tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66340099707285450232011-11-29T17:58:32.389-08:00My life as a Catholic stay-at-home mom of 3 boys, a.k.a. The SnuffinsAlisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04887517811235093697noreply@blogger.comBlogger411100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634009970728545023.post-91951333253743488682011-11-29T17:33:00.001-08:002011-11-29T17:49:13.561-08:00

My plan is to do a Motherhood post every Monday. I don't.I have many plans that don't come to fruition. Many.I am struggling. Again.I have a discipline plan. I give in because I am too tired, physically and emotionally. The plan fails. The situation gets worse. I struggle.I have a routine for housework. I am too tired, physically and emotionally. The routine isn't followed. Mt. Washmore explodes.

Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04887517811235093697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634009970728545023.post-15938673722622181872011-11-23T16:00:00.000-08:002011-11-23T16:17:13.990-08:00

I have many knitted UFOs (unfinished objects) that need work. There is the back bedroom disaster and Mt. Washmore, not to mention the garage. They all need work. But right now I am trying to focus on my Home Management Notebook for 2012. My current printer isn't up to the task of printing the needed pages, so I'm doing research. I'm thinking of getting a 3 in 1 wireless printer. We shall see. As

Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04887517811235093697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634009970728545023.post-40700454181278631832011-10-24T22:45:00.000-07:002011-10-24T23:15:44.125-07:00

I don't understand why people think I'm crazy because I have more then 1.2 kids. Any day I take the kids out in public, I'm sure to hear the phrase "You have your hands full!" I always reply with "and my heart too!" People usually smile and tell me my kids are cute. Unless, like the lady at the grocery store yesterday, they run off in a disgusted huff before I can respond. Really? I wish I could

Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04887517811235093697noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634009970728545023.post-5676411040927247712011-10-23T08:30:00.000-07:002011-10-23T08:30:00.780-07:00

They boys sing a song for the days of the week that goes "Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and then we start again!"I am hoping to pick myself up a bit and do as the songs says - start again. I have been trying, it seems in vain at times, to follow my Mother's Rule of Life. Most days I do alright. The past few months have been better then the beginning of the year.

Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04887517811235093697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634009970728545023.post-46707133624570764022011-10-20T12:19:00.000-07:002011-10-20T12:20:31.598-07:00

The picture of Joseph counting was taken almost a year ago. He can now count to 100 independently and is quickly picking up the pattern to count over 100. He also recently started reading. All the sight word and phonics work of the past 4 years has really paid off. I actually saw the moment when reading clicked for him! It was amazing! He was looking at a book that we have read a thousand

Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04887517811235093697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634009970728545023.post-18542202816076422942010-11-10T13:39:00.001-08:002011-10-20T12:21:48.584-07:00

Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04887517811235093697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634009970728545023.post-21424163650638155472010-11-08T15:40:00.000-08:002010-11-08T20:48:33.890-08:00

Matthew 25:36-40"Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me, I was in prison, and

Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04887517811235093697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634009970728545023.post-79313844449527950992010-11-03T20:57:00.000-07:002010-11-03T21:27:50.815-07:00

Me. I am a work-in-progress. My Motherhood is a work-in-progress. Some days I think I've got it all figured out; I'm Super Mom! Other days, I call my husband at work for moral support because everything has gone horribly wrong. The kids are all crying. I'm crying. All I can think is that God must have gotten it horribly wrong. Me a mom? Seriously? 3 kids? 3 young kids? But then I take it to Mary

Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04887517811235093697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634009970728545023.post-40379331356505940012010-10-25T22:10:00.000-07:002010-10-25T22:09:35.338-07:00

Some days I question God's sanity. This may sound like a very strange thing to say, but if it does, then you don't have twins. The idea of twins, let alone identical twin boys must have come to the Father on the same day He created the platypus. Just after He created hallucinogenic plants. My identical twin boys are 3 1/2 and so these thoughts cross my mind.

Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04887517811235093697noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634009970728545023.post-12569770307762172122010-10-25T10:25:00.000-07:002010-10-25T22:25:53.190-07:00

I just found these pictures in a draft post from last April..... wish I could figure out how to rotate the pics...

Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04887517811235093697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634009970728545023.post-62813344205012751852010-05-27T22:16:00.000-07:002010-05-27T22:27:55.755-07:00

It amazes me how good the twins are with their baby brother!

Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04887517811235093697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634009970728545023.post-27169429069861286412010-05-27T21:57:00.001-07:002010-05-27T22:13:41.798-07:00

When I struggle, as I have this week, with all that has been placed in my care, I try to stop and think about those things I should be thankful for. All the things that I could complain about seem insignificant in the face of my abundant blessing!1. My 3 healthy boys, so full of energy and smart as can be!2. My wonderful husband who is an amazing dad!3. My wonderful husband's job and health

Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04887517811235093697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634009970728545023.post-82751010803230720612010-05-24T22:01:00.000-07:002010-05-24T22:19:52.047-07:00

I feel my motherhood threatened once again by the failings of the body that brought 3 beautiful children into this world, but also failed others. The babies I miscarried are daily in my thoughts and prayers. I pray too for the 3 healthy little men I have been entrusted with. It is my prayer that my Lupus remains manageable, and that I am able to be the mother God is calling me to be. The more I

Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04887517811235093697noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634009970728545023.post-62632382996756454452010-05-21T18:37:00.001-07:002010-05-21T21:00:18.570-07:00

A better picture without tubes or monitors!

Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04887517811235093697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634009970728545023.post-15903159830081531412010-05-17T23:11:00.000-07:002010-05-17T23:27:30.755-07:00

The little man has arrived. Oliver was born 3 1/2 weeks early, spent 10 days int he NICU and got his first cold at 3 weeks old! Then developed a touch of bronchitis! Not to mention the postpartum complications that have helped to create a very tired Snuffin Mommy! But in the end, the sufferings of this pregnancy and birth have been nothing in comparison to the wonderful blessing I have been given

Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04887517811235093697noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634009970728545023.post-11130243686172107482010-01-18T17:31:00.000-08:002010-01-18T17:49:56.048-08:00

Recent Mondays have been filled with trips to the grocery store, the park and home baked bread. Today; nothing so adventurous. Instead I am happy to still be pregnant with a healthy baby, but frustrated that I will be on bed rest for the next 10 weeks or so. I still have 12 weeks left until due date on April 12th, but will be very happy to make it to 36 or 37 weeks. My twins were born at 37 1/2

Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04887517811235093697noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634009970728545023.post-52967240969316920142009-12-24T10:21:00.001-08:002009-12-24T10:55:07.418-08:00

The boys know that Santa's real name is Saint Nicholas! Yes! But they still think he is a big guy who dresses in red and has a big white beard. I guess we will work on the true story of Christmas bit by bit. At least they know Christmas is Baby Jesus's Birthday! They love playing with their Manger set, and give Baby Jesus rides on their Thomas Train.... it is very cute. Joseph likes to sing "Baby

Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04887517811235093697noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634009970728545023.post-89924561026014043942009-12-01T19:45:00.001-08:002009-12-01T19:50:54.040-08:00

What could be more fun then two little boys and an orchard full of fallen leaves?A morning full of looking for stray walnuts, kicking leaves and finding sticks to give the dog to chew on.

Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04887517811235093697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634009970728545023.post-3855770881915225632009-10-09T08:34:00.000-07:002009-10-09T08:56:00.887-07:00

There are a lot of excuses for not getting things done, not just the day to day tasks of dishes and washing cloth diapers, but the big things like re-painting the kitchen, bathroom, dining room etc... But the new curtains are mostly up in the dinning room, and the bathroom has its first coat of paint, and even a second on 3 walls. I've begun to realize that it really isn't about having enough

Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04887517811235093697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634009970728545023.post-78584546802534734262009-07-17T15:10:00.000-07:002009-07-17T16:35:45.509-07:00

There is nothing better then homemade bread; unless its homemade cookies! I've always loved homemade bread. My dad attempted it a time or two during his running, health food, raw veggies for dinner phase. I loved the running, and the homemade bread, the fact that my dad had a weakness for hot dogs and that there was a great hot dog stand not to far away. Then in college I had a roommate who was

Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04887517811235093697noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634009970728545023.post-42597413159413777452009-07-15T13:37:00.000-07:002009-07-15T14:37:36.123-07:00

Welcome to Work In Progress Wednesday! I finally attempted socks this past week! I had a child free day to wander through a few yarn stores, a book store or two, as well as a fabric store. I found a lot of inspiration for WIP posts! Aprons from some lovely fabric are sure to follow. But for now, its socks.Yeah for my little green sock! It wasn't very hard at all! I would definitely recommend the

Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04887517811235093697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634009970728545023.post-21591873455261593052009-07-13T09:05:00.000-07:002009-07-13T09:40:10.480-07:00

I've had this idea for a while now, but have not had the time to act on it. I want to do a few post a week, Mission Monday, Work in progress Wednesday and Frugal or Feasting Friday. Instead of waiting until I have time, I am going to make time for these posts, and for the effort that goes into them. They are not a waste of time, but a source of inspiration and support for the work that I am

Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04887517811235093697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634009970728545023.post-30887793815555022462009-06-19T16:30:00.000-07:002009-06-19T18:36:47.015-07:00

No, its not some existential question about the meaning of life or my place in the world, rather it is a question about my blog's place in the blog-0-sphere. What am I doing here, on this blog? I started it with the intention of using it to help inspire me to create a more loving christian home. I wanted to use it to reflect on my own thoughts, and those of other Christian moms in the

Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04887517811235093697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634009970728545023.post-38531713781672131102009-05-02T20:13:00.000-07:002009-05-02T20:31:27.435-07:00

I have been trying to develop and use a Home Management Notebook. I have found that the weeks I actually stick to my plan I have more energy, less stress, and a cleaner house! All good things. There are a few resources I have found that help me get organized, and have given me some great ideas to create my own custom schedules. As I develop my Home Management Notebook I plan on posting the files

Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04887517811235093697noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634009970728545023.post-24624953847840047902009-04-20T21:22:00.001-07:002009-04-20T21:43:08.731-07:00

Alleluia! Christ is Risen! You might think to yourself, "Wait, wasn't Easter a while ago?". Well, that is the great thing about being Catholic, Easter is not just a day, but a season. We do not celebrate the important moments in salvation history for an hour or two, but for weeks. Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter as well as Ordinary Time make up the Liturgical Calender of the Catholic Church. This

Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04887517811235093697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634009970728545023.post-12385947661183664402009-02-27T13:04:00.000-08:002009-06-16T21:34:13.776-07:00

I have been called a good knitter. I am not sure. Like most things, I lack self confidence in this area. I have knit a ton of scarfs in many different textures and colors, baby booties, a couple of toddler sweaters and a skirt. I want to knit a pair of socks, but I'm afraid. Is sock knitting hard? I already knit in the round on double pointed needles so I don't know what my hesitation is. Its

Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04887517811235093697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634009970728545023.post-70045896552100616802009-02-23T19:46:00.000-08:002009-02-23T20:00:15.153-08:00

We have had a lot of rain here in CA lately which is great if you are a dry-land farmer, but presents a few problems if you are a stay-at-home mom of pre-school aged twins. After a couple weeks of steady rain any outside play time involves mud, or as Leo calls it, icky slimy dirt. It wasn't full on mud wrestling, but there has been mud tossing and a few attempts at eating mud pies. Hands have

Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04887517811235093697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634009970728545023.post-3290759840558964772009-01-21T19:54:00.000-08:002009-01-21T20:02:46.851-08:00

About 10 years ago, I was working for as a research assistant for a company doing research at Stanford. It was a very enjoyable job. It was stress full, and the hours were long, but I helped save lives. I also had amazing access to top doctors. When I went into arterial fibrillation with a tachycardia rhythm of over 250 beats per minute, the doctors in the Stanford ER were able to convert my

Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04887517811235093697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634009970728545023.post-48120216951252604552009-01-11T21:43:00.000-08:002009-01-13T20:14:34.830-08:00

Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04887517811235093697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634009970728545023.post-91798616610120840282009-01-11T21:33:00.000-08:002009-01-11T21:41:31.967-08:00

Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04887517811235093697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634009970728545023.post-39146088853053492912009-01-11T19:57:00.000-08:002009-01-11T20:59:30.195-08:00

This last 16 months, since I was diagnosed with Lupus, have been some of the most frustrating of my life. Although, there is now a known cause for my episodes of exhaustion, my headaches, joint pain, muscle pain, even blurred vision and miscarriages, the calm has not arrived. Usually, for someone who has suffered a long illness, a diagnosis brings relief. I can not say this is the case. I have

Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04887517811235093697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634009970728545023.post-81265888536530002072009-01-09T21:29:00.000-08:002009-01-09T21:43:04.627-08:00

At the onset of a new year, it seems like everyone begins to talk about life changes, resolutions, and new starts. Me, I'm just struggling to keep myself upright and moving forward. I have wanted the same things for quite some time, the new date on the calender changes nothing.I want a well organized house. Hopefully this isn't as far off as it seems.I want to be able to cook dinner every night,

Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04887517811235093697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634009970728545023.post-72667287680674666262008-11-14T16:33:00.000-08:002008-11-14T17:34:37.252-08:00

Sometimes, naps just don't happen!Even when you have a well planned schedule!

Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04887517811235093697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634009970728545023.post-22297371885581284952008-11-13T18:52:00.000-08:002008-11-13T19:29:56.322-08:00

"You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling the wage payer down.You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.You cannot build character and courage by taking away men's initiative and independence.You cannot help

Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04887517811235093697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634009970728545023.post-83558063829583648632008-10-15T21:32:00.001-07:002008-11-13T19:36:27.937-08:00

The tomatoes are beginning to wither in the garden, as are the eggplant, but the broccoli and cauliflower are starting their journey to the family's table. A few weeks ago my dh steamed a large bouquet of deep green swish chard heaped with freshly sliced tomatoes. A little salt, a little butter and a lot of indulgence in the basic flavors of two tasty vegetables, that just hours before were

Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04887517811235093697noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634009970728545023.post-78668448766776078572008-09-22T21:04:00.000-07:002008-11-13T19:29:01.628-08:00

I am a stay-at-home mom, which means I am a full-time mom, as opposed to a full-time teacher, or a full-time retail cashier (jobs I have previously held). This means that my children are always with me, even when I have to make a quick run to the bank, or pick up a few things at the grocery store. I don't mind. It just takes a little more time to get them out of the car, into the stroller or one

Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04887517811235093697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634009970728545023.post-83047571725777260252008-06-13T13:20:00.000-07:002008-06-13T14:39:36.047-07:00

It seems like such a silly thing, that a few pieces of pretty cloth, sewn together with some polka-dot ribbon, can change your perspective and give you more energy then a cup of my DH's coffee. But my apron has done just that. After reading how other stay-at-home moms, or housewife's, or domestic engineers (call yourself what you like, our Mission is the same) gained strength from their aprons, I

Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04887517811235093697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634009970728545023.post-25191432926241704832008-06-06T21:48:00.000-07:002008-06-09T21:43:51.785-07:00

As I mentioned in my previous post, I had an idea for a movement. At least I thought it was my idea, but no, this idea belongs to the author of all good things. So I do not know why I was surprised to find that He had shared it with other women. I was reading A Mother's Rule of Life, and came to The Fourth P: Parent. In this chapter Holly Pierlot discusses "the duties inherent to being a parent",

Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04887517811235093697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634009970728545023.post-47116767381472996632008-05-28T08:53:00.000-07:002008-05-30T09:09:12.153-07:00

Several years ago, I came up with an idea for a non-profit group, perhaps more of a movement. I called it Mission for Motherhood. I had this crazy idea that being a mother would be a wonderful experience. That sitting in the kitchen with my children eating freshly baked anything while they told me about their day would be the highlight of mine. This was not how I was raised. I was raised by a

Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04887517811235093697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634009970728545023.post-90784099539634099082008-05-27T12:04:00.000-07:002008-05-27T12:25:01.395-07:00

My husband and I have random conversations sometimes. Like the one about naming his new car. Yes we name our cars. Mine is Ingrid. She is a German stationwagon. It fits. I told him he should name it Sputnik or Gemini since it was small, zippy, and had toggle switches. Then we proceeded to comment on what may have been going through the heads of the dogs and monkeys sent up by Russia and the

Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04887517811235093697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634009970728545023.post-91754849913879319142008-05-24T17:31:00.000-07:002008-05-27T12:26:29.921-07:00

The twins turned one yesterday! It is so hard to believe that 365 days have gone by since my boys made their debut! They are so beautiful, and continue to amaze me everyday!A Snuffin, if you are wondering is a snugly muffin man. When you say those three words together, you get Snuffin.... Daddy's invention! I like it, because it describes my boys so well, and gives them their own unique name.More

Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04887517811235093697noreply@blogger.com0