Simple Moments

November/December 2008 Issue | Posted by Robyn Lee in Homework

Junior Hostess

My 7-year-old daughter, Angelina, created this Santa appetizer all on her own. She used vegetables to create an edible Santa vegetable platter. This is a great way to engage the kids in holiday food preparation. 

Laura DiNorcia

Evergreen, Colorado

Advent Planner

A few years ago I purchased a book that helped me to rediscover the importance of Advent. I had tabbed page after page and knew this year would be different for our family. As Christmas drew closer, I began to feel frustrated at the lack of peace I felt. What had I done wrong? Each activity was perfectly planned and prepared.

I had proceeded on my own, with Post-It notes, a to-do list, and a daily planner.

This year we will pray first, preparing our hearts for Advent with a novena to the Holy Spirit.

Jennifer Anderson

Omaha, Nebraska

Later Days

I had to giggle to myself as I took “The Tardiness Quiz” (Sept./Oct. 2008). I realized that there has been a different time in my life when I have been able to answer A, B, or C. Currently, as a stay-at-home mom of three children, keeping up with who is where when, mixing in a few committees and a Bible study, in addition to all the errands that keep a family of five operating smoothly, you can guess I have plenty of opportunity in my day to be late. However, I have found I was without a response that best fits; therefore I offer you a Choice D.

For us that means: Wake up each day knowing all your “to-do list” has in store, but realize God’s plan for your day is full of opportunity for touch points and grace! Of course, being on time is both respectful and courteous. To accomplish your day you may forgo a task or two until another day or possibly be five minutes late. Build gaps in your schedule and enjoy the community of faith of which we are all a part.

Suzanne Chaikowsky

Jackson, Tennessee

Do WHAT? Simple Suppers

We asked readers: “What’s your favorite last-minute, no-time-or-energy dinner — that isn’t take-out?”

• Breakfast! Pancakes, egg burritos, French toast or eggs with ham, cheese, etc.
• Brown some sausage in a pan with olive oil, garlic, and black pepper. Boil ziti or other pasta

as directed. When the pasta is done, pour the sausage and olive oil over it. Serve with bread.
• I freeze my spaghetti sauce. On a busy night, I pull sauce from the freezer, boil noodles, make

a salad, and butter some bread.
• I always keep a bag of Ling Ling Chicken/Veggie potstickers (from Costco) in my freezer. I

throw them in to boil, toss a salad, and crack open a few cans of mandarin oranges. Fast and

yummy.
• I make vegetarian chili. Heat a can of black beans, a can of kidney beans, a can of tomato

sauce, and a can of “zesty” diced tomatoes, plus some frozen corn. Just a few minutes on the

stove!
• I make BLTs. Brown some bacon, slice a tomato, and add a few lettuce leaves. It’s easy to

accommodate picky eaters (leave off the tomato), or hearty eaters (add extra bacon and toma-

toes). With a side of sliced fruit and milk, it makes a balanced meal.
• Tacos! Heat a can of black beans in a pan. Heat one package of tortillas in the microwave. Fill

tortillas with beans, sour cream, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, taco sauce, salsa, gua-

camole, onions, and lettuce. For a side dish, I add boxed Spanish rice.
— Eggs are fast, healthy, and easy to dress up with a little ham, cheese, and veggie of any kind. The kids love them, and dinner is ready in minutes.
— Two pounds of browned hamburger and two cans of baked beans mixed together makes a filling and very easy meal.

Say WHAT? Tactful Teaching

We asked readers: “What if someone misstates Church teaching in your presence — but only in passing — as part of a different subject of conversation. How do you correct it?”

• “I’m sorry you feel that way, but that’s not my understanding of what the Church teaches.”

Then I wait to see if their reply invites discussion.
• “Wait, where did you hear that? Is it even true? Let’s look it up in the Catechism!”
• “That’s new to me. Can you clarify?” Sometimes it’s just a misunderstanding.
• I respond nicely, but right away and right to the point, in front of anyone else who heard the

misstatement. It’s not always comfortable, but it’s an act of mercy to correct those who have

been led astray. As a confirmed Catholic, it is my duty to defend the Church.
• “I’ve heard that before, but Father Joe tells me that’s not true. Thank goodness we have the

Catechism to help us figure these things out.”

Homework: For the March/April 2009 issue, send answers to these questions:

Do What? What’s your system for switching over wardrobes (from winter to summer) and for storing children’s clothing?

Say What? What do you do if your kids ask you why they can’t participate in an activity you don’t approve of — right in front of parents who are allowing their kids to do the illicit thing?

Homework

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