Mother's Day Out

In the next couple of weeks I'm going to be putting Austin in somewhat of a pre-preschool for one day a week. Its a place with a Christian curriculum and they actually have lesson plans for kids under 3 years old. So, it makes me happy that its not just a day care center and that he'll be in a Christian environment. And its on my way to the gym! I also like that we can just do one day a week, because I don't know if I could handle any more than that emotionally. I already feel guilty that I'm considering one day a week. Afterall, I'm supposed to be a full-time mom. I'm supposed to be able to teach him his ABC's, 123's, shapes, colors and all that good stuff, all the while keeping the house clean, cooking supper at night, and keeping myself in shape...somehow...right?

Well, it'll be great for Austin to learn how to play with other children. And I get some time to workout, sew and clean up the house without feeling like I'm neglecting my son. :) Hot bikini bod, here I come! HAHAHAHA!

Hello. My name is Leslie, and I'm addicted to Facebook.

You don't have to be Catholic to observe Lent. In my opinion, everyone who celebrates Mardi Gras should observe Lent. It is the sole purpose of Mardi Gras. You fatten up on "Fat Tuesday" before you begin your 40-day fast on Ash Wednesday. And everyone who parties hard on Mardi Gras could stand to benefit from Lent, I think. Now, of course, because I'm not Catholic, I don't do the whole Ash Wednesday ritual. I don't go to church, have ashes spread on my forehead in the shape of a cross and confess my sins. I do more of a private contemplation, instead. I think about what I'm giving up, how its going to make me a better person, and what else I can change to better myself.

This year, I'm giving up Facebook for Lent. I know its not the traditional type of food or drink one usually gives up for Lent, but I think it'll do more for me than...say, giving up chocolate (oh the horror!) or caffeine (though that wouldn't be half bad). I'm giving up Facebook because it has taken over my life. I find myself surfing my friends profiles and playing Farmville more than I clean house. I'm shirking in my responsibilities as a Mother, a Wife, and a Homemaker. Those three things should be top priorty to me, yet in the past months, Facebook seems to have been #1. So, for the sake of reprioritizing, Facebook has to go. And when Lent is over, I hope to be in a solid habit of putting Austin, Brett, and my home before anything else. Of course I'll still get on to see what my friends are up to and to post the occassional few pictures of Austin, but I won't let it rule my life like it has been. I'll limit myself to once a day AFTER my responsibilities have been met for the day.

So far it hasn't been that bad. I do find myself tempted to just take a peak, but I stop tell myself that I can do this. I'm a person with great self-discipline when I put my mind to it. And I haven't really missed it that much. :) So, here's putting my mind to it for the next 37 days! Wish me luck! :D

How much do you know about Mardi Gras?

Growing up in Louisiana, I was taught all about Mardi Gras. Did you know that there is more to the cajun holiday than just beads, dablooms, and high-energy parades? Did you know that it's actually a predominantly Catholic holiday?

Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday." Its the day before Ash Wednesday where people gorge themselves on sweet bread (King Cake), alcoholic beverages (if they aren't Mormon), and the company of good friends before they begin their 40 day fast of their choosing in similitude of Christ's 40-day fast. Following the 40 days is, you guessed it, Easter! :D And we all know about Easter.

There are 3 colors that traditionally represent Mardi Gras, they are Purple, Green, and Gold. They are symbolic of the gifts the Three Kings brought to Jesus Christ when he was born. Gold represents gold, obviously. Purple represents frankencense. And Green represents myrh. I've also heard that they represent Justice, Faith, and Power, but I don't buy that.

The King Cake that is so popular this time of year is a sweetbread baked in the shape of a circle in representation of the path to the Christ Child that the Three Kings took to confuse King Herrod. There is also a baby that is always hidden in the cake. This obviously represents the Baby Jesus, being hidden from King Herrod. A modern, fun tradition: the person who finds the baby in their slice of cake typically holds the next Mardi Gras party...or brings the King Cake to the next party. :)

So, now you know the typically unknown facts about Mardi Gras!
I'm craving some King Cake...

Happy Mardi Gras!

PS. For the record...the act of showing boobs in exchange for beads is something only performed by tourists.