A bag full of stinky tea

I could not say it better myself, so I am not even going to try. Excellent links in this post, too. Must read.

A Valentine’s Day gift with a heart:

Mercy Kits are symbolic gifts that support our efforts to turn the challenges of disaster, poverty, conflict and instability into opportunity for millions of people in the world’s toughest places.

Mercy Kits are tax-deductible charitible donations.

What’s better than giving chocolate or flowers on Valentine’s Day? Giving a gift in honor of the one you love to someone whose life will be made better by your generosity. Go here to pick a gift kit.

Thrilled for Brees

Go Saints!

And yes, I teared up watching Brees hold his son after he won, while on the field. What must have been going through his head as he held his son moments after fulfilling a lifelong dream? I can’t imagine, but it was awesome to watch.

This is why I am not blogging today:

You are to write a 5-page research paper (12 point, double spaced, Time New Roman font, 1-inch margins on all sides), using at least three scholarly sources (not including the textbook), focusing on the key events and movements that were influential in the recognition of the canonical books. You should focus primarily on the canonization of the New Testament, though it is acceptable to include some information on the Old Testament. In addition, look at the methods and the process employed by individuals and councils in the NT canonization process, and how/why they deemed certain books as the inspired word of God. Please note that this paper is to be about the canonical books of the Bible, not the canon laws of the Catholic Church.  These are two different subjects.

Yes, I procrastinated, but all in all, it was a hard homework-heavy week in my other class. Two papers and reading/tests + cranky/sleepless children does not allow for much leisure blog time. So that’s where I am. Also, tomorrow is the Superbowl, and I want to make sure I am able to at least watch some of it! I need to get this work done, but first, some sleep (let’s hope)!

A night out

Yes, me, that’s right! a night out to see a great band with great friends has not happened in over a year for me. I am so looking forward to seeing The Album Leaf, and if you have not heard of them, then you should definitely check them out. Also psyched to go to the Doug Fir, which is a great place to see a show. All around good evening coming, and I couldn’t be happier about it. Here is a taste:

Out of my comfort zone

There is something strangely comforting about watching the show Dexter. I am currently in the early stages of season two, and I cannot for the life of me figure out why I like it so much. Yes, Michael C. Hall is dashing, but that is only one of the perks of watching.

I think it stems from Dexter’s ability to be someone else entirely than who he is. He is at war within himself, fighting the “dark stranger” or seeking him out, depending on the circumstances of the day. I also like the music, particularly the way in which songs correspond to scenes in times you would not expect. The method and pace of the plot is matched perfect, and the characters are flawless. I seriously can’t remember watching a show recently where I thought, “Wow, this could be somebody’s real life.” That in itself is really scary, because it’s about a serial killer, but I am intrigued by Dexter, and I am going to keep watching, and see where the story takes me.

If you have netflix, seasons 1 through 4 are on the “watch instantly” menu. Enjoy! (and be warned, it’s a graphic show)

Be patient

I know my posts have been short and lame this week, but I am a bit under the weather mentally and physically. I am just drained. The boys have colds, and I think I am fighting one off myself.

So bear with me, as I figure out homework, sick boys, and all the other balls I have juggling around.

Patience, please. I have more in me, just not enough hours in the day.

A Poem: In honor of today’s sunny day.

A bright and sunny day in the Winter it makes one happy to be alive
A nice day to go out the Country if one had a car for to drive
Or to have a walk in the parkland and enjoy the Winter sunshine
Last night it was windy and raining this sort of weather suits me fine,
It is said of Victoria’s weather that you get four Seasons in a day
It rains and becomes chilly and windy and skies become clouded and gray
And then the sun burns through the cumulus making everywhere warm and bright
And sparrows in the sunlit hedgerows are chirping in the Winter sunlight,
A bright and sunny day in the Winter and not a rain cloud in the sky
A typical Winter’s day in Victoria what one might expect of July
The State of four Seasons in one day of chilly wind and of sunshine and rain
The magpie he pipes in all weather and the breeding frogs sing in the drain,
A bright and sunny day in the Winter and not a rain cloud in the sky
In the State of four Seasons in one day quite typical one might say for July.

Francis Duggan

Why I love Neil Patrick Harris:

Nothin’ suits you like a suit:

Good food and friends

There was once a time that Tarver and I would go over to friends’ houses for delicious diner and conversation, followed by a game of Settlers. Now, our diners with friends consist of still great food, with dinner conversations surrounding poop, cloth diapering, and other kid-topics. This is the norm for us parents, I guess, and the Settlers game has been replaced with supervising playtime (making sure one kid does not accidentally hurt the other). I like that our friends lives are changing just as much as ours, and that we can grow as families together. They understand our struggles as parents, and feel what we feel. Being a parent is a joyous yet difficult task, but it’s so much more enjoyable when you have people who love you doing it right along side of you.

So here’s to our friends who are parents of wee little ones, too. Thanks for walking in this journey with us. We love you, and we are better parents because of you.