future plumber brothers?

Always interested in how things work, I recently found myself bringing young John and Charlie on a field trip into the basement. Mission: follow the "poop pipe." That's right, the question came up "Where does the poop go after you flush?" I tried the line from Nemo about all pipes lead to the ocean but in midwest Ohio, that doesn't really fly. So, after taking care of business, I explained in brief how the toilet works and and we pointed (on hands and knees) the path of the water until it went down through the floor. This took us into the basement to see...the "poop pipe." We continue to trace the path through the pipes and out of the basement through the backyard and towards the alley. I showed them the manhole in the alley, and that's where our journey ended. Although, we did have to take turns flushing the toilet while one of the boys stood in the basement to hear the water going through the pipes.
This morning I walked by the bathroom and found John and Charlie again, doing their bathroom business and talking a hundred miles an hour. They were retracing verbally the path of things through the "poop pipe." It was too funny! Perhaps we have a few "Joe Plumbers" in our midst here. A family business perhaps. (Someone please help me to know we're not the only ones having conversations like these.)

Trick or Treat!

Don't be alarmed if this strange brew shows up on your doorsteps...'tis the season for tricks and treats. Tonight we attended our Knights of Columbus annual Halloween costume contest. I'm excited (and a little embarassed) to report that the Schmiesings nearly swept the contest with a win in 4 of the 5 age groups. CIA Special Agent (Sam), Mummy (Grace), Vampire (John), and Clown (Lucy) all took home cash prizes.
I had to laugh as we drove home, everyone thrilled with an evening of silly fun with friends, and cookies & juice to boot. Emma started "talking trash" about her loss for the evening. It went something like this (and in good humor):
Emma: "Man, what a rip-off! I should have won with my 100% recycled costume!"
Mom: "Maybe you just didn't work it Emma. Take little Lucy. All 10 of you kids have worn that outfit (we have two that I made when Alice and Emma were babies) and Lucy is the first one to bring home a prize with it. First one out of 10!"
Dad: "Yeah Emma, Lucy know's how to work it with the judges."
Sam: "Way to go Lucy...work it!"
Lucy: (gumming on her clown hat, oblivious): "bla, bla, bla, bla"
Emma continued (laughing now) to trash talk the whole evening, and everyone laughingly gave it right back. Face it Emma, you were outplayed by a 10 month old.
Back at home, everyone exited the van, high-fiving Lucy for her big win, and tickled with a fun night out. Two more days till trick-or-treat! Wooo hooooo! Bring on the chocolate.

the family that prays together...

...well, you know. We're in the early, experimental phases, but it's going very well, so I need to share the idea of a family rosary. I've heard other people mention it, but communal prayer at home other than at meals or bedtime just really was a foreign concept to me. Sorry, but just wasn't raised that way. Anyhow, to celebrate October as the month of the Holy Rosary, I started having my second grade religion students pray a decade each time we met. They loved it, and were so enthusiastic about it, that a little lightbulb went off, and I had to bring the idea home. I started with just a decade the first couple days with the younger kids while John was at work. (For some reason, I expected it to go terribly and was a little afraid of failure in front of John.) Silly, I know! Anyhow, the kids loved it at home too, and asked about doing it again. I checked a few Catholic websites for tips about praying a family rosary with young kids, and this is what seems to be working for us so far. At the kids usual bedtime, I mention that we're going to pray a rosary, and whoever would like to stay up the extra 15-20 minutes may do so. (this makes praying together a treat) So far everyone's all for it. I usually put the youngest to bed after the first decade...when they're starting to show signs of breaking...and Dad and the others continue on, and I join in after just a few missed Hail Marys. We take turns leading the prayers, so that the kids are very involved, and on their toes waiting for their next chance. And for the young ones who still stumble over some of the words, we help them along. They're learning so fast! Today I picked up some simple "How to pray the rosary" pamphlets that include pictures of each of the mysteries, which I'm hoping will help us all to better focus and meditate as we pray the words. In talking about how things went afterwards, John mentioned that he had thought about suggesting this years ago, but was embarassed. And as terrible as it sounds, I may not have been as open to the idea a few years ago either. We all come to things in our own time, by the grace and movement of the Spirit. I'm so grateful that this came to our home now, while our children are so young. I pray that we continue to make time for the rosary, and devotion to our Blessed Mother. What a gift for our children, I think. I encourage you all to try it, especially if you've thought about it but are procrastinating for whatever reason. Just do it!

flickers of hope

39He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. ~Mark 4:39 (NIV)

As we walked down the street to our church last evening for the Pro-Life Pumpkin Memorial, John and I both whispered prayers for the wind to calm. The cooler temperatures were bearable, but the gusting winds would never allow for all those pumpkins to be lit. We arrived to the front of our church along with several other hundred who had gathered. The folk group was singing/playing beautifully, and the kids unbundled just enough to sample some cookies from the refreshment table. We chatted briefly with friends and family, then found a spot near the street light pole to sit with the kids up front.
The teens organizing the event, started with a few abortion statistics. May we find hope in the fact that the number of abortions have declined since last year, but still 3,600 babies die every day in the US from abortion. There were 400 pumpkins on the steps, each memorializing 9 of those babies. Our parish priest, Fr. Rick prayed with us, and music continued as the teens proceeded to light the 400 pumpkins...with only a slight breeze. Prayers were answered as the wind had been calmed! Thank you Jesus! I got goosebumps as the crowd of hundreds sang together "Hail Mary, Gentle Woman." It was just beautiful. Afterwards everyone was welcome to take a pumkin (or several) home with them to light and show support for Life. We pulled our little red wagon home, this time in winds that nearly pushed the little ones over. Thank you Lord, for allowing the calm, if only for 1/2 an hour!
I am so inspired by the youth of our parish, and hopeful that this ugly battle for Life will one day end. I continue to remain optimistic that the ProLife ticket will prevail next Tuesday. You're just in time to begin a Novena for the Election...join me.

Pumpkin carving 101

Imagine if you will, one knife weilding adult, and 10 very enthusiastic scoopers waiting for their turn to scrape the "guts" out of a pumpkin. I can't seem to get the tops off fast enough, and enthusiasm soon turns to pandemonium. Lucy's under the table eating seeds, Frank and Rose are taking turns trying to grab the knife when I lay it down (which I quickly learn NOT to do.) and the others are just squeezing into my hips tighter and tighter trying to be the next in line to scoop out the guts. Charlie eventually gives up on scooping and decides its more fun to run his trucks and cars through the piles of pumkin seeds and pulp on the table. The purring of his little engine noises and beeping as he backs up to drive through again, are awful cute, but not helping the mess as more seeds are being thrown down to Lucy. After a few tries at pulling the squishy slop out, the girls quickly decided they'd rather carry the pumpkins in and out of the house for me. Somehow we managed to get them all cleaned, and saved carving for naptime, when I had a few less helpers.
The busted pumpkin was cleaned and baked, and used to make pumpkin raisin bread which smells absolutely wonderful. We may have to try it for breakfast tomorrow. And despite the chaos, I'm grateful the kids were able to participate in it, and for such a greater good. These were just a dozen of the 400 pumpkins that will be lit in tomorrow's ProLife pumpkin memorial at our church. I'm grateful to be such a small part of something so amazing and touching. I hope it brings greater awareness to the number of babies being killed each year by abortion, especially at this election time, when the ProLife movement is in such jeopardy of a terrible setback.

okay I was being optimistic!

I didn't make it through the entire list, and a few things were altered slightly, but we kept busy today! (and happy to report it was another t.v.-free day.)

Basement cleaned (check)
Family rosary (check)
12 pumpkins carved (check) oops one fell and busted
so, instead of cookies it was pumpkin bread...4 loaves (check)
pictures sorted (check)...For now, each of the kids has a photo box. No albums yet
kitchen floor scrubbed (check) ...see above note about busted pumpkin!
pot roast for supper (check) ...and oh, so yummy
Lucy snuggle (check) and Rose, and Charlie too!
laundry (check)

I do have to mention that I'm trying something new with laundry. We'll see how it goes. But, I'd heard a few folks mention that they don't sort laundry anymore, they just wash everything for the day in one load. This means one load per day. Hmmm. After doing a laundry marathon earlier in the week just to catch up, I'm ready to give it a try. For 2 nights now, I empty the laundry chute right into the washer (with the exception of socks and underwear, cause that just grosses me out and needs to be washed seperately.) So, I do one load of laundry each night, and in the morning I fold it and put it away. I did run a second load yesterday of socks, underwear and washrags, and today a second load of delicates. But wow! So far, so good. I'll keep you posted. The rest of the list, well that will be waiting for me tomorrow. Or, Monday.

My to-do list for the day...

Rather than tell you what I actually accomplish, I'll let you wonder in amazement and believe that I might actually pull it off.

basement cleaned, vacuumed and dusted
laundry
carve pumpkins (for the ProLife Pumpkin memorial)
bake cookies
sort 600 pictures (just printed a years worth from snapfish)
shovel out the girls' rooms and rearrange their furniture (per their request)
snuggle with Lucy again (it's addictive)
pot roast for supper
family rosary (yesterday's attempt was inspiring)
scrub kitchen floor (WAY over-due!)
clean bathrooms
vaccum dust family room
finish a cup of coffee before it's cold (never happens!)

that's in addition to changing diapers, cooking, playing with the kids, kissing ouchies, etc. Should be a good one.

Would it be a sacrilege?

The boys in my house have quite the imagination. It's not at all unusual to see them in dress up throughout most of the day...construction worker, fireman, army man, cowboy, football or baseball player, or anything else they come up with. I caught Charlie in his fireman hat and badge out on the patio tonight putting out a "fire" with his tree branch "firehose." So, my question is real...would it be a sacrilege to have a priest outfit in the dressup box? If we're trying out potential vocations, is it wrong to play mass, annoint, or baptize? Just wondering.

Lucy's lullaby

Little Lucy woke early from her nap today. Often times a pacifier and snuggly blanket will hush her right back to dreamland, but today that wasn't the case. She looked really tired yet, but wanted some mom-time, so I scooped her out of her crib and together we snuggled in the rocking chair. She hummed along as I sang her the words to a lullaby I'd learned years ago when I competed in a Solo and Ensemble contest back in high school. (Funny that I can remember still.) I have never been a good singer, but I can dream. Anyways, as I gazed into her sleepy eyes and sang lovingly to her, I remembered quite clearly the contest for which I first learned the song. The judge told me afterwards that while the notes were right, it just "wasn't believable." He told me I wasn't really singing it as a lullaby. Huh?! I'm sure I shrugged my "whatever" shrug, and left the room with my 2 rating, and whatever was left of my pride. I really didn't get what he meant till just now...20 years later. (sometimes it takes me awhile) I didn't understand how to sing a lullaby then, any more than I could tell you what it's like to walk on the moon. But now, as I hold this child with complete and unconditional love, and sing so that she feels the love outpoured, love that gives peace and rest, I understand what it means to sing a real lullaby...and to love and trust completely.

Sleep now little baby.
Close your sleepy eyes.
Sandman's waiting for you,
with a big surprise.
He'll take you to dreamland,
flying through the night,
to find hidden in slumber
visions of delight...
Ice Cream mountains, and soda fountains,
and candy orchards you'll see.
Chocolate makers and apple pie bakers
are waiting there, for thee.
Sleep now little baby, let there be no more cries.
You'll find your mother and father, when you open your eyes.

too pooped to post

Sorry for no post yesterday, was just too tired. I was up later than usual Tuesday night catching up on laundry (1am), and had to punch a time clock on Wednesday. I absolutely love going to work though, so it's a good kind of exhaustion. Maybe I'd feel differently if I had to go in everyday, but I don't know, it's a pretty nice job.
Anyhow, by last evening, I had the laundry monster tamed. The kids new chore lists are really helping a lot. They have things tidied before they can turn on any bedtime tv, and as part of the new list we've added a second cleaning...Wednedsay night:bonus night. The cleaning they do on Wednesday nights earns them 50 cents...so everyone's happy. What a wonderful feeling it is to settle on the couch at 9:30 with house clean, kids sleeping peacefully, last of the laundry folded (for now.) John grabbed for the newspaper, and I sat with the computer, and needless to say, woke up at 10:00 with the computer on my lap, and nothing typed. High ho, high ho, off to bed I go!

We're back at this morning now, rejuvinated, and ready to roll. The house is turned upside down again, and I've already washed 2 loads of laundry...didn't I just say I was caught up?? (sigh)That was then. The sun is shining though, kids are healthy, chili's on the stove for supper and smells wonderful. I think I might fire 'ol Herbie up and bake us some bread to go with.
Have a blessed day all!

Pumpkins for Life

Several youth in our parish have once again organized a Pro-Life Pumpkin Memorial to take place on the steps of our St. Augustine Parish. 400 pumpkins are carved with a cross and lit to represent the children killed by abortion each year. It will take place this Sunday, October 26th at 7:30pm. What a unique and amazing show of support for life. I am truly inspired by the teens who work so hard to get the message out. Check out pictures from last years event at http://www.pumpkins4life.com/ (you'll want to click on "index" to view the flyer.)

Hope to see you there!

Do you believe in miracles?

I do.
This morning was one of those rare ocassions where silence in the house doesn't mean someone's up to something they shouldn't be...

Every child comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged of man. ~Rabindranath Tagore

on the subject of chores...

I'm sure my kids will tell you how hard they have it. Their incredibly mean mom insists they do chores. In addition to helping with Saturday: Cleaning day, they also have a rotating chore schedule. Nothing major. Just a little job each day. The oldest 3 were doing jobs like "empty dishwasher" or "sort laundry" or "set dinner table" while the next 3 shared simpler jobs like picking up toys and books. Nobody was terribly upset you can imagine, when Lucy got ahold of and chewed up the chore list. I went without help for 2 or 3 weeks, before making a new one this weekend. Today was the maiden voyage for our new list, and I think things went quite well. I changed all of the jobs, giving the older kids more flexibility with their busy schedules, and giving the younger ones new responsiblities. 4 year old John wasn't crazy about helping the 3 and 2 year olds to put toothpaste on their brushes, but hey, you gotta start somewhere. And 2 year old Rosie was tickled beyond words to have the help. It's a simple process, I tried to explain to John..."Put a tiny bit on, let them brush, rinse, tap it on the edge of the sink, and back in the cup. Dry with a towel, and voila." Rosie agreed. "Voila!" she giggled. He thinks he's gonna like setting the lunch table better tomorrow.
It's all good.

where to begin?!

It's been such a beautiful past couple days, it's hard to know where to begin. I'll start with Sunday mass, which, with Charlie is always a treat. (hint of sarcasm). Early in the mass, while checking out everything but what's going on up front, Charlie notices the stations of the cross. More specifically he mentions "Look mom, that guy has a hammer!" I whisper to him a little about what's going on in that mosaic...that Jesus is being nailed to the cross, etc." We both agreed "he wasn't a nice worker." Later in mass, when Charlie attempted a left hook in my direction (upset with me for taking away his offering envelope...punishment for his being disruptive.) I reminded him that his angry actions were just like the "bad worker" and when we allow our anger to get the best of us, we're helping to nail Jesus to the cross. His expression changed abit as he glanced again to the mosaic...and apologized. I gave him his envelope back, and he sat still with me, if only for a brief moment. He had to question the woman sitting to his right about the contents of her "pretty little purse." She smiled, but was not amused.

Sunday evening, in light of the beautiful fall weather, we had one last campfire in the back yard. I made hot chocolate with marshmallows for all the kids, including a stray neighbor or two. We toasted marshmallows, and even made popcorn. It was a wonderful treat, and the kids loved staying outdoors past dark on a school night. It's as if they too realized that our outdoor days are numbered before winter sets in. My mom and dad had stopped by, and joined us for a bit. My dad, while playing kickball with the kids, got a ball stuck in the top of the tree. The ensuing attempts to retrieve it were quite entertaining to say the least. Parents and grandparents were tossing baseballs and anything else into the tip-top of the tree, while kids wearing bike helmets stood underneath retrieving fly balls. I had to stop more than once just to laugh out loud. How silly are we...and easily amused!

Anyway, it was a wonderful end to a beautiful fall weekend, and I'm grateful as always for God's abundant blessings.

my quandry for the day...

How in the world are we expected to parent/discipline our kids when they are complete clowns? They are crackin' me up.

okay, I did a little digging, and just had to share the music and lyrics while I had it on my mind...
enjoy!

Saturday afternoon dance party.

I just love days when we don't see the tv. Today was one of those days (for the most part.) It started off in our usual fashion, kids waking quietly and watching a little cartoons until everyone else is up. Then breakfast of oatmeal & toast, and cold cereal for those who prefer it. After that it was off to the bedrooms for dressing, bedmaking and straightening up. Emma had another soccer game today, so we did a quick clean-up of the basement, vaccumed and dusted the living room, swept and wiped down kitchen, and just skimmed over the bathrooms quickly. Grandma offered to take Emma to her game, so the rest of us stayed home and played; boys outside in the swingset fort with rubberband guns in tow, girls in the house coloring.
Emma returned in time for lunch, and from there the day just got more fun. While I cleaned up the kitchen, the boys returned outside for more gun-slingin', and the girls moved the living room furniture around for a "dance party." Music was blaring, and the girls were having a ball. Even Lucy enjoyed the attention she got from her older sisters who swayed with her and dipped her. She just squeeled with delight. When the dancing faded, the girls started in on halloween coloring and crafting. Some budding artists, I must say. Before long, while the little ones settled in for afternoon naps, the older ones had talked me into bringing up the halloween costume trunk from the basement. They were dressing up in every imaginable ensemble trying to choose what they'd be this year. I've made all of their costumes over the years, and so it's nice now...the young ones choose what we already have, and I don't have to do much sewing anymore. I think everyone found something they liked...a clown, a cheerleader, a fireman, a vampire, a mummy and an indian to name a few.
Despite a few episodes of drama (mostly over minor things like spilled milk, falling Hannah Montana posters, and kids trying get by without shoes or jackets in the much cooler temps) it was truly another blessed day!

An old Martina McBride song popped in my head just now..."I have been blessed. And I feel like I've found my way. I thank God for all I've been given, at the end of every day...I have been blessed!" I'm gonna have to give that song a listen again...remember the rest of the words.

while the big cats are away...

...these are the mice left to play. My four babies at home, while the 6 oldest are off to elementary, kindergarden, and preschool.

tongue twister

I noticed a small scab on one of the boys and asked what happened..."It was a scooter bite, mom."
me: "You mean a 'skeeter bite?"
he just giggled.
I went on... "A scooter is something you ride, a 'skeeter is something that bites."
"Ya mom, I got a skeeber dite."

(almost got it.)

on bread machines and shaving cream

Just a few random thoughts here today...
First of all, how many of us received bread machines for Christmas, or weddings, anniversaries maybe. You know, like 10 years ago when bread machines were all the rage. I know I did, at least 10 years ago, pre-kids. Anyhow, I just dug mine out of the closet a few weeks back. It was a good find, cause I thought it went on the garage sale years ago. Nonetheless, we got it out, and fired that baby up. Low and behold, it still works, and it's soooooo simple!!! Homemade bread for supper without any effort! I've been making a loaf daily here lately, and the kids (and hubs) are loving it!!! Mine came with a recipe book for any variety under the sun, so I can make a flavor to match any meal. Although the smell of plain old white bread baking still has to be the best. The kids have named the machine "Herbie" and this morning were pleasantly surprised that Herbie baked us fresh bread for breakfast while the rest of us slept. How cool is that!? If you still have one buried in the basement or attic somewhere...I'm suggesting you dig that puppy out!

Now to shaving cream. As I finished fixing all the girls' hair in the bathroom this morning, Frank stood at my ankles begging for some "fixin" time himself. He has a butch haircut, so there's not much primping I can do with him. So instead, I filled the sink with water (just like Dad) and put a little shaving cream on his face (just like Dad) and proceeded to give him a "shave" with a plastic spoon. It took all of 3 minutes from start to finish, but the ear-to-ear grin was priceless when we were done. He just loved being a big boy, "just like dad." Easy fun for the little men in your lives.

Have a good day everyone!

ring around the ghosties

Okay, I'll admit it. I'm a big kid when it comes to decorating for the holidays, and halloween is no different. I try to stay away from the scary stuff...just good fun. So the last couple evenings here the kids have helped me to decorate the front porch with corn stalks, pumpkins, mums, orange lights, a scarecrow, and of course our big plastic light-up vultures that stand guard on either side of the door. Tonight, we added a cute ring of ghosts around the front tree that appear to be playing "ring-around-the-rosey." It's a cute idea I found in our Family Fun magazine a few years back, and finally decided to try it. All the kids loved helping me make the "ghosties." Even Frank and Rose, who donned the leftover scraps of bedsheets and became "ghosties" themselves. Too cute.
Anyway, after the decorating was done 9 of our kids along with 2 of the neighbors started their own game of "Ring-around-the-ghosties." The 11 of them joined hand in hand, circled the ring of ghosts and made up their own words..."Ring around the ghosties, a pocket full of candy, Pumpkins, Goblins, We all shout BOO!"
It was pretty cute. Just wish the batteries were charged for the video camera. Doggonit!

It's independence day!

As usual this morning, I brought Rosie into her room and picked clothes for her to get dressed. But unlike usual, today she gave me a firm NO. She proceeded to show me exactly what she intended to wear. Oh my. It doesn't quite match, but in time we moms learn to choose our battles and clothing is not one of mine. So, here's my independent 2 year old...putting her own mark on fashion. The world will never be the same.

to end the day

as always...

Angel of God,

my guardian dear,

to whom God's love,

commits me here.

Ever this day,

be at my side,

to light and guard,

to rule and guide.

Amen

just a few pics

finally getting around to sharing these pics from oktoberfest parade...

...my super pooper scoopers, Alice and Emma (with a friend in the middle)

...little Lucy (sorry, couldn't figure out how to rotate the pic)...

...and the rest of the gang.

oh, and how could I forget?!

I nearly forgot to share something beautiful I experienced yesterday...this is especially for the folks living in this neck of the woods...while in Columbus yesterday, I smelled grass! Real, green, beautiful, plush grass. So beautiful I had to take my shoes off (and Lucy's) and walk on it. It has been so incredibly dry this summer at home that I had forgotten what green grass looks (and smells) like. It was a gift to behold. I'm a little jealous as I look out at our brown, dry dusty yard. But I'm grateful for a day in the green grass. I'm tellin you, it's the little things that make my world go round!

happy monday morning to all

(Sigh) what a nice weekend we had. Saturday was cleaning day as usual, and it was another one of those days where the kids went above and beyond. Finishing their jobs, and doing more than I asked. I love that! It allowed me to get a little more done than usual too. Stop by and see my countertops! (before they're gone again) Emma had another soccer game too, and boy was it fun to watch! Her whole team has improved immensely since the first game, Emma included. She's always been an aggressive player, and to see her compete against the 4th grade boys and do so well is really cool. She's definitely my tom-boy, and competitive no doubt. She did manage to score one goal and had a couple really great assists and her team came out on top 5-1. Sunday, John had to work as usual, so the kids and I made a trip to New Albany for my godson's 4th birthday party. What a wonderfully exausting day that was! The kids just love playing with their cousins, and I of course love chatting with adults any day of the week. If anyone went hungry, it was their own fault. My sister-in-law had a beautiful spread of munchies and sweets to appeal to any taste. Yumm! It was sad to leave, but we hadn't seen Dad all day, and of course it was a school night, so we left around 7, and made it home in time for showers, a quick visit with dad, and bedtime. I'm embarrased to say that in all my 35 years, this was only the 3rd time I'd driven to Columbus, so it was a great accomplishment for me to get to their house and back without any trouble. Watch out Martha, we may be coming your way more often! Ha! The first words out of Charlie's mouth, before his eyes were even open was "Can we go back to Tom's house again?" Good times.
Anyway, it was hard for all of us to get out of bed this morning. The big kids are off to school. Being that it's monday, and the start of John's "weekend" we're moving slowly. Not rushing to get out of our jammies, and enjoying the coffee. I'm hoping to get out our halloween decorations today, and have the front porch "spook-ified" before the kids get home from school. We'll see what the day brings.
Peace and God Bless!

good fun!

Tonight we checked out the Bradford Pumkin Show. None of us had been there before, but we'd heard its a fun little community picnic with a midway of rides, a few crafts, and entertainment. Oh, and did I mention confetti?! They sell confetti by the lunch-sack full for people to throw at will. And by golly, everyone does it. If you don't like confetti in your underwear, you shouldn't go. We spent 6 dollars on 4 bags, stayed for an hour, danced to the local bands and had a ball!!!! There were 20 or more carnival rides, but our kids didn't even notice as we walked down the main street of town tossing confetti on everyone and everything we saw. Can you say awesome! What kid wouldn't love this. It was almost like walking through a winter wonderland, with the confetti blanketing everything like snow. I'm certain several of the kids ate it, because they were laughing with mouths wide open as other kids (and adults) would walk by tossing it about. This could be the first festival we've gone to where kids weren't begging for ride tickets. When our confetti was gone, we stood in front of the stage dancing to tunes like "Sweet Home Alabama" and other classics. Needless to say a good time was had by all. (And Saturday:Cleaning Day cannot be skipped this week...there's confetti everywhere I turn, and I've already vaccumed once!)

ask and ye shall receive

Just last night, I stood in Alice's closet with her, noticing that she "had nothing to wear." It's rare that I'll ever agree with anyone on this, but in her case it's pretty true. As the oldest in the house, she's at the top of the food chain as far as hand-me-downs go, so for her there are none. No biggie, we go through this with her every change of season...make a list of her needs, and eventually we get around to shopping for them. We both agreed she could use some jeans, a pair of khaki's and maybe some sweatpants for gym days. I laughed and told her to "put it on the list," which is something I find myself saying many times throughout the day.
Anyhow, as John came in the house tonight he was carrying a large cardboard box. I asked him about it, and he laughed "I know you just finished cleaning out all the closets...but there are 3 more boxes just like this one in my truck." Clothes from a coworker of his who has passed on some really nice things in the past. As he headed out to get the others, I nosed through the first box. Wouldn't you know the first items I pulled out were 4 pairs of jeans, a pair of khakis and 2 pairs of sweatpants in Alice's size. And all looked as if they'd never been worn. (as a matter of fact, a few of them still had tags.) I laughed out loud. God wasn't even a little bit subtle about fulfilling our needs this time. I shouldn't be surprised by His goodness, I just never cease to be amazed at our Awesome Father though. He has been so generous to us, His blessings abundant!

Luke 12:22-31
22 He said to his disciples, ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. 23For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. 24Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! 25And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life?* 26If then you are not able to do so small a thing as that, why do you worry about the rest? 27Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin;* yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. 28But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! 29And do not keep striving for what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not keep worrying. 30For it is the nations of the world that strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31Instead, strive for his* kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

boys and their hammers

Right now the girls are playing quietly in the basement. It sounds like they're playing school 'cause I hear lots of "please" and "thank-you's" and the rustling of papers and crayons. The boys however, not so quiet. I just confiscated a real hammer (not the toy) from Frank who was getting ready to "fix" the van, while Charlie and John (toy) hammer on the siding of the house. It's all good. They're hard workers, doing what workers do. I'm just grateful we caught Frank on his morning break!
Okay boys, I think the swingset need fixin'! Move along!

watch what you pray for...

okay, so I've been saying the prayer of Jabez...and just this week have had several opportunities come to me. As usual, I'm bucking them..."too busy," "not qualified," whatever, but I'm trying to swallow my fears and forge on. God's will be done. It's true, he does grant our requests, just maybe not quite the way we were anticipating, and certainly not the easy way we'd hoped for. But He is good!
(and so I'll try to be too)

soldiers for Christ

As usual, the older kids were finished with breakfast, so it was just Lucy and I in the kitchen enjoying some yogurt and listening to one of my favorite morning worship cd's. Charlie and John walk in their army hats and Charlie asks "Mom is this army music?" "Yes, definitely!" I reply. "You're in God's army!" (and in my best narrator/announcer's voice, and arm rasied in the air, I add) "We are soldiers for Christ!"
Eyes got big and were followed with a big "Hoorah!"
Dancing commenced. Carry on, men.

The Village People take on soccer.

Today was unofficially "hat day" at our home. You can just imagine then the curious looks the kids got tonight when what appeared to be "The Village People" climbed out of our van for Emma's soccer game. We had a cowboy, an army man, and a construction worker to name a few. Never a dull moment, I'm tellin' you.
Emma took it all in stride and even waved once or twice at the clowns who were cheering incessantly from the sidelines. Feelin' the love.

laundry laughs

...first off this morning, I hear Sam holler up to his sisters "Emma, you got any socks I can borrow? I'm all out. I don't care if they have the yellow stripes on the bottom!" Emma hollers back, "Sorry, think I'm all out too." Just as I was ready to let them know the socks are clean in a basket in my room, I hear Alice chime in "I got some extras you can both borrow!"
God love them for not being just too picky about little things like these. (and "Curses!" for the end of my summer sock hiatus. With everyone out of flip-flops and into tennies again, laundry is increasing!)


Later in the day, Sam was doing his chore for the day which happened to be "sort laundry from the chute." In the middle of this he hollers up from the laundry room "Mom come check this out!!" I went down there, hesitantly, and find him holding a pair of jeans up on the end of a broomstick attempting to place it carefully onto the hugely overfilled hamper of dark clothes. (Okay, I'm still not caught up from the fest weekend...but tonight's laundry marathon.) He was getting such a thrill "fishing" the clothes up onto the mound without knocking them over. Cheap laundry entertainment, at least for someone.

runnin with the big dogs

In an attempt to join in with the neighborhood "big boys" football game tonight, Charlie found the best equipment he could...an old motorcycle helmet, and a jersey from the "dress-up" box. The big boys let him have a couple of catches, before he became more interested in raking leaves with his "work" helmet. Have helmet will travel.

The Prayer of Jabez

"Oh that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that your hand would be with me, and that you would keep me from evil..."
So God granted him what he requested.
1 Chronicles 4:10 (NKJV)

I've read this prayer plenty of times before. One of the kids has a children's board book of the same name. But yesterday I got one of those "forwards" in my inbox insisting I pray this and mail it on to 12 people, etc. I didn't forward it. Sorry. I did pray it, and prayed for the person who sent it, figuring they could use the prayers. It didn't end there though. For some reason this time when I revisited the prayer, I kept getting hung up on the "enlarge my territory" part. It seemed a very selfish thing to pray for. So finally, as I do often when something is stumping me, I googled it. I found the passage in 1 Chronicles, read a little more about Jabez and the life he had. And it came to me that it is not selfish at all if our intentions are to use this gift for His purposes and His will. Jabez was asking for more land for his cattle, more opportunity to build on his reputation. Jabez may have realized that he could do more for God with more land. That's the catch. We must be living (or attempting to live) the life that God calls us to.
I 'spose an examination would be in order of how our current "territories" are being used for His purpose, and then wonder if asking for more is something we want for ourselves, or for the greater good. If we are up to the challenge of going outside our comfort zone to commit the work of our territory to the glory of God, then by all means, we should be asking. And not be so surprised when he grants our request.

Rejoice!!!

Closets are thinned out, clothes redistributed to younger ones, trash, or donations. The house feels like it's raised an inch. Oh, and I can see all corners of my bedroom again. Yeah!!!!

The sun is shining, homemade veggie soup on the stove, it's already a good day!
Peace everyone!

E-I-E-I-E-I-O! (oy)

My apologies for not keeping in touch this weekend. As previously noted, it was our Oktoberfest celebration here in town....so we were busy, busy, busy. I'll try to briefly recap.

Emma cheered at Friday's game,
She was thrilled they'd picked her name.
Spent lots of time up at the fest,
Draft beer and 'kraut is always best.
Cleaning day just didn't happen,
neither did the weekend nappin'
Too much polka, too many sweets,
and chicken dancing in the streets.
Pretzels, cream puffs, kettle corn,
now Charlie wants a "tuba-horn."
Boys dressed in their lederhosen,
Girls watched as the queen was chosen,
Mom plus 6 would run a mile,
Dad plus 4 would watch and smile.
Parade time was indeed much fun.
Poop scoopers sad they hadn't won.
More polkas, and brats and metts with kraut
Good times for all, there was no doubt!

Auf Wiedersehen!

baptized again?

Cutest thing: I caught Frank (2) with his chair pushed down the hallway, bathing in the holy water font. His hair and forehead were dripping, and water was running down the wall onto the floor. (I didn't think it held that much water!?)
Anyways, my first thought was to scold him, but shame on me! Instead, I helped him to make the sign of the cross, and we pushed his chair back to his room. I hope to keep that innocent image of him etched in my head forever.

“Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.”(Luke 18:15 ESV)

'tis the season

The cooler weather here is welcome for certain, but the duties that come with it...ummm, not so much. I'm in the middle of sorting through all the closets of clothes here. Not a small undertaking for any mom, but multiplied here. My bedroom is the warzone right now, as it's the only place I can set piles of clothes where little fingers won't "reorganize" it for me. Piles for donation in one corner, other piles for things that need packed away for recirculation next year. It's a crazy process! I keep trying to remind myself that this is a good "problem" to have, and that many people in this world have only what they wear on their back, or less. I thank God for his continued abundant blessings.
Peace!

dangerous chocolate cake

(dangerous because it's ready in less than 5 minutes!!)

I received this recipe for 5 minute chocolate cake and just had to try it out. It was fabulous! And even more exciting was the way it rose up out of the mug while it cooked...the kids thought that was awesome! So try it for yourself. I think you'll likey!

(note...it's just the cake...I doctored mine up with a little chocolate syrup from the fridge for "icing." Also, I recommend a large coffee mug...the small one I used made it a little difficult to mix, but was very cool when the cake rose out of the top!)

Little Ways (St. Therese of Lisieux, October 1st)

On the eve of the Feast of St. Therese of Lisieux , the Little Flower, I asked my second grade students to tell me what a saint is, or maybe even what a saint looks like. The answers across the board, depicted someone very old, who lived long ago, and was very holy. I then held up a picture of St. Therese and told them she was a saint. The mouths dropping and eyes widening was priceless. I went on to share with them a little about her life. How she lost her mother at the age of 4, and was raised by her sister Pauline. She became a Carmelite nun at the age of 15 and died at the age of 24. She new very early in her life that she may never grow to do great things, but that she could do great things in little ways every day with love and kindness. She inspires all of us, at any age, to a life of holiness.

The Prayer of Saint Therese
May you have peace within today.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing you are a child of God. Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of you who choose to claim it.

fighting evil, one hug at a time

At lunch today, Grace (5) and Mary (4) were arguing about something (hard to remember what this time) when Grace hollered out, "Mom, Mary's making the devil stronger...she just looked at me mean!" I asked where this came from. Turns out good 'ol Dad had a conversation with them last evening about how our sins work against Jesus, and help the Devil to spread evil in the world. I'd never heard it worded just like this, but I liked his reasoning with them. Anyways, our conversation continued on, that when we do kind things, we are spreading God's love, and making Jesus stronger to fight the devil. They liked the positive flip side of this, and their argument, now forgotten left them sitting quietly at the table. I continued on with cooking, and in a moment I heard in a very soft voice "Grace, I'm sorry for poking you in the eye before." and Grace returned with "It's okay. A hug?" and they moved together to embrace in a brief but genuinely heartfelt hug. I couldn't help but feel all warm and fuzzy just then. Little lessons about forgiveness, shared by a preschooler...that's what it's all about.

"Assuredly, I say to you,whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it." Mark 10:15

Now it's time to roll the barrel...

We took a walk uptown tonight to explore the rumblings and goings-on as the town is preparing for it's 34th annual Minster Oktoberfest. Tents are being raised, booths set up, sound and lighting. In just 4 short days the smell of beer and bratwurst with sauerkraut will fill the air, along with the sounds of oom-pah bands playing the likes of "Beer Barrel Polka." Ahhh, I love this time of year. There's a feeling of excitement throughout our community in anticipation of this annual event that draws an estimated 80,000 people over the course of the weekend. (For a town of just 2,800...this is big!) We've been playing a little more polka music around the house in preparation, and of course working on our footwork around the kitchen table...Charlie's excited to have a few good dance moves. The highlight for our young family is of course the parade on Sunday. And get this, Alice and Emma have signed up to be pooper-scoopers! You can't imagine how excited they are to be following a couple horses in anticipation of when nature might call. This is big stuff for a couple 3rd graders. We're so proud!

Happy Birthday John!

My hubs is 4o today...and more wonderful than ever. Each day I realize more and more how truly blessed I am to have him in my life.

And so a birthday prayer...

All Mighty God, in your infinite wisdom and love, You chose Joseph to be the husband of Mary, the mother of your son; As we enjoy his protection on earth, may we have the help of his prayers in heaven. We ask this through Christ the Lord. Amen

Dear St. Joseph, foster father of our Lord, Jesus watch over and intercede for John today and always. Amen

a view from our pew.

Sunday mass had extra special meaning today, as it was the debut performance of Alice and Emma singing in the childrens choir. Not only was I immensely proud of their raw singing talent, but more importantly humbled to be presenting these children to Christ here in church. After all those years of prayer, begging to be a mother, and promising to do my best to "raise them up in Christ" here we were. Their first service for the church. Or at least their first long-term commitment to the church. Each time they choose to fill an envelope (with a few pennies, nickels, dimes, whatever), each time they put on their Sunday best, each time they enter that line to receive Jesus in the Eucharist, and now each time they raise their voices in song, I am humbled that God has entrusted these precious gifts to me. Thank you God for hearing and anwering my prayers!!
As the girls sang today "It's a miracle just to know, God is with me wherever I go. It's a miracle just to see, that he can make a miracle of me!"

oh, and on a side note, Charlie was "busy" as usual...we had a guest speaker appealing to our church for donations to help support Radio Maria (a catholic radio network that has a station in our area). Anyhow, the speaker introduces himself as "John" and Charlie proceeds to holler out "Hi John!" at the top of his lungs (several times). Always the kind greeter.

it's all fun and games, until...

Frank drinks all the paint water! I had the 6 youngest, along with 2 young cousins home last night while John took the older 4 to a football game. (8 ages 4 and under) Someone suggested painting pictures, so voila! I lined them all up around the kitchen table with paint brushes, clean paper, and several packs of watercolors to share. I also set out a few small cups of water to dip the brushes. All set...Picassos and Monets in bloom. There were minor spills, and Rosie wore more than she actually painted...but it was all good. That is until I heard John call out "Mom, we can't paint anymore. Frank drank all the water!" What?! Sure enough, all 4 cups were empty and there sat grinning Frank-o with brownish-black paint water dripping down his chin, grinning like a fat cat.
Okay kids, painting time's over. Anyone for popcorn?!

On your mark, get set...

...hold on to your hats. Getting ready for school in the morning is no walk in the park...but it's entertaining (to say the least.) John has the day off work today (so I can get to some meetings) allowing me to be a bit more of an observer today. How funny is this!

6:59a I hear footsteps upstairs...the girls alarm must be a minute fast. Seconds later, Rose is crawling in between John and I to snuggle just a minute longer. Her "da, da, da, da" soon becomes a duet with Lucy chiming in from her crib next to our bed.
7:00 Our alarm sounds, and John hits snooze...as if! I grab Rose and head for the boys room to get things started there. Darnit...one wet bed, and one soggy young boy. Helping Sam to pick out school clothes (cause we forgot last night.) Frank outta the crib...and we're all headed to the bathroom.
7:03Charlie's on the pot, Frank's on the little potty, John and Sam (and I) are waiting for our turn. Rose is watching it all. Quick shower for the wet one...and now the girls are coming downstairs. Woooweee! We got some Wildcat fans in the house. It's homecoming football weekend, so there's a little more school spirit than usual. Alice and Emma helped Mary and Grace pick out clothes last night...I think we'll be changing a few things. All the girls are dressed head to toe in orange and black (some in Dad's old high-school jerseys). Pretty cute. Alice thinks there's room for one more in the bathroom and starts doing her hair. "Don't you have a brush and mirror upstairs in your bathroom?" I ask. "Yeah, but the lights better down here." Let's count...that's me, Sam, John, Charlie, Frank, Rose, and now Alice in a 3x5 space.
7:10 we all make it out of the bathroom alive. Boys are dressed, and bed is stripped. Heading to the laundry room. John's doing diapers for Rose and Lucy. (they're looking cute as ever, I might add.)
7:15 Kids streaming in to the kitchen for breakfast. We're about out of cereal, so there's no drama about what kind everyone wants. (only 2 choices today.) Lucy's the only one making a lot of noise, cause Dad doesn't mix her cereal fast enough. (Sorry dad, she said so, not me!) Topics of conversation around the table ranged from Sam wanting to have a "fun day" in religion class today (I'm his teacher.) to Grace noting her teacher was craving apple pie the other day at school, to Emma wanting money to buy football tickets for tonight.
7:20 Coffee's ready. Alleluia! John's feeding Lucy, so I'm on OJ pouring and clean-up duty. (Cause somebody spills something at every meal. It's a fact of life.) I sneak upstairs to pick out a different shirt for Mary (cause it's "red" day at preschool today.) and a different shirt for Grace, cause she's swimming in her dad's old jersey.
7:35 The girls want their hair spray-painted orange for school. Nope. Maybe after school for the game. Sam wants a mohawk. Nope. Maybe after school.
7:37 Frank spilled John's milk, and is now splashing in it. Charlie has cereal stuck to the back of his legs?! I'm on it.
7:45 Neighbor kids are converging in our back yard. Time for the kids to head out the door (at least 3 of them, anyways.) Grace hollers to Sam as he walks out "Goodbye, I love you cutie Sam!" She knows it makes him mad, so she runs to the front door to holler again "I love you my little cutie Sammy!" For all the neighbors to hear. Ooooh. He's really mad now! (and she's loving it.)
7:46 John and I sit with our coffee while the little ones are finishing up. Just shaking our heads. In a blur the day has begun...leaving us to only imagine what the rest of it might bring.
(Uh oh, think I smell something...diaper duty is calling me.)
Have a blessed day all!

Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and the wisdom to know the difference.
Amen.


A former co-worker gave me this framed prayer as a high school graduation gift...the words now etched in my mind, as I refer to it often.
Today I noticed the same prayer hanging over my desk at work. (I job share with 2 other nurses.) As I read the words aloud again, I realized I not only want to accept the things I cannot change, but I want to embrace them! As a wife and mother constantly preparing, fixing, manipulating, molding, and attempting to control the way the household runs, I find it incredibly liberating to know that a large part of life is out of my control. Outta my hands! God has made it so that I can cast those worries and burdens on him. Thank goodness. Now Lord, just help me to work on the courage and wisdom part.

my little pumpkin

Lucy Irene on her first pumpkin hunt...she thinks she's found a good one!

T.P.

I went to Sam's Club tonight to stock up on the necessities like baby wipes, monster bags of chicken nuggets, and of course toilet paper. Two gi-normous industrial size multi-family packs of toilet paper to be exact. And if we're lucky they'll hold us off until our next Sam's trip 6 weeks from now. Remember when buying that much toilet paper was a "fun" thing to do on a Friday night after a football game?! Oh, those were the days.

Who's your daddy?

Sam asked a funny question the other day...one that I think had been working on him for some time. "Mom, when I get old, who will my Dad be?" I laughed at first, but then I realized it was important to him. "What do you mean Sam?" He continued on. "Well, Dad's dad is Grandpa Schmiesing and your dad is Grandpa Harting...so what grandpa will be my dad when I get older?" Hmm. What there little minds don't think of?! It took a bit of explaining, that he would always have the same Dad, and that they'd just get older together. That dad "turns into" grandpa when the kids have kids. It was a fun little conversation. And he seemed incredibly relieved that he wouldn't be trading his own dad in on an older model someday...like a little trip to the "Grandpa's-R-Us" store. Funny. You just never know where conversation's gonna take ya.

BIG news...

Frankie pooped on the potty! Frankie pooped on the potty! Frankie pooped on the potty! (imagine us as we cha-cha line around the kitchen table, with a kick on the "-ty" in potty.) Oh yah, this is good.


(no....not the BIG news you were probably thinking...but big none the less!)

rockin' and rollin'

Emma asked tonight what she could do to earn a little money..."I'll sweep the front walks and driveway for 5o cents." Unfortunately, I'd just done that. Dad suggested she pick up stones from the yard..."a penny a stone." We have a small bed of riverstones by our front walk where a park bench sits. The younger kids spend a lot of time collecting them, and tossing them into the yard and flower beds. This just might keep her busy, I thought. Turns out all the kids including a couple neighbor kids got in on the action. Before long they needed the little red wagon to haul all the stones....they stopped counting at 1193. Hmmm. Wonder if they take a check?

Catholic vote

saw this on a friend's blog, then recieved it as an e-mail later in the week. Just thought it was pretty awesome...

garden of weedin'

I haven't weeded the flowerbeds all summer...and boy could you tell it. So tonight with the "help" of the little ones we got to work. John and I both agreed that it needed it desperately. I'm hoping to pick up a couple pumpkins and mums this weekend, but before we bring in anything new, the weeds have to go. Lucy hung out in her exersaucer on the front walk to watch, and Frank and Rose kept busy putting weeds into the bucket, then dumping them out, into and out...and on and on. John and Charlie stayed busy with some fancy (but mostly ineffective weeding tool) and the older kids were avoiding work by pushing each other around in the wagon while one would take turns steering with the handle. It's fun when the toddlers try to help. They make me laugh, and the work seems less. Grace and Mary are gone for a sleep-over at Grandma and Grandpa's. Funny how two less can make the evening seem so much quieter. We gained one back though as Alice and Emma are having a cousin sleep over tonight.

Anyhow, the weeds got pulled, sidewalks swept, trees trimmed up a bit. Ready for fresh mulch, a few pumpkins and some colorful mums. Hard to believe fall is just around the corner!

how do you like them apples?

Tonight John took the kids to the park (with the exception of 3 who were playing at the neighbors) so that mom and I could get peelin' on some apples. A woman from our church called to share some apples that she cleaned up after her neighbors tree was lost in the wind storm last weekend. I thought she might have just a few, but when we went to get them, there were buckets and buckets of them! I shared half with my sister-in-law who also cans, but the rest are here waiting for me. So this evening, with mom's help peeling, we made our way through 2 of the 5-gallon buckets. It seemed to go so much faster with help, and good conversation. I look forward to when the girls are just a little older to make quick work of jobs like these.

Anyhow, by the time John and the kids got home, we were nearly done preparing the apples, so mom headed home, and I started cooking. I found a great recipe for freezing apple pie filling. The smell of cinnamon, sugar and apples has the house smelling wonderful! I made enough for more than 10 pies. Hopefully tomorrow I'll get some more done. I hate to see all that beautiful fruit go to waste. Again I'm grateful for God's providence, and the kindness of others to share their bounty.

In third grade...

Alice shared with me earlier this week that one little boy in her class brought in a gift, a necklace (he had bought, not made) for a girl in his class. "Jacob likes Emma, and Emma likes Jacob." She said it so matter of fact. They're only in 3rd grade!!! (I'm so not ready for my kids to begin boy/girl relationships...beyond dodgeball that is.)

bouncy balls...the bane of my existence

In today's society of lawsuits and recalls, where toymakers are being held accountable, how is it that bouncy balls are still on the market? And who keeps buying them all and unloading them at my house?!
I have 3 in my kitchen window-sill right now (the landing place for all things confiscated). And this morning I pulled a fourth out of Frank's mouth. Nobody's allowed to bounce them in the house, so they do the next best thing...suck on them. (great...they'll never choke on that...)
where are lobbyists in washington on this one?
am I alone here?

Who needs a massage? Go for the graces.

Yesterday was just beautiful by the way! Our bus to the Sorrowful Mother Shrine left at 7:30 am. There were 30 of us in all, I think. We prayed a rosary together as we traveled. But mostly the bus ride was a chance for my friend and I to catch up. We were neighbors and very close friends up until we moved 3 years ago. But somehow the few blocks distance seems more like miles without the convenience of a clothesline to stay connected in the backyard.
Anyhow, upon arriving at the shrine, we had an outdoor mass together. Afterwards, lunch, followed by the Way of the Cross which led us through the scenic woods, a rosary, confession, and Exposition and Benediction. This year we had the privelige of a special blessing in which the priest there placed a relic of the True Cross on our foreheads and prayed over us. I could just feel the graces pouring in. The stress of daily life was lifted from my shoulders in just a few short hours. God is good, and I am so grateful for His gift of the Blessed Mother as a perfect example for imitation and devotion.
So if you're contemplating a massage to rid yourself of some stress, go for the graces instead!

Recon"silly"ation

Leave it to Sam to notice the word "silly" in Reconciliation. We had our first parent/student meeting tonight as we prepare for his First Confession in December. As we talked briefly about it earlier in the day, he just kept shaking his head laughing..."Mom, don't worry...it's recon-silly-ation."
John and I just looked nervously at each other and shook our heads...we've got our work cut out for us.

I'm going anyways...

There are times, that I am acutely aware of the prescence of evil; the sensation that Satan himself is working to control some part of my life. He's been pulling at me recently, directing me away from a pilgrimmage I'm intending to make tomorrow. But I'm going anyways. A good friend of mine and I made the same trip last year, a pilgrimmage to the Sorrowful Mother Shrine in Bellevue, OH. It was wonderful! A full day of prayer, reflection, mass, confession, walking rosary. Just beautiful. The two of us decided to do it annually if the trip came around again...and so here we are. This time around though, knowing full well the goodness of the trip, I'm lacking desire to go....except that I know I need to. Our home schedule is packed full, both John and I working more hours with more meetings scheduled. The kids have things going on, more-so than usual. I'm feeling horrible about leaving for the day. The trip was nearly cancelled twice, first for lack of people going and then for lack of a priest. But things are falling into line thanks to the grace of God, and so I know my place is there. I must draw near to our Blessed Mother, honoring her, and asking her to bring me and my family ever closer to her son Jesus. As she was there with me in my Bethlehem, so too may she be there with me in my Nazareth.
In the mean time I simply pray: "Away from me Satan. For I choose to shield myself with the love of Christ, my saviour. As for me and my house, we shall serve the Lord."

Feast Day, Our Lady of Sorrows

Today we honor our blessed mother, and remember the suffering she endured...right to the foot of the cross.

Prayer to the Sorrowful Mother
Mary, Mother of God, Mother of Sorrows, lift me up when I am feeling sad and in times of trouble.
Be my inspiration, my strength and my comfort throughout my life.
Help me to accept the will of God with complete faith as you did.
Help me to embrace the Gospel of Life and not a culture of death and to live accordingly.
Embrace me with your motherly love and affection drawing me safely into the protection of your pierced and immaculate heart.
Amen.

on the subject of saints...

A friend of mine has something to share...what a beautiful story indeed. Check out her Little Saint

a saint, or no??

My mom and I had an interesting conversation this morning, about the "sainthood" of St. Christopher. She suggested that he was in fact not a saint. What?! How could this be. My dad and brothers (all military) have always worn a St. Christopher medal...the patron of travelers. I think John even has a St. Christopher medal in his truck. How could he not be a saint. What's a person to do?! I googled him. And according to one site I found (Catholic encyclopedia, I think) St. Chris, along with many other early saints, was found to be perhaps more legend than real person. So his feast day was removed from the official calendar. His cult was not suppressed as in the case of some saints (like St. Ursula), so in some local parishes and diocese, his feast day is still celebrated. So, is he a saint, or no? Does this mean, if he was proven to exist he would be saintworthy, but since he's a myth, it's been revoked?
Anyone care to shed some light on this? I feel swindled. Dad gave me a St. Christopher medal for Christmas one year (or maybe he talked John into getting me one.) Either way, I always thought it was a nice connection with my dad and brothers who always wore theirs. Now what?
I'm also interested in knowing which other popular saints may have been "mythed."

G.N.O.

Tonight it was a girls night out. And unlike last night's g.n.o. which involved 5 young girls and their mom getting groceries at Walmart. Tonight's g.n.o. was adults only. My mom and one of her sisters, my cousin, and myself went out for dinner and toured a few of the fine establishments surrounding the beautiful Indian Lake. It is so good to just laugh...and eating, and cold beverages are good too. But laughing...you know, belly-laughing is good for the soul!
Each year a handful of the women in my mom's family take a summer trip together. For a few years it was a houseboat at Norris Lake in Tennessee. Then it was a floating house, and next year, the plan is to find something much closer to home. I've only been on a couple of the trips. As our family has grown it's been too difficult to get away. Maybe next year. So, tonight (in the name of research) we went touring the area of Indian Lake. Our plan was to scope out some rentals we'd seen online. Turns out we found a nice one right off, so were able to celebrate the "good hunt" by checking out the local nightlife. Very fun. Not to worry, I was in by 10 (and still managed to see most of the kids off to bed.) I'm so grateful for John being a good sport about it. I look forward to times when it's easier for the two of us to get out alone. It will come....

kickin' up our heels

Okay, I thought I was lookin' all cute in my little hot pink sandals today, so I left them on in the house (usually the shoes are off while at home.) Charlie followed me through the kitchen...clomping behind me with his oversized cowboy boots. "Mom, why do you have your shoes on?" (I'm sure he was assuming I was getting ready to leave.) "Because I look so cute in them!" I said (so modest, I know.) "Me too mom!" So we danced around the kitchen table a bit in our fashionable footwear. Hey, when ya got it, ya got it!

sleepless nights.

Okay, one lousy night of sleep...I don't have much to complain about, I know. So instead, I'm going to find the silver lining. For the most part, this family has been blessed with great sleepers. Oh, we have our occasional sleep-walkers, middle of the night bathroom visits, and once in awhile I find myself rooting around under Lucy's crib for a lost pacifier. But overall, its good. All 10 are in bed by 9 on a school night, and don't hear from them again till 7. Last night though, Lucy needed some Mom-time. She's cutting two big teeth, and those swollen gums were keeping her from getting any rest. I tried soothing her from the sidelines a few times, but finally had to just bite the bullet and rock with her for awhile. It's funny, I groan and complain thinking about it, but in all honesty, I love those hours snuggling in the rocker, just her and I. She never did fall asleep in my arms, but she was certainly content there, and we both enjoyed just gazing at each other in the dark. Those moments are hard to come by during daylight hours, and these times won't last forever. So for now, I'm grateful for this beautiful baby I hold in my arms...a precious miracle from God, indeed. How much better to be awake holding this little one, as opposed to awake, waiting and wondering when I'll hear her coming thru the door in the wee hours of the night. Oh, if they could only stay little forever!

a simple thought for the day.

(borrowed)

Prayer doesn't change God, but it changes those who pray.

from the sidelines...

A good friend e-mailed recently and shared her thoughts about an earlier post I did on high school football
Her thoughts helped me to rethink the love some men have for the sport, and maybe to even understand the goosebumps that go along with it. (I'm trying to get it.)

She says: "...regarding the game of football. Just like you said, I don't get it either.....why boys want to play that game, I have no idea. But let me tell you, when you see how hard they work at practices and then when you see your son out on the field and the team huddles in and they raise their helmets together in the center, it really hits the heart. You see them come home day after day beaten and exhausted, and you wondering to yourself why? Is it really worth it? They have a desire and dedication to something I will never understand. I have found that it makes them stronger from the inside out. It makes them part of a team that works so hard day in and day out for a true love of the game. I only hope my boys will remain that strong and dedicated to their faith in the years to come. So here's to you......mother of those one day boys out on the football field. I promise it will touch your heart and you will be a proud momma!!"

Thanks Deb. I look forward to it.

guilty as charged...

After further analysis of the evidence, and extensive crime scene investigation, it has been determined that the aforementioned "victim" of artistic malfeasance is in fact guilty as charged. By determining the angle of trajectory of the said markers involved, it could only have been self-inflicted...especially, the marks left inside the "victim's" ears. Nobody else could have done it so carefully, and so recklessly all at the same time. Although, I do believe there may have been an accomplice with regards to the markings on the posterior legs. Frank and Charlie have been taken in for questioning...but without fruit snacks, they're not talkin'!

On the Birthday of our Blessed Mother...

Just as we celebrate birthdays of our loved ones here on earth, it should only seem fitting to also then celebrate the birth of our Heavenly Mother, Mary. Happy Birthday Mary!

May we all be inspired by her humble "yes" to our Lord, that we too may say yes to His will in our lives.

a prayer of praise:

It is truly fitting, Mary, that we should honor you. For God chose to honor you by making you His mother. The prophets of old spoke of you with their fairest praises, the glory of Israel and all of womankind. The angel bowed in reverence as he addressed you who were chosen to be God's mother. And all generations have called you blessed. So joyfully, Mary, we praise you: We praise you in your purity, far more radiant than that of the brightest seraphim and cherubim. We praise you in your maternity, in which you were privileged to nourish your God and Creator at your breast. We praise you in your virginity, which you kept so preciously together with you holy maternity. We praise you in the honor which through you has been given to holy motherhood throughout the ages. We praise you in the courage your pure and holy example has given to Christian mothers in a sinful world. We praise you, too, in your motherhood, which by God's decree has made you our mother and us your children. Yes, always and at all times and in all places will we praise and honor and bless you, as it is proper to do, holy Mother of God, ever-blessed virgin, mother of fair love! Amen.

~from a Mothers' Manual by A. Francis Coomes, S.J.

someone is so in trouble...

This is why markers and other craft supplies are usually under lock and key in this home! And, just how am I to be angry when she looks at me like this?! (she's obviously the victim here, right?)

because He asked me to, that's why.

Jesus says "Let the children come to me" and so I do. When the kids turn 3, I consider them old enough to go to church, and expect them to remain seated (or kneeling/standing) as appropriate. I don't allow layng/climbing in the pew, or toys, or snacks. It's other people's business if they do...but these are my expectations for my kids. Afterall, with John working weekends, I'm the only parent in the pew, so we need to be clear about how to behave. The first 6 children fit into this little "mold" I'd created, just beautifully. But, I'm coming to realize that God has a sense of humor, and so there is Charlie. He's not loud, or terribly disruptive, he just can't keep his hands or feet "inside the car." He's constantly touching his brothers and sisters, reaching over the pew in front of us, trying to shake hands with everyone (future Walmart greeter?), and last week he told me after mass that he was trying "to start a campfire on the kneeler." What?! Where does he come up with this stuff. Like I said, he's not loud. So I'm grateful for that. Today a husband and wife behind me smiled knowingly. They have a couple boys of college age now, and seemed to remember quite well, wrestling their own active one in the pew from time to time. At one point the dad even asked as I held Charlie tightly on my lap, if I "had him in the penalty box." "Yes," I said, "for high-sticking."
I'm ever optimistic though, that next week will be better than the last, and that hopefully, he'll be outgrown of this before next summer when Frank and Rose turn 3. (Lord, please!)

Soccer saturdays

8am...up and at 'em
cereal and juice all the way around
kids dressed
baby nursed
teeth brushed?
mom showered
shoes for everyone
need help tying!
condensed version of saturday:cleaning day
baby napped
snacks and water bottles packed
missing shin guards found
stroller (check)
picnic blanket (as if they'll actually sit)
loading into the van
coffee...I need coffee!!!
and we're off to the soccer field.
(okay soccer mom...where's your lipstick?)

gotta love "soccer saturdays"

Oi, I'm getting older.

It's official. I'm getting older and turning into my parents. Last night as I was getting ready for bed I noticed the motion activated lights out by the alley had come on. I glanced out and noticed an unfamiliar vehicle parked in our drive back there. Hmm. Strange. I glanced around a little more (it's not unusual for our neighbor teens to have parties, so I thought maybe "overflow" parking). All the neighboring houses were dark too. Hmmm strange. I just watched for a few minutes, and noticed a couple people back by our shed. It sounded as if they were on cell phones, looking for directions or something. Sounded like teen boys, so at this point I felt they were harmless. So I told John (who had just gone to bed) what I was up to, and ventured out. As I approached the alley, I realized the boys were gone. I looked down a few houses and saw them wandering around so I hollered out. "Hey is this your car?" (pause) "Umm. Yeah." "Well I think you parked it in the wrong spot...you might want to move it." (another pause, and they're still not coming towards me) "Umm, sorry 'bout that, we're looking for *Jones' house...is this it?" "Nope, they live over there." "Oh, okay, we're just looking for *Jim, sorry."
Those turds never did move their car!
And then I started to worry that maybe they were going to pull some shananigans at the Jones' house. I mean, everybody knows everybody in this town, and how good of friends could they be if they park in the back and don't know which house it is?! I started to worry a bit, and hesitated about calling the police (just to do a drive by and keep an eye out.) It made me feel so old, and unhip to be worrying all because a couple teens parked in the wrong yard, and wouldn't move their car. It angered me to think back that when I was a teen if someone older had approached me at midnight in the alley for something so simple..I'd not only have moved it, but I'd probably have driven straight home, praying my dad didn't find out about it. Silly, I know. But I feared my parents (esp. Dad) and while I did my share of stupid stuff, I knew full well, that if and when I got caught, I was going to pay the price...at home. Is it "old" of me to say that I sometimes think kids nowadays are lacking respect and a little fear of consequences.
Anyhow, after stewing around about it for awhile, and finally just going to bed, I heard the boys hop in their car (with *Jim Jones) and head on out for the night. All that hype for nothin. Figures. Perhaps this was just one of many readiness-exercises God's sending my way to begin preparation for when I have 9 teens of my own at one time. God help me...I'll be too old for sure!

friday night football

We're fortunate to live near enough to the school (and the football stadium) to walk to the games. Most of the time we don't buy tickets...seems wateful when we're pretty certain that at least 6 of the kids would be ready to leave by then end of the first quarter. But John gets Friday night football fever. He says the hair on his arms raise up when the players come out of their locker rooms. Despite 20 years out of high school now, he still "has it in his blood." I don't get it. But, I play along. The kids get all decked out in their orange and black, and of course every year he digs his old jerseys out of the hall closet. The kids love this, and fight over who's turn it is to wear them. We load up the wagons and strollers, and walk down for kickoff. We stand outside the fence where the kids can run and play, and pass a football of their own. Of course the marching band is a highlight for the little ones. Tonight we made it to half-time before the older ones were bored and the younger ones were in tears. Not bad.
Okay, I do enjoy the game, but I think more, I like that it means cooler weather and pumpkins, Oktobetfest, and all the goodness that fall brings. Definitely no hair sticking up on my arms though. Guess ya had to play the game. Maybe someday when one of my boys takes the field, I'll get the goosebumps, but for now...not so much.

(nearly) empty nest

I had 4 children napping and 6 at school this afternoon...and nearly 30 minutes all to myself. I didn't quite know how to act. I hated to waste it on tv, and I can fold laundry when they're all in bed at night, for some reason this time seamed special, sacred almost. It was incredibly strange, to say the least. I checked e-mail, loaded the dishwasher with lunch dishes, and for 10 minutes...I sat down on the couch in complete silence. Because I could. I hate to admit it, but I was a little sad, imagining a time when the kids are all out of the house. Of course then, I may be back to working more hours as a nurse again. But still, my heart was heavy, and I was glad when Mary and John were dropped off in the driveway anxious to show me the dinosaurs they colored at preschool today. Together the three of us waited on the front porch for the older kids to come walking down the street from the elementary. Soon the house was abuzz again...popsicles to distribute, school papers to check and sign, nappers waking up, supper to fix. This is what I know and love. This is my blessed life.

today's cheap entertainment brief:

There's always something cooky going on around here...you can count on it. Tonight was no disappointment. The kids (all 10 of them...Little Lucy hangin out in her exersaucer) had convened in the front yard this evening along with about 6 or 7 neighbor kids. Mission: swatting at dragonflys. What?! For some reason there was a swarm of dragonflys circling and dive-bombing over our front yard. Nobody else's yard...just ours. They were flying very low to the ground to avoid the swarm of 20-30 swallows that were circling higher in the sky above them, waiting to prey on them. It was the most bizarre sight...all these circling swarming things. It inspired the kids to come out with tennis rackets, badminton rackets and whatever else they could find to swat at all the flying targets. Needless to say to unsuspecting folks driving by, the kids must have looked like a bunch of looney birds dancing around swatting into the air (and hitting nothing.) It was hilarious. John and I took our usual places on the front porch, just taking it all in. The dance seemed to last a good 15-20 minutes, and when the big kids were tired out, the little kids took over. Rose would just make the sound "hay-yah!" and jump, never actually swinging the racket which was twice her size. When the dragonflys and swallows drifted away (had their fill of laughs, I guess.) the kids moved on to scooters and bicycles, and had their own little parade down the sidewalk, waving little American flags all the way...too cute.
I'm tellin' ya, I can't imagine life without all these crazy kids. What on earth did we ever do for entertainment?!

what gives him away?

John pointed and mumbled to me "You can tell he's from a big family." I turned in time to catch Charlie sitting at the table with his other siblings enjoying a snack. He was hunched with his chin on the table, and hands cupped tightly over his pile of crackers. There was a tiny peephole between his thumbs just big enough for him to keep constant count of the little treasure inside. There was absolutely no way someone was going to pillage his goodies today!

Somethin's up with Charlie...

Something's definitely going on with Charlie lately, and I just can't quite put my finger on it. I thought at first maybe he wasn't feeling well, but no, that's not it. The look in his eyes seems "softer." Gone is the "terrible" two-year-old, replaced with thoughtful three. I'm realizing he might just be moving towards a "kinder, gentler Charlie." Oh, don't get me wrong. He'll just as happily throw you from the swing as to kindly ask you to move...but somehow he's changing...becoming more considerate perhaps? Oh, let me just give you a for instance. As I was making supper the other night, he gently tugged at my leg (and in that soft tone of voice) asked "Mom, whatcha makin' tonight?" "Pancakes," I replied. "Oh" in a disappointed and yet consoling tone "it's okay, I like mine black" and away he walked...with my heart. I hadn't even burnt them (yet) and already he was making me feel okay about it. God love him! I'll have you know I made every one to perfection that night...just for him! Oh, and then the other morning (Saturday I think) when I was speaking loudly (yelling!) to the girls about something, he gently interrupted with an "I love you mom," again in the quiet, consoling thoughtful tone. Boy, he's gooood! There have been a handful of other litte instances just like these, that escape me at the moment. I'm gonna have to keep my eyes on him. Somehow, he's managed to wrap me very tightly around that chubby, dirt-stained little finger of his. My question...can someone barely potty trained be too young to begin discerning a vocation?

Another blessed day...

Today we packed the kids into the van for a picnic and hike at Bruckner Nature Center (just south of Troy, OH). This was one of the last items to cross-off of our summer to-do list, and what a beautiful way to end the summer, indeed. We had a perfect little lunch of everyone's favorites...PB&J, chips, and ripe canteloupe, with bottled water on the side. Everyone ate well, and seemed happy to trek off into the woods and submerge themselves in the beautiful handiwork of our Lord. I love discovering new life, and new beauty around each turn, and the reactions of the kids makes it even more amazing. For fallen trees to climb over, creeks full of tadpoles and other tiny creatures to splash at, an abundance of stones for skimming across the pond and the eyes of children to help me appreciate it's beauty even more, I am grateful!

Never saw a sign like this before...

But you must believe it when it says...

...the road looked like this...

In the middle of this awesome hill, you must turn 180 degrees and head in the opposite direction. (and it happens a second time, which isn't quite as severe).

John being the good sport that he is, turned around and repeated the process not once, but twice, for all of us kids to enjoy!! (we are easy to entertain!)

As a note, our 15 passenger van is probably the largest vehicle you'd want to attempt this with...our first pass, we had to stop and back up to complete the turn...good thing no traffic was coming, and thank God for good brakes.