Groupon

Check out the awesome deals in Wichita!
http://www.groupon.com/r/uu13989415

Wisconsin Chapel Approved As First Us Marian Apparition Site

http://www.ewtn.com/vnews/getstory.asp?number=109982

I am so excited about this!! We have family near there, so I think we may try and make a pilgrimage there this spring or summer.

1. Finally cleaned out the fridge...it's a little embarrassing how many empty sour cream and margarine containers were in there.
2. I was able to stick to a pretty tight budget this week...I admit I haven't done that enough lately;)
3. Cleaned out my scary purse...seriously, I can't figure out how crumbs get in there! I swear I don't eat over my purse!

Wednesday Whinefest

• Okay, I don't know how to "link up" to all the other whinos out there, but here is my version today.

• First of all, the faucet that we got the "great deal" on craigslist, leaks!! So we had to buy a new one.
• Then, the garage door opener only likes to work sometimes, it doesn't like cold or windy days.
• We called our favorite garage door service establishment and made an appointment for today.The guy came bright and early and finished in record time, only to tell me that he's not the one to fix the door, just the spring replacer guy. UHGGGA! So now we have to wait until next week to schedule another guy to come out and actually fix it.
• We put our Christmas tree up and let the kids decorate it, but Charlie keeps pulling all the ornaments off and ripping down the pearl strands, it looks like someone set up the tree, then opened the lid to the ornament box and threw them point blank at the tree with hurricane force. Fa..La..La..La..La..La..La..La..flop!
• Our 2 oldest boys served Mass for the Holy Day, but apparently need a refresher serving course..or 2 or 3. We are blessed to have such a patient pastor.
• Thankfully everyone is over the stomach flu!! YAY! But now everyone is coming down with a cough and a cold. A little early Christmas gift I guess;)
• After 38 years in existence, I still don't like Math, and dislike teaching it even more!
• Dear Lord, your gift arrived, but unfortunately, I think there has been some sort of mix up, I asked for well-behaved children, but instead you sent a lesson on patience. What is your return policy?

Beauty is the Eye of the Believer

The kids decorated the tree all by themselves!!
Over the years, I have let go of perfection and each little
drooping ornament, crowded branch, backwards/upside down decoration is a symbol of the kids' anticipation,  Christmas joy and expectation and my "not having to fix it" is my tiny little sacrifice of love for their efforts. Through the eyes of the kids, it is the" most beautifullest Christmas tree ever!"

Bubble Machine

                                      .

Benny and Charlie received a bubble machine for the bathtub. Here is a conversation from the other day:
Mommy: "What is that awful smell? Charlie, did you do poop-poops in the tub"?
Charlie: Shakes head no.
Benny: (pointing at the bubble machine)" Hey Mom, that's not the only bubble machine in the tub, you see, my butt is also a bubble machine."
Mommy: "Nice."

Christmas Photo Fun

Well...not really fun per se...but it was quick, a little chilly, and HEY everyone had their eyes open!! SUCCESS!