The World according to Basil

As I go in to pick up a waking Juliana, I hear this trailing passionately behind me

"No, no no Juliana! I don't want Juliana to live with us mommy. I want her to go in your belly...that's her home, not here!"

Sorry little fella.

Humbling

Funny that I have read a few recent blog posts dealing with judgement. Thank you, Peter, for this quote:

Dont criticize or judge other people—regard everyone else as an angel, justify their mistakes and weaknesses, and condemn only yourself as the worst sinner. This is step one in any kind of spiritual life. Fr. Seraphim Rose

I think parenting has been the most humbling thing I have yet experienced in life. Besides the daily struggles against passions and the various tasks required to serve cute but demanding little people, there is a huge aspect of judgement that I have encountered.

I have felt the tendencies in myself, usually looking at older kids thinking "why don't the parents DO something...get that under control!" As Basil gets older and I realize just how little control I have over his will and choices...although I can guide and help shape his moral compass, he is ultimately making the decisions. As my priest aptly reminded me once, our children are sinners too, and someday Basil will need to make his confession before God and receive absolution just as I do (Want to know more about Confession in Orthodoxy?)

Though it may sound obvious, it's a hard lesson. I am slowly learning how important it is to resist placing judgement on others...even when it seems they are judging me and to pray for the peace and unity of us all.

Kyrie Eleison.

Three "Anythings" Friday

I took this idea from Philippa...post three "anythings" from your day. Thanks Philippa :)

Answered "no" to the question "can I watch a movie" at least 10 times. Attempted to finish folding laundry. Made a felt flower pin cushion (bad priorities)?

Not entirely productive but pleasant...what are three of your "anythings"? Have a blessed weekend!

Quotable Quote

A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love.

St Basil

Of Tree Climbing and Rearranging

Basil has discovered the joys of tree climbing. Once he spots a sturdy trunk with low branches, there's no stopping him! He spent most of the morning in various limbs around the yard. He's always been a little monkey.


On another note, here's a photo of the newly arranged playspace in the not-so-spare room...it feels so happy now that I've moved it to a more prominent corner. Wanna come play? Uh oh, better go, a wooden veggie was just pelted across the room...maybe a hint to get off of the computer? Better regulate.

Thanks Everyone

Thank you to everyone who commented on my anniversary post...it made the celebration that much nicer :)

I also wanted to share a post from one of my "secret blogs"...I have a list of art/craft blogs that I secretly spy on. I have never commented on any of them. They share so much and usually always inspire me and yet I never give back! What a louse I am! Is that bloggedly immoral?

Anyway, maybe one day I'll get up the gumption to comment on one of these super-beautiful blogs until then, I'll quietly creep about where they can't see me like a thief in the night!

Here's that link...it's tips on thrift-store shopping from little birds...thought I'd share it since some of you out there try to pinch pennies like we do and just love a good find :) Oh yeah, she's in the Portland area, XK..and she has a list of places she goes.

Five Years

Today marks the fifth anniversary of my marriage to Aaron. He has become my dearest friend and beloved. I am so thankful for his friendship, patience, commitment, and enduring love.

This picture was taken by Aaron the day after our wedding. It has lived on our fridge ever since it was developed, I suppose I should preserve it better. I love it.


This is a blurry photo of our wedding invitation. I remember that late night spent in a back room of Biola's art department trying to figure out how to use the big old printing press...boy was that fun!


Thank you, Aaron for the life you have helped create. May God grant us many more through His love and Mercy.

A Meme

Thanks Xenia Katherine :)

Four jobs you have had in your life
1. Math and English Tutor
2. Preschool teacher
3. All-purpose employee at an Italian bakery
4. “Techie” at an outdoor amphitheater

4 Movies You Could Watch Over and Over
1. Fellowship of the Ring
2. About a Boy
3. When Harry met Sally
4. Can't think of one

4 Places You Have Lived
1. Huntington Beach, Ca
2. Crestline, Ca
3. Santa Cruz, Ca
4. Brea, Ca

4 TV Shows You Love To Watch
(I don't watch TV anymore, but when I did)
1. X- Files (before it got too weird)
2. The Jetsons
3. Cooking Shows
4. Martha Stewart (cliché, I know but great ideas)

4 Places You Have Been On Vacation
1. Various national parks and campgrounds (thanks to nature-loving parents and a sweet camper shell growing up)
2. Italy, Germany (same trip)
3. France
4. Road-tripping up and down the west coast

4 Websites You Visit Daily
1. Gmail
2. Yahoo (groups)
3. Various blogs
4. Google (for any question I ever have, generally)

4 Of Your Favorite Foods
1. Good ice cream
2. Fresh-baked bread with butter
3. My mom’s eggplant parmesan
4. Cookies and milk

4 Places You Would Rather Be Right Now
1. Watching a movie and eating popcorn with Aaron while the kids are sleeping
2. Sitting around eating a delicious dessert with friends or family
3. Sewing
4. I can think of lots of really outlandish ones but I’m having fun doing this thing too

4 Bloggers You Are Tagging
1. Ruth
2. Annie
3. Carol
4. Susan

A Wonderful New Book

Ruth, Juliana's godmother, a good friend, and new blogger gave this to me and Juliana for Christmas. It is a new publication by SVS Press entitled Our Church and Our Children. Written by Sophie Kouomzin, who taught religious education at Saint Vladimir's Seminary from 1956 to 1973, it cover topics from Christian education to Child development to Christian education in the family. She stresses the importance of chilrden's involvement in the life and worship of the Church. Although I have just finished the foreward, it seems worthy of a recommendation already.

Plus it has a lovely cover which is a cropped enlargement of an Italian fresco. Thanks Ruth!

It's Raining?

Yes, it is...our plans to trek down to the San Diego Zoo and go to vespers and dinner with this lady and her cutie were thwarted by wetness. So we've been at home, a usual day for me and the kids but with the fun (and helpful) addition of daddy! The house is a mess of laundry, toys and spilled pretzels but hey we're having fun. Tonight we're going to here for vespers instead to hear this motley crew sing.

I had some cool photos to post but the drive isn't working for some reason, oh well.

Happy Saturday

Reading

...is good indeed. I have absconded with one of Aaron's birthday gifts, Fr. Seraphim Rose, His Life and Works. It is moving, indeed to read the account of his conversion and metanoia...such a blessed man of God from my own backyard.

This quote referencing Rene Guenon, a man whose thoughts greatly impacted Fr. Seraphim and photo actually scared me as I turned the page one late night,
struck a chord:

Guenon indicated that modern Western society is based on a rejection of the traditional spirit of ancient cultures. He said that it is only through a return to the traditional, orthodox forms of religion, that man can even begin to come once more into contact with truth. As it is, without a traditional worldview to bring all into a coherent whole, modern life becomes fragmented, disordered, confused, and the modern world heads toward catastrophe.

Boo-ya

Ahhhhhh, Now that's Much Better

It seems my initial thoughts about having no internet connection have quickly dissipated! After being click-free for nearly two weeks, this junkie is finally back on track. Unlike other time wasters, I have actually missed the community I feel like I've gained through blogging. I really feel like it enriches and challenges me to be a better wife, mother, child of God, etc. I know that may be odd but it's the straight truth. So, thank you all for what you add to my daily life by giving me inspiration and good things to ponder.

Not much is new around here...still coming down from the holiday hurricane...I think life is gaining normality again! Feasting is always nice...but tiring in the end...I guess that's what makes the whole rhythm sweet.

Even the kids are glad the computer is back in the saddle again :)