Simple Woman's Daybook, New Baby Edition (Jan 27, 2009)

FOR TODAY, Tuesday, January 27, 2009...

Outside my window... snow-covered prairie grasses and brilliant sunshine

I am thinking... That I have the most adorable baby boy lying next to me right now.

I am thankful for... Thomas Edmund Paul's birth Sunday night.

From the learning rooms... no school today. Just witnessing God's miracle with all the kids.

From the kitchen... Daddy & the kids made waffles and oatmeal this morning, and quesadillas for lunch. Mom made delicious chicken vegetable soup yesterday for lunch. It really hit the spot.

I am wearing... comfy pajama bottoms and a tomato-soup-colored v-neck top. Hair in a pony tail, socks & slippers.

I am creating... memories holding my little Thomas while he is little enough to be held.

I am going... to recover as quickly as I can!

I am reading... Nothing right now except the sweet expressions on Thomas's face.

I am hoping... We all get a little more sleep tonight.

I am hearing... coos from Thomas, computer typing from Ian (working from home today), a few sounds of quiet play from the older kids during the little kids' nap time.

Around the house... Everything is serene during nap time. The house is picked up, the dishes are mostly done, the laundry is pretty much caught up. Fr. Jeremy came Sunday night to bless the house and it does feel blessed.

One of my favorite things... cuddling with a brand new baby. The smell of a newborn - so sweet!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Sigh... no plans (bliss).

Here is picture thought I am sharing...


Go to The Simple Woman's Daybook blog to join in the fun and see other daybook entries. http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

That's my choir!

When Ian and I were in college at the University of Dallas, we sang with this awesome choir! This past Christmas the choir celebrated its 15th anniversary. In Italy. Without me.

Here is a video taken by one of the original choir members on the trip.

Collegium Cantorum live at Palestrina Duomo

Collegium Cantorum live at Santa Croce

I hope we can sing with them again soon!

Please read! CPSIA and how it might affect our lives

The Product Manager at our store has asked Aquinas and More affiliate bloggers to please post this letter and I urge you to put it on your blog as well, or at least link to mine so that as many people see it as possible. This could be devastating to many small businesses, including individuals who make and sell craft items for children in order to make a living.

Pass it on! ~Kitty

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Aquinas and More Sets Up CPSIA Central to Help Other Retailers

Colorado Springs, CO (January 20, 2009) – Aquinas and More Catholic Goods is announcing a new section of its blog, CPSIA Central, to help educate others about the CPSIA. This new law will affect Aquinas and More and many other retailers in the country, and the company is very concerned about the livelihood of other retailers who may not yet be well-informed about the law.

On February 10, 2009 the new law will go into effect and threaten many independent and small businesses. This law, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), mandates that every children's product – toys, books, apparel, CDs, and much more – marketed to and used by children aged 12 and younger be tested at an approved lab for a variety of toxins, including lead. This law is devastating to many small businesses who deal with or make children's items, because it requires testing to be done and documentation available by February 10 for retailers, or the products will have to be destroyed at that time. Testing isn't cheap – it can range from a couple hundred dollars to $4000 per item. Failure to comply with this law can result in a minimum fine of $100,000, and possibly even five years in prison. Retailers, suppliers, and manufacturers are all affected and responsible.

Somehow, this law is going largely unnoticed by the media and by many who will be directly affected once the law goes into effect. Aquinas and More Catholic Goods has set up a special section on its blog, Musings From a Catholic Bookstore, to help others educate themselves about this far-reaching law. CPSIA Central can be found at this address: http://catholicinformation.aquinasandmore.com/cpsia-central/. This page was set up because, while calling vendors to see what they were doing about CPSIA, Aquinas and More discovered that the majority had never even heard of this law and so are obviously unprepared. In the interest of helping as many as possible understand and prepare for this law, CPSIA Central includes important information and polls to gauge how this will affect people.

Aquinas and More has also included a list of vendors who are certified and those who have been contacted but are not yet certified. As most people have been blindsided by this law only recently, very few are compliant. Of the 27 vendors we have contacted at the time of writing this release, only two are prepared with products being tested and documentation forthcoming. 16 of those 27 are currently researching the law, and were largely unaware of it prior to our call. Aquinas and More has yet to hear back from nine of those who have been contacted. Because there has been so little information about this law in the media or anywhere else, most vendors will most likely not be prepared with the necessary testing and documentation in time for the deadline, which is now only three weeks away.

For more information about the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, check CPSIA Central frequently, as it will continue to be updated with the latest information. If you are a Christian vendor or retailer, please send Aquinas and More any updated information you might have so they can keep the information current on CPSIA Central.

About Aquinas and More

Aquinas and More Catholic Goods is the largest online Catholic retailer in the United States. We are committed to rebuilding Catholic culture through hundreds of articles and thousands of products in our online store (www.aquinasandmore.com). Good Faith. Guaranteed.

Contact:

Mike Davis, Product Manager

mikedavis@aquinasandmore.com

1-866-428-2820

Simple Woman's Daybook Monday, January 19, 2009

FOR TODAY MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2009...

Outside my window... Wind! Lots of sun, mud where the snow has melted.

I am thinking... that I am going to be pregnant forever. This baby has made himself comfortable and plans on staying where it's cozy for as long as he can.

I am thankful for... a husband who takes all the kids shopping while I am immobile.

From the learning rooms... we are starting week 18 tomorrow. The older girls are learning about Italy and several of the United States of America. Annie is weeks ahead in her Math book.

From the kitchen... Oops! I better get the pork roast into the slow cooker pronto!

I am wearing... MATERNITY JEANS and a pink MATERNITY T-SHIRT. Baby is getting big, so these jeans don't really fit any more.

I am creating... a new budget.

I am going... to have a baby...I am going to have a baby...I am going to have a baby....

I am reading... Jesus of Nazareth, How to Tell Stories to Children, and St. Paul: A Bible Study Guide for Catholics for my monthly book discussion on Wednesday.

I am hoping... to have a baby soon...I am hoping to have a baby soon...I am hoping to have a baby soon....

I am hearing... Margaret practicing her Irish Dancing and Annie singing Christmas songs.

Around the house... Pretty quiet, since Ian took all the kids except Margaret & Annie (who have colds).

One of my favorite things... Having everything done that I needed to do (not that that is a reality at the moment).

A few plans for the rest of the week: Have a baby, book discussion on Wednesday, have a baby, Midwife's home visit on Friday, Get the girls ready for their Irish Dance competition on Saturday morning and go to my own baby shower in the afternoon, Mass on Sunday and have Fr. Jeremy over for dinner and our Epiphany blessing (finally). Oh. And have a baby.

Here is picture thought I am sharing... This is Ian and me at a restaurant celebrating our 12th anniversary and my birthday.

Visit the Simple Woman's Daybook here and join in the fun! Add your own daybook entry and read others' entries: http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Nesting?

I have been "in labor" for almost a week now. I have had no energy, no stamina, no desire to get up for anything. Just intense contractions followed by fatigue, heartburn and weepyness.

Today I still have no desire, but somehow I have a little bit of energy. I managed to make a simple breakfast for myself and the kids, reheat leftovers for lunch without burning anything, put dinner in a crockpot (hopefully early enough), post two recipes, do laundry with the kids, help them with school work, rinse a few dishes and put them into the dish washer, supervise mopping, and balance my budget once again....

I know it doesn't sound like much, but it is a lot more than I have been able to do in several days. Sigh.

I also wanted to make some sourdough bread, but the smell of flour still bothers me (every pregnancy is different), so the sourdough will have to wait.

Chess Pie Recipe

This is a Southern classic. I have no idea why it is called "Chess" pie. If you know, please post a comment! This recipe comes from The America's Test Kitchen Family Cookbook. If you don't have one on your shelf, I HIGHLY recommend it! I have used many of the recipes in it and have yet to find a bad one. EXCELLENT!

Buttermilk Chess Pie

3/4 C. buttermilk
1/2 C granulated sugar
1/2 C. packed light brown sugar
6 Tbsp. (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
2 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
1 Tbsp. fine-ground cornmeal
1 Tbsp. cornstarch
1 Tbsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. salt
1 recipe for single-crust pie dough, fit into pie plate and chilled, but not baked.

Adjust oven rack to lowest position, place a rimmed baking sheet o the rack, and heat to 375 degrees. Whisk all of the filling ingredients together until just combined, then pour into the unbaked chilled pie crust. Bake on the heated baking sheet until the center is set and the top is golden brown, 40 - 45 minutes. Transfer pie to a wire rack to cool until warm or room temperature before serving. Serve as is, or with freshly whipped, unsweetened cream and fresh berries!

NOTE: This pie can be made 2 days ahead of time, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerated.

Rum Ball Recipe

I have been promising to post this (and other) recipe(s) for a while, so here it is. Mimi, the Chess Pie recipe is next I PROMISE!


RUM BALLS

2 boxes vanilla wafers (12 oz each), finely chopped in food processor
4 C. pecans (16 oz bag), finely chopped
4 C. powdered sugar
8 tsp. cocoa powder
6 tsp. light corn syrup
1 1/2 C. dark rum (or bourbon or brandy. I didn't have enough of any one thing, so I mixed rum and brandy. Hence, Rumdy Balls)

Mix all ingredients in a BIG bowl. Roll into balls by hand, and then roll the balls in regular sugar or cocoa powder or additional chopped nuts. Store in airtight container. Put in airtight tins or bags to give away as gifts.

Simple Woman's Daybook Monday, January 12, 2009

FOR TODAY Monday, January 12, 2009...

Outside my window... sun right before sunset, after a day of blizzard winds and snow!

I am thinking... that my baby will be born within a week of today.

I am thankful for... a warm bed, a loving husband who is willing to brave the snow to buy the week's groceries, and enough food in the pantry to last us a bit since the road conditions proved too much for him.

From the learning rooms... no formal school today, but the kids have been making things out of tissue paper, toothpicks, glue & Play Doh, and reading a lot of books.

From the kitchen... we made basic cookie dough last night and used cookie cutters to make the 3 Wise Men and teapot shapes. Then we "painted" them with egg yolk-and food coloring paints and baked them. They came out pretty nice!

I am wearing... maternity pajamas and socks, headband and glasses. No makeup today.

I am creating... Susan's Christmas stocking. I worked on it a little today. It is starting to look like something.

I am going... ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I ain't movin' until this baby is born, unless I suddenly get a great burst of energy and my bones don't hurt when I walk.

I am reading... Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover, Benedict XVI's Jesus of Nazareth, Joseph Pearce's The Quest for Shakespeare, and Your Pregnancy Companion.

I am hoping... the roads aren't bad this evening when Ian goes out for our weekly milk.

I am hearing... Susan (4) playing the piano and singing "Christ will die, Christ is Risen..."

Around the house... spare ribs baking in the oven with a yummy BBQ dry rub I made, kids finishing their chores (hopefully), and Ian taking a break from working on the computer.

One of my favorite things... Having Ian home when the weather is bad.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Birthing a baby.... Um, that's all. I have invited a couple over for dinner on Friday, which will ensure that I go into labor that day.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...
Visit the Simple Woman's Daybook home page and join the fun! http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Waiting for Baby

Tomorrow (Jan 9, 2009) is the 36-week mark of my pregnancy. I have trouble sleeping, I have heartburn, my joints hurt, and I am tired and weepy. And I am happy. I have a brand-new human being growing and kicking inside me, and soon, God willing, I will get to hold him in my arms. We will name this child and present him to the Lord on his baptism day.

The waiting, especially this close to my due date, is hard. I have so many things I want to accomplish before the blessed event, but not enough time, talent or treasure to do it all. I wish I could strip and polish the kitchen and bathroom floors (or better yet, replace them with something sturdier and easier to clean); replace the little bath tub that has no place to rest your head with something a little more comfortable and patch a hole in the big tub so water doesn't leak down beneath the house (or wherever the water goes); organize the garage with sturdy shelving and put everything away so that there's room for both cars and all the bikes, with easy access to everything; sew hems on the curtains throughout the house so they don't drag on the floor; prepare meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) in advance so that I don't have to cook anything for a while after the baby's born ....

The list could be eternal, but none of it is really important after all. Somehow I will survive if I can't relax in the small tub. Having boxes of Christmas decorations piled in the guest room for a little while longer will (probably) not kill me. Right now the important things are the children sitting around the table working on Math, the little ones playing with the toy kitchen pots under the same table, the hard-working husband making his business work, and the Mama thanking God for all these blessings and trials, because this is my path to heaven.

So I wait. Not always very patiently, not always the picture of serenity. But inside my soul is at peace. I sigh heavily under the weight of my growing belly, but I know God is with me every step of the way. I know He will be with me when this tiny miracle comes out to meet the world.

Simple Woman's Daybook, Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2009

FOR TODAY, Tuesday, January 6, 2009...
Outside my window... very sparkly snow in full sunshine! It is cold, but we have the shades open to let in all that glorious light and heat.

I am thinking... That I would like to have a turkey avocado sandwich for lunch, but I don't have any turkey or avocado. Sigh.

I am thankful for... my wonderful husband who literally drove us ALL over town yesterday (shopping day) and for the life that God has given me.

From the learning rooms... We are starting up school again after our nice Advent/Christmas break.

From the kitchen... My In-Laws, to whom I am already eternally grateful for all that they have done for our family, from raising their son to be a wonderful husband to helping him start and run his business, to taking care of our children and teaching them to tie their shoes,... these In-Laws gave us a Bosch kitchen machine for Christmas! I have pored through the owner's manual and can't wait to make something! Today it will be cookies, and often it will be bread!

I am wearing... maternity (of course) jeans, a burgundy maternity top that is getting tight! warm socks from Ian's drawer, and brown suede Mary Janes.

I am creating... a clean home after the busy Christmas season. The ornaments will come off the tree today, and we'll vacuum up all the needles. Tonight I will start sewing Susan's Christmas stocking for next year.

I am going... I actually already went yesterday - shopping and errand running. Went to the bike shop, the bank, grocery, Costco, library, and I don't even remember where else.

I am reading... the owner's manual and recipe booklet for my new Bosch! Ian got Jesus of Nazareth by Pope Benedict XVI and another book called How to Read Stories to Children for Christmas, and I think I am going to have to borrow them when he's done reading them.

I am hoping... that the baby is born soon.

I am hearing... the hum of the clothes dryer, the hum of Maria eating a piece of bread in her high chair, and an "Echoes of Spain" CD.

Around the house... Margaret & Annie flipping through reading books, Andrew arranging his knights with the new ones he got for Christmas, Maria singing to herself, Susan choosing a new CD.

One of my favorite things... NOT having heartburn!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Plan the week's menus and then REMEMBER to take things out of the freezer so it thaws before I have to cook them. Midwife tomorrow, friends over for a play date on Friday, chocolate party on Saturday (doesn't that sound wonderful? I can't wait to find out what it all means!)

Here is picture thought I am sharing...
Note the pregnant Mary BEFORE Dec. 25th!

Peggy is still on vacation this week (she'll be back next Monday), but if you want to find out how to add your Daybook entry to her list, go here: http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/