seven quick takes

1.  Cari at Clan Donaldson shared an article from Inside Catholic, and here's a quote:

There is a big difference, though, between sharing some of the nitty-gritty and outright rejecting the notion that a woman can find contentment in nurturing her family.

I can completely understand.  On the one hand, motherhood is hard work and sometimes that shows.  On the other hand, if you mention how hard it is people seem to think you don't like it.

2.  In keeping with my love/hate relationship with Allrecipes.com, I tried a curried cauliflower dish from them the other day.  I changed the soup to cream of mushroom, added raisins and slivered almonds, cut the mayo and made it in the slowcooker instead of on the stovetop...but other than that I stayed exactly on recipe!  Not bad but better the next day.

3.  Seeds Family Worship is stuck in my head.  Especially Philippians 4:6-7.  Take a look for yourself.

4.  On my reading shelf right now is The Blue Sword.  I'd forgotten how wonderful fantasy was, why don't I read more of it?  Oh, right, the sex and violence.  Suggestions?

5.  I need help with something.  Samuel is ten months old, or just past that.  I was always told that discipline does not work at this age and the only option available is distraction for at least a few more months.  Except that we have this really ancient apartment, see?  And it is heated (and I use the word heated in the loosest possible sense) with electric baseboard heaters.  And Samuel likes to touch them and try and play with the cable cords that run above them.  I have tried everything to keep these cable cords away from him, even duct-taping them to the wall, but then he picks at the duct tape and pulls it off.  I tell him 'No." and he smiles at me and does it again.  I say it firmer.  He laughs and keeps doing it.  I get up off the chair and he starts giggling hysterically and squirming or wiggling away.  I retape it.  He goes right back.  I get up again.  "No, Samuel.  No touching.  Hot!"  Peals of laughter.  I have blocked the area as much as possible but I can't block the whole thing off.  I try to distract him with toys, food, nursing, to no avail.  It's a big game.  Now what?  Moms?

6.  I'm convincing myself that buying a special Easter outfit for the babe is not a waste of money.  I'm almost there with that, too.  What do you think?

Strasburg Children

Strasburg Children

7.  And finally, tonight I accomplished the impossible and produced acorn squash that David not only ate, but enjoyed.  My trick?  Tossing it in a bit of butter and canned cranberry sauce, roasting at about 375F and turning frequently till soft.  I AM the side dish queen.

And, as always, check out the wonderful Jen at Conversion Diary for her take on seven quick takes!