I heart Mormons

Hi my name is Julie and I have a crush on Mormons.  Why wouldn't I?  Its cool to be a Mormon right now.  They're everywhere - writing the best blogs, ringing my doorbell and remember the one who just ran for President?   Now don't get me wrong, I am a good Catholic girl and my faith is very important to me.  I just want to be a social Mormon.  Brian Williams (who I also have a crush on) profiled Mormons on his show Rock Center.  Did you see it?  The Department of Homeland Security could take a few pointers from the Mormons.  They have an enormous warehouse that both feeds and clothes their poor and stashes away everything a Brigham Young graduate would need for the apcolpse, that according to them, is right around the corner.  Its really impressive.  And also impressive - that mandatory 2 years of service after high school.  Would we all be kinder to one another if we had served others for two years before we went off to college with our mini frigs and futons?  They are assigned tasks within their wards - not the standard announcement in the weekly bulletin about optional meetings.  This is hard core faith.

When it comes down to it, Mormons live big lives.  Big storage warehouses, big faith, big popular blogs and big families.  And you know I love big families.  They have many children - it almost seems mandatory - and then spend their year meeting up with other big families to share their values and caffeine-free drinks.

I think the Catholic church needs a new marketing campaign - or one at all.  You remember those Mormon tv ads?  Mine would be something like " I love to sew and organize things.  I am a wife and mother.  My name is Julie and I'm a Catholic."  Doesn't really have the same ring to it - I think they need someone more interesting.  I decided the other night that like the Mormon mom bloggers, I would put a button on my sidebar announcing my faith, that would link to a website about Catholicism.  Now here is something really crazy - there is no button to be found - anywhere.  WHAT?  Must I design my own button?   I don't even now how to do that.  Come on Catholics, we really must get our act together.

As I sit here drinking my Pepsi......wait a minute, forget it - I can't be Mormon.  Apcolpse survival kit or Pepsi?  Or are they one in the same?  I'll get back to you.

Addendum:  I figured out the whole button thing.  Link to catholic.org from the new button on my sidebar!  

Gobble gobble

Is this not the cutest?   To celebrate a week of no whining, William earned a night of celebration.  He chose root beer at a local hamburger joint (yes, picture a bit dirty, belly up to the counter hamburger joint) and painting pottery.  Since we are lacking in Thanksgiving decor, I suggested a turkey plate.  First grade is my favorite age for art.  I can't wait to put this out every year.  Gobble, gobble!

Do small things with great love

You know I must have a sleeping baby this afternoon because I'm blogging!   Wanted to tell you about a very cool way to directly impact a child a world away this Christmas.  A few weeks ago,  the kids and I saw these boxes at Chick-Fil-A

Perhaps you've seen them before.  Perhaps you've filled one.  Basically, you fill the box with gifties and toiletries for a child and for $7 per box, Operation Christmas Child ships it around the world to a child in need.

The kids and I had a great time filling our boxes.  It was a real lesson in how what we take for granted - toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, etc. - are gifts to so many.   We went to one of the kids' favorite stores - Five Below:

This is Caroline's box, half-filled.

The boys were so giddy that along with essentials and a few toys, they shoved a gigantic stuffed animal in their box.  I loved their chatter about how the little boy would feel when he opened his box and that dog pops out.

And here is an example of what we did not buy to send in the box, but William was sure any boy would love:

Only $1 - what a bargain!

Our boxes are sealed, with tracking labels attached so we can see where they go, and back to Chick-Fil-A.  The kids hope to receive letters back from the recipients.  Collection sites are all over the country, all week.    Go to samaritanspurse.org for more info.  For us, I think its a new Christmas tradition!