Need Recipes!!!

Help! I am certifiably a terrible cook, so the following email request has me scrambling. Can we come up with a few recipe suggestions prior to Holy Week for Juliette? If you have a suggestion, post it in the comments or email lisa@catholicmom.com with your favorite.

Dear Catholic Mom,

I've came across your website looking for recipes to cook for lent. I live in Jordan (in the Middle East), and there's a community of 3% of christians who like to fast during lent.

I would appreciate it if you could include recipes that have to meat or dairy and animal products as we abstain from eating cheeses and other animal products.

Hey Narnia Fans!!!

We can't wait to get our copy of the DVD, coming out April 4. Preorder yours and get it ASAP!



In the mean time, head over to Narniafans.com for great Narnia stuff and news.

Lovely Images

If you're like me and you love Holy Cards, religious art, and beautiful images, you must take a visit to the new online home of Chant Art over at Catholic Online.

I love the collection more every time I look at it! This is a great place to find images if you enjoy making holiday cards too. Thanks to Julie for sharing her art and this great news!

Important Safety Alert

Thanks to CatholicMom.com Everyday Blessings Columnist Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle for sharing an important health alert for parents - Reebok Recalls Bracelets After Boy Dies

Need Help?

Thanks to CatholicMom.com Adoption Columnist Heidi Hess Saxton for sharing the following information:

CALLING ALL STRESSED OUT PARENTS!!!

Britain’s hit parenting series is coming to the States!

TLC and Outline Productions are working on the first American season of

“The House of Tiny Terrors”
We would like to hear from all families and single parents with children between the ages of 18 months and 8 years old who wish to take part. Whatever your parenting dilemmas or problems – we may be able to help!

If you would like some more information, contact us at tinyterrors@optomenusa.com or 646.216.4348. No commitment is needed at this stage and all calls will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Family Day of Prayer for Our Troops

Blessings to Catholic Mom Elizabeth, who has shared with me a special web site she built to encourage families to pray together on Good Friday, April 14th, for the physical and spiritual well being of our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Please take a moment to visit Elizabeth's lovely site (http://home.comcast.net/~pray4troops/) and join my family in praying, not only on the 14th, but every day, for these dedicated men and women and their families. Let us all pray for peace in our world!

Happy, Wonderful, Exciting News!

It came last night, that call I've been waiting for since August, and it was worth the wait.

For the three of you who have devotedly followed my blog, you may recall that our family welcomed some VIP guests last August - my baby brother Michael (youngest of the five siblings in our family) and his lovely girlfriend Meg. Our visit with them was so wonderful. Watching the two of them together was a true delight. I loved Meg from the first time I met her, though due to distance we haven't been able to spend much time together. That August visit was a gift, a chance to really get to know the person who cared so deeply about my brother. Also a treat was the opportunity to watch Michael, who has grown up from baby brother into a law student and fine man. Being in their company, it was obvious to me that the two of them belong together, that they "complete" one another (sorry, I couldn't resist!).

Big sisters have certain privileges, and one of them is the right to NAG. I'm not sure the car had pulled out of the driveway for their return trip home yet when my nagging began.

"When are you going to propose? What are you waiting for?"

Michael knew his plan, which really was truly perfect. Last night I received the call - Michael and Meg were engaged Tuesday night in what must have been an incredible moment. The joy of hearing him retell the details of their engagement filled my heart - those stories are the ones you retell to your friends, your children, and ultimately your grandchildren. Michael and Meg's story is wonderful, filled with love and friendship. As a big sister, I could not wish for a more perfect companion for Michael.

To Michael and Meg, congratulations and best wishes. I love you both with all my heart and can't wait to witness your marriage! And don't worry, I'll wait at least a year before I start bugging you for nieces!

Irish Wedding Blessings:

May God go with you and bless you,
May you see your children`s children,
May you be poor in misfortune and rich in blessings,
May you know nothing but happiness from this day forward.

May joy and peace surround you both,
Contentment latch your door,
And happiness be with you now And God Bless you Evermore.

May you live you life with trust, And nurture lifelong affection,
May your lifelong dreams come true for you, Move ever that direction.

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
May the light of friendship guide your paths together,
May the laughter of children grace the halls of your home.
May the joy of living for each
other trip a smile from your lips, a twinkle from your eye.
And when eternity beckons,
at the end of the life heaped high with love,
May the good Lord embrace you
with the arms that have nurtured you
the whole length of your joy-filled days.

May the gracious God hold you both
in the palm of His hands.
And, today, may the Spirit of Love
find a dwelling place in your hearts.

Sad News

Matlock Hendey
Rest In Peace
May 31, 1987 - March 29, 2006

It seems fitting that our last picture of Matlock shows him helping Eric with his science fair project - he was always a special part of our family. Matlock died peacefully in his sleep today after a difficult week. He was loved, and he will be greatly missed.

Blessed are you, Lord God,
maker of all living creatures.
On the fifth and sixth days of creation,
you called forth fish in the sea,
birds in the air and animals on the land.
You inspired St. Francis to call all animals
his brothers and sisters.
We ask you to bless this animal.
By the power of your love,
enable it to live according to your plan.
May we always praise you
for all your beauty in creation.
Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures! Amen.

A Pox on My House

Eleven Year Old Son on Sunday: "Mom, there are some weird spots on my leg."

Mom replies (in distracted fashion): "OK, sweetie, we'll have Daddy take a look at them when he gets home."

Dad (a.k.a. Emergency Medicine Physician) on Monday: "Don't worry, it's probably just some virus. We should probably keep him home today, but it'll go away."

Eleven Year Old Son on Monday Night: "Mom, they're spreading!! I'm ok to go to school tomorrow if they're not showing, but I don't want any of the kids to see them."

Mom (starting to mentally tabulate all of the calendar reshuffling that may need to take place in the next week...): "OK sweetie, we'll see what they look like in the morning."

Eleven Year Old Son, excitedly on Tuesday morning at 5:55 a.m.: "Mom, there's more!!! (Director's note: Eleven year old's tone of voice has a decidedly happy quality to it...)

Dad (after having consulted CDC web site and numerous other sources): "Looks like it could be the chickenpox."

In my house, there's a running joke that if you ask Dad the doctor about a medical malady, you're more likely than not going to be told that it's a virus and that it will run its course. My precious husband is very stingy with medicines, which is a good thing. I've always thought that it's because of the nature of the very serious cases that he sees all day long. Not surprisingly, he's almost always right!

Eleven year old Adam was vaccinated for chickenpox as a young child, but apparently in a small percentage of cases the child can eventually come down with a mild version of the illness.

This version is a kid's delight: he's not at all feeling sick, but he is prohibited from attending school for a week to avoid spreading the illness. He's thrilled with the mandatory sequestration and the pampering from Mom and Dad. He's happily completing the school work sent home by his teacher between catnaps in Mom and Dad's bed and time off to play legos or games.

I'm one of the fortunate moms who works from home and has a husband with a relatively flexible schedule, so I'm planning to join Adam in embracing this little reprieve from his personal rat race. A few days off from fencing practice, art lessons, and other appointments will likely do both of us a world of good. But my heart goes out at times like these to the men and women who don't have the luxury of my schedule. For so many families, a protracted childhood illness is a true burden. Aside from the discomfort of the child, there is a heightened sense of parental stress and anxiety. I'm feeling lucky today to have my life and my son at home with me, even if he is spotty!

These lovely lingering days of Lent

A glance at my favorite Catholic calendar this morning brought me pause. I knew in my head that today is the Fourth Sunday of Lent, but in my heart Easter still feels very far away. These forty days of wandering in the sacrificial desert are at once both too long, and much, much too short.

I know the joy and anticipation of the Catechumens and Elect, who anxiously await their formal entry into our Church. I know the stress level of the staff who toil to prepare them, trying to negotiate the many details that accompany a successful Holy Week filled with rites and rituals and details.

I know the impatience of each kid (or grown up) who's given up soda or chocolate for what seems and eternity, and the secret relief of those who have vowed to lessen their time spent watching TV or surfing the internet in favor of more time spent in prayer. Those who have remained committed to their devotions to this point give themselves the gift of a wonderful habit that will likely extend well beyond this Lenten season.

So in my heart, I am both anxious for the joy of the Easter celebration, and a bit hesistant to move beyond the quiet spiritual focus of this lovely liturgical time. I want to savor what remains of this time of cleansing and preparation, and embrace the weeks ahead.

In this vein, I loved reading Patrice Fagnant MacArthur's reflection this week, entitled Walking the Stations of the Cross with Mary. Take a moment to read and reflect on Patrice's words - I know that they will bring you inspiration.

May the remainder of your Lent be truly blessed!

Moving!!!

The official address of CatholicMom.com is being relocated, so if you happen to want to send Chocolate Chip cookies, decaf coffee for after Lent, or cash, you can now address it to:

Lisa Hendey, CatholicMom.com
2037 W. Bullard #247
Fresno, CA 93711

(Kidding about the cookies, but not about the decaf!)

If you spend too much time in the car driving kids...

You're a Mom!!! (or Dad, or eldest sibling in a large family, or a Nana or gramps...)

You've got to read Pat Gohn's latest column at CatholicMom.com - I think I'm going to tape it to my steering wheel for inspiration! Thanks Pat!

More Girl Stuff

Thanks to Pat Gohn for sharing the great news about another resource for girls and young women (and moms too!) - True Girl Magazine. The site looks like a blast - check it out!

If you're sick of solitaire...

and are looking for a way to pass some time while learning about the Bible, visit
St Francis Xavier Bible Game. The game's creator shares that it is "an ideal source for bible word games based on the principles and history of the Catholic faith."

Do you have a favorite game online that would help kids learn about their faith or scripture? Drop me a comment or note and I'll share them here.

I Can't Wait...

Katherine Valentine, one of my favorite Catholic authors, has a new novel coming out in June!!! I've loved every one of Katherine's previous books, and this one looks really great too!



Katherine shared the following with me in a recent email:

The project began when I took a priest, who was new to the archdiocese, to dinner. He had lived in Rome began to share his experiences, including his involvement with exorcisms. What he said next, nearly made me fall off my chair. Because of his background, the archdiocese had called him to pastor a parish whose rectory was haunted. Apparently, several new pastors left screaming in the night. Well... this was just too good not to use as a storyline, and so The Hookers as we fondly refer to this trilogy was born (and that's 'rug' hookers in case you're wondering).

Katherine is also at work on a four part series on the Apostles for Biography Channel, to be begin airing during Holy Week. Sounds great!

Great Book Alert

If you haven't had a chance yet to read my interview with Fr. James Martin, author of My Life with the Saints, grab a cup of coffee and take five minutes to do so.

Fr. Jim is awesome and gives some wonderful, down to earth advice for looking to the saints as spiritual companions and role models.

He also has a cool Lenten tradition - one of his college buddies, who happens to be Jewish, selects his lenten penances for him each year. Click here to listen to Fr. Jim on NPR describing this Lenten tradition.
Click here to purchase My Life With the Saints.

Looking for that Catholic VBS for summer?

I personally have spring fever and can't wait for summer! It's not too early to start making plans for kids' activities.

Don't forget about the great program from Growing with the Saints.
They wrote me to share the following updates:

Visit us at the NCEA at Booth # 450

Look at the wonderful NEW downloads on our Website for Posters, Personalized Name-tags, and your Parish will be the first, if they choose, to hang the first Catholic VBS Banner in your area. Our Artist worked very hard to provide your Parish with these fun and exciting extras! Our downloads are there as an added convenience for parishes, so they can take advantage of their own school printing equipment, or capitalize on an existing relationship with their local signage/printer company. If you do not already work with a local signage/printer company, you may want to ask a printer to produce the banners and posters for a reduced price or a complete donation for your VBS Program.

Great stuff for girls

I'm back to trying to get updated with my recent slew of emails and wanted to share this note from a very special person, Jean-Ann Hand. Check out Jean-Ann's great stuff for girls of all ages at www.philomenagirl.com !

Hey!

After quite a hiatus, I've just published a new issue of my faith-based web magazine for girls! It's even got it's own domain now at Philomenagirl.com!


The new Philomenagirl.com is similar to the old, but includes even more on the devotional side. There are free mp3 downloads of contemporary music based on traditional prayers, as well as fun features about fashion, entertainment and personalities that embody what God calls us to be. Like the original slogan says, Philomenagirl.com is a place to be a girl and be with God.

A lot of our original Philomena girls have grown up since the last issue was published. It is my hope they enjoy it anyway and pass it on to their little sisters. Of course, being God's girl is an ageless thing and even moms might find things they like there too.

Take a look at Philomenagirl.com and pass it on to all the potential Philomena Girls you know!

Thanks and God bless you and yours!

your sister in Christ,
Jeanann Hand

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

In my world, St. Patrick's Day is, with the exception of Christmas, undoubtedly the most beloved day of the year.

My life is overflowing with Patricks, one Patricia, one Patrice, and not one, but two, beloved family members born on St. Patrick's Day. You could liken our family to the George Foreman clan - my mother would have every one of her children and grandchildren named "Patrick" if she could. While all of these Patricks make for a little confusion, it's worth the effort for the cumulative effect of so many wonderful personalities sharing the common tie of "Patrickness"...

Before I begin the litany, let me apologize in advance to anyone who might be mistakenly forgotten - I'm getting old and forgetful...I almost hesitated to pay individual tribute, lest I turn out like that Academy Award winning actress who remembered to thank everyone but her husband!

Patricia - As best I can tell, the string of Patricks in my family began with the naming of my beloved paternal grandmother, Patricia. Coming from a family of French decent, I'm not sure her parents had St. Patrick in mind when they named her, but in doing so they set in place a long line of Patricks. My grandmother is, without a doubt, one of my greatest heroes. She raised seven rowdy children, all of whom revere her to no end. To me, she has always been a model of all a mother should be - both grace and playfulness. If I could grow up to be just like her, I would consider my life well lived!

Patrick Wayne I (aka "Daddy") - I'm willing to bet, as the eldest child in his family, that his naming was in tribute to his parents - Patricia and Wayne. My family is Irish, but not 100% so...that never stopped my Daddy from partying big time on St. Patrick's Day. My Daddy has the faith and eloquence of St. Patrick, and the party attitude (although thankfully not the stature) of a leprechaun.

Erin Patrice (aka, my sister!) - Long before I was ever born, I had a name: you guessed it, Patrick! Family legend has it that when my Daddy found out I was a girl, he was so disappointed that he did not purchase my baby pictures and I went nameless for a few days. When my sister Erin was born, Daddy might have started giving up hope for a boy and named my new sibling "Erin Patrice". Erin Patrice must have been a daddy's delight - adorable, with a head of gorgeous red hair. Growing up, I was always envious of Erin's strawberry locks, her gorgeous blue eyes, and her diminutive stature. Today, Erin is the perfect combination of "Patrickness" - like my Grandma Patricia, she is a devoted mother. Like my Daddy, her red-headed personality fills any room she enters - if you're at a party, you want Erin on board! If you need a lawyer, her skill and expertise are unmatched! She brings a special something to the Patricks in our family.

Patrick Wayne II (aka, my brother!) - My brother Patrick, number three kid in our family, must surely have been my daddy's favorite the day he was born! After so many years of waiting, Daddy finally got his precious namesake. Patrick is another one of my favorite people. He evolved from being the pesky little brother when I was a teen trying to date, to one of the finest men I know. This Patrick is a mixed bag too! Like Daddy, he's fun to the maximum and has seen his fair share of parties. But today, he is a family man and a devoted father and husband. Last weekend, I had the joy of watching my brother Patrick care for his little son in my home for a night. Watching him bathe, read and sing to his son brought tears to my eyes. I'm not sure why I'm so surprised at what a great Daddy this Patrick is - he learned from the best!

Brady Anne (aka, my sister!) - Why is there a Brady on the Patrick list?! Guess what, today is her birthday! When my sister Brady's arrival on scene was delayed, my parents were given the option of having her birth induced. Daddy selected St. Patrick's Day for her birthday, thus ensuring a future devotion to this special day. My parents asked for sibling input on Brady's name, and she was supposedly named after our favorite television program at the time: the Brady Bunch! While she isn't formally named Patrick, in my book Brady Anne has always been the queen of St. Patrick's Day and the first person I pray for when my eyes open on March 17.

Adam Patrick (aka, my son!) - Adam is part saint, part leprechaun. My beloved eleven year old exudes his faith through his daily actions and his lovable personality. But like those sneaky little green guys, he's always got a few tricks up his sleeve. Named in tribute to his Grandpa, this Patrick is my sunshine, one of the lights that fills my life.

Patrick William (aka, my nephew!) - When my sister Brady learned that her firstborn was going to be a boy, we all referred to him as Matthew in the months prior to his birth (after his daddy). God had another plan in mind though, and Brady gave birth to her son on her own birthday - St. Patrick's Day!!! The precious new baby was named Patrick William, adding a new Patrick to the family tree! This Patrick is a pretty awesome one too. As a first grader, Patrick is a bundle of personality and energy. He's the best baseball player and crocodile rustler in all of Mississippi. I'd give anything to have one half of this Patrick's style and imagination, not to mention that incredible smile!

Patrick Wayne III (aka, my nephew!) - My brother Patrick and his lovely wife welcomed a new soul into our world in July - our newest Patrick!!! This little guy is such a love. His smile lights up the room and he's a definite Daddy's boy. This baby gives off an aura of complete contentment 99% of the time - he is such a sweetie, and with a mommy and daddy like he has, I know he's going to do great things in his life!

If you've made it this far, you now know why today is definitely one of my favorite days. I've shared before that I love the seasons that fill our liturgical calendar. St. Patrick's Day, for me, is a day to celebrate all that is good in my life. I'm blessed with a strong faith modeled for me by my parents and a confidence that God really does love me as a person. On top of this, today I celebrate all of the special Patricks, Patricias, Patrices and Bradys that fill my heart and my life. To each of you, I send a virtual hug and a happy feast day. I love you!

Our favorite Irish priest offers a special Celtic prayer during that blessed meditation silence following the Eucharist at mass. I share Father's prayer with you today:

A hundred thousand welcomes,
oh Jesus, oh Jesus

A hundred thousand thanks for everything that we are and have,
oh Jesus, oh Jesus

A hundred thousand acts of love in return for the love that you’ve showered upon us,
oh Jesus, oh Jesus

A hundred thousand acts of sorrow for our sins and the sins of the world around us,
oh Jesus, oh Jesus

A hundred thousand “ gimmes”, things we need, we ask for your glory for our own salvation,
oh Jesus, oh Jesus!

Happy St. Patrick's Day Everyone!

So Much Snow!!!

I beg the patience of those of you who live in places where it does this all the time, but for a girl from Fresno, this seems like an unimaginable amount of snow! The view in this photo is from the window seat where I've spent the better part of two days.

We've managed a few outings, but haven't ventured to the slopes yet. Truthfully, I don't know if we will ski at all, which does seem like a shame. It's just that we're having so much fun doing nothing!!! What a blessing to have long, uninterrupted conversations with my wonderful husband, or just to sit in the same room in perfect silence reading in front of the roaring fire. I hadn't realized until we arrived how tired and run down I really was.

Now back to the snow. We did manage to dig out the car and put chains on the tires, so we will be able to drive out on Thursday morning (darn!). I just can't believe how much snow there is. This is nice snow though, fluffy and not too slippery. I've only fallen once (while walking, not skiing!). I remember our days back at Notre Dame when a walk across campus was like crossing the frozen tundra. We don't have any of those negative ten wind chill factor days, just lots of snow!

OK, time to sign off from Mammoth. My next post will likely be from my "real life" in Fresno. Thanks again to the world's best grandma for making this little getaway possible!

The Best of Times

As I write this entry, I am sitting in front of a crackling far, looking out the window watching snow fall and pile into huge drifts.

OK, you might have guessed that I'm not in Fresno today!

Thanks to the world's best mom and grandma, Greg and I are on a little getaway to Mammoth. We arrived last night in time to stock up on some provisions and firewood before a rousing snowstorm hit.

This morning, Greg is over at the Conference he'll be speaking at, and I'm busy soaking up the silence and marveling at the beauty of God's creation.

We have four glorious days of rest and time to enjoy one another's company before heading back home on Thursday...what a gift! I love my life, but it's so incredibly nice to have a little break from the constancy of the schedule.

I'm not sure how much "work" will be accomplished in the next few days, but this time off will undoubtedly be a boost to my spirit and a refreshment for my soul.

I promise to try to post a few pictures (if I can get myself out of my PJs and go out and take a few).

Still sitting on the curb, in the rain!!!

Poor Nana, she's had quite the Odyssey!

Her flight from Gulfport to Memphis was delayed, thereby resulting in her missing her connection and being re-rerouted to Cincinnati. Once there, she boarded another plane bound for Salt Lake City. After sitting on the tarmac for an extended period of time, the passengers were taken off the plane due to mechanical problems. She did eventually make it, on another plane, to Salt Lake. However her arrival there was after all scheduled flights to Fresno were already gone for the night.

She collected her luggage, boarded and shuttle, and arrived at her hotel (thankfully provided by the airline) in the middle of the night.

This morning, she is scheduled to fly into Fresno from Salt Lake City after ony four airplane and approximately six shuttle bus segments, 23 and one half hours late!!!

Yikes, and flying is supposed to be the fastest way to get someplace!!!

She is such a trooper. During my hourly check in calls to her cell phone, she has remained upbeat, exuding a positive attitude. Grace under pressure, that's for sure.

If I have accomplished anything at all in my life, it's largely thanks to my Mom, who has always shown me an example of strenghth, persistence, and mostly, of love. I'm still waiting to collect that welcome hug! Hopefully the rain in Fresno won't cause her to be re-routed to LA!

Calling All Soccer Moms

A special thanks to Juliet, who emailed me with a link to her very helpful web site called The Educated Sports Parent.

I would like to have a few of Juliet's business cards to hand out to some of the jokers, idiots and jerks I've met on the sidelines of a few of my kids' sporting events.

Juliet shares:
The most important goal of any youth sports organization should be that every single participant has a fun and enjoyable time. Making youth sports fun for kids helps turn them on to a lifetime of physical activity. The current obesity epidemic among both children and adults underscores the need for keeping kids turned on to physical activity. We cannot afford to allow youth sports to be a negative experience that leaves children with little desire to continue being active as adults. Unfortunately, for many children, it is.

She has a ton of helpful information on the site. Check it out!

The Best of Both Blogs

For those with so much time on their hands that they check in here regularly, I now have to share with you that I've been redesigning LisaHendey.com , so now you'll have another new place to check in on things in my world. That site is going to be the catch all for updates on my book reviews, author interviews, music spotlights and web design stuff. I just posted a review I did on the Lunch Bag Notes books, which are really wonderful.

LisaHendey.com is still majorly "under development", but it's been fun playing around with the new design and tools. Check back soon for additional interviews and more!

Sitting on the Curb

Today I'm sitting on the curb...and I'm going to be sitting out here for a long time!

When we were little, my grandparents used to make an road trip from their home in Indiana to visit us in California. In those days before cell phones, we had a rather rough estimate of the general day and time frame when they would arrive. In our anxiousness to welcome them, we spent most of the day they were expected sitting out on the front curb waiting for them. I remember the joy I felt as I saw their car round the corner of our street. They had arrived! I never wanted to miss greeting them in the front yard with hugs and kisses.

Today I'm waiting for the arrival of someone special - my Mommy! The poor thing left Gulfport at the crack of dawn this morning and was due to arrive here at noon. Unfortunately, weather delays have her re-routed through Cincinnati and now she will have to take a total of four planes and won't get in until 10 pm. While this may give me time to clean my guest bathroom, I'm sorely disappointed with the delay in her arrival.

Even though I won't be physically waiting out on the curb, today has the feel of those old days, filled with anticipation. It's so wonderful to welcome my parents into my home (or any loved one, for that matter). The waiting time for her arrival seems dreadfully long, and her visit will pass much too quickly.

Sitting on the curb, filled with hope, I can't wait to give her a big hug!

Note to Self

Dear Self,

In the future, do not schedule your annual mammogram on day three of caffeine withdrawal when it coincides with a day of fasting and abstinence.

Although the temporary pain in another part of your body may decrease your fixation on your throbbing headache for three to five minutes, the after effects of the three combined (no coffee, hurting body parts and no substantive food) are not pretty...

Sincerely,
Self

More inspiration

Lenten Radio Retreats
Now your iPod can become part of your Lenten devotions!

Holy Father's Message for Lent 2006

Message of His Holiness Benedict XVI for Lent 2006

Helpful Article

Observing Lent with the Family

Ouch...

I woke up this morning with my head feeling like someone had been banging on it with a sledgehammer all night, thereby confirming the fact that my body is missing its caffeine fixes! If it's this hard to quit coffee, I can't imagine the horrors that smokers must go through.

I found the following advice and commentary online:

The Withdrawal Symptoms of Caffeine

Once you have lowered your caffeine dependence status and realized that caffeine is the trouble factor in your diet, don't take the hasty decisions of cutting down on all such intake. For in case of sudden elimination of all caffeine products from your diet, the withdrawal symptoms maybe too tough to handle. consequently, you may suffer from some of the following withdrawal symptoms:

Headaches,

Irritability

Intensification of premenstrual symptoms

Fatigue

Generalized muscular tension

Nausea

Lack of appetite

Constipation

Lack of concentration

Disorientation

Forgetfulness

Thank goodness for prayer, for the ability to ask Jesus to help me through this and all of the other tiny little crosses I will bear today. I am praying for everyone else too, for those who are hurting far worse than I will ever know. Now all of you need to pray for my poor husband, who has to put up with me today!