My Blarney, Scarlett O'Hara, it's almost St. Patrick's Day!

by Emily

In anticipation of St Patrick's Day, here is some fun to get you thinking and inspired.
To get us started, I interviewed our interesting and entertaining dear friend, Jeff. After his interview you can take a quiz and see how well you performed compared to our "guest expert". Don't forget to post your score in the comments section! ;-)


Have you ever kissed the Blarney Stone? What is that all about?
Of course I've kissed the Blarney Stone. I lived in Cork, the largest city near Blarney Castle for about 6 months. I've visited the castle grounds several times. There's an old legend that says if you kiss the stone, you will get the gift of the gab (which explains why Irish people talk so much). It's a little tricky though, since the stone is on the top level of the castle hanging over the castle wall. The tradition has you lay on your back, stick your head back over the cliff, and kiss the stone upside down. There are several legends that surround the stone and where it comes from, and as far as I could ever tell, nobody really knows where the stone originated. Most Irish people have kissed it once, but refuse to get too close to it afterward... there are also legends about local boys climbing up to the stone at night and peeing on it. How's that for romantic Ireland?


Can you even buy Lucky Charms at the market in Ireland?
Nope. I've looked all over the country at various stores, and I can say for certain that you cannot purchase Lucky Charms in Ireland. I asked an Irish friend from Enfield once why they didn't sell them... he said, "that's like having your biggest stereotype on a box. Would you ever eat a cereal called Fat, Stupid, American Tourists?" Seemed to make sense after that.


Do the Irish celebrate a St Patrick's Day?
Emphatically. The country shuts down and they drink from sun up to sun down. There are big parades and celebrations throughout the country. It's mostly an excuse to drink non-stop.

Examine this photo of the leprechaun on Lucky Charms box of cereal. Would you classify him as cute, creepy, or hyped up on amphetamine-dusted sugar cereal? And what's the deal with fairies? Are they peers of the leprechauns? Are fairies sweet or mean and vicious? Do they do battle with the leprechauns, is it like a Lord of the Rings thing? And are the leprechauns a little ticked that Disney is giving more face time to fairies these days and that leprechauns are now so passe?
Leprecauns are types of fairies but they are always men. If you see one, keep your eyes locked. The minute you look away, they are free to leave, but if you hold their gaze they have to stick around. They are generally very rich (which makes no sense, since they are supposedly fairy shoemakers), but they are also VERY mischievous. Conversely, regular fairies typically have the appearance of women, are pleasant, and generally viewed as protectors (saying that, there is the Banshee, and some other mean fairies).




Where (town/city) would you want to go back to visit in Ireland? What do you like about that place?
Cork or Galway. Depends on what you want to see. Cork is the second largest city in Ireland but is one of the most beautiful parts of the country. It has a massive river flowing through (the River Lee) and it is built on rolling hills. It's a tough city to navigate with a car, but on foot, it is what you would expect a big Irish city to look like. Irish cities do not have tall buildings. They are low to the ground, and if you get on a hill you can see the entire city. There are loads of church steeples sticking up throughout the city, and it is one of the friendliest parts of the country. It is close to Blarney, Kinsale, and the Ring of Kerry. Galway is on the coast. It is a fishing town, but has some pretty amazing views. For example, the Cliffs of Moher (the Cliffs of Insanity) are located about an hour from the town. Either way, for my money, the Southwest is the most beautiful area in the Republic of Ireland (Belfast is crazy, but we're just talking Ireland here, not Northern Ireland, right?)

Are Irish people as hot-tempered as they're made out to be?
Yes and no. The Irish are EXTREMELY generous and kind. They are family oriented and rooted in tradition. They love to meet new people, to tell stories, and to just sit and talk. However, their history is littered with wars and fights over Irish independence. Everyone knows Ireland's history, and is very proud of it. There is still deep seeded hatred for England (especially amongst the senior members of the communities), and for the things Britain did to their ancestors. Some prominent sporting venues in Ireland still won't allow English sports to be played on them (Soccer, Rugby, or Cricket). Only Irish sports (Gaelic soccer- a hybrid of soccer and basketball, Hurling (the fastest field game in the world).

Do they really drink that much? What is the cultural background, as far as you could perceive, of the Irish pub? The local tavern?
Yes. All social situations revolve around the pub in Ireland. If there is a wedding, wake, or birthday it starts and ends at the local pub. There is a joke throughout Ireland that whenever they settled a community, the first thing to go up was the church. The second and third things to go up were the pubs.

Any good fight stories from when you lived in Ireland?
Oh, you're just baiting me on this. If you wanna see one of my fight stories, you can see part one here and part two here.

Can you recommend a CD/album/band that is a good representation of traditional Irish music--maybe something for our readers to google or see if their local library has it? What about popular (radio stuff) Irish music/bands?
I like Clannad. They are an Irish folk group that sing a lot of old Irish music with a new spin on it. Much of their music is sung in Gaelic, so that's interesting. I think most people know that Enya is Irish. Enya still uses a lot of traditional Celtic sounds in her music. As dumb as it sounds, the music from Riverdance is actually really popular in Ireland and a pretty cool representation of Irish music. I own it, and listen to it often. Traditional Irish music is distinguishable by the types of drums, fiddles, and especially pipes. NEVER mistake Irish pipes for bagpipes to an Irish person. Irish pipes are nice, bagpipes are horrible and loud. Both easily distinguishable from the other, if you listen.
Popular Irish performers in rock are The Pogues, Corrs, Van Morrisson, the Cranberries, The Chieftans, Flogging Molly, and especially, U2.

Do you celebrate St. Patrick's Day? Any memorable St. Patrick's Day Parties?
My wife loves St. Patrick's Day more than I do. She throws a costume party EVERY year where, typically, someone always throws up (in a fun way). All of them have been fun, but some of the costumes I liked have been: the year (some wierdos) showed up pregnant with a giant clover painted on their tummies (photo right-->), Jay and Nachelle as a rainbow and pot of gold, and SK as St. Patrick himself.

Now that you have a little guy in your family, what do you think will be fun to do with him, in the Irish vein, as he gets older?
He kind of looks like a Leprechaun, right?

A favorite Irish dish?
Mince meat over potatoes, spinach, Brussels sprouts. I also LOVE corn beef, and Irish bacon.

An odd piece of Irish trivia?
There are pubs that offer free meals any day it doesn't rain. Year round! In the summer, at times, we'd be walking up the street and you would see a wall of water washing towards you. In the winter it rarely snows, but it rains incessantly for months straight. In the summer time it goes away as quickly as it comes on, and is generally pleasant showers. It never gets too far above 80F or below 30F.

Your favorite limerick, any limericks you've written yourself?
I hate limericks. Seriously (and it's my least favorite city in Ireland).

Quick, list as many "marketed" things you can think of that exploit Irish culture. (Lucky Charms cereal, Irish Spring soap, etc...)
Which country? As much as the Irish hate the stereotypes about them, they sell so much JUNK. Leprechauns, pots of gold, toy sheep, etc. In America, Lucky Charms, Irish Spring... that's all I've got!

What stereotypes do the Irish have about Americans?
They think we talk really, really slowly and that we're overly aggressive. They like to hear us say things like "hey man," and "hi guys," or "dude, where's my car." I'm not making that up.

Complicated Costumes: Jeff as CORNED BEEF (see the corn around his neck?), Mindy as a kissable Irish beauty pageant contestant.

What score did you get on the quiz? (below)
14/17, but I'm calling Shenanigans on this thing. I missed 4, but St. Patrick was a missionary = teacher. Right? Right? and I also missed 6. I have NEVER heard any of those nicknames. I also missed the Shepherd's Pie one. No clue on that.
{Jeff, Mindy took the quiz too. Just a little friendly competition. And the ones you got wrong? She got them right! Her score 13/17. I think she'll beat you on the quiz you'll be having at your St. Patty's Party. Watch out.}

Any movie recommendations for a little Irish flavor? Disney, old fashioned, or recent?
Darby O'Gill and the Little People (the Banshee comes out there... another Irish mythological spirit), Waking Ned Divine is a recent one that is pretty funny.

Anything else you like to add?
If you ever have the choice to visit either Scotland, or Ireland (people always compare the two), do yourself a favor: Go to Ireland. One of the most beautiful and friendly countries in Europe.

St. Patrick's Day & Irish Themed QUIZ:

1. T/F St Patrick is not Irish.

2. St Patrick lived during:
a) 500’s-600’s AD
b) 300’s -400’s AD
c) 800’s – 900’s AD
d) 1100’s -1200’s AD

3. The famous legend of St Patrick includes which theme:
a) Leprechauns
b) gold
c) fairies
d) angles
e) snakes

4. St Patrick was a:
a) farmer
b) teacher
c) priest
d) governor

5. A leprechaun is really an Irish:
a) shoemaker
b) thief
c) little person (PC for “midget”)
d) magician

6. What is Ireland’s nickname:
a) The Emerald Isle
b) The Old Sod
c) Four Green Fields
d) The Bower
e) all of the above

7. According to Irish legends, where do fairies keep the Brides and Babies that they kidnap? (sweet dreams, kids!)
a) In to the forests
b) Inside fairy mounds
c) Caves in the mountains
d) Under bridges

8. A popular Irish dish: shredded cabbage, minced onions, mashed potatoes & melted butter, is known as:
a) Mulligatawny
b) Shepherds’ Pie
c) Colcannon
d) Fairy Stew

9. Kissing the Blarney Stone is supposed to give you what?
a) Lustrous Lips from the dewy rock
b) Good luck in love
c) Dispel shyness and improve eloquence in speech
d) Good health

10. What is the common Irish symbol that represents the Trinty?
a) The shamrock
b) The three isles of the sea
c) Three doves
d) A potato, cobbler stone, and staff

11. Why does a leprechaun wear green?
a) Love and loyalty to the color of Ireland
b) To stay camouflaged
c) For good luck
d) Because it complements red hair so nicely

12. Irish Whisky made from potatoes is called?
a) Poteen
b) Moonshine
c) Tater shots
d) Potate-Ale

13. The first St Patrick’s Day parade was held during the American Revolution in which city?
a) New York
b) Philadelphia
c) Washington D.C.
d) Boston

14. T/F Shamrock and Clover are the same thing.

15. The Irish are said to have brought this breakfast to America:
a) oatmeal
b) pancakes
c) Irish muffins
d) Lucky Charms cereal

16. What is in an Irish Coffee?

17. T/F The Potato is native to Ireland?






Answers:
1. True, his father was Italian, and he was either born in Scotland or Wales (conflicting info)
2. b
3.e, legend has it that St. Patrick drove all the snakes off the island of Ireland, and they drowned in the sea. Probably not true, but there are no native snakes in Ireland.
4.c
5. a, shoemaker that is supposedly really rich and mean
6. e, all of them are nicknames
7. b, and some farmers to this day will not disturb "fairy mounds" in their fields for fear of stirring up the spirits of those kidnapped and hidden there.
8. c. Colcannon
9. c "the gift of gab"
10. a
11. b
12. a
13. d, Boston in 1737
14. Depends on who you talk to, the Irish claim they are different, but the clover which grows in America is claimed by botonists to be the same plant with varied leaves and flowers
15. a
16. coffee and whisky. WHOO-WEE!
17. False



How did you score? Have any St. Patrick's Day plans?

The Functional Family

by Emily

My top 2 desires as a blogger are to: 1) make you laugh (that brings me great satisfaction) and 2) help create world peace (can't do it alone!). In today's post, I attempt #2 in a small way.


Recently my husband and I got away for a long weekend without the kids. The 7 hour drive was wonderful and strange and even dull in some ways. I found myself struggling with maintaining a thoughtful conversation for more than a few minutes at a time. My brain is trained to think in short minute increments--as I am constantly being interrupted by my 1 & 3 year old. It was so restful not having to crane my head and neck around, reaching far back in the car to pass out treats or pick up a dropped toy.

The whole weekend was wonderful, eating out (without the kids), conversations uninterrupted, unlimited in our flexibility to do what we want when we wanted. But it was also kind of strange, like that 7 hour drive to get there. It was too long away from the kids and not long enough.


It has made me think a lot lately about my relationships with my family members, my husband in particular, and my children individually.

A few mornings ago I found an article Joe had been reading, "The Functional Family" by James D. MacArthur, PhD (Director of BYU's Counseling and Career Center). This article was extremely relevant to things I've been meditating on lately, specifically strengthening my family and prioritizing family relationships.

{If you haven't read Sally's interview with Joy (yesterday's post), go read it now. It is wonderful, thought provoking, and I gained so many insights from Joy sharing her experience and wisdom.}

While there were so many different issues of importance brought up in the interview with Joy, these are two things stood out to me in Joy's interview answers (yesterday's post, go read it now!)--her and Scott's deliberate plans and actions to take care of their relationship with each other and their children during this great trial. She says: "I think our marriage has been strengthened by this experience. We have watched each other shoulder amazing burdens and overcome obstacles for each of us that amazed us."

But do we want to wait for burdens as an excuse/motivator to build our relationships? I don't think any one does, and I thought Joy said it so well: "Maybe I will think differently about good things coming from this experience when I look back many years from now, but right now it feels too raw and painful to see much positive. I thought at first when I answered I would write about how it has brought me closer to certain friends who have really been there for me. And while this is true, I would rather have gotten closer to them through a positive experience instead. "

I don't want to wait for a major trial to force me to think about this. When we are faced with an unusual amount of stress or strain in our life, we can choose how we are going to handle it, learn and grow from it. But, like Joy said, I would rather get closer to my husband and my children through positive experiences instead. If I can be spared a trial like Joy's, I hope God will spare me that--but I want that bonding and strengthening, and I think that in my search on how to do this, I am finding ways to foster and grow my relationship with my husband and my children through positive experiences.


Two points that Dr. MacArthur makes stand out to me:

1) In a functional family, parents intentionally strengthen their families.

2) In the functional family, relationships are of supreme importance.

Joy talked about how they decided to use their rainy-day fund to pay for the extra help they needed during this temporary time in their life. She talked about deliberately scheduled days so that time could be spent with each member of the family, but also about accepting help from others with her daughter so that her daughter's emotional needs are met.

Dr. MacArthur suggests some obvious and simple things for those of us who are not in crisis mode, and though they are obvious, I appreciated being reminded of these things (I like to read this list with each individual family member in mind):

• talk together


• play together


• one-on-one time together


• send letters, cards, or notes sharing your affection


• give compliments


• do something fun and unexpected


• say "I love you"


• listen to the other person


• ask him or her to help you on a project


• share personal feelings

He says, "All of these require that you personally get engaged in things the other person is doing...you might be surprised at how far-reaching your positive influence can be."

So many of you, readers, have been specific examples to me of these things.

My own mother and her husband make very conscious efforts to accommodate each others' needs, whether it's mom's need to travel to visit children, or Alan's need to work creatively with his instruments.

I've watched my parents-in-law go from a full house to an empty nest and all children married in a matter of 5 years. I see them putting a concerted effort into their marriage now that the children are grown and "out of the way". They've always been loving to each other, doing acts of service for each other, but I've noticed they've stepped it up a notch. It is beautiful.

My friend Hilary posts the most genuine posts of love for her children and husband, and a recent post about her husband's efforts to re-create a special memory of their high school romance. They've been a couple for a long time, and I can see how their love makes them want to do things for each other, but also how that cycle repeats, and the doing things for each other increases their love.

I see my sister Robin who has been married the longest of us Bossy Sisters, and how she and Roland put endless hours and efforts of love into their children, their marriage. One of the things I love most about R&R is their sense of humor to get through life and enjoy each other's company. One of the things I admire the most in their family is the absolute devotion they have to their children. When I read "The Functional Family" article, I can think of specific examples of how R&R have fulfilled every single category that Dr. MacArthur puts forth to have a loving, stable family. Anyone who knows them will attest to the love they have for each other.

This is to say that when life is stripped away to its bare minimal components, I want to see strong, loving relationships at its foundation. I want to know that my efforts were intentional. I want to be ready and make the same kind of decisions that I've seen you make everyday, and also in times of trauma and crisis to strengthen and uphold each other. I want to do that now with deliberate positive experiences that we create.

It goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway, I love my husband. I cannot imagine building a life with anyone else. Our children are precious to us, it almost makes me panic to think about teaching them and equipping them adequately for this life. But I think I'm learning that its not enough to just love, you have to do something about it--consistently. It is never ending and it can continue to grow.

{Now, hopefully my next post will make you laugh.}

Buh-bye, Santa

It's still Christmas at our house. Josh Groban is singing Little Drummer Boy to me, three reindeer are enjoying their spot in the kitchen, and not one ornament has been packed up.

Last year around this time, my friend Paige proclaimed the Christmas Decoration Rule. Christmas decorations must be down by her Jan 9 birthday (her sister Celia probably disagrees). Because I respect and appreciate other bossy women I must comply, even though I live nowhere near her. So it's time to take 'em down.

Goodbye sparkly tree. You make me feel peaceful. Especially the night that my kids and I sat in front of you for an hour singing Christmas carols, my favorite event of the whole season.

Goodbye super cute Santa. Great work not getting destroyed by the kids who tried to ride the reindeer.

And goodbye to you, just a small portion of the medicine we and our many wonderful houseguests needed to get through this holiday alive:

Josh Groban and I are going to hang out for a few more weeks. Sorry, Paige.

Here's a tip on getting the kids to help clean up:

Hide wrapped candies (hershey kisses, perhaps) in a few spots on the tree and around your other Christmas decor. The kids can search for the candies while they help put away the decor. No candy can be unwrapped or eaten until all the decorations are put away. It's like a New Year's Easter Egg hunt.

What was the sleeper hit?

MERRY CHRISTMAS! Hope it was flawless.

So, how are you handling the Christmas let-down?

What was the "sleeper hit" gift at your house? This is the gift that didn't seem like a big deal, but was surprisingly well received.

Merry Christmas Eve!

by Emily


For the Fun:

Instead of being a time of unusual behavior, Christmas is perhaps the only time in the year when people can obey their natural impulses and express their true sentiments without feeling self-conscious and, perhaps, foolish. Christmas, in short, is about the only chance a man has to be himself.
-Francis C. Farley


Nothing's as mean as giving a little child something useful for Christmas.
-Ken Hubbard

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.

-Norman Vincent Peale

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring,--not even a mouse: The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

-Clement C. Moore

Oh, for the good old days when people would stop Christmas shopping when they ran out of money.

-Author Unknown

Christmas is for children. But it is for grown-ups too. Even if it is a headache, a chore, and a nightmare, it is a period of necessary defrosting of chilled hidebound hearts.

-Henry Vaughan

There is a remarkable breakdown of taste and intelligence at Christmastime. Mature, responsible grown men wear neckties made of holly leaves and drink alcoholic beverages with raw egg yolks and cottage cheese in them.

-P.J. O'Rourke

I do like Christmas on the whole.... In its clumsy way, it does approach Peace and Goodwill. But it is clumsier every year.

-E.M. Forster

For What Brings Peace and Hope:

For the spirit of Christmas fulfils the greatest hunger of mankind.

-Loring A. Schuler

The time draws near the birth of Christ: The moon is hid; the night is still; The Christmas bells from hill to hill Answer each other in the mist.

-Lord Alfred Tennyson

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

-Luke 2:13-14

Great little One! whose all-embracing birth Lifts Earth to Heaven, stoops Heaven to Earth.

-Richard Crashaw

Gingerbread, gingerbread, gingerbread rock

Just a reminder that if you have made a gingerbread house, of any kind whatsoever, send us a picture (or a lot of pictures!) at bossysistersatgmail.com. If you need some inspiration, you can read Robin's original post about the bossy sister gingerbread house tradition, or my post about how ours worked out this year. It is fun and your kids will LOVE it.

Send your pictures by Dec 22 and we will pick a winner to be featured here at Bossy! Happy decorating!

Christmas Morning Yum Yum

What are your Christmas mornings like? Do you have a tradition? Do you just dig in and amaze yourself with the bounty? Or, do you savor it slowly, one gift at a time? Do you take time to eat, or just munch on the goodies your find in your stocking (including the orange at the bottom)?

I'm not going to go into our whole tradition, but I will boss you a little and tell you to take time to eat a good breakfast on Christmas morning. This is what we do... feel free to copy.

After we go through our stockings we take a break and head into the kitchen for a nice breakfast. We always have breakfast casserole (which turns into lunch and dinner as well) and cinnamon rolls (Thanks to Mrs. Rhoades). We wash it down with milk and/or orange juice. So yummy. We sit and talk and get excited for the rest of the day. And the best part is, I only have to get up about 10 minutes before the boys to make this happen. I just put the food in the oven first thing, then enjoy the stockings and Santa gifts until breakfast is ready. Yum Yum!


Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole

1 lb breakfast meat cooked and drained - bite size (I like Little Smokies cut into thirds - I can do this a couple days ahead if I want)

8 slices uncrusted bread - torn into smallish pieces (about 9 pieces per slice)

8 eggs

2 Cups milk

2 Cups shredded cheese (cheddar or colby jack is best)

The night before, mix the sausage and bread, and about 1/2 the cheese in the bottom of a GREASED 9x13 pan. Mix the eggs and milk and pour over the bread and meat mixture. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Cover with plastic wrap and put in fridge overnight.

In the morning bake for 45 min - 1 hour at 350 degrees. ( Check center to make sure it is done and not soupy). Let cool for about 10 minutes.

This is delicious served with tomatoes, and sliced fruit. Also, you can add diced onions to the egg/milk mixture if you want --- so yummy!


Mrs. Rhoades Cinnamon Rolls

The night before Christmas put the number of rolls desired into a greased pan with some space between them (to let them rise). Cover and put in fridge. In the morning, if not raised enough put on counter top. When fully raised, bake, frost and eat!!! (Good for a late morning snack if they are not ready when the cassarole is done. This has happend to us a few times, just depends on the temperature and how quickly they raise).


Sounds simple, doesn't it. It is and it is one of the traditions we look forward to. I think it just helps us all slow down and be happy and thankful for what we have, instead of anxiously opening gifts hoping we got what we wanted.

What are your Christmas morning traditions? Please share!