Bless me, Father

Last night while we were weeding the memorial garden at the soccer field George told me he wanted to go to the "confession stand".

I paused for a minute as that brought back some scary memories from my Catholic childhood. Then gave thanks that he wouldn't have to go through any of that. The "confession stand" is at the foot of the cross.

All he needed to know for now was that I didn't bring any money and it was closed anyhow.

What have I done to deserve this?

As mother-in-laws go, I have a pretty sweet deal. She cans. She quilts. She always remembers birthdays. She doesn't get involved in our blended family circus. She sends me sixteen year old vegetables(more on this story next week.)

But I must have done something lately that offended her horribly.

Last weekend, Kevin went to pick up an old Edison phonograph to sell and he came back with this cookie jar. When you open the lid it plays Joy to the World by Three Dog Night. LOUD! He informed me that she was thoughtful enough to install a fresh set of batteries.

George quickly decided it is a great place to store his Magnetix so this frog is singing repeatedly throughout my day. Did I mention how LOUD it is?

The fact that neither of them see anything wrong with a three year old singing about drinking wine bothers me too. Don't be too surprised if this frog encounters an accident real soon.

The Tadpole's Promise: a book to break your heart

My husband brought home the most horrible book for sweet George from the library. It's called The Tadpole's Promise by Jeanne Willis.

At first it appears to be an inter species love story between a boy tadpole and a girl caterpillar. The caterpillar drags a promise out of the unsuspecting tadpole to "never change." Nature takes it's course. The caterpillar gets pissed off and wraps herself up in a cocoon to get over it. The tadpole is mourning for her. When she emerges she decides to forgive him. She flutters down to the edge of the pond to find him.

(WARNING SPOILER: highlight the next cluster of white text to see what happens) I had been hoping for a tearful reunion but she quickly encounters the tadpole(now unrecognizable as a frog) who promptly EATS her(now unrecognizable as a butterfly)!!!
I have to admit, my son is loving this book. And there are a WHOLE bunch of deep lessons to be found in it.

Check it out of your local library.

Explore: The Hickories

509 Washington Avenue
Elyria, Ohio 44035

Phone: 440-322-3341



Yesterday we were treated to a tour of The Hickories on Washington Ave. in Elyria. Amazing! Only a few dollars a person and you get to see such a beautiful home. The walls in the front hall were actually coated in gold leaf!

The front porch was my favorite.

Hickories Museum Tours

Tuesday through Friday, 1:00-4:00 p.m.

Saturday, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Other times by appointment.

Admission: Adults $5.00

Ages 13-18 $3.00, Children 6-12 $2.00

(Children under 6 and LCHS Members FREE)

Money Matters - Consumerism

This week's topic in our church class on money was titled Consumerism. The leader had some simple instructions, starting with:

Spend Less Than You Make - step one to any successful money management plan

It Is Hard - especially if you have developed bad habits

No One Will Do It For You - this is a decision and exercise that we each must do for ourselves

Pay Attention -

• Read something regularly (book, magazine)
• List assets & liabilities
• Find net worth (assets minus liabilities)
• Track your spending
• Prepare a budget

List Your Life Goals

Laid Off - Now What?

No I'm not laid off, I still have both my day job and my 2nd job. But we are doding a "Money Matters" 6-week class at church and that was the title of last week's lesson. Here are the suggested steps.

1) Pray
2) Protect your family
3) Assess your situation
3a) Assets & liabilities
3b) Cashflow
4) Stop spending
4a) Quit Charging
5) Network
6) Explore all opportunities
7) Everybody over 12 contributes
8) Sell stuff
9) Avoid internet scams
10) Don't Wait

Hopefully I'll have time to expand on these but right now I need to read Matthew 6 to prepare for tomorrow's class.

Where has Sassy Beskey gone?

A couple of weeks ago George "named" his stuffed monkey. He told me he was Sassy Beskey. We had great fun over the next few days with this name. It is very much fun to say.

"Sassy Beskey, Eat your lunch!" "Does Sassy Beskey want a nap?" "Read a story to Sassy Beskey."

Well, yesterday George told me Sassy was gone. The monkey is now called Airplane Po. Not nearly as spectacular but it will do.