Getting into Shape - Spiritual Shape

We were just having a discussion about Lent at school. I'm not sure how it started, but one of of my colleagues mentioned, "Yeah, we know it is Lent when Deb stops eating meat."

Sure part of being a Catholic during Lent means no meat on Ash Wednesday and Fridays, but Lent is so much more than meatless meals. It is a time to get into spiritual shape. A time to look within ourselves and reflect on how we are living our lives. It is a time to get closer to Christ through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. It isn't a time to give up chocolate just for the sake of giving up chocolate. It is a time of conversion. A life changing conversion that doesn't revert back to the way it was on Easter Sunday. Find something to do or even give up that will make you a better person, a better mother or father, a better daughter or son, a better teacher, a better Catholic. Find something you will continue with after Easter Sunday.

Good Dental Hygiene Must Start Young

She only has four teeth. Well, make that three teeth. There is a fourth, but it has barely poked through. I've seen the baby toothbrushes in all shapes and sizes and even the fancy baby toothpaste and gum cleaner. Gum cleaner? I had no idea we were supposed to be cleaning gums. But since she sprouted teeth, I figured we could at least keep those pearly whites in mint condition. Well, that is until they fall out and become gifts to the Tooth Fairy.

Grace is a trooper when it is time to brush her teeth. In fact, she loves it. The first time we tried it, she grabbed the brush and had to watch herself in the mirror. The video doesn't really show her enthusiasm for brushing teeth (I swear I'm not making this up.), but she didn't get in any naps of considerable length today, so she was tired by the time we whipped out the video camera.

Did You Say Snow?

I'll be the first to admit that my northernness comes out in full force whenever snow is anticipated down here. All winter our meterologist wears a snowflake and has a segment called the Snow Hope Index. I'm not kidding. This fascination with snow cracks me up, especially since once they get snow everything shuts down, the shelves at grocery stores are wiped clean, and accidents abound because people have absolutely no clue what to do once snow actually hits the ground. What? I'm not supposed to continue driving at 65 miles/hr? What? I'm supposed to keep my eyes on the road instead of this pretty white stuff falling from the sky?

However, after reading a column in the morning newspaper, I realized that my memories with snow are a little more complex than a dusting here or there or a snow hope index of one. I'm remembering the first snowfall and how much I loved it, but them I'm also remembering how that crystal white snow soon becomes yellowed or blackened for that matter. I'm remembering trudging through the neighborhood screaming trick-or-treat with my snowsuit under my halloween costume. I'm remembering having to wear hand and foot warmers in my gloves and boots just to overcome frostbite. I'm remembering -30 to -40 degree temperatures. Yes..you heard me right. And that wasn't even including the wind chill.

But I'm also remembering making snowforts and snow igloos, snow angels and the ever popular snowmen. People down here don't have that luxury. The last time it snowed this much down here was 20 years ago. 20 YEARS AGO! When that snow came down, the people came out of the woodwork. I have never seen so many people outside in our neighborhood - not even during the summer. For some, this was their first time seeing snow. And with that came their first snowball fight, their first snow angel, and first snowman.

The snowmen I remember were rolled, had a carrot for a nose, and coal everywhere else. He donned a black top hat or winter hat and a scarf. Virginia snowmen? Nowhere near that (unless you count our mini-snowman who donned my winter hat, had a baby carrot nose, and green M & M eyes, and a red M & M mouth.) Listen people...I had to make due with what was in the house. My Kingsford charcoal isn't just sitting around. Anyway, I was talking about snowmen. These snowmen were decked out. I saw one lounging in a lawnchair wearing a bikini top wearing sunglasses and holding a martini glass. I saw one snowman that was actually a penguin (totally cool), and others with very cool wigs. When the snow falls down here, creativity sprang up in every neighborhood.

And you know what else? Instead of sitting inside playing video games or texting or twittering every 10 seconds, people were outside playing with their kids making snowmen, makeshift sleds, and simply having fun.

My Snow Bunny

Yesterday, we got snow. Lots and lots of snow. By the end of it, I think we had around seven inches. We knew Grace loved snow from our trip to Michigan in December, so we were excited to go outside. Since having a snowsuit isn't a priority in Virginia, Grace had to wear one that was too big. It worked just fine though...just think of a female Ralphie from A Christmas Story. We made a makeshift sled out of our garbage can lid yesterday, and today she had fun sitting in the snowbank yelling at Matt while he shoveld the driveway.

It's a Snow Day...too bad it's Saturady.

This is the first REAL snow we've seen since we moved to Virginia. I've seen what the locals do when it rains, and it is a thousand times worse with the snow. Last night I watched my neighbor poor four bags of salt on his driveway. The snow didn't even start until three or four this morning, but last night around five that dude's driveway look liked it snowed.

Grace had a great time sledding when we were in Michigan over Christmas. I wish we had a real sled today. This was our makeshift sled and snowsuit that is a size too big. She kind of resembles Ralphie in "A Christmas Story." And she wasn't a fan of making snow angels.

sorry guys...the video won't upload.

Baby Gate Diaries

Grace has decided that crawling isn't enough for her, so she started working on mastering stairs this weekend. Her persistance is quite extraordinary, so we put up the baby gate tonight. After playing for awhile, she ventured to the stairs to try and get up. She found the gate instead. And started crying. Big alligator tears.

Hello World, Here I Come

My baby girl is crawling. Last night she made a mad dash for my macaroni and cheese, and this morning she has been crawling nonstop. I tried all morning to get her on video, but each time she would sit up and stare at the camera. We finally got it on tape with a little help from some chocolate (If you noticed, she is chasing a Lindt chocolate snowman missing its head.). No, we didn't give her any.