The Stump: May Flowers, Crowning, and Leis

Keeping Perspective and Rejoicing in the Little Things

If I had my child to raise all over again,

I’d finger-paint more, and point the finger less.

I would do less correcting and more connecting.

I’d take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes.

I would care to know less, and know to care more.

I’d take more hikes and fly more kites.

I’d stop playing serious, and seriously play.

I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars.

I’d do more hugging and less tugging.

I’d build self-esteem first, and the new house later.

I would be firm less often, and affirm much more.

I’d teach less about the love of power, and more about the power of love.

We Pray For

all children
an increase in respect for the dignity of every human person
all that we have received
an increase in faith, humility, and love
the souls of all the departed, those in our families, among our friends
fathers throughout the world
Gram Dolan's soul, especially on her death anniversary: May 15
the unemployed and homeless
an openness to life and its protection at every moment of its existence
dating, engaged, married couples
mothers around the world
those suffering physical and spiritual anguish
troubled relationships
women enduring difficult pregnancies

When There Is Some Quiet Time

I pick up a book. The moments I have to browse a book as Maddy or Pita naps, or our newest beautiful girl nurses, or she rests in my arms, are much-enjoyed. However, my stack of "finished" books looks like a hill compared to Caleb's Himalayan mound. To read through a chapter during lulls (that are purposely made) is an accomplishment. Chapter-by-chapter, they all add up, and they are: The Five Love Languages, Woman Power, The Proper Care and Feeding of Marriage, The Attachment Parenting Book, Breastfeeding and Catholic Motherhood, Vaccines: Are They Really Safe and Effective?, Mother Teresa: In My Own Words, A Charlotte Mason Education, The Four Loves, Full of Grace,
Birth Order Blues, Audrey, St. Therese of Lisieux: The Story of a Soul, A Year With The Saints

Caleb's Recent Reading

November 2007
Here are some recent notables reads. (I need to do better about updating my list: too many titles fall through the memory cracks.) In no particular order:
- The Death of the Grown-Up - The End of Education - Technopoly - Building a Bridge to the 18th Century - Playing for Pizza - Truth and Tolerance - Dark Materials (a nice commentary)

May 2007
After 4 years of graduate school, reading can lose its luster. Over Easter break, I picked up a couple books from the library only to remember that reading can be thrilling! Since then, I have become addicted. Here are some of my recent reads:
- Strong Father, Strong Daughers: 10 Secrets Every Father Should Know - Fear Nothing - Chinese Lessons: Five Classmates and the Story of New China - Brother Odd - Mirrors of the Unseen - Door to December - The Spirit of Democratic Capitalism - Dawn of Empire