My upcoming visit to Ohio is affording me a fun opportunity.

I have been a weekly guest on the Son Rise Morning Show every Friday at 6:50 am EST for several months now, where Brian Patrick and I chat about all things related to Catholic family life.

This Friday morning, though, we’ll be talking about Catholic family life in person and in studio at Sacred Heart Radio.

I happen to have inside information that a Small Steps for Catholic Moms special offer is going to be announced during that time as well, so you’ll want to be sure to tune in … You can listen live online or tune in to EWTN Radio.

The photo below is a good reminder …

Have you entered the Aquinas and More Small Steps for Catholic Moms photo contest yet?

It’s a great way to share some sweet feet and enter to win a copy of Small Steps!

I’ll be in Ohio, speaking at a couple of events and selling and signing copies of Small Steps for Catholic Moms this weekend. I hope I’ll get to meet you there!

May 21, 2010
“Dessert With Danielle” at Royalmont Academy in Mason, Ohio
Details and Registration

and

May 22, 2010
6th Annual Dayton Catholic Homeschool Conference
Details and Registration

There ought to be a waiting period for parents who think they want to purchase wooden whistles from science center gift shops.

Picture the poor harried woman, standing in line at the check out, with whiny, sticky-faced children clinging to her legs and hanging from her shoulders.

“So you think you’d like to buy this wooden whistle for your 5-year-old son, Ma’am? No problem. Just fill out this paper work and if in 24 hours you still think the wooden whistle is a good idea, we’ll be glad to sell it to you.”

You know, something like that. To protect us. From ourselves.

Daniel just came to me and tugged on my hand.

“Come see, come see!” he said. I followed him to the boys’ room where I found this charming scene.

“They’re getting married,” Daniel beamed with pride.

My life, it’s filled with romance. In the most unexpected places.

I just have to share the creative Mother’s Day card Ambrose made for me, featuring one of my favorite animals — a “Who Cooks for You?” barred owl:

Outside my window … Cold but clear. I love that my crabapple tree in the front yard is in gloriously full, fragrant, pink blossom bloom these days (see header photo). The boys tell me they saw snow early this morning, but I was still in bed. So it is my option to disbelieve what I have been told. ** La, la, la … I can’t hear you!! **

I am thinking … that Gabby might be right. “I can see why you wanted to be a mother,” she told me this morning after I was thoroughly spoiled with Mother’s Day surprises. “For the presents.” She’s got me there. I might just be in this gig for the gifts.

I am thankful for … Stephen’s confetti. When I got out of bed and walked down the stairs this morning, I was showered with small bits of paper — each with a scrawled picture of a heart — from up above. I looked up to see a grinning Stephen, and I felt like a queen.

I am hoping … that those who have lost their mothers and those who long to be mothers will find a special peace and joy in their hearts on this day that honors the sanctity of motherhood and the unique value of all feminine nurturing.

On my mind … preparations for the upcoming creative and delicious Dessert With Danielle. And also the informative and inspiring Dayton Catholic Homeschool Conference. I hope that I will see some of you in Ohio!

Noticing that … my moods and attitudes are greatly influenced by the people I talk to and the things I read. This is no great revelation, I suppose, but I have been struck recently by how my optimism, pessimism, or anything in between, can be readily attributed to the most recent information or conversation I have allowed to occupy my brain cells. A very good reason to be choosy.

A few plans for the week … Baseball, some basics for schoolwork, a quick trip to Connecticut for work, more baseball, and … did I mention softball?

From the kitchen … Waffles with my brand new Mother’s Day waffle maker for a special brunch today. With mimosas, of course. A great start to the day.

Around the house … ummm … nothing? I am thrilled — thrilled, I tell you — when the laundry is caught up these days. Baseball changes your perspective on such things.

Toward fitness and health … I am getting back into my Lenten habit of eating a salad a day. It’s a simple way to 1) get my fiber and veggies and 2) replace what might otherwise be high calorie, mindless eating. I do like salad, but it can be an effort to put together. Any suggestions for keeping ready-to-go ingredients fresh in the fridge?

One of my favorite things … the heavy scent of lilies. My house is filled with it since Dan brought some home for me last night. With every breath today, I feel loved.

A picture I am sharing …



Happy Mother’s Day!