Pressing the Pause Button to enjoy my family

This photo didn't make it onto my Facebook Timeline, it was a mistake and I didn't even know I took it until I uploaded my photos today!  It's my leg and foot inside a bumper boat; I must have been talking when I snapped the photo!  Or maybe trying to blast one of the kids or John with water!

John had this week off from work, and it has gone by so fast.   The three oldest of our young men have jobs, so it was hit or miss on whether any of them could participate in any of our jaunts.  Maria's social calendar leaves little time for all day adventures with 'Mom and Dad', but we have managed to lasso her in for a few things, thankfully. 

 The circumstances of raising a family present many challenges.  Rarely do we ever feel completely satisfied with the way things work out.  But, with that said, we have had tons of fun!  When we had a houseful of little kids and babies, our life was pretty much wrapped up in schedules, naptimes, feedings, bathtimes, bedtimes, etc.  Going anywhere was hindered by the ever present diaper bag, stroller, and all the accompanying paraphernalia require when you have kids. 

There is a small window of time when they all reach school age, and you can ditch the strollers, and skip a few naptimes with little repurcussions.  That lasts for a short time, and then the older kids become socially involved, dating, scheduled, etc., and that starts a whole new phase of challenges.

We're currently in a stage where our eldest children are young adults, but still live at home and participate in family time when they can.  Our three youngest are still in school, but growing more independent with each passing day. 

But, anyway, let's get back to THIS vacation.  A favorite moment--so simple, yet, a chance to laugh and bond--was when Billy Joel's Piano Man began to play on the radio, and we all started swaying and singing along to the catchy tune.  That's the kind of stuff I will always cherish, and think my kids will, too.

This time we didn't want to go anywhere that would require an overnight stay.  We did that in June, and it wasn't cheap.  For a family our size, a hotel stay always requires two rooms or a family suite, so it costs a good chunk of change.  Add into that the cost of eating out (which we generally like to do once in awhile while we're out of town) times eight.  If we go to a sit down restaurant, add in a tip!  It causes a rather large dent in our wallet.

So, we've been taking day trips this week.  One day, we stayed in the valley and went to the movies.  The next day, we went to a family recreation center and raced go carts, rode bumper boats, and played 18 holes of miniature golf.  On the way back home, we stopped at Playthings, Etc., a unique toy store that offers kids of all ages a fun experience.  We usually pay this store a trip once a year.  Every time we go, they have all sorts of new and interesting things to look at.  This is one store where the patrons are encouraged to touch and try out the toys.

Therese was quite taken with a bike that looked rather like a unicyle, only it had three wheels.  There was no steering apparatus, no handle bars.  The only way to steer was by leaning her body off to the side, and turning with her hips.

She also found a plastic 'bowl', shaped perfectly for one's 'bottom'.  She plopped herself down into it, and began to spin like a top.  I would've tried it, but was a little self conscious about that, so I refrained from doing so.  Haha.

Yesterday we went on a shopping excursion at Boardman, Ohio.  The large Southern Park Mall offers lots of shops and stores, food and other enjoyable places.  I miss Jillians, though, an entertainment complex that we used to visit whenever we made the trip over in the past.  We could bowl there in a retro 50's style bowling alley, complete with waitresses and even a bar.  It was a classy and fun place, with a huge game room, too.  Sadly, they closed down awhile back.

We had lunch at Chik Fil A--not trying to make a call on any political issues, just LOVE the food there.  We only get to eat there once every year or so, although we did have some of that delicious chicken in June, when were at Splash Lagoon.  I do, of course, feel proud to eat at a restaurant that holds Christian values, and do not offer any apologies for patronizing them!

Therese is the little shopper of the Elliott family: she loves to shop--to look at pretty and girly things.  When she spotted Justice, that was the start of a female frenzy!  We noted that there were racks and bins of all kinds of sale items, and we went a lil crazy!  She walked out of there with a bag full of stuff--clothes, a swimsuit, sunglasses, lip balm!  But, we saved over a hundred dollars!  I couldn't pass up a sale like that!

I found a book on Jack the Ripper at a bookstore, and have just started reading it.  I enjoy reading on my Kindle Fire, but there's just nothing like holding a real book in your hands.

This morning, we got up early, packed some food and drinks, piled comic books(for the kiddos) into the van, and took off for Erie.  Erie has always been one of my favorite cities.  I have been visiting it every summer since I was a baby... summer just wouldn't be summer without Erie.

We've been planning this trip for today for awhile now, and the weather for most of the summer has been sunny, hot, and little rain.  Wouldn't you know today the sky was dark, brooding, and heavy with pregnant clouds?  But, we took off and made the best of it.  When we arrived at Presque Isle, the sky looked ready to blast us with a pelting rain, but it kept itself in check!  We ate our little picnic there, and played on the beach.

We left there and went to Waldameer Park, right next to Presque Isle, overlooking Lake Erie.  The threat of rain kept people away, so we were able to get onto the rides with little or no lines!  Now, that I liked!  Mother Nature was so kind; she only shed a few wayward tears on us, off and on throughout the afternoon, and finally, the clouds lifted, and we were greeted by the sun and blue skies. 

We soared on swings above the lake.  We plunged down huge hills into rivers of raging rapids.  We went through scary fun houses, and mimicked paratroopers.  While everyone else rode the spinny roller coaster (I didn't want to go on that), I treated myself to a cool Dip N Dots cookies and cream ice cream cup.  Sitting in the shade, eating my delicacy, I rested my legs for a few minutes, and enjoyed watching my loved ones on the whirling ride.

After a long and exhausting day, we headed back to the van to have a little snack, some sandwiches, and cold drinks.  John and I have a little tradition: every time we go to Presque Isle or Waldameer, we grab a hot cup of coffee from the McDonald's on Penninsula Drive to keep us alert and awake for the drive back home.

So, staying true to our traditions, we went thru the Drive Thru, and headed back to home sweet home.  As we left sunny Erie, we noticed lightning on a dark horizon.  All the way home, it rained heavily as we sipped our steaming cups of caffeine.  I love taking time to pause life's hectic pace and make memories with John and the kids!

We still have a few more days to do more exploring, so we'll see what tomorrow holds! 

HugsxxxAnnie

Yummy (and healthy) meals on a budget!

I've been experimenting with new recipes (created by lil old me) and thought i'd share them with all you!

We've had some really hot and humid days lately, which means 'don't turn on the oven!'.

Because of that, I have come up with two really tasty pork dishes for the stove top that are easy on the wallet, and fairly healthy as well.

Both recipes call for boneless pork ribs.  You can substitute other cuts of pork, too, but I think these work out really nice.

The first recipe is a pork and potato dish in one:

One Pot Wonder, by Annie

You will need:  (Serves 4) (We eat more, obviously, since there are 8 of us)

1lb. lean pork ribs (look for some marbling or the meat will not be tender)
2 to 3 cups boiled whole potatoes (or two cans of whole potatoes if you're looking for shortcuts)
1/2 tsp. chicken boullion
1/2 tsp. beef boullion
1 mild green pepper cut in slices (around 8)
1/2 medium onion, sliced or diced
1 tbs. cornstarch to thicken


Place pork ribs in saucepan and cover with water.  Stir in boullion, and add pepper and onion.  Bring to boil, reduce heat, simmer for one hour.  Mix cornstarch with 1/4 cup water, and blend completely.  Stir into pan, mixing well with water.  Let simmer on low for another 10 minutes.  Serve with salad or fruit on the side.

If you try the recipes, let me know how you like them!

The next recipe is also one that calls for pork ribs:

Tangy Ribs, by Annie

You will need:
1lb. pork ribs
1 tsp. beef boullion
3/4 cup catsup
1/2 tsp. yellow mustard
1/2 tsp. sugar
1/2 onion
1 tbsp cornstarch to thicken

Place pork ribs in sauce pan, cover with water.  Add beef bouillion and onion, simmer for 1/2 hour.  Mix remaining ingredients, pour into pan (Mixing it into the water), simmer for 30 min. or until sauce is starting to thicken.  Mix cornstarch with 1/4 water, blend well, then add to pan.  Blend all ingredients well, let simmer 10 min.  Serve on a hamburger bun with salad on the side, and with Tasty Taters (recipe coming up next).

If it's not too hot, you can make these potatoes to compliment the recipe for Tangy Ribs.

Tasty Taters, by Annie

Again, this feeds 4 people, I make twice this many

8 medium potatoes, quartered
olive oil
onion powder
paprika
garlic powder
cooking spray (preferably olive oil)

Cover a cookie sheet with foil, drizzle 2 to 3 tbls. olive oil on pan.  With paper towel, spread oil on entire surface of pan.  Place potato quarters in single layer on cookie sheet, then spray to all sides of potatoes with cooking spray.  Sprinkle with onion powder, paprika, and garlic powder.  Place cookie sheet in pre heated 450 degree oven for 20 minutes.  Turn all potato wedges, bake for another 20 min., or until potatoes are fork tender, and golden brown.

DELICIOUS! (I like to dip mine in catsup.)

If you like my recipes, let me know--I'll post some more!

XoXoXo Annie

Family Adventure

On a Sunday afternoon, what could be better than a few hours with your family?  If you live anywhere within driving distance of Mercer County, PA, there is this remarkable place called Hell's Hollow Wilderness Trail that is a surefire way to spend a wonderful day with your loved ones.

Getting there from the Sharon/Sharpsville/Hermitage area is simple.  Jump on Rt. 62 towards Mercer, and before you know it you'll see Bestwick St. on your right.  It is about a 20 minute drive from the Sharon area.  Bestwick is right outside of Mercer, before you get to town.  Spring Valley Golf Course is right there, so when you see that, your turn is visible.

There is an option to walk or bike ride through the trail, but we chose to ride trail carts.  Rental is $25 per cart for two hours.  It took us a little over and hour & a half to do the four mile trail, and we took our time.  We got off and explored on foot several times, as well as taking photos, and climbing a lookout tower.

The trail is four wonderful miles of WILDERNESS!  There are indian camp areas (authentic), an iron ore furnace, waterfalls, streams, beaver dams, wildlife, all kinds of flora, swamps, ponds, and other interesting things to observe. 
The trail is fun with all its hills, twists and turns.  Some of the hills were frightening because they were steep and curved around with dropoffs.  Go too fast, and you might drop down a loooong way!  We were constantly yelling back to our kids to make sure they 'braked' as they descended. 

A few times, we got carried away and took the hills pretty fast, and I have to admit--it was FUN!  Kind of a roller coaster sensation.

I saw dozens of butterflies along the way, John saw a frog or toad, and Therese and I spotted a very large deer romping in the forest.  There were also lots of birds and dragonflies.

The canopy of trees provided natural 'air conditioning' so the entire ride was quite comfortable.  It was beautiful and lush--ferns, tall trees, brush, berry bushes...just gorgeous and wild. 

I highly recommend a trip to this place if you long to get away from civilization for a little while.  When we got back to the rental area, the owner told us that if you go early in the morning, or later in the evening, the deer are easier to spot--often up to a dozen in a trip.  We only saw one, but we were there mid afternoon.

XXXoooAnnie

A VERY Cluttered Mind

I haven't blogged for awhile...this entry will be very random...

Stuff on my mind...

I'm hating the fact that Penn State sent Jacob a letter saying he is not meeting their 'Satisfactory Academic Progress' standards, when we checked, and his grades are REALLY solidly high, he's on course to graduate next May, and he's been tutoring in the learning center for two years now.  I can't begin to understand why, and no one answers a darned PHONE!  We get all these dumb options, but no real people. 

I cannot stand things that I can't resolve immediately--I'm impatient.  I want answers and I want them NOW!!!!!!!

I'm thinking of things I want to do as Summer marches along at an accelerated pace--what has happened to 'time'?  It's bounding away like a wild horse with no direction, an unbridled ride full of bumps and bruises along the way.  I feel like I got knocked off the horse and am lying in a dusty trail somewhere rubbing my black and blue...ummm...well, you get the picture.  Time took off and I can't figure out how to capture it.

I have an alternate life, it's really wierd...it's the life I land in when I enter REM sleep...it continues on every night.  Maybe someday it will make a fantastic story for a book.  Its me, John, and the kids, just as normal as apple pie.  But, in that life, we have moved into a home where everyone has space.  The house is equipped with extra rooms, large windows, extra baths, modern appliances, and we are on perpetual vacation.  Every day is a new adventure, and almost always involves vivid family trips to the ocean or Lake Erie.  We ride lots of roller coasters in that other life, too.  Sometimes I return to school, and that is one of the down sides to the alternate life.  I always feel confused that I'm back there, and even have had to ask my own kids what time a certain class begins.  I tend to get confused because I'm sure I have a test but don't know what is on the test.  Sometimes I stand at my locker and wonder how to open it because no matter how much I wrack my brain, I cannot remember the lock's combination.

In that life, I often spend time on stage.  Sometimes, it resembles the school dream, where I'm on stage and realize I never memorized any of my lines.  Somehow I get myself out of every jam.  I always fix those problems, and come out on top.  The last time I was on stage in that life, I was in a chorus line, and had never attended rehearsal.  Everyone knew the dance steps but me.  I did a lot of improvising!

A psychologist would analyze that and conclude that I'm trying to problem solve in my sleep.  It might be true, but who cares?  I love visiting my 'other' life.  :)

Today is payday--gotta do bills--bathroom day--(clean that)--wash dishes--plan dinner (have no idea what to make!  I'm running out of ideas!!!)--finish laundry--(finish?  Ha!  In my dreams!)--and think of something fun to do with my honey and my 'little' honeys tonight.  (The little honeys who aren't out with their friends or working.)

Thinking of Tony, who starts his new job tomorrow!  He got hired at WalMart!  He'll be making pretty good money, and will be a WORKING MAN!!!  Yeah, Anthony!!!

Last but not least--thinking I should have done my exercises earlier, it's really getting hot and I haven't done them yet.  Better get to it before the weather gets worse!

XXX000 Annie

Feeling blue

One of Those Days

During the summer, I like to relax my schedule as much as possible because throughout the other three seasons, I am stuck on a merry go round that doesn't quit.  I like merry go rounds, but for nine months, that can make me dizzy!

I feel like no matter how much I try to move forward and make changes to things that frustrate me, I always end up back where I started, and I am just realllllly tired out.

The two little neighbor girls, ages five and eight, have been pushed into my life by parents who seem to see me as a free babysitter.  I don't mind that Therese has playmates, but I don't want to raise someone else's kids. 

Every morning at 8:15 or 8:30, an insistent knocking comes at my front door, which starts a chain reaction.  The dog begins to bark hysterically, everyone that is trying to sleep is jolted from their slumber.  I'm almost always up way before then, but I cherish being able to have my coffee leisurely and that just sticks in my craw.  It's those kids.  Today I called the girls over and I said, "STOP coming over here so early in the morning.  Do not come to my door until at least 10 am."  Now, we will see if they actually listen because they never do.

Something is desperately the matter with them.  I can't pinpoint it, but the elder one has told me at least three or four times that she wants me to adopt her.  They do not understand boundaries.  They continually walk inside my house.  They make a huge mess here and leave stuff behind every time they are over.  Each day, it's something, not just one or two things, but a dozen or more.  Shoes, jackets, cereal bowls, food, toys, and other assorted things.  I have told them to stop and they never do.  So, yesterday I said, "If you leave ANYTHING here again, you will not be allowed over the rest of that day."  The little one came, left a roll of toilet paper (I have no idea why she had that?) here, shoes, toys, etc., so I sent her home.  She bawled all the way across the street.  OH WELL!!!

 They have broken three of our solar lights.  They knocked over my statue of the Virgin Mary.  They pick up my cats and throw them.  They steal stuff.  The younger one stole a toy of Therese's and ruined it.  When Therese told her mom about it, her mother yelled at Therese "OH, do you really think she'd do that?", then 'Get out!'.  When the kid told her mom that she had stolen it, her mom said, 'Well, I can't afford to replace it!'.  That wasn't the point, the point was she should have taken that opportunity to discipline her child.

I'm just tired.  I have been raising my own family over half my life.  My kids are spaced out from 2 to 4 years apart, and it has taken enormous patience  and perserverance on my part to do this day in and day out for the past 25 years. I do not like that these parents don't take care of their own kids, but seem to think it's okay to send them my way.

I feel sorry for these children, but at the same time, I am very angry.  I don't see why people don't love their children enough to do what parents are expected to do.  It's not easy, I get that.  I've had awful days in my time as a mom.  Days when I cried myself to sleep.  Days that I got NO sleep.  Days when everything felt so darned frustrating.

But, I cannot excuse their parents.  Their kids will only be little for a short time.  Take care of them!

I'm struggling with some stuff here...feeling really tired...having major "female" troubles...trying to stay on top of things with my own family...

I guess I just needed to vent.  My day has just been terribly trying, even though it has not been a bad day in any overt way.  It's just ONE of those days.

Marital Harmony

With tomorrow's significance in the forefront of my mind--my 27th Wedding Anniversary--I am pondering why it is that I've been so blessed to have the good fortune of such a joyful union with John.

I think back to the beginning, when I was just a step away from childhood, yet a step away from adulthood as well...I was wedged in that teenaged zone where every decision feels weighty.  Pepperoni or sausage?  Blue eyeshadow or beige?  Still not understanding that the universe is so much bigger than myself.  Still of the mindset that Mom and Dad will continue to catch me if I trip and fall.

Yet, knowing that I stood on the precipice of adulthood and bigger things to come.  And pondering the fact that although still in high school, that somehow I already knew that I wanted to make a life with my young man and share my future with him.

I remember the day we pledged to marry each other--we were both very pure and childlike in our intention.  We picked twist ties from a pile in my parents' kitchen and wound them into make-shift rings.  We placed them on each other's fingers and made our pact--I was 17, he was 20.  That was a mere two weeks into our dating experience.

It sounds comical now, but it was romantic and thrilling at that time.  Our courtship lasted four years until the day we held our hands out to accept the gold wedding bands on our wedding day.

Why do so many marriages fail?  What happens to that fresh love that makes it grow old and stale?

I offer just a few ideas as to why my marriage has been a constant source of joy...

1.) In the beginning, John and I were open books to each other.  We held no secrets, we kept nothing of ourselves away from the other.  To this day, it is the same.  I have nothing to be ashamed of if he were to read my diaries, or to see my emails.  I honor him, and he honors me.

2.) We strove for pre-marital purity.  Yes, that is an old fashioned notion in our society, but well worth it, please trust that.  We longed to be in union with each other from the start, but knew it would pay off in the end if we respected the chaste aspect of our relationship.  I can say that it has made ALL the difference.  Our marital intimacy has remained a renewing source of strength, bonding, joy, love.  Our honeymoon was a real honeymoon, where we opened a chapter that we had waited to open for four long years.  And, it was worth the wait!

3.) God has been the third party in 'us' since the beginning.  We prayed together from the start, even though John did not share the same faith as I.  We were both baptized Christians, but he was raised in a God-less home.  We found that prayer was a perpetual spring of strength for our relationship. 

4.) Open-ness to all life--in other words, as Catholics, we honor our fertility and have put our ability to pro-create into God's hands.  We never concerned ourselves with whether it was the right time to conceive a child.  We told God from day one that whatever His will was in that regard, that too, was our will.  I solemnly tell you, He has been more than good to us and has blessed us with beautiful children to raise, love, and enjoy.

5.) Creativity!  We do not and never had a conventional marriage.  We were never the type to drop the kids off at Grandma's and go for a weekend.  We packed up our kids and took them with us!  We had many covert romantic trysts, even with kids in tow, and what a challenge!  Oftentimes, a date would be putting everyone to bed, and challenging each other to a game of Scrabble or Yahtzee...or a movie rental.  Other times, it would be putting kids in strollers and taking long walks.  A trip to the playground meant we could sit on a nearby park bench and snuggle while the kids had fun a few feet away.  I have so many good and happy memories of those times.

6.) Being real.  What I mean by that is that we sometimes had to hold it together for the other one, to be the support-er.  I've had some pretty rough times over the past few decades.  Those earlier problems of what color eye shadow turned into things that dealt with life and death.  When our first born--Ian--came along, with some heavy duty health problems, I could have easily bailed.  I found it hard to breathe, I was stuck in a nightmare...I had a terrible postpartum depression...worry became my new normal.  John stepped up to the plate to be the rock of the family--to hold me up when I couldn't hold myself up anymore. 

When money was so tight, we had nothing left over on payday after paying the bills, or worse yet, we were short of money, we held onto each other and offered words of support.  In that stormy sea, we sometimes had leaks in our life raft, but we never sank!!  We just kept holding on to each other!

When troubles have fallen like raindrops from the sky, we've put up our umbrella and stepped under it, knowing that no matter what we face, we face it together.  Division is the first fissure in a marriage.  Once you let that crack happen, it's like an eggshell.  Pretty soon, you're left with a thousand cracks, and a big mess.  We just won't let anything separate our union.

7.) Valuing each other.  In all fairness, marriage isn't always perfect!  Just because I'm praising all the joy and love doesn't mean we haven't had our share of difficulties.  When raising a family, there are many occasions of frustration.  It's very important to learn when to curb your tongue, and when to speak.  We try to hold back when we're in a 'mood' because hurting the one you share your life with is never the right thing to do.  Part of the marital vow we said to each other was 'to love and honor all the days of my life'.  HONOR!  That is something vital to a marriage.  Giving your other half the honor that you vowed to give them is a precious gift.

8.) John and I have a similar sense of humor which helps a lot!  Sometimes a good belly laugh is what's needed.

9.) Staying attractive.  Okay, I don't look like I did when I was 17.  I have had six kids, so my body is a little different than it once was.  But, I view those changes as my battle scars--I bore children, bringing forth new life--how could that not be worth a few extra pounds and some stretch marks?  John and I have quite a few grey hairs, but again, the same principal as the battle scars--these are the stripes on our uniforms.  We're like Admirals now, where we once were Privates.  We've weathered stormy seas, and come out on top.  The greys have all been earned.  With all that said, I exercise.  I dress up for him.  I try to look pretty for him.  He does the same for me.  We don't want to take that for granted, but to continue to renew our attraction for one another.  I like it when I look at him, and think, wow, he's so handsome. 

10. We do little things for each other most days.  Oftentimes, married couples let things go.  We try not to.  He sometimes shows up after work with my favorite chocolate bar in his hand, or some other little treat.  He knows how much that means to me.  When he's at work, one of my favorite things to do is swing down to Country Fair and buy him a fountain drink and surprise him on the job.  Little gestures make BIG impressions.

I love being married.  If no one else likes me, if the world rejects me, I know that I have John.  He is my beloved and he has taken me to be his, and he loves me unconditionally. 

Thank you, God, for giving me my JOHN!!!

XXXOOOAnnie

Being a woman

In recent weeks, I've been disturbed by things I see that are the direct 'fruits' of the bruhaha over the HHS mandate.  In the media, and in some FB posts, I read some pretty rough stuff!  All I can say is, 'Wow!'.  When did women come to the point where they think that crudeness becomes them?

As a woman, I believe I can and should speak for women.  First off, let me say this: I LOVE men.  I do not view men as trying to oppress women.  I don't doubt that there are men who do that, and that it has happened in the past.  Unfortunately, that is true. But... every man I have had the good fortune of knowing has always been fair and respectful of me.

I grew up with a father who always taught me that the sky is the limit.  He never forced gender roles down my throat--in fact, many of the things he gave me weren't often thought of as 'feminine'.

For instance, he gave me fishing equipment, hiking boots, a barn coat, a CO2 pistol, a CB radio, and many other such things.  (He also gave me Love's Baby Soft perfume!)

I have often fished with my Daddy, and we like to go for jaunts in the wild, walking through thick brush, while he points out various plants to me.  He takes me to the shooting range and instructs me on the proper handling of firearms.  He taught me about the Erie Canal, taking me to points where it used to run, and explained about Indian tribes who lived nearby.  He has expounded on the local Indians and their trails.  We have watched countless Cowboy flicks together, and spent many hours engaged in intellectual discussions.

Dad has taught me math and reading, how to ride a bike, how to swim, and how to identify birds and trees.  I have never heard a dirty joke or rude comment come from my father.  He has never tried to hold a women down and 'oppress' her in any way.

I have two siblings, both brothers, and they often roughhoused with me.  Shaun, my big brother, used to make me play a game he made up called 'Boot Camp', where he would be the D.I. and I had to do all the tough stuff he put me through.  I remember rolling down hills (GRASS stains?!), doing pushups, and running until I was out of breath.  My brothers and I played ball together, ran laps, played tag, and enjoyed bike rides.  My brothers have grown into men of integrity and goodness.  They show no signs of wanting to hold women back!

I never felt like I had to prove myself as a female in a man's world.  I felt comfortable with me, and I embraced my feminine side.  I always loved baby dolls.  I had over 60 of them as a child, and each one had a name and a special place in my heart.  I always knew I wanted to be a mother.

My mom is a true feminist and a great influence on me.  She is the eldest child of eight, and has a wildly independent streak.  She taught me (through example) that to be myself was all that mattered.  She worked at the Westinghouse right out of high school, and bid on a job in the shop where she could earn more money, instead of doing office work.  She worked along men, and she was fine with that.  She wore black jeans that she paid two bucks for.  She shunned makeup, wearing a smattering of red lipstick that complimented her almost black hair.

Mom didn't care so much about marriage, so she explored life, and put herself through college.  She had aspirations to move to the west coast and settle in as a writer.  She taught school as she neared the end of her College education, and went on to work as a teacher.  She graduated with a dual major in English and Comprehensive Social Studies.  Mom took pre-med classes because she had a thirst for learning!  The advisors were puzzled as to why she would take hard courses that weren't necessary, but she loved to challenge herself. 

She met my father and that steered her in a different direction, as she found a new desire to settle down.  In 1960, on New Year's Eve, at age 31, she married my dad.

Every one of my uncles (seven in all) were/are highly respectful of women.  None of them spoke ill of females, but rather, were somewhat in awe of them.  There were no crass words, ill opinions, rude remarks.  No ogling, no centerfolds.  The men in my life are men of integrity who love women as a magnificent creature!

My grandfathers were like my uncles.  They were good and pure, with utmost respect for the ladies.  They always showed me love, and nothing else.

I have a lot of male friends...they are mostly similar to the men in my family.  I have run into the few who are the 'bubba' type--who give men a bad name.  But, for the most part, I have found that men are wonderful just as they are.  And I know that women are wonderful as they are, too! 

I LOVE that I am a woman.  I think it is utterly wonderful that I can do what I can do!  I am nurturing.  I can be a mom.  I can be a wife.  I love all those things.  I can be gentle.  I can be soft.  My figure is curvy.  I like that.  My hands are small.  I like that.  I sometimes need a guy to help me open a jar.  What is wrong with being who and what you are????

I love to take care of my family.  I enjoy providing their home, their meals, their support.  I find it highly satisfying to hold a child, or to comfort someone.  Afterall, who can be all that, other than a MOM?

It hurts me when I read the crass comments of late...the ones where females are reduced to their genitalia (and I mean--the crudest terms), and their militant attitude.  I don't want to be militant.  I want to be genuine.

I embrace and love the fact that my Catholic faith elevates women.  Women simply are the heart of any society.  What more can a girl ask for???

Our wombs are supposed to be the safest, warmest, nurturing place.  Our bodies do not belong exclusively to ourselves...they are there to enable us to be useful and helpful to our families and society.

When and where did people begin to believe the lie that our fertility is a curse? 

I recognize that not all my readers will agree with me.  I just want to assert that I love everything that being a woman means, and I don't think it is beneficial to act crude or speak in such base terms.  It demeans women.

A woman whom I greatly admire, Edith Stein, was a German Jew who was independent, brilliant, strong.  She recognized the light of Christ and became a Christian.  This woman went to the gas chambers of Nazi Germany, and embraced her fellow Jews with comforting arms and words as they took their last breaths.  That is a real hero!  A real woman!



Well, that's enough for now...

XXXOOOAnnie