. Can I be blamed if my husband likes to serve? In my defense, there are many things I do that weren't on the list...like, um...vacation planning...and, um...gift buying...and, well, I'm sure there must be many other things that I just can't think of right now. And despite how it sounds, my home is not dirty, just a bit, you might say, cluttered. Believe me, I would call Robin Puckertucker right now...if I could only find his number.

Just so you know, I do not take the vocation of being a homemaker lightly, and I really am aiming to be more like that Proverbs 31 gal. It's just not something that comes naturally to me in many ways. I absolutely love being at home with my kids, but I'm not that great at pulling it all together, primarily due to a lack of organization, self-discipline, and know-how.

My mother, God love her, was not exactly the best teacher of Homemaking 101. She was a gentle, easygoing mother of nine whose very phlegmatic nature would often lead her to choose lying down to read a novel over organizing the pantry or taking us to the beach (where she could lie on a blanket to read a novel) over scrubbing the bathroom. I can't exactly say that I blame her. More often than I'd like to admit, I follow in her footsteps, although I am more likely to turn on the computer than to open a book. (I'm working on it.) She did teach me that children were the most important part of life, and I can't imagine there is a homemaking lesson more significant than that.

One final thought...right before I graduated from Notre Dame, my dorm voted me Most Likely to Be a Happy Homemaker. Probably because they viewed me as too unambitious to have a real career. I can't think of any career that could ever make me happier. Now, this is Real.

(If you've read this far, let me applaud you for your endurance and thank you for your faithful readership, let me apologize for allowing this post to grow so long, and let me invite you to reexamine your priorities and your use of time. Obviously, I have the gift of gab like my dear children, at least when it comes to writing. Or perhaps it would be more appropriate to label it the gift of blab.)

As for the toss...I had planned to tag Karen, but she just couldn't wait. Is there anyone left who still wants to play? Kristina? Maria?

Everyone Should Be So Blessed

Happiness is having a helper like this in the kitchen.

She must have spent about 45 minutes scrubbing this sink---and it took me almost as long to get all of the suds rinsed away! I don't think that it has ever sparkled like this before. I know for certain that it was never tended to so joyfully.

And just in case a soccer game happened to break out in the backyard, she was ready with her little green whistle.