From a blog about ...

... motherhood - a post all about Sarah Palin - in the words of a mum who works from home. Home being Alaska. Here is what Scibbit thinks of the GOP vice president candidate. I will be adding Scribbit shortly to my links. It is a blog I have been reading reguarly for a few months and enjoy quite a bit.

I am slowly working at increasing my link suggestions. Before adding a blog (or website), I try to read the blog as reguarly as I have time to do so. I do this as I would not like to add a link too quickly, only to later learn that there was subtle anti catholic vein I had not discovered, or something as disagreable as that. This does not mean that all of my links are pro catholic but simply as best as I can tell - not anti catholic.

I also want to take care that if the blog has ads - they re not the kind of ads that practicing Christains would find offensive. My goal is to try to add links to blogs or websites that offer positive uplifting reading and do not offend in some way.

School starts next week, we would have started this week had we not had an essential workbook or two back ordered. I have not been this happpy about starting a new school year as I have this one. We currently have a revolving chore list that is working so well that despite spending the last two days in bed with a terrible back ache - the house was still relatively in order when I was able to resume a normal life again today. Not sure what a week off my feet might result in, but it was good to see positive results after losing two days.

Another reason I am so happy with the upcoming year is that after so many weeks of research, prayer and thought - I think I finally have a curriculum that is going to really work well for us. And I have my fingers crossed that this is going to open up a slot of time that I can use reguarly for writing and researching for different writing projects I have simmering on the back burners of my mind. Projects I can not bring myself to attempt as I feel too much guilt over the time they will take.

Now I am on the eve of learning if the choices and changes I have made over the past two months will have the expected dividends I am hoping for.



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HIGHLIGHT ...

... for me of the GOP convention was Piper grooming her baby brother Trig. As her mum addressed the GOP convention Daddy passed little Trig to his 'big' sister, little Piper, who straightened herself up in anticipation of the honour of holding her little brother. Having passed little babies to similar sized "big" sisters myself - I was curious to see how she would cope with this honour.

Hugo and I almost collapsed with laughter at what Piper proceeded to to with her little charge. If you did not watch the convention - click here to see how she cares for him! And as you watch this gesture of love - keep in mind the media's criticism of Palin's decision to keep this pregnancy. This child is so loved and so wanted.




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Thoughts...

on Sarah Palin and motherhood. To read them click here. Please note I have not read all of the comments shared and my linking to this article does not mean that I necessarily agree with all opinions shared here. Again - I repeat - I have not had time to read all of the comments.

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I SO totally agree!

A House Hunting Funny
(Click to read and see if you agree too!)

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Will Gustave...

disrupt the GOP Convention this coming week - is a question upper most in a lot of people's mind. For our family the pressing question is whether it's remnants or that of the other storm forming off of the coast cause us to be flooded again?

After all we have been sans hot water since the 27th of August and are looking at being without it for possibly another full week. With not one, but two hurricanes, threatening us, even if only with torrential rains - the burning question is whether to pay a private contractor to inspect the furnace and hot water tank before turning on the gas - when we are possibly looking at being flooded again sometime in the coming week?

While it is not a big deal to heat hot water to wash the pots and pans or zap a dishcloth to wash the table - generating enough hot water to bath eleven people is another story. Just a little something to offer up and help one appreciate the difficult life of the pioneers!

So prayers will be gratefully accepted over the next few days!


(Links in this post may stop functioning after a while)
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Welcome baby girl to the family!!!

We are proud to welcome this darling little baby to our family. This is John and Jenny's first darling daughter born via emergency c-section just this month. She weighs 8 lbs 9 oz and is 21 inches long. From her side profile she looks just like her daddy - from the front - she is all our side of the genetic pool! So now I have a household of proud aunts and uncles - all champing at the bit to hold their new niece - even three year old Elsa is impatient to see and hold her. She keeps talking about buying her a present and I have just the right one in mind.

(PLEASE NOTE: Names and birth date withheld for family privacy so friends who are privy to this information & wish to leave a comment please be careful NOT to use baby's name or birth date or regretfully I will not be able to post the comment. Thank you!)






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Republican's VP Candidate

No, the new Republican candidate for McCain's running mate is not the man on the left - but rather is the beautiful woman on the right - Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin, mother of five. To read about the recent birth of the Palin's fifth child and their reaction to the news that he was a downs syndrome baby - click here.




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The Mast General Store

After what felt like hours of indecision these two finally settled on an awesome pair of magnetic balls that they have literally had hours of fun. I will try to get some pictures of the "hair" they have grown on these magnetic balls. They looked something like this.

Hmmm. Maybe I should have coughed up the extra 4 bucks, I could use a pair or two of those some days. But then I probably would have spent more time confiscating them - than using them myself!

Helping younger siblings to decide what to spend their 2.50 on - when most things, as we sadly discovered, were about 6 dollars! Still bargains were found and little delights were purchased and enjoyed.

We finished off our visit at the Candy store where we purchased among other things, whistle pops, which we have typically only found up in the mountains at this cool old fashioned store that has been operating since 1883.






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Fay wreaks havoc...

... even in our life. Today the gas will be turned off for safety as our gas appliances - the furnace and hot water tank are both sitting in about 6 - 8 inches of water. So no hot water for us for a while. A huge 12 foot limb is sitting in the back yard. And the tree it mysteriously fell off of, has large limbs sprawling over the roof of the house. As we can not ascertain why the limb fell - we are not sure if this tree is safe any more. There were no high winds when the limb broke so it seems as if the limb just became water logged... and it is raining even more this morning.... (Imagine pale face and huge eyes as you read this!!!)

And as all bad must come in threes - the a/c is not working on the second floor.

Today I mailed my rent cheque to the land lady - she will get it tomorrow with the 'list of threes'. Ok - I admit it - I am a COWARD. I do not want to tell her all the bad news in person. But keep us in your prayers as we deal with these little mishaps and difficulties while this poor woman sorts it all out.

But at least our road does not look like the roads in Salisbury * where we attend Mass and often shop as well as avail ourselves of the library. This is the Innis Road exit * which we usually use to go to Mass. Please keep the residents of this area in your prayers as the list of families that are being evacuated is growing and as I mentioned earlier - it is still raining.

(* Over time these links may cease to work.)



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Come on - Seriously now...

...did I really deserve a hit below the belt - just because I had to double check to make sure I had called someone by the right name. I mean, did I really deserve to be asked by Emma ... if I had lost my brain again? Followed by her impish giggle.

And no - I absolutely deny that I have ever lost my brain... ever. It just goes on vacation sometimes, without leaving a forwarding address. And that is completely different from losing or misplacing it. Right?


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DIANE!

AKA mom of three with Cockers. You are one hard lady to contact!No comments on the blog and when I tried to email you an invite to the new blog - my email bounced back. :-) I am not sure what to do. I could try emailing you from yahoo and see if that works. Please let me know if my invite from the blog itself actually worked as I have added you as one of the 100 guests that I can add.

To all of my readers: In the spring the new blog will be opened to the general public but for now it will remain as open to invitation only. Please feel free to request an invite. I will need your email address in order to add readers to the guest list. Feel free to email me at mum2twelve (at) gmail.com Please note if you do not hear immediately it could be because gmail is having problems processing the emails. Gmail lately has been having problems both delivering and receiving email. Leave a comment here if there is a problem and we will work it from another angle.



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Beach Time

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Only one night left to enjoy...

... and then tomorrow we take the long drive to airport. It will be hard to say good bye to one sister - just as the other is being induced for her first baby.

After two lovely weeks of enjoying Aimee's company and having wonderful family time - the end is drawing near. Still - we know she is returning in February and with so much happening between the two visits - a new baby for John and Jenny, a new school year starting next week, Advent and Christmas around the corner, February will be here before we know it.

At least this is what I will be reminding myself of tomorrow. In between the choked up feelings clogging the throat.

Excuse me now - I need to go find some Kleenex.




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From Hot Air

This was originally posted on HOT AIR and as it addresses the Catholic Teachings on the issue of abortion as well as lists Catholic Politicians that are supporting the Catholic teachings, I thought I would post it here especially as many sources have already dropped this letter from their rosters.

On Sunday, Nancy Pelosi told several lies about the Catholic Church’s teaching and historical perspective on abortion and the fundamental sanctity of human life throughout its development. Ten House Republicans have responded respectfully but forcefully to refute Pelosi’s deliberate deceptions:

Dear Speaker Pelosi,

On the Sunday, August 24th, broadcast of NBC’s Meet the Press, you stated “as an ardent, practicing Catholic, [abortion] is an issue that I have studied for a long time.” As fellow Catholics and legislators, we wish you would have made a more honest effort to lay out the authentic position of the Church on this core moral issue before attempting to address it with authority.

Your subsequent remarks mangle Catholic Church doctrine regarding the inherent sanctity and dignity of human life; therefore, we are compelled to refute your error.

In the interview, Tom Brokaw reminded you that the Church professes the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death. As stated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church: “Since it must be treated from conception as a person, the embryo must be defended in its integrity, cared for, and healed, as far as possible, like any other human being” (2274).

To this, you responded, “I understand. And this is like maybe 50 years or something like that. So again, over the history of the Church, this is an issue of controversy.” Unfortunately, your statement demonstrates a lack of understanding of Catholic teaching and belief regarding abortion.

From the Apostles of the first century to Pope John Paul the Great “the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable. Direct abortion, that is to say, abortion willed either as an end or a means, is gravely contrary to the moral law” (Catechism 2271).

Thus, your erroneous claim about the history of the Church’s opposition to abortion is false and denigrates our common Faith. For example, during the reign of Pope Innocent XI in 1679, the Church unequivocally stated it is an error for Catholics to believe fetuses do not have a soul; and confirmed the teaching that abortion constitutes homicide.

To reduce the scandal and consternation caused amongst the faithful by your remarks, we necessarily write you to correct the public record and affirm the Church’s actual and historical teaching that defends the sanctity of human life. We hope that you will rectify your errant claims and apologize for misrepresenting the Church’s doctrine and misleading fellow Catholics.

Respectfully,

Hon. Thaddeus G. McCotter (MI)
Hon. Steve Chabot (OH)
Hon. Virginia Foxx (NC)
Hon. Phil Gingrey (GA)
Hon. Peter King (NY)
Hon. Steve King (IA)
Hon. Daniel Lungren (CA)
Hon. Devin Nunes (CA)
Hon. John Sullivan (OK)
Hon. Patrick Tiberi (OH)

This list may grow; one source says that John Boehner, the House Minority Leader, has already added his signature. As more join this list, I’ll (HOT AIR) update this post with the additions.

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A little light...

This was posted by Melanie on a home school group board that I belong to. What wonderful news.

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt deserves thanks for issuing yesterday a proposed rule that would implement current law by defending the conscience rights of health care workers. Given the increased attack on the conscience rights of physicians and other health care workers by such groups as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), Planned Parenthood, and the National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association, Secretary Leavitt is correct to issue these regulations that bolster federal protection of conscience rights. As Sec. Leavitt blogged yesterday, "Putting doctors (or any one who assists them) in a position where they are forced to violate their consciences in order to meet a standard of competence violates more than federal law. It violates decency and the core value of personal liberty." This is about liberty and choice, not a debate over contraceptives, family planning or even the legality of abortion. It is a question of whether health care providers must be forced to participate in what violates their moral, religious or ethical convictions, or whether they have a legally protected choice not to engage in such practices. Current law and Secretary Leavitt's proposed rule answer the question by defending a provider's choice. Please contact Secretary Leavitt thanking him for defending the choice of health care professionals NOT to violate their conscience, and let us hope that more medical personnel will be emboldened to do what they know is right.

Additional Resources
Thank Secretary Leavitt by commenting on his blog

If you go Secretary's Leavitt's blog - scroll down a bit to find his posts on this topic.


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Monday in The Park - photos from the beach to follow later...

Cooling her feet

Solitary moment

Hanging out

Exploring the stream

What has their interest?

These gorgeous specimens!

Very tame butterflies

Big Sister, Aimee, joins the observation team.

Up close and beautiful.

Enjoying a cool mountain stream

Partaking lunch in the shade

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Mother Dog keeps Abandoned New Born Alive

Unbelievable but apparently true. CLICK HERE to read the story from Argentina.



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You were talking to who???

Hugo collected up the three rental DVDs and headed out the door with out oldest daughter. Emma glared as she watched them leave and finally unable to contain herself, stood up from where she was squatting on the living room floor, sorting out a puzzle.

The glare deepened and she raised her voice and stared straight at me:
"YOU promised me I could watch AUGUST RUSH!"

I was startled for two reasons.
One - I had not seem the movie and definitely had not promised her she could watch it.
Two - I was shocked by her tone and manner.

"Emma Louise" I commanded in my "you are in big trouble, young lady" voice.

That she had caught my tone was very evident in her face as she reluctantly walked to the dining room table where I was seated.

"Who were you just talking to?" I demanded.

"Uh..." she paused. "God?" she hesitantly answered.

"God?" I queried. "You talked to GOD like that?"

"No! No, I am.... just thinking....." she answered in a worried and confused voice and she wrapped one arm around my neck and stared at me, her eyes quite troubled.

"Well - who were you talking to?"

There was a long pause and then haltingly with a question in her voice:

"You... maybe??"

At this point I could not handle it anymore and burst into laughter and had to hide my face. To Emma's credit she did not join my laughter, but waited solemnly for me to recover. Once I did, we sorted out just who she had really been directing her anger at, which was an older sibling, and what was a more appropriate way of dealing with it.

Sometimes, though, it is so hard to keep a straight face while disciplining and teaching a little one; is it not?



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You know you are soing something right...

... when as you depart for Ohio with three children snug and safe in their car seats and the three year old pipes up, just out of the blue, and says;

"Thank you Mummy and Daddy for buying me my new car seat."

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a few pics... as promised!

Sharing the i-pod with her big sister as we drive home from Charlotte.















A little raccoon visited me a few days ago. She is quite mysterious and comes and goes, rearly speaking and usually just nodding to my questions.















One of the last pics of her luscious curls before she decided she did not want bangs in her yes or curls on the side... and removed them. The curls are s l o w l y growing back.

















Chillin' as we drive to Mass.





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