Journal

Home at Last

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The tumultuous month following finals seems to be drawing to a close. The move is complete, wifi is installed, and most belongings are accounted for and restored to a partial state of organization. It seems that when change comes, it comes all at once, and not in stages that could be much more smoothly managed. I had envisioned the time after graduation as a calm restoring of balance post finals, but instead it has been a wild shuffle of getting things in order. But it seems to be nearly finished now. The in between dwelling filled with stacks of boxes is beginning to look like home.

Be Back Soon!

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The lull in amount of posting  is due to the fact that I have been in the process of moving this month, and my new home does not have internet yet. I hope to have everything settled down soon so I can spend some time here again!

{phfr} – last week of school

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{pretty}

This rosemary is the first potted plant I’ve been able to keep alive indoors longer than six weeks:

{funny}

Me and my sister last week.

My neighborhood was up for the local free junk pickup, and I saw this table in a pile by the side of the road. I instantly ran over to inspect: it was in definite need of some TLC, but was solid wood and nothing was broken.

I immediately knew I wanted to salvage it, and quickly called my sister on the phone. “Maria, come help me get this table! It’s won’t fit in my car!”  She did, and now we both swear by dumpster diving. The two of us must have made a funny sight pushing the table into the back of the truck, where it just fit. I have no experience whatsoever refinishing furniture, but it appears I am going to learn.

 

{happy}

No picture, but finally found a good place to live after graduation!

{real}

Again, no picture. Just use your imagination to envision the state of my desk and room through finals week.

 

A Sucker by any Other Name

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The name of of a certain brand of suckers has provided a lot of comic relief for the family lately.

Dum-dums have been Mom’s first line of defense for long car rides, since it provides the longest distraction for two year olds for the least amount of sugar. Benjamin enjoys them so much that Dad has taken to saving a stash for him. Benjamin knows this, and the suckers are on the forefront of his mind whenever he sees Dad.

It is a well known fact that long periods of silence and small children can be an unruly combination. The stretches of quiet in the EF Mass at our parish have always been a challenge for the babies. Now, whenever Benjamin sees Dad in the choir loft or the back of the church, he says in a clear voice, audible to the whole congregation:

“Daddy! Dum-dum.”

…which has a slightly different meaning if you don’t know the context of what he is saying.

Easter’s Octave-one birth, and one death

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Happy Eastertide!

Surrexit Christus hodie! Christ is risen today, Alleluia!

It is a beautiful week for the octave (eight days following) of Easter. Daffodils are in full bloom and birds are sitting on their eggs, so it seems a fitting time to celebrate our new life in Christ’s resurrection.

I am on the countdown of the last month till graduation. This week will see my last clinical day, when I work in the hospital as a student nurse. I am greatly anticipating the end of 5 am mornings coupled with hours of school reports afterward. I know I will be back to the hospital in July-as a full fledged nurse.

My final clinical rotation has been on the labor and delivery floor, it has been an amazing experience. I have been waiting for my Maternal and Fetal health class since the beginning of freshman year, and the unit did not disappoint. There has been an endless supply of newborns to hold, and I have loved caring for the tired but happy mothers.

During my time the unit I was privileged to assist at a birth, and additionally powerful experience since that the birth was during Holy Week, in the midst of the Triduum. As my lead nurse and I cared for the patient at the bedside, my mind was brought repeatedly to the verses of scripture referencing a woman’s experience of childbirth. The day left me keenly aware that the joy of the entrance of a new life must occur in the midst of great suffering. I recalled the words spoken  in the Garden of Eden.

In sorrow will you bring forth children ~Genesis 3:16

And as I had just heard the Gospel read which told of the agony Our Lord in the garden, I remembered that I had often heard of the parallels between Eden and Gethsemane, which was not unlike the dread I had witnessed in the patient.  I also thought of how similar language is used in the New Testament to speak of both labor and the Passion.

A woman, when she is in labour, has sorrow, because her hour is come ~ John 16:21

Christ often spoke of His coming suffering on the cross as His ‘hour’. The joy of Easter was coming, but first He had to bear the angst of Gethsemene, blood loss of the scourging, and finally undertake several hours of strenuous work as he suffered death on the cross. (One undergoing crucifixion must lift themselves by their arms and legs in order to take a breath, due to the extremely unnatural posture and weight distribution (1.)

The Crucifixion by Hans con Aachman

It was in the garden that both the pain of childbirth and the coming of Savior was promised to undo the evil that had entered the world.

I will put enmities between thee and the woman, and thy seed and her seed: He shall crush thy head, and thou shalt lie in wait for His heel. ~Genesis 3:15

I stood nearby my patient as climax of her struggle approached, unable to do anything more to help or assist her. Not long after, the world heard the first cries of a new voice in the world, and it was beautiful. As we sung the joyous hymns at Easter Mass, I kept in mind that Jesus compared the joy that would accompany His resurrection would be like the joy of a new mother.

But when she is delivered of the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a child is born into the world. So also you now indeed have sorrow; but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice; and your joy no man shall take from you. ~ John 16:22

Resurrection of Christ by Hendrick van den Broeck

(1)Medical Aspects of the Crucifixion

 

Holy Thursday

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Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est.
Congregavit nos in unum Christi amor.
Exsultemus, et in ipso jucundemur.
Timeamus, et amemus Deum vivum.
Et ex corde diligamus nos sincero.

Where charity and love are, God is there.
Christ’s love has gathered us into one.
Let us rejoice and be pleased in Him.
Let us fear, and let us love the living God.
And may we love each other with a sincere heart.

(Gregorian hymn often sung during the washing of the feet.)

 

Arrowhead Park

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I live in the largest city in my state, but small slices of nature are never far away. A variety of parks nestle through the city, providing many places for a brief retreat from urban life. Though not too far-there is always the noise of a busy highway humming in the background. But the birds and insects don’t seem to mind.

 The hilly area slopes towards the river, giving one of the highest views in the area. 

I never know what will be waiting for me when I pull off the busy road. Damsel flies bustle about their daily business, snakes make their way to the warm cement paths to warm in the sunbeams, and I have even seen an oriole gathering materials for a nest.  Oblivious, the cars pass by on the winding highway. Even the people passing by on the trails don’t seem to see.I must be easily amused, since I find myself easily drawn into contemplation of a rock full of lichen-who knows how old? Or fascinated by a birdsong as the wild South Dakota wind whips the grass.

The weather just warm enough now to leave bulky coats behind, and the landscape is still mostly a lackluster brown, but a closer look showed the scenery coming to life all around. I stopped to walk around this local park built on the remains of a pink quartzite quarry. The city is now working to restore the natural grassy plains and wildflowers, though a nearby historical marker pays tribute to the days when workers pushed the large stone blocks onto the train tracks to ship, as well as those who died in the days of those treacherous working conditions.

 Featured plantings of pasque flowers were blooming there amidst the dried grasses of last summer. They are a local prairie wildflower, though more commonly found on the Western side of the state. The purple pasque is also the state flower, and I’d never seen one in person before, so it was a pleasant surprise. They were small, subtle glimpses of beauty as they peered from their brown surroundings.

 

Creating Stepping Stones with Seashells

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Shells are fun to collect at the beach, but it’s hard to know how to use them once buckets have been brought back. Filling glass bowls with them is pretty but cliche, and also not kid friendly. Instead, we used them with an inexpensive stepping stone kit. All my younger brothers and sisters wanted to help create the pattern. The finished product was a garden treasure everyone could enjoy.

Preliminary designs were traced out on the countertop:

seashells as flower petals and spirals.

We used some leftover glass from a stepping stone kit, and I let the kids make the designs. We then followed the instructions on the cement package, placing the stones and shells in the same pattern and then pouring the cement over them in the frame.

We used some leftover glass from a stepping stone kit, and I let the kids make the designs. We then followed the instructions on the cement package, placing the stones and shells in the same pattern and then pouring the cement over them in the frame.

Lenten Wreath

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Decorating on a college student budget brings an interesting challenge. It causes me to see small objects and knick knacks in a different light. Rather than just looking at something as it is, I find myself asking, “How could I use this? How many different ways?”

One of my favorite embellishments has been this grapevine wreath. These are popular right now, so it’s hardly an original idea, but the number of ways to use it is limited only by the imagination, and presents endless opportunities for creativity. I enjoy changing out the ‘toppings’ woven into the vines to mark the changes in the seasons of the year.

To mark the weeks of Lent, I have a left most of the wreath bare. The stark wood reminds me of both the wood of the cross and the woven crown of thorns. The purple flowers show the traditional color of Lent, and the wrought iron cross is formed by two nails.

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{pretty, happy, funny, real}

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{pretty}

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spring vegetables! Baked asparagus is one of my favorite side dishes.

{happy}

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This tiny seedling doesn’t look like much, but it’s a beautiful sight at the end of the South Dakota winter. See it in the second cup to the left?

{funny}

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Benjamin is trying to do everything for himself. He especially likes running the buckle to his highchair. He has caught the edge of his finger in it several times, so whenever he is about to put the clasp in he says in a cautious, almost pained voice, “piiinch”. Except he says, ‘peeennch’.

{real}

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Real life = plastic dishware, because the dishwasher is broken at the moment. Again. Large families definitely get their money’s worth on warranties.

 

Whole Wheat Waffles

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Grey day, chilly weather, all children gone from the house for the homeschool co-op classes. They would be home around lunchtime-and hungry.When they came in the door, they knew there was food around. Muffins? they asked. Cake? Waffles? They charged the kitchen ravenous.

For my first attempt at waffles, they turned out very well. I did have to seek Landon’s assistance in operating the waffle maker, but after that everything went smoothly. (The waffle maker was one of Landon’s Christmas gifts a few years back).

When I went to take a picture of the finished product, these crumbs were all I could find, so you’ll have to take my word for it that they looked pretty good.

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Whole Wheat Waffles

Serves: nine hungry children. Adapted from a Taste of Home recipe.

  • 6 cups white whole wheat flour (I also substituted a cup of regular whole wheat flour for 
  • 2 tablespoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 5 cups buttermilk
  • 8 eggs, separated
  • 3/4 cup butter, melted
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • one tablespoon of molasses, for additional taste and color
  • as much water as needed to bring batter to honey consistency.

In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt. Whisk the milk, egg yolks and butter; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in blueberries.In a small bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form; fold into batter. Pour just under a cup of batter into waffle maker and bake till golden brown. For me, this was four minutes and twenty seconds. I also sprinkled blueberries over a few for an extra treat.

 

Update: a picture of some made with the leftover batter the next day.

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March

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The sky is grey and wind is blowing bitterly at the moment. The forecast does show a slight relief in the form of warmer, albeit rainier weather for the rest of the week. Last week the area saw a burst of summer like sunshine and warmth, but now hot tea and warm sweaters are a necessity again. Unfazed by the calendar declaring the first day of spring, winter seems to plod on monotonously.

But I know it’s just a matter of biding time now. I threw a few seeds in some moist soil indoors, just to try my luck at getting a hint of green.

Spring Break Daybook

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Listening to… Rotating between silence, opera, and Mozart’s symphonies as I work through a stack of homework. I found a variety of music choices to study to in a large drawer of filled with classical music. There are benefits to nannying for a music professor.

Wearing… a warm favorite sweater! I almost put a stack of the heaviest winter wear away, but looking at the forecast for the week I realize that would have been a little premature.

Reading… textbooks and notes from the last two years of classes, working towards being prepared for the nursing board exam, the NCLEX test, in June.

Outside the window… snowflakes are falling gently. The area skirted projections of a snowstorm to receive a light dusting instead. Thankful on behalf of the safety of my fellow students who are traveling home for break this year.

Living liturgy… it is the second week of Lent already. With a late Easter this year, it seemed to be ample time between Christmas and Ash Wednesday, but it always catches me off guard how quickly the season itself flies by.

Thinking about… this is my final spring break. Then just a brief time to Easter break,  and then the final push of the school year until graduation. Time moves quickly.

Dear Blog,

Oh, Blog.  Three name changes, 733 posts, and ten years this February. One whole decade.

When I waited impatiently for my computer programming Dad to finish setting you up, did you know you would still be around today? That was February 2007- the year sounds so distant. Then I was still really little, waiting just another month for my twelfth birthday. Today I read over posts written at different times and watch the style of writing change over the years. Slowly, gradually.

Who do I write for? Sometimes I wonder: who visits this blog, who comes back again, and who passes through. I have had one time commenters, frequent commenters, and faithful commenters,- (Hi Grandma Kathy! I love reading all of your comments!) :)

I do know why I write. I write to preserve the small memories that would be lost, the tiny bits of joy that illuminate life and family bonds. I write for the joy of creating stories from words, as a child made in the Image of the Creator. I write because it can help unravel life. It’s a chance to reflect and ponder the week’s many twisting threads and choose a few to share. “Sometimes you never know what you think until you start writing”, my English teacher said once, and I have found this to be true. Occasionally, I sit to write with a definite map of a post in mind, and an hour later I find myself exploring a completely different path.

Social media threatens to overshadow blogs. After my first two years at school being proud to be the only one I knew without a Facebook account, I signed up after realizing it’s the most important communication tool in my age group. I’ve heard that some now consider blogs passé. Yet I keep blog writing and reading as a priority since it is so much more…peaceful. Much more peaceful than being bombarded by stream of consciousness posting from several hundred people. A blog is designed for stories, not snippets. For cherished memories, not tirades about the current political happenings.

The goal is always to regularly have interesting and entertaining posts at hand to publish once a week or so, but as soon as school has begins again I wonder if I will be able to be able to post any more than once a semester. I am trying to aim to implement some simple goals this year to see if it helps keep some simple posts going:

  • blog link ups, since I’ve enjoyed series such as ‘Pretty, Happy, Funny, Real’ and ‘Daybook’ on other blogs I read.
  • notes from what I’m reading. During the school year, reading for enjoyment is almost nonexistent, since I always have several textbook chapters to be reading. But I’d like to record the thoughts that captured my mind when I do have time to read some literature, scripture, or historical writings.
  • document the crafty stuff! Because I have been a bit crafty in both edible and non edible materials lately, and documented of any of it.
  • Wordless Wednesdays. Enough said.

Any other ideas for the next ten years?