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| OKAY, I HATE AXE AS MUCH AS ANYONE ELSE BUT THIS SEEMS EXTREME... [Rachel Watkins] |
| 3/15/2010 |
I really am bothered by the cloud of AXE that heralds the arrival of many a teenage boy but forbidding any scents at all seems a bit excessive.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35871907/ns/business-us_business/
Another lawsuit run amok, I think. There is no real backstory to this other than notice of the lawsuit but couldn't the employee just ask the other to use less, put a fan on their desk to prevent the arrival of their smell, anything but a lawsuit? Seems like a big stink over nothing!! Ha!
Seriously, how do they monitor this? My body wash has a scent and my kids say I smell great but are there really any products out there with 'no' scent? And for some folks, their natural, organic scent is pretty potent and disagreeable!
(In no manner, do I dismiss the reality of those with issues and allergies but I think we can agree that appropriate/moderate use of some scented products isn't the problem - it is those who seem to bathe in it!)
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| I AM THE FIRST SON!! HOW IS THAT EVEN POSSIBLE?? [Rachel Watkins] |
| 3/15/2010 |
But is being the second son, any better? I'm not sure, but....
Yesterday's gospel is so familiar that I was taken off guard when, during Mass, I was struck by a new thought - am I asking God for my inheritance early?
The first son is so easy to 'not like'. He is eager to cast his father aside, run away from where he knows all is well, food is plentiful and life is good! He is not content to wait for his inheritance, he wants it NOW!
I have found, at times, that I am the first son who is standing at his father's feet with his hand out demanding his inheritance. I am not content to wait.
And what is our inheritance - heaven! Heaven!! That is what is waiting for us when we are done here. But, I want heaven now! Not only do I want it - I expect it!!
I want my life to be perfect, I want no more tears, no more illness, no more sorrow and I want it now! I refuse to accept, to believe that my expectation is not only as greedy as the son but impossible to grant. I am asking God for what I cannot have. What He cannot give because it is not for now, it is for later - forever! But, every day I demand it and every day I find ways to blame others (and God) when heaven is not here. And the results of my demands, my impatience for my inheritance is as awful for me and my family as it was for the son. Perhaps, even worse.
What does my impatience create? Stress and a lack of acceptance! I am short-tempered, harsh on myself and my family. I want heaven now and perfection now! In my greed for the future, I am missing out on the now, on what I am supposed to be doing right now. I am losing out on those 'immediate moments of holiness' that come along every moment, every day. So eager for what God has promised me for tomorrow, I am missing out on what He needs from me today!
Expecting my inheritance, heaven, now, demanding it now is a sign of disrespect for not only God but for all those around me. My inheritance is there - heaven is waiting.
Let us practice patience for ourselves by living a life that works hard on today knowing that our reward, our inheritance is waiting. Reminding ourselves of that truth, that reality will help us be more focused mothers and teachers. Let us keep our eyes on today and know that God has taken care of tomorrow!
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| RECENT MOVIE NIGHTS HERE AT WWW [Rachel Watkins] |
| 3/16/2010 |
I thought I'd give some quick reviews of the movies we've watched recently here at the Wonderful World of Watkins:
"Ponyo" - as my Liam said it was funny in a ha, ha way but also funny in a really weird way. I am not a huge fan of anime so I had to accept that. The story is strange and odd but interesting. The wildest part is that there is a discussion of breastfeeding!!! As the fish, now a young girl, tries to give a mom a sandwich for the baby, the mom says that the baby is fed from what she eats and, if it is all right with the girl (who was originally a fish) she'll eat the sandwich. Neat. I found it a bit weird to hear Liam Neeson's voice coming from the 'bad' guy (who does turn good). I also liked the inclusion of the elderly in the plot. My Grace thinks it should be a 'buying' movie. I'm not so sure.
"Bright Star" - story of John Keats and Fanny Brawne by Jane Campion. Slow plot but not plodding. The pace made me feel as if I was in Victorian England - a slower time, a slower life. Their deep love (never physically acted on beyond some chaste kisses) is refreshing to witness and hear. When Keats is egged on by his friend, "she'll do anything for you John", he replies, "I have a conscience". If only more young people did. I really liked this and have my new quote to get me through the dark moments of my life -
At one point, Fanny is grieving about their inability to be together due to Keats' health and lack of money - she cries aloud - "There must be another life for we cannot have been created for this kind of suffering!" I agree wholeheartedly.
I watched both of these movies based on the recommendations of Steven Greydanaus, www.decentmovies.com
But we also rented "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs". We love the picture book (by Judi and Ron Barnett) from which the name comes but the movie is nothing like the book. As such, the plot is the oft used 'son trying to earn his father's approval' which is nice to see. HOWEVER, I want to warn you (and your children) the machine which the son creates eventually morphs into a machine looks a bit too much like a bathroom body function that should never be illustrated for children (or anyone for that matter!). The story line was not enough for me to overcome the over-the-top animation. Can't say I liked it! The kids didn't either.
Matt and I watched "The Damn United" with Michael Sheen. It is a British movie about the real life of soccer coach Brian Clough. It has a good deal of British expletives but Matt really liked it as he loves, truly loves soccer. This history of the sport from the early '70s was something he did not know and really enjoyed. (It was a great balance to the chick flick of Bright Star. Good movie if you have a sports junkie in the house.
We also rented "My Life in Ruins" with Nia Valdaros (My Big Fat Greek Wedding). Not as witty, not as quick or as well done. It had its humorous moments but not enough to have it rival MBFGW. The scenery however, it was shot in Greece, is stunning!
Any good movies from your house??
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| WOMEN - TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEART! [Rachel Watkins] |
| 3/16/2010 |
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35889823/ns/health-heart_health/
This is near and dear to my heart as my mother has had her chest cracked once and my oldest sister has had to have two stents. I am careful not to carry the weight that they did but also know that familial heart issues are not always weight driven.
Know your family history, know your risks and take care of yourself. Don't rush towards your death by your health choices but ease into it on God's timeframe. |
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| NOT EVERY TEENAGER NEEDS TO OR SHOULD GO TO COLLEGE - [Rachel Watkins] |
| 3/16/2010 |
We have posted about this before and this article from USAToday makes some of the same points we have made -
http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2010-03-16-1Acollegeforall16_CV_N.htm
Make sure to have several conversations with your teen about what they want to do and why. Talk about their futures in a vocation sense - what is God calling them to do?
If they aren't sure, there are any number of Catholic groups that sponsor a year or six months of working for the Church (FOCUS is one). Taking some time off before heading to school might just be what they need and it always looks good on a college application.
Don't rush your teen to college (and perhaps a good deal of debt) just because they graduated from high school.
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| OKAY - WHAT WILD, WEIRD BIRTH STORIES DO YOU HAVE??? [Rachel Watkins] |
| 3/16/2010 |
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/35859768#35859768
Giving birth in traffic isn't necessarily unusual but still having a baby could all be about location, location, location!
We know one couple whose first baby came as it should - in a hospital - no problems, no complications.
Second baby came a bit quicker and they were absolutely mortified (and concerned) when they didn't even make past the front steps of the hospital! The staff came out, mom was made as comfortable as possible on the marble and baby came! All was well.
Baby #3 - it is quite clear that it is coming as quickly as big sister and it seems baby will arrive in the elevator!! Mom wails - "No! Not in an elevator!"
"None to worry", says the nurse consolingly. "A few years ago some poor woman had her baby on the front steps!" Our friend wails all the louder - "that was me!!!".
True story!
No disrespect is intended for those who prefer home births - which, of course, would prevent all of these problems of location. But then, another friend claims she still has the marks from the bathroom tile where she delivered her baby - didn't make it back to bed! |
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| KEEP THE FOLLOWING IN MIND WHEN PEOPLE START BASHING US (AGAIN) ABOUT THE SCANDALS [Rachel Watkins] |
| 3/16/2010 |
Not trusting my inability to link properly I decided to just cut/paste
Tuesday March 16, 2010
NEW YORK TIMES GUNNING FOR THE POPE?
March 15, 2010
Catholic League president Bill Donohue takes on the New York Times:
On March 10, the New York Times ran an article on sex abuse in the Catholic Church stating that in Austria a priest abused a boy 40 years ago. Yesterday, readers learned of a German case where a man says he was abused in 1979. But when Rabbi Baruch Lebovits was found guilty last week on eight counts of sexually abusing a Brooklyn boy, the Times failed to report it. This is not an accident—it is deliberate.
Worse, on Saturday, the Times ran a front-page story saying that in 2002, when the sex abuse scandal in Boston hit, the pope—then Cardinal Ratzinger—"made statements that minimized the problem." No quotes or evidence of any kind were given. "Minimize the problem." Interesting phrase. In 2005, the Times reported that in 2002, Ratzinger believed that "less than 1 percent of priests are guilty" of sex abuse (it was later found that 4 percent was a more accurate figure). The Times characterized his remark by saying he "appeared to minimize the problem." Looks like they got their talking points down just fine.
What the Times could have said over the weekend was that on January 9, 2002, three days after the Boston Globe broke the story on sex abuse, it ran a story reporting that Ratzinger had sent a letter to the bishops worldwide saying that "even a hint" of the sexual abuse of minors merited an investigation. But to do so would have compromised the conclusion it sought to reach.
If the Times were truly interested in eradicating sex abuse, it not only would report on cases like Rabbi Lebovits, it would not seek to protect the public school establishment. But it does. Here's the proof. Last year, there were two bills being debated in Albany on the subject of sex abuse: one targeted only private institutions like the Catholic Church, giving the public schools a pass; the other covered both private and public. The Times endorsed the former.
Contact NYT Public Editor Clark Hoyt: public@nytimes.com
Rachel, here - I think it is very important to keep these facts in mind as so often folks want to continue to bash us w/out the real facts in place or with a balanced look at other professions. I realize, I know, that priests are held (as they should be) to a higher standard but surely teachers should be held to one as well? Not in NY State!
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| Wednesday, March 17, 2010 |
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| ISN'T THE SELLING OF PEOPLE CALLED SLAVERY?? [Rachel Watkins] |
| 3/17/2010 |
Yes, but not eggs - apparently -
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article7061155.ece
They are raffling off an 'egg' in England - how creepy is this! |
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| MATT IS MAKING SOME DECISIONS IN REGARD TO HIS SLOWLY RECEDING HAIRLINE [Rachel Watkins] |
| 3/17/2010 |
He's considering doing the Big Shave this summer. On this feast of St. Patrick, I heard about this on CBS' morning show -
St. Baldrick's Foundation which raises money for research in children's cancer thorough the fundraising efforts of those willing to shave their heads.
Check out this pretty cool foundation - www.stbaldricks.org
Now, St. Baldrick is not a 'real' saint (as far as I can find out) but we do have St. Balderic (different spelling) who was an abbott in France.
We also have St. Baldred who was a Bishop of Scotland who became a hermit in the Firth of Forth (I love that name!! My kids are doing a production of Macbeth and it came up when we were doing the geography of the play).
If someone you love is deciding about taking their hair off maybe they can do this - a kind of opposite of Locks of Love! |
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| NOW THIS IS A STUDY I CAN FULLY SUPPORT!! [Rachel Watkins] |
| 3/17/2010 |
Daydreaming is good for you and turning off your electronics essential to your health (and happiness)!!
I couldn't agree more!
http://bodyodd.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2010/03/16/2230329.aspx
The study's researchers said in part, "Our data suggests that if you are not allowing yourself, not giving yourself a break, it is costly,” explained Lila Davachi, assistant professor of NYU’s Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience. “It’s possible you are hindering your brain’s ability to consolidate memories and experiences.” The study was authored by Arielle Tambini under the direction of Davachi."
Finally, science to back up my long held belief that allowing myself (and insisting my children) turn everything off and just sit is vital.
Break out the hammocks in your life and rest a bit - it's good for you!
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| HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S TO US ALL [Rachel Watkins] |
| 3/17/2010 |
To all my fellow Irish - have a great day
For all of you who WISH you were Irish - you can have a great day, as well!
May the Irish hills caress you.
May her lakes and rivers bless you.
May the luck of the Irish enfold you.
May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.
And should you be out tonight this phrase might come in handy -
"Pionta Guinness, le do thoil."
(A pint of Guiness, please!) |
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| AND THEY WONDER WHY THEIR NUMBERS ARE DOWN? [Rachel Watkins] |
| 3/18/2010 |
Several groups of nuns have broken with the bishops over the healthcare bill. Apparently, they don't see any public funding a abortion within it - or they just don't care.
In that even the mainstream media can see the funding within the current bill being driven through Congress, we can only assume they don't care.
How sad for them. How sad for us.
However, do not write off all women's religious orders. There remains a steadfastly faithful and vibrantly healthy group of orders.
If your daughter is feeling a call to serve Christ the first place she should go is the Council of Major Superior of Women Religious. www.cmswr.org
This group of women includes so many of the orders whose biggest problem is too many vocations and a lack of space. One of their members was recently featured on the Oprah show. The Dominican Sisters of Mary. You can go on youtube and find the entire show. It is refreshing, encouraging and powerful.
So, while we can pray for those who seem to have trouble seeing the evil where it exists, we can also pray for those for whom this is not a problem!
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| MY SON WANTS TO 'TRY OUT' A GIRLFRIEND... [Rachel Watkins] |
| 3/18/2010 |
Get ready to smile - a recent conversation in my car with my children revolved around what boyfriends and girl friends actually are. To be honest, I wasn't sure how it came up as I was driving but I heard this - very clearly -
Son - "When I get older, if I am not going to be a priest (with his older brother on his way, this comment was not surprising) I am going to have to get one, a girlfriend. I think the best idea is to find some girls you like and try them out."
I am compelled to join in the conversation at this point -
Mom - "Try them out?? You do not 'TRY' out girls!!"
Son - "Well, then how do you get a girlfriend?"
Mom - "Well, I think the best thing to do is have girls as friends. When you are in college (note my leading him into seeing the proper age frame :-)?), you will meet some girls with whom you will be friends. You'll have some things in common, like the same movies, books and stuff. You might want to go somewhere with a group of friends (again, leading him into the proper setting for those first dates) and see if you really like them."
Son - "What do you mean really like them?"
Mom - "Well, after a number of months being friends with them, you might want to spend some time with just with them, finding out more about them and what they like, what they want to do,"
Son - "Then what?"
Mom - "Well, for Dad and I, we got to liking each other so much we wanted to kiss....."
Son - violently interrupting - "KISSING??? Eeeewwww, that's just gross! I am NOT kissing any girls! Kissing is okay for Moms and Dads and maybe your sisters but not GIRLS."
Mom (hiding my laughter and smile) - "You're right, dear. You don't want to kiss any girls until you're at least 30!"
My 8 yr. old breaths a bit easier and goes back to reading his book. I think I bought ourselves a few more years!
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| THE CMSWR IS IN THE NEWS - POSTIVELY, OF COURSE. [Rachel Watkins] |
| 3/18/2010 |
I have blogged earlier about this amazing group of women and what I expected - their full support of the bishops - is now official.
Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious
P.O. Box 4467
Washington, D.C. 20017-0467
March 17, 2010
In a March 15th statement, Cardinal Francis George, OMI, of Chicago, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, spoke on behalf of the United States Bishops in opposition to the Senate’s version of the health care legislation under consideration because of its expansion of abortion funding and its lack of adequate provision for conscience protection. Recent statements from groups like Network, the Catholic Health Association and the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) directly oppose the Catholic Church’s position on critical issues of health care reform.
The Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious, the second conference of Major Superiors of Women Religious in the United States, believes the Bishops’ position is the authentic teaching of the Catholic Church.
Protection of life and freedom of conscience are central to morally responsible judgment. We join the bishops in seeking ethically sound legislation.
Mother Mary Quentin Sheridan, R.S.M.
President
On behalf of the Membership of the Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious
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| OKAY - I'M NOT IN CELEBRITIES BUT I COULDN'T RESIST THIS HEADLINE [Rachel Watkins] |
| 3/19/2010 |
"Montag Fires Psychic Manager"
Couldn't he see it coming!!?? :-)
Montag - I discovered in wanting to know the backstory is one of those 'famous for what?' celebrities who apparently had 10 plastic surgical procedures in one day! She is famous for being on a few TV shows but I'm not sure which ones.
Anyways - I don't suggest getting a psychic for any reason but as a manager certainly doesn't seem to be a wise decision.
But then again, 10 surgical procedures doesn't either! |
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| RIP - PETER GRAVES AND FESS PARKER [Rachel Watkins] |
| 3/19/2010 |
Two of my childhood heroes have passed away -
Peter Graves - Mission Impossible. I loved this show and dreamt of being a spy someday. I particularly enjoyed it when Leonard Nimoy was on as I also love Star Trek. He was elegant looking and in my small town life the show was a great escape to adventure.
Fess Parker - Davy Crockett. I will admit to a much bigger crush here. I sooooo wanted to be Mrs. Crockett and hang out in the woods with Mr. Crockett. Of course, I had no idea of real frontier life (no baths, maternal death, infant mortality, lack of medicine) but I loved the show. There was a good set of woods near my home growing up and many a weekend was spent building lean-to houses and forts where - with my brothers and our friends - we played Davy Crockett, Daniel Boone (another great TV escape) and more.
Watching my childhood heroes pass away is sometimes difficult as it causes me to accept that I am getting older and that I too shall someday die.
It is also sad as I can't think of any current shows wherein my kids could find such heroes. I will readily admit that I watched a good deal of TV but also spent a lot of time outside and reading. My kids watch very little TV, read alot and spend as much time outside as weather and school allows.
But I do wish they could finish their day and sit with me (as I did with my Dad, sometimes my Mom) and watch a good story where the bad guy was always identifiable, caught and a lesson learned.
Not many options there today - can't see letting my kids watch a single current popular TV show (Lost? CSI? - hardly), nor any of the TV options for their age group - Hannah Montana?? Witches of Wemberly Place?? Not going to happen!
May Mr. Graves and Mr. Parker rest in peace and see the face of God. We will probably never see their kind of man again. |
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| LITTLE FLOWERS IS RECOMMENDED BY C-FAM [Rachel Watkins] |
| 3/19/2010 |
I am so very proud and pleased that in a recent Friday Fax to supporters and on-line, Austin Ruse, head of C-Fam (Catholic and Human Rights Institute) has supported Little Flowers as an alternative to Girls Scouts.
Now - before we get into arguments, the Girl Scouts' partnership with Planned Parenthood is more a reality than not. http://www.c-fam.org/
However, I also know that there are many good and fine Catholic Girl Scout leaders and groups out there. But, in that the GS leadership waffles in their answers and gives different responses based on who is asking is true and each local group needs to make a decision about their continued participation.
Regardless of that decision - I am very pleased that Mr. Ruse has recommended Little Flowers. We have worked very hard to create an easily followed, very inexpensive program that is also fun, faith-filled and enjoyable for both the girls and the moms.
It is an international group with chapters all over the world (I'd really like a chance to go meet the Aussies in Perth!) and in schools nationwide. We don't ask you to sell cookies or send in any national fees/dues. We just want to offer our girls an alternative if they choose.
If you are on the fence about Girl Scouts consider reading Mr. Ruse's piece.
You can check out Little Flowers at www.eccehomopress.com
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