Just so you don't think we're perfect

Here you have it... Luke Francis Schafer is NOT perfect.  And neither is his mommy for leaving him unattended even for those few moments.  Unfortunately you cannot hear the sirens from the highway that seemed to chime in at just the right time in the scolding.  I've told Luke that the police come when people "Break the Law". I dub the police threat "hyperbolic discretionary parental expression" - kind of like telling kids there is a Santa Claus, but it does weigh on my conscience ever so slightly.

Similarly, I get a twinge of guilt when I say, "Only on paper.  We only draw on paper." As I pointed out in this specific instance yet again.  Especially considering my artistic inclinations and advocacy for creativity,  I think Elise, you're lying to the kid.  You know full well that crayons can be used on canvas, on eggs, on stones, on candles, and other countless mediums to produce a stunning and beautiful effect.

I found soon after this video and putting Luke down for his nap that crayon works on carpet as well.  Who knows where else I'll find the versatile blue wax tomorrow.  Nonetheless the mess cleaned up and I chalked the display up as normal developmental behavior for a 22 month old.

Augustine too is NOT perfect.  His otherwise adorable and pleasant demeanor has been marred by the appearance of his first diaper rash.  Nothing too serious and now that I've got experience I can do my best to eradicate it before it gets out of control.  Besides, it's probably my fault and an indication that we need to "strip" the cloth diapers with a couple extra hot washes to get rid of any soap residue which may be causing the irritation.

My beloved husband Pete, as rockin' awesome cool as he is, also is NOT perfect.  In fact, he is holding an important family treasure hostage...

Although Pete won the rights to the Gless Family Fantasy Baseball Champion trophy last year it never seemed sensible to cart the thing to Maryland and then back to Ohio.  The honorable statuary constructed from Pete's grandfather's standing ash tray and other nostalgic memorabilia sat inconspicuously at Grandma Schafer's for at least the past 8 months.  Pete "discovered" it there when he was picking Luke up just over a week ago while I was at work.  As you can see, it now sits prominently displayed in our dining room even though Pete came in near dead last in this year's competition.  Apparently, the rightful owner of the trophy resides in Florida.  Perhaps by ratting my husband out to such a broad audience will encourage the REAL champion to claim their prize and expedite its removal???

Last but not least, disputing popular belief, I, Elise Schafer, am NOT perfect.  I forgot to set out the name tag basket at RCIA for work last night, for goodness sake! AND I don't floss my teeth everyday!  (Although, I've started flossing more frequently given Luke's interest in the practice).  On top of all this,  I'm keeping secrets from my husband regarding his Christmas gift and have supported and implemented the "if it's yellow, let it mellow" philosophy for our household in attempts to conserve water!!!

I'm sure there are plenty of other shortcomings that people could add to the list. Or start generating a critical list of their own less than perfect tendencies.  When it comes down to it though, it is our imperfections that make us human.  That's not to say that we shouldn't strive for greatness, but rather take a step back and realize that those accidents, insufficiencies, mistakes, or blemishes in life provide countless opportunities for us to grow and learn. 

I'll be posting again soon with the news about my job and the vital statistics of Augustine's upcoming doctor's appointment but couldn't help sharing the little challenges of the day.

Peace for now.

Celebrate Good Times

Go Ahead...pump your fist in the air to that familiar groovy beat...Cel-e-brate Good Times C'MON! Regarding today even the trivial has been fabulous!  I got a jumpstart to the day and actually awoke before either of the little ones let out their morning whimpers.  Who knows what time exactly Pete arose but at the very least I need to commend his awesomeness.  A little zonked from a productive weekend last night I drifted off to sleep on the ultimate sack with Augustine.  Pete tended to Luke, washed the dinner dishes, and got the trash out to the curb before coaxing me into to bed for a more restful sleep.  Earlier in the evening he finished the dinner I had begun (after all, he is the pasta master) and spent some quality time with Augustine so that I could take Luke for a hour long walk around the neighborhood.

So for starters let's celebrate those amazing people in our lives that lend a helping hand, inspire the slightest smile, or smooth our ruffled feathers when we're spooked.

Secondly, can I get a hip! hip! hooray!!! for getting in a forty minute workout, showering, doing two loads of laundry, completing correspondence with tenant, unloading  the dish drainer,  bathing Augustine, settling two youngsters down for their afternoon snooze after preparing them lunch, and scrubbing the floor (a chore I've been trying to get to for over the last week)?  And another hooray! for getting this blog posted.

Although it's been just over three weeks since the next events of note I will say that some of the time was spent rounding up the digital images from the parties.  I forgot our camera for the first and was too involved in the second to take pictures.

Congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs. Stephen James Francis III !  On October 26th the older of my two brothers married his beautiful bride Sarah.

The Ceremonial Vows

Exiting the Church among bellringers

Luke doubly decked with dress-up clothes and ding-a-lings

Augustine at the wedding

 At the reception, Luke was enamored by the punch fountain and easily ran three miles while at the hall.  Pete and I split the time chasing after him and had considerable help from Aunt Tess.  Although I'm usually more than willing to get in a good workout, I can honestly say that my previous conditioning didn't do much to prepare me for the mile long jog in 3 inch heels which hadn't been employed for at least the past six months!

Luke groovin' with hula hoop and glowstick

Twistin' with Luke

 It was an eventful week getting Luke, Augustine and myself ready for the rehearsal dinner on Thursday night without daddy because he had conferences.  It was our first "formal" dress up outing since Augustine's birth and I won't pretend that I didn't spend any time agonizing about what could go wrong.

Of course, ten minutes away from the restaurant I hear a tiny voice implore "potty" from the back seat.  A tiny voice that is smartly dressed in khaki pants, orange and rust plaid button down, brown casual shoes, and big boy underwear. "Don't go yet." "Don't go yet!""We're almost there." "Don't go yet." begs mommy from the driver's seat. As we approach the road upon which LaZiza's sets we are greeted by the devastating reflective orange circles that accentuate the stark black and white phrase "ROAD CLOSED".

I repeat my frantic "Don't go yet" verse as I turn with the flow of traffic and pull into a nearby Wendy's, lug the boys through the duo of heavy doors and into the ladies' room.  Grandma Francis joined us outside the bathroom doors having been dropped off after my quick phone call to inform her of the situation and the likelihood that we would be a little late because of the extra stop.  Despite the minor detour the night went swimmingly and without accidents.

The couple days before the rehearsal dinner I had spent making cookies for the cookie table at the wedding.  Here is a picture of the "oopses".  Apricot pinwheels, peanut butter sandwich cookies, buckeyes, split second cookies with blackberry jam, and haystack invention I made with leftover chocolate from dipping the buckeyes.


The wedding was great as was the reception.  A good time was had by all and it was the first time Aunt Kate and Uncle Andrew, in addition to most of the extended family, got to meet Augustine.

The weekend continued with Augustine's baptism at Christ the Servant Parish on Sunday, October 28th during the 11 am Mass.  Aunt Tess and Uncle Adam Maione graciously accepted the role of Godparents and many family and friends came for the Eucharistic celebration and the luncheon to follow- even the new bride and groom.  We are abundantly blessed with people to help raise the boys in the Catholic faith!

Schafer baptismal gown tailored by Aunt Linda out of my wedding dress gets another showing!

Augustine John I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Augustine with Godparents

The happy crowd

More recently cheers have filled the Schafer household upon the acquisition of a quarter of a cow and a half of a pig from great Grandpa Taylor and the Wise family in Randolph respectively.  Not having the freezer capacity of our own Viceroy helped deliver our consumable cargo to the Maione residence for safe keeping.  Grandma Francis seized the opportunity to deliver an early Christmas present and dropped off a new chest freezer last evening to help store our wares.  She and Luke had fun playing in the box too.

 Luke is a little chatterbox as of late.  Some of his ramblings are near impossible to decipher but other words we can discern despite less than perfect pronunciation such as "Yute" for Luke, "booot" for book, "moat" for milk, "yid" for lid, "fin-yer" for finger,  "teet" for treat, and "Aw-eeee" for Auggie. Other words he says quite clearly are "happy" and "honey" which surprisingly enough the pediatrician suggested using as a remedy to help ward off the sniffles since most other over the counter medicines aren't suitable for children under 2.

Grandma Schafer must have been practicing with him too because when my mom held up a picture of Sr. John-Mark and her fellow desert nuns and asked who it was, Luke confidently replied "Sel-weee" on more than one occasion.

He's handling big brother responsibilities pretty well and helps out by "gently" shoving Augustine's pacifier in his mouth and even shares his blanket (which he now denotes as "body" for some reason) by laying it on his unsuspecting younger brother.  The habit of kisses on the top of the head that began at the hospital has continued. It's pretty darn cute.  So cute in fact that it escapes a scolding even though Luke insists on delivering at the most inconvenient times.

Big brother kisses on birth day

 Augustine does what six week old babies do-mainly eat, sleep, poop and grow.  We did do a little dance last night, however, when we finally got him to take a bottle successfully after a few failed attempts.  We were scared mommy and daddy's date night on November 24th for my 10 year high school reunion may have been kaboshed!

Although I don't have pictures to document it, he has also started smiling and interacting with "coos" and "goos" this past week.  He is awake and alert a fair amount of the day and at his one month appointment measured 22" long and weighed 11 lbs. 13 oz.

October 25th (20 days old)

15 days old (first day in cloth diapers)

3 weeks

5 weeks old

Last but not least it seems I have landed a part-time job.  I'm pretty excited about it and both Pete and I think it will suit our family well.  I should be starting up after the Thanksgiving holiday. Sorry for the suspense but I'll give more details at a later date once they are all worked out.  Plus I have to prepare for a talk I'm doing in Pete's classes tomorrow on marriage and discernment. (Come Holy Spirit :-)  !!)

So long for now but please do send along any happy news worth celebrating.

The Living Dead

Chugga-chugga, chugga-chugga, chooo! CHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!  I'm needing to let off a little steam.  It's been one of those mornings.  Luke was in a particularly sour mood and it doesn't help that both him and I are getting over a minor case of the sniffles.  His appetite has been non-existent and he even refuses his beloved milk.  Add in a dose of jealousy whenever I have Augustine in my arms and rasping, drooly, snotified weeping for some reason he can't even remember.  I did manage to get a few bites of food shimmied down his esophagus, a few books featuring green sheep, a scholarly mouse, and Tomie dePaolo's Poems read, and settled him down for a nap with some relaxing music and a soothing massage.  Then, of course, I started in on my daily dose of laundry only to discover that half way through the cycle I forgot to add the detergent...an awkward snort escaped from my lungs as a discombobulated combination of a cough, sigh and laugh.

In order to relieve some pressure and distract the depressant hormones I decided to ramble a bit and share some cute pictures before engaging in my workout which will sweat out the remaining nasty.

Because Augustine's Baptism and luncheon to celebrate conflicted with our neighborhood trick or treat time we teamed up with the other Schafer boys to tromps around their Grandma Wolverton's neighborhood.  With all the commotion of the week (my brother Stephen and Sarah's wedding and Augustine's baptism) I, regrettably, did not have time to manufacture clever, homemade costumes which I hope to do in the future and so extend my gratitude to Debbie and Anita for outfitting my boys for the Halloween festivities.

What have you done to me?

Mommy Lion Fish

 

Some of the Schafer boys

Furthermore, the challenging a.m. coincidentally increases my prayer time.  Lord, give me strength and patience.  Keep my voice calm and my hands tender so that I may be compassionate and loving in times of trial.  

Inspiration and hope soon leak in as I call to mind many I know that have conquered the housewife crusade.  In particular this week I remember my grandmother Barbara Taylor.  Grandma Taylor is my only grandparent that is deceased and I remembered her fondly this week as we celebrated All Saints' and All Souls' day.  The communion of saints is a glorious belief that I have only come to understand more fully in the recent past. 

As I watched my own mother floss her teeth during our Saturday visit the vivid memories of my grandmother with floss dangling from her teeth, her weathered hands grasping the tops of our heads as we paraded through the threshold, the no-questions-asked tone of "Eat your apple.", and the rosary tangled around her knotted knuckles in the pew in front of us at church inundated my mind.   Barbara raised ten kids of her own (4 boys and 6 girls (including my mother who is a twin- I mean, my mom alone would be trying but add in another with identical genetics-YIKES  ;-)  !!!!) And had upwards of 30 grandchildren before she died in July of 2005.

I certainly have moments where my grandmother's presence is unmistakeable even though her feet no longer connect with the earth.  It is amazingly comforting and fortifying knowing our prayers are united with countless, holy people both living and dead.  All of us are called to holiness whether we are St. John of the Cross,  Blessed JPII,  or Joe Schmo that sat in the last seat of the third row in your third grade class.

To celebrate the holy day of obligation,the Solemnity of All Saints, on November 1st,  Luke, Augustine, Grandma Schafer and I joined Pete and the student body for Mass at Archbishop Hoban High School. The female faculty and staff went GaGa over the two little ones as did many of Pete's students who had only seen digital proof of their existence up to that point.  After Mass we had a smidgen of time to explore daddy's classroom and snap a few non-traditional school photos.

All Saints...Pra-ay for us!

Class at Hoban

Front of the class

Telling secrets during the lecture

We've been caught!

Wishlist

#1 Couch for the living room - CHECK!

It arrived last Tuesday on the truck complete with the extra stain protection.  As we waited for the delivery my concern escalated about whether it would actually match with our decor.  It actually ties everything together marvelously in the front room and it has added extra charm and character since Pete dubbed it amoeba print-another unicellular, animal-like protist that moves using psuedopods or "false feet"- without any hints from me.  I believe the real term would be paisley.

Thank you to McKinney's Furniture Outlet for a wonderful, hassle free shopping experience and friendly delivery folks that were kind and careful not to track mud through our house on delivery day!

New couch

Did someone say Amoeba?

#2 Plain Stone Statue of Blessed Mother (24-36")
#3 Stone Statue of St. Francis (24-36")
#4 Subscription to Magnificat
#5 Cricut Cartridges (specifics to come)
#6 Cookie Press
#7 Pastry bag and other frosting piping equipment
#8 Cheesecloth
#9 New kitchen (this one will require plenty of patience and prayers and not expected in the near future :-))
#10 Carcassonne extension pack (princesses and dragons or towers and something...there are many options)
#11 Tea Kettle

Job's Job Performance Evaluation

I had intended to write this post before #2 was born.  Considering the little booger decided to extend his stay in the womb I really don't have an excuse.  I resolved to still do the post to paint a picture of general mood around the Schafer household leading up to Augustine's arrival.  We kept pretty well to ourselves after September 25th basically to prevent any false sense of excitement when others saw our number show up on the caller I.D.

Overall preparation and readiness (please rate on a scale from 1-5> 1= poor; 5=excellent) 
 Week 39:  5
I was looking for any and all suggestions.  I had consumed copious amounts of pineapple, added extra spice to practically every dish, did research about other popular "home remedies" to get labor started and planned our menu to include popular suggestions like eggplant parmesan, roast beef sandwiches with horseradish (dinner the night my water broke with Luke) and muffaletta the classic sandwich from our trips to New Orleans which we served at a Mardi Gras party the Saturday before Luke was born and that Pete was eating as a packed leftover he had brought to the hospital after Luke's arrival.  

Arrabiatta! Eggplant Parmesan

 I also got my hair chopped, planted the fall crops in the garden, took Luke for walks everyday, chased him around the playground, scrubbed floors and adopted other  "active" exercises both individually and with my workout partner. 

Bags were packed for the hospital, car seat was installed in Domestique, Pete's sub plans were done, and as far as I could tell I was prepared mentally for the baby's arrival.

Attending daily Mass at either Christ the Servant Parish or Walsh University for the two weeks leading up to the due date brought little hints from Ecclesiastes "there's a time to be born and a time to die".  Surely I would go into labor THAT night.  The week of the due date was spent with a series of readings from the book of Job.  Which I vividly remember pronouncing as "job", as in an occupation or workplace, when I was practicing with my dad for a reading I was chosen to do for Mass at Immaculate Conception School in 2nd grade.

Job endured a pretty rough life and boy did we hear about it in the Scriptures.  There I sat 39.5 weeks pregnant and listening to Job's life being brought to shambles.  His land, his goods, his family were all destroyed in a single day and yet he still had faith.  Unfortunately some of the readings throughout the week were ended before the message of hope and faith were conveyed leaving me feeling somewhat lost and forlorn.  I got mixed reactions from my fellow community members encountering comments as I walked through the church doors like "I was hoping we wouldn't see you here today" and "Just think of all the graces the baby is receiving by coming to Mass everyday!"

39 weeks- Are you ready yet? Because I am!

Completes tasks in a timely, efficient manner (please rate on a scale from 1-5> 1= poor; 5=excellent)
Original Deadline: 2
The doctor allowed me to go one week past my due date of September 29th.  I was not particularly keen on being induced.  As long as baby was well, I would have preferred to allow labor to begin naturally.  But alas, at my appointment on Thursday, October 4th the doctor did his usual check and then hooked me up to a monitor for a "non-stress" test.  I got a piece of hard candy out of the deal and the baby made some intense shifts as they secured the straps around my belly and then I guess promptly fell asleep because after about 5 minutes without other movements from the baby Dr. Bazzoli was not satisfied and sent me across the street for a STAT biophysical test.  He said I would be rated on four criteria and if I scored a 2 or a 4 he would send me right up to labor and delivery to be induced.

Essentially, the test was an ultrasound where they looked primarily for at least one pocket measuring 2cm. of amniotic fluid, muscle tone (baby flexing and arm or a leg), significant movements (spin or rotation), and a breathing motion like a hiccup.  The tech told me that the test could take five minutes but they allotted 30 minutes for the baby to complete the necessary tasks.  Number 2 finished the test in 7 minutes.

I was also told that because the test was ordered STAT I was not permitted to look at the screen and they couldn't tell me the results.  This was particularly frustrating...After all, it was me and my baby they were poking and prodding at!!!  I understand she was just doing her job though and I must comment that Angela, the tech, as well as the others I encountered at Mercy Medical Center were pleasant and made me feel relaxed and comfortable. I went back to the lobby and waited for the call from my doctor.

Building upon his previous comment at his office imploring that I be induced Friday morning because if I went into labor in the afternoon he wouldn't be there because he was attending his nephew's wedding in Cleveland- the doctor informed me that I "passed the test" but he still wanted to induce because my fluid was low.  Sounds simple enough but he added in a few degrading comments which had me flustered and no joke- hung up on me mid sentence as I began asking a question about our child's wellbeing.  Luckily, I did have the opportunity to communicate that I would like to talk with my husband before proceeding in any way prior to this rude gesture.

I returned home to Luke and Grandma Schafer with puffy eyes and aggravation.  After a brief update Grandma Schafer quickly got back on the phone and corrected her earlier news to family that the baby didn't have a heartbeat and to pray pray pray.  This update had made it all they way out to the professional pray-ers of the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration in Tonopah, Arizona.  Apparently, some of my news when I called Grandma as I was heading over to the hospital for the biophysical was lost in translation.  Although, I was put on edge for having alarmed others and struck them with unnecessary worry I was overwhelmingly grateful that the baby DID have a heartbeat and found a moment to pray for all the mothers that may have been or ever will be given that news.

September 29th (due date) Family outing to Arrowhead Orchard- Lots of walking, bumpy hayride, challenging corn maze and scrumptious apples and cider.

After interrupting Pete's school day to discuss our options we decided to go ahead and schedule the induction for the next day.  When I called the doctor back to set things up he continued to cause my blood to boil by calling me "Elsie" which I despise (EXCUSE ME!! but haven't I seen you every week for the last 7 weeks and you have my papers right in front of you and you can't even say my name right!!!!!) he added other scathing remarks like, "So, your husband talked some sense into you, huh?" before the conversation was over but the deed was done and baby Schafer #2 was to be urged out with some chemical persuasion early the next morning, Friday, October 5th. According to one of Pete's students this is the day the most babies are born statistically. I was not so secretly hoping that #2 would decide to grace us with his presence that evening which would have been appropriate as the feast of St. Francis and the anniversary of when Pete and I started dating not all that many years ago.  Hey...a girl can hope right?

Needless to say, should the good Lord bless us with more children I will be looking for yet another doctor.  Does anybody have any recommendations in the Canton area?  Any insights into possible midwives?

Labor and Delivery:4

It's a plain fact that childbirth hurts. It would be a lie to say I didn't experience some doubts and discomfort throughout the process but overall Augustine's birth was far less laborious.  They started the pitocin at 8am.  The doctor had "guaranteed" that we would have a baby by 2pm.  My sentiments toward the doctor continued to wane as he responded to my desire to do things "as natural as possible" with "Well, we could go outside and lay you down in the grass if you want natural" with a sarcastic laugh.   Okay, I'm done dwelling on the poor experience with the doctor.

To keep my mind occupied while strapped to various medical apparatus I helped Pete grade tests for his sacraments classes.  We seriously discussed transubstantiation and chuckled at some of the responses of his students knowing full well that it's not the easiest concept to grasp.  

Around 11am the contractions were pretty close and I forced myself to complete grading the last few tests.  I also discussed some options for pain management with the nurse.  She administered some Nubain through the IV which helped "take the edge off" and definitely helped me to be less tense.  Soon thereafter, the room was flooded with doctor and nurses and it was time to push.  At 1:02 pm they announced the arrival of a baby boy.  Augustine John Schafer (a.k.a. Auggie or A.J.) .  8lbs. 6 oz. 20 inches long.

Even though Pete declined the option to cut the chord in effort to "keep things even" (he didn't cut the chord for Luke)...the doctor placed the scissors in his hands and told him to cut.

Welcome to the World Augustine!

They gave us what they call "The Golden Hour" in which I held Augustine and gave him the opportunity to latch on for the first time.  It was glorious and wonderful but a little awkward as we had to wait for them to take the vital measurements.  By 3pm we were all moved and situated in our overnight suite.

The Golden Hour

This is how it is Dad

Comparatively, I felt marvelous.  It's a no brainer really considering labor for Luke was 25 hours vs. the 5 for Augustine so I wasn't nearly as exhausted. I also had an epidural with Luke not knowing there were other reasonable options.  The personnel at Mercy were fabulous and friendly and they were very supportive of us checking out "early" as soon as all the "tests" and checks were complete.  We were back at Spangler introducing Augustine to his new home by 5pm on Saturday, October 6th. 

Alleluia!

Nice ride to the pad

Works collaboratively with others (please rate on a scale from 1-5> 1= poor; 5=excellent)
4.75
Groupwork is not really my strongpoint but I must say that I get along rather well with my teammates these days.  We are quite the crew and I don't mind all that much that I'm the only lady.  Luke came to meet his brother Augustine on Friday evening at the hospital with Aunt Tess and Uncle Adam.  He was more excited about the shiny helium balloon and candy Grandma Schafer bought and the buttons on the hospital bed at first but he eventually realized there was another new presence.  Thank you to all those that helped with Luke while we were minding Augustine in the first 48 hours.  It was nice to have a little time to get the new Schafer boy situated but we also missed the antics of Luke in his absence.  We had plenty of visitors in the first week and are very grateful to be living back close to most all of our family.

Blessed Family

Schafer boys

 Pete ended up taking three days off of work having prepared some substantial sub plans and he made me fall in love with him all over again.  He spent plenty of time in the kitchen and took-on his fair share of dirty diapers.  Below is a photo of one of the "humble" dinners he prepared.  He's becoming quite the culinary artist.  Man of God. Loving husband and father. And handy helper around the house.  What more could a woman ask for?

Cilantro Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa, Rice, and Squash Casserole

Open to innovation and creativity 

Praise be to God Creator of Heaven and Earth!
How blessed are we to share in the wonders of your creation?
We are your humble servants and strive to do your will.
May our faith stay strong and spread to the little lives you have entrusted us with.
Protect our family and keep us mindful of your binding love that heals all pain and brings us to salvation.
Grant that we become one with Christ's sacrifice placing the needs of others before our own and trust in the Holy Spirit to guide us in our actions and words as parents and guardians to these precious children.

Amen.  Alleluia!

Blog Brainstorm

Coming Soon...

• Job's Job Performance Evaluation
• Bringing up Babies
• Two Penny Pick-up Day
• Folding the fitted sheets
• Wishlist
• The Living Dead
• If you give a mouse a cookie
• Naked butt bridge
• Celebrate Good Times 
• You Learn Something New Everyday

CriCut Craft Collections

I've started experimenting with my Cricut and am putting it to good use to do some footprint cut-outs for the upcoming Diocesan Youth Convention.  I'll be adding pictures periodically and comments, of course, of various creations and projects.  Here also is a list of the cartridges I have access to since my sister Tess has a Cricut as well.  Tess's inventory is listed in black and I've just started adding some cartridges of my own (listed in the purply? or purpley? color).  I'm looking forward to fiddling around with them soon.

Cartridge Library Catalog: (last updated 11/3/2013)

• Camp Out
• Doodlecharms
• Animal Kingdom
• Accent Essentials
• Plantin Schoolbok
• Celebrate with Flourish
• Going Places
• New Arrival
• Sports Mania
• Calligraphy Collection
• Mothers' Day Bouquet
• Create a Critter
• Tie the Knot
• Tags, Bags, Boxes and More 2
• New Testament
• Robotz
• Wildcard 
• Victorian Romance
• Frame of Mind
• Mini Monsters
• Art Deco
• Noah's ABC Animals
• Destinations
• Winter Frolic
• Olé  

Goal-AH!- Goal-Ah! Goal-Ah!

Thursday, October, I mean, November 8th.

I was a little embarrassed when I had to ask the poll volunteers for the actual date.   My life seems more defined now my "milestone" events rather than a numeric designation.  At least I remembered it was the day that I needed to vote.  I suppose it comes with the stay-at-home mom territory where I don't need to write the date up on the dry-erase board and I'm not looking at my calendar to plan a test or count down until my next day off.

To comment on my previous goals:  My mathematical calculations earn me a 45% by any scholastic standards my GPA would be disastrous with such efforts!  Alas, there is always room for improvement.  Goal number 1 from my last post was just shy of an utter failure.  I did manage to start Gone with the Wind and made it through chapter 1 but that is about it.  I could argue based on semantics to say I accomplished the goal because I did read in the past two weeks but am nowhere near completion.  I am interested in the novel though and do intend to persevere.

As for the workouts... I managed to do 4-3-2-1 circuits 9 out of the last 14 days.  I usually linked three circuits together and managed a fourth one day when the boys were cooperative. If it were open for negotiation,  I did succeed if you are willing to give me credit for chasing Luke around the reception hall (easily racked up 3 miles in heels) and dancing and the trick-or-treat trek. But, I tend to be hard on myself so I'll hit the wah-wah button.

In retrospect I didn't set myself up for success in posting these two goals just before the weekend of my brother's wedding and Augustine's baptism.  Our busy social calendar served as quite the obstacle for both "leisure" activities.

New goal:
1. Work on Luke's and Augustine's baby books and/or write some tidbits in their journals at least once a week for the next four weeks.

Amended goals:
1. Finish Gone With the Wind within the 5 renewal limit offered by the library.
2. Organized/Structured DVD workout 4 days a week.  That way I can use a nice walk around the neighborhood or yardwork as my 5th.




This shall be a work in progress.  A place to set some simple goals but give me a little more motivation since they are posted for all the world to see.

Thursday, October 25th (starting out simple)
1.) Read Gone With the Wind in the next two weeks. I'd like to read more in general although it's never been a big hobby of mine in the past.  Why start with this insanely long novel?  Well, one of my past students inspired me and I remember checking the classic out from the library the summer before my freshman year of high school.  It sat on the shelf of my closet and I renewed it religiously every two weeks for about 8 weeks never getting past the first chapter.  So to overcome that utter failure all those years ago I'm starting with Gone With the Wind. Other titles I hope to conquer before the end of 2012 would be St. Thomas Aquinas's On Faith and Reason, Screwtape Letters  by C.S. Lewis (a book I borrowed from a classmate in grad school that I ought to return- ahh that would be nice), and then starting in on a series of four books about the women in the Bible.

2.) Make sure to get in at least a little workout 10 out of the next 14 days.  I've decided to build up gradually and hold off on the Turbo Jam or Billy Blanks' Bootcamp for a bit but that will be part of the motivation to get to the more exciting and fun workouts.  Starting out with 4-3-2-1 which is a series of 10 minute workouts.  It's quite suitable when you have children that demand attention so I can sneak in a short sweat and hook more than one circuit together if the boys are occupied.

Let me know if you have any title suggestions or cheer me on with my workouts.  Ideally, I'll be able to find a workout partner but for now I must persist so as not to embarrass myself in the public blogging sphere.

Tribute to Luke

 Today is the feast day of St. Luke.  Praise God for grandparents who help keep me on my toes.  Grandma Schafer called us up to set up a little outing.  And so I packed up Luke and Augustine and joined Grandma and Grandpa Schafer at 11:30 Mass at Walsh University to celebrate.  They also took us out to lunch afterwards and I pulled out the cookbook to make a simple yellow layer cake for this evening. 

TAH-DAH!

In 2nd Timothy we heard from Paul who is imprisoned.  Many of Paul's other companions deserted him, but apparently, Luke was present.  Paul sends for Mark as well and although estranged by most, Paul proclaims "But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength...".  Fr. Anselm also added the words of wisdom of John Wayne in his cowboy days by stating something along the lines of "Courage is fearing for your life but saddling up anyway".

For the birds...

In the gospel for today (Luke 10:1-9) Jesus gets his disciples "saddled up" and sends them out, "The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few..."  The disciples are to travel without money, sack, or sandals and depend on the hospitality of strangers as they minister to the sick and preach about the Kingdom of God.

Choo-choo chuckles

Stand Tall

Even though Pete and I are indeed Star Wars fans, and Luke's cousins were ecstatic knowing surely that we named our first son after Mr. Skywalker, we must give more credit to St. Luke, the evangelist and physician.  Luke writes "everyman's gospel" and gives particular attention to the outcasts of society including women, the sick, the poor, and the Gentiles.

When I was pregnant with Luke, coincidentally, I was teaching numerous religious education standards to my 7th graders about Luke's Gospel which included  comparing and contrasting  the infancy narratives.  There Luke highlights characters like Elizabeth, Mary, and the shepherds whereas Joseph and the magi get more attention in the other accounts.  The evangelist's focus on humility and social justice helped us to select him as Luke's namesake.

Still, Pete enjoys using the line 'Luke, "I am your father." :-)

Eye to Eye

Bubble Brigade

Hip, hip hooray for our first son Luke Francis Schafer as he celebrates his feast day!  We hope you enjoy(ed) the pictures- most of which came from an 18 month photo-shoot that we solicited Aunt Tess and Uncle Adam for capturing his natural cuteness.  We have some prints so if you want us to send one your way let me know.

Grass is green.  The sky is blue.  It's such a beautiful day!

Pail and shovels

Pumpkin Selection Process at Arrowhead Orchard

Luke Francis Schafer: Born March 9, 2011