and there they go...

All morning I heard the question "Mom, are you making lunch yet?!" It just didn't make sense to them that lunch wasn't until noontime, and not 10am. John and Mary were a bundle of nervous excitement, and couldn't wait to join the other big kids for their first official day of school. The morning flew by though (for me) and at 12:15 we hustled out the front door for a quick picture (to the tune of "C'mon Mom! Lets go!!") and the 2 block walk down to the kindergarden. They just seem too little to be this big already. Where does the time go!?

and they're off!

With butterfly bellies and backpacks full of fresh gear and crisp notebooks, my oldest four were out the door to school this morning. The next two will follow behind after lunch for PM kindergarden. I'd forgotten how nice it is to have everyone up at the same time, eating breakfast together and laughing through their nerves about how the year will go. Sam's face was priceless when Alice mentioned that his new teacher keeps a whip hanging in her classroom for when she needs to "whip" kids back into shape. (He was horrified, and grateful to be forewarned!) It didn't take long for Alice to bust into laughter at his being so gullible. We all got a laugh on that one.

Now that they're gone, what will we do?! Oh, I think we'll find something. Younger ones are taking turns in the bathtub, my second load of laundry is nearly ready for the clothesline, and there's still a little coffee in the pot. Frank and I shared some prayers for the big kids in the quiet family room this morning as Dad and others watched all the kids and cars streaming by from the front porch this morning. Yep, it should be a good year.

Busy with BTS

Never before have we spent this much time celebrating "Back To School" (or perhaps better said 'mourning the end of summer.') Our weekend was full, beginning with shoe-shopping Saturday morning, and later that day an end-of-summer celebration at grandma & grandpas house where we enjoyed a fish-fry dinner, treasure hunt, volleyball, campfire, glow sticks, sparklers & s'mores. It really was a good time for all ages, and nice to be outside enjoying the unusually cool August weather. On Sunday after mass, we attended the Back to School ice cream social at the Elementary building where we visited Sam and Grace's classrooms and enjoyed root beer floats and freeze pops. Sunday evening brought about an impromptu bondfire in our back yard with all the neighbor kids staying late to enjoy s'mores, popcorn, ghost stories by the fire, and lots of fun backyard games (like ghost in the graveyard, hide-n-seek, capture the flag, and more.) It really was a fun night, and I'm grateful the kids came up with the idea. This evening John was back at work, so after dinner the kids and I met up with some friends for ice cream at the park, and while the kids burned off a little energy (for their early bedtimes tonight) the moms got some walking/talking in on the path that surrounds the park area. It was a nice simple way to say goodbye to our carefree days of sleeping in, no homework, and unlimited outdoor fun. Tomorrow begins a new school year for our 6 oldest...Alice and Emma walking in one direction to the middle school for their first year there as 4th graders, Sam and Grace walking opposite towards the elementary to 3rd and 1st grade, and in the afternoon Mary and John will begin kindergarden. It's amazing to me how time has flown these past 5 years, and seems impossible that these next two could be starting school this year. It really does feel like just yesteday they were babies, although, I guess I could say that for all of them. Moms of little ones, be warned, one blink and you'll miss it...they'll jump from blankies to back packs quicker than you can imagine!!

mission accomplished

Kids waiting for mom to order up pretzels and drinks after a successful attack on the mall!

I took 8 kids with me to the mall on Saturday morning with one task in mind: school shoe shopping. Happy to report that we got 'er done! Sam (8) and Lucy (1) stayed behind with John, while the rest piled in the van with me. (I had just picked a new pair of tennies up for Sam mid-summer, and Lucy probably needs shoes, but not today.)

Anyhow. Our first stop was Penneys where we found two pairs of sandals (for next year) that were on summer clearance for 7.00 each. With the remainder of an old gift card I was carrying

around in my purse, we got both pairs for $4 total. Perfect. Next stop was Payless to take advantage of their "Buy One Get One 1/2 off" offer. We usually do well here for the younger kids, but unfortunately I find the need to spend a little more on a couple of the older kids who wear their tennis shoes out too quickly. Anyways, I was fortunate to get an incredibly helpful sales woman, who despite the crowds, measured everyone's feet, wrote their sizes on a sticker and pasted it to the front of everyone's shirt without batting an eye. She was incredibly efficient...LOVED HER! Alice and Emma were also really helpful in shepherding the younger kids to their size and helping them to choose/try on what they needed. I just checked for toe room, and nodded a final approval for a couple of them. So nice to have the older ones able to help out now! I believe we were in there less than 1/2 hour to get all but 2 fitted and finished with new sneakers. On to Sears where we scanned the shelves quickly, and didn't find what Emma was looking for (in my price range). Off to another shoe store, where we lucked into a couple of really reasonably priced shoes for Emma and Grace. We stopped back at Payless a second time as I decided to pick up Sam a second pair of tennies...if I didn't, in a month I'll wish I had. Things had gone so well, we back tracked to the food court and shared some pretzels with cheese. One final stop to Walmart for a couple odds and ends while we were out, and home again we go. It was exhausting, but productive. 15 pairs of shoes (several of which were clearance sandals/flip flops for next year) later, and we called it a day. So grateful that we don't have to shop like this often!

garden goodness

Our home is spilling with yummies from the garden this week. Fresh tomatoes sliced with a bit of salt and pepper have been a staple with lunches for the last week or so, and today I had enough to make a first batch of salsa for the season...complete with garden fresh onions, assorted peppers and corn. Yumm. The jars are processing now, and the kitchen still smells of the aroma of tomatoes and spices. Earlier this afternoon I picked our meager crop of pumpkins and baked them up to make pumpkin cookies (with the melty icing on top...mmmmm!) The grapes are abundant on the vine this year and turning a beautiful, deep shade of purple. I foresee many quarts of grape juice in my near future. I think last year we put up 48 quarts, and it looks as though we may make more than that this time around. I have a half-dozen loaves of zucchini bread in the freezer with more of the shredded stuff measured and frozen to bake more bread later. I love this time of year, when a few simple items from the garden and a bit of sweat equity turn into something wonderful to last throughout the winter months. I just finished the last package of frozen apple pie filling last week that I put up last September, and it tasted as wonderful as the first. Sometimes it made its way into a pie or crisp, and other times, we just ate the baked apples plain...which couldn't be any more simple and delicious.
It was a blessing to have the cooler weather today, to keep the oven and stove going without overheating the house. I can clearly remember canning salsa just days before Frank and Rose came into this world...in 90+ heat, no air conditioning, 9 months pregnant with twins and sweating like there was no tomorrow. But it needed to get done, and I was on a mission to tie up loose ends. Funny how that nesting thing works.
Anyhow, I've got a few more items that need washed up and put away in the kitchen. Tomorrow morning the school kids and I (and maybe a couple extras) will be heading out for school shopping. Everyone needs tennis shoes again. It's that time of year when I get that mother of the year award for not realizing that the kids feet grew 3 sizes through the summer, and I've been forcing them to wear their too-small shoes to church on sundays with that "Oh, you'll be fine for an hour!" scowl. Yup. It's that time of year again. Pray for us ;')

Mom, can I have a mowhawk?

Oh my. Tell me he's not going to be trouble someday?!

In a moment of boredom, the kids found a creative outlet playing with my clothespins in the backyard. They tried everything from hairdo's, clothing accessories, tails, and later built towers and bridges by linking them together. Hmm. Might need to get them their own set for Christmas or birthdays this year.

Praise God!

(even for the little things.)

It's a miracle!! Our icemaker in our refrigerator has begun to make ice cubes again, after a 2 year hiatus! The fridge is only 4 years old, but for some reason (right after warranty) it quit making the precious cubes. I love ice...could eat it for a snack, and can't have a cold beverage without it, so I was annoyed. My being annoyed wasn't enough to warrant a service-call fee, so I tried taking it apart on my own, and finally just settled for the good old-fashioned ice cube trays.
Suddenly, out of nowhere (while we were camping this weekend) the thing fired up again. We came home to ice cubes all over the freezer. Yahooooooo! Mama's got ice cubes again.
God is good.

camping memories

I have so many wonderful memories from the weekend. It was our first time camping with the kids, at least camping in one spot for any length of time. Last year, we rented an RV and traveled to a wedding in North Carolina, camping along the way. But we had a 2 night respite in a hotel to break up the trip and enjoy the wedding. This was a bit different. It was simpler in some respects because we weren't constantly packing/unpacking, changing seats into beds and back again so we could hit the road. And yet, it was challenging at times too, trying to keep the kids entertained and ease them into the notion that doing "nothing" can be enjoyable too. We played our share of bean bags, roasted plenty of "mallows", canoed, spent afternoons at the beach, went for nature hikes, and of course just thoroughly enjoyed being outdoors despite the 90 degree temps.
My brother was kind enough to loan us his camper, which sleeps 9. We packed along a tent, which the 3 oldest were happy to claim as their own, so everyone had a spot. The first night was a bit tricky, getting everyone to settle down to sleep, but by the second day, it felt like old hat. My parents stopped out to celebrate Frank & Rose's birthday on Saturday evening. The kids could have stayed up all night listening to their Grandma tell stories around the campfire. On Sunday, I could hear Emma repeating the stories over and over in the tent to the little ones who were asleep for the stories the night before. Too cute.
I'm still struggling to figure out how something could be so incredibly relaxing one moment and hectic/stressful the next, but overall it was wonderful. I enjoyed cooking over an open fire each night, and everyone agreed the food tasted better than grilled, hands-down. We went an entire weekend without television, Nintendo DS, computer, even phone. (I had the cell with us, but it stayed plugged in, charging in the camper for use if necessary.) Amazingly, none of us missed any of it. I would love to have a camper of our own one day to take advantage of more days at the lake with the kids, who haven't stopped sharing stories about their weekend. Surely these are memories to last a lifetime.

Rosie, showing off her birthday "princess" gifts. (This was certainly not part of my minimalist packing.)
John and I sitting for a few moments around the fire. Supper's nearly ready.

Sam and Charlie...scheming up something, I'm sure.

Alice and Emma challenged Dad and Grandpa to a serious game of bean bags.

A view of our site...never a dull moment, for certain!

note to self:

With regards to camping, one can never pack too many pairs of undies (for the kids that is.)

You see, I'm am forever the over-packer. It's just me. But I went outside of my comfort zone and became a minimalist for just this one weekend. With 12 of us sharing only a few square feet of space, it seemed necessary to pare down. So, I gave strict orders for each of the kids to grab only the necessary items...3 outfits (one for each day, and I really didn't care if they matched!) 1 clean pair of undies (cause we probably would only take the time to tackle the shower house once.) and no extra shoes (only what they had on their feet when we left the house.)

Figures, that Frank (who's potty training) went back to diapers in the first hour, Grace and Sam both blew out their flip-flops on day one, and kids who are camping need more than one pair of clean underwear! I made one trip daily back home (thank goodness we were within 5 miles) for shoes, underwear, sweatshirts and ice. Not bad for first-time campers. Next time, perhaps we'll wear the same clothes all 3 days and just pack 3 pairs of undies. (hee, hee...that'd save space, not?!)

Happy Birthday Frank & Rose!

I'm having trouble figuring out just where the time could have gone, now that Frank and Rosie are 3. Yes, THREE years old!! Oh my.
We celebrated their big day while camping at the lake this weekend. (More on the camping later, but for now a pic of the happy, growing pair.)

packing up

In the spirit of trying to cram as much fun into these last two weeks before school starts, we're packing up for a very mini vacation. The kids have been begging to "go somewhere" all summer. (that's code for somewhere overnight...preferrably a hotel with a swimming pool.) Unfortunately hotels and major traveling is just not in the budget. So instead, we're heading just a few miles down the road to Lake Loramie State Park for a few nights of camping. My brother was kind enough to loan us their camper for the weekend. We loved the RV trip so much last year, I think this will be fun for everyone. He brought the camper by today, so we can take our time packing it, and planning where everyone will sleep, etc. We could probably squeeze us all in if we wanted, but the oldest 3 or 4 are looking forward to a little independence and are packing along a tent to sleep together outdoors. It looks as though the weather is going to be beautiful. I've got to get grocery shopping tomorrow so that by Saturday we'll be ready to pull out.
Pray for us, and more importantly for the folks camping next to us, whoever they might be. They're going to need the prayers most!

facing the inevitable...

I hate to even say the "s" word, but it's approaching fast. So I did what had to be done, and took the kids shopping for school supplies tonight. First step was to have Alice and Emma condense the 4 different grade-level lists into one giant manageable list. With John at work, I was taking all 1o kids to Walmart with me. Things needed to be efficient and organized so we could get in and out as quickly and effortlessly as possible. We have 6 going to school this year...2 kindergardeners, a 1st, a 3rd, and 2 fourth graders.
After locating and sorting through last years' scissors and pencil boxes to see what was still useable, we finalized the list and headed off.
The kids did amazingly well, despite the busy aisles, and always long check-out lines. Little Lucy was in an umbrella stroller with Alice chauffering her around. Charlie, Frank and Rose were buckled in one of those 3-seater carts. (I actually sent Emma into the store ahead of us to locate a cart with all the buckles intact, cause lets face it...if they can get out of the cart, the battle is already lost!) This left the 6 oldest school-goers ready to grab supplies and toss them into the cart. It makes me smile (and feel a little guilty all at the same time) that our kids are so excited to be getting new things, that they don't even buck or whine when I explain they'll be getting the 25cent generic folders that they can decorate themselves in lieu of the Hannah Montana folder that costs quadruple that. They're just too dang excited about getting a fresh pink eraser, it doesn't really matter! I tell you, it's the little things. I did cave on some Swedish fish candy at the checkout (to be opened in the car, cause yes, I need that leverage right up until that moment when everyone's buckled in their seats!)
Anyways, sorting through the treasures when we got home was a whole 'nother ball game. Even the toddlers pulled out old backpacks from the toy box, and begged for a pencil to call their own. We had a couple to spare, so everyone left the table happy. Everyone packed their supplies into their recycled backpacks in anticipation of that big day, exactly 2 weeks away. Oh my.
I'm soooo not ready for homework, alarm clocks, soccer schedules, and remembering who needs to wear gym shoes on which day. My head spins just thinking about it.
Oh, but then I imagine quieter days with just my 4 youngest at home, and wonder what we'll think of to make our time special while the "big kids" are away. I think I should have put playdough on our home "school" supply list.

for giggles: our list
6 jumbo pink erasers
8 folders
4 boxes crayons
2 pair scissors (already had 4 at home)
4 small glue sticks
2 large glue sticks
6 bottles elmer's white glue
....I know, what on earth do they do with all that glue?!
4 packs watercolor paints
10 boxes of tissues
#2 pencils (for everyone!)
8 dry erase markers, fine tip
4 yellow highlighers
1 deck of cards (learning to gamble during recess?!)
3 packs colored pencils
1 red pencil
1 notebook
2-12 packs of post-it notes
2 clear plastic rulers (we already had others at home)
2 red pens
2 packs loose paper (15o pages, wide ruled)
2 binders
2 clip boards
2 ultra-fine black sharpies

10 kids running wild, 1 cart, 1 stroller, and 1 package swedish fish to reward them for good behavior. Whew. we did it!

more weekend pics...

After spending the night with John's sister and her family in Columbus, we headed to Utica, Ohio to check out the Velvet Ice Cream factory.

The kids enjoyed their ice cream at a mini ice-cream parlor set. Yummy!
14 of the 15 kids checking out the restored water wheel outside the factory. (Lucy apparently dodged the camera...she's good at that!)

We found a little off-the-beaten-path river bed there where the kids all waded and enjoyed finding/throwing stones.

Love this picture of Lucy and Daddy. This is a favorite spot for her as we take nature walks. She must feel on top of the world, and safe on Daddy's shoulders. (and I don't think John minds having her there either.)

Skipping stones into the river below. Yep, life is pretty good.

check out this crew

We received many looks, and comments as the 18 of us (John and I and our 10 along with John's sister Martha [her husband Steve had to work]and her 5)forged the fairgrounds on Friday. Many folks wondered if we were part of a church group, or scouts or something. I enjoy sharing our big family blessings with others. Here are our 10, and their 5 New Albany cousins who joined us, and welcomed us all into their home for the weekend. Yes, at moments it's crazy, but I wouldn't trade it for the world! We have been blessed indeed!


the crew of 15 kids posing patiently in the bleachers of one of the cattle barns...and then being just plain silly!

weekend in pictures

We had so much fun this weekend, it's hard to put it all into words... so I won't. I'llll just share a few pics of our crew (and a few cousins) enjoying the Ohio State Fair on Friday, then the Velvet Ice Cream Factory on Saturday. Memories are made of moments like these...

Our 10 met Pink Panther near the entrance of the fair.

City gals get a taste of the country as Alice (in pink) and Emma (black) try their hand at milking a cow. (Several of the younger ones took a turn as well. Too cute!)
Kissing cousins (Kate and Lucy) sharing a sandwich and a few babbles about their adventures that day.
Mary found a little lamb (and Charlie, Frank, Alice and Rose too!)
A fair visit wouldn't be complete without checking out the "Buckeye Big Boar" (or as Alice tells: the "fattest hog in the state!") ...more than 1200 pounds!

hate the humidity...

but I'm loving what it does to her curls!

My sweet girl

(okay, she'll roll her eyes and gag at the use of the adjective...nevermind the fact that I'm using it to describe her!)
Emma's my tom-boy. Baggy boyish t-shirts, basketball shorts (the longer the better) and sneakers with everything are her staple wardrobe elements. She'd wear her favorite (lucky) socks for days on end if I'd let her. Fashion is not at the top of her priority list (it may not even be on the list.) She'd never comb her boy-short hair if I didn't enforce it, and spitting is not beneath her. She loves all things sports-related, is competetive, smart, well-read, and has a heart of gold. Painting her toenails is not something she allows me to do often, but when she does it's usually a cool shade of blue, black or school colors (orange and black). She can most often be found under a shade tree with a good book, or in the top of a good shade tree climbing as high as possible.
You can imagine my shock and surprise when she chose these shoes and dress for the wedding we attended this weekend. Oh my. She looks like a (gasp!) girl. Excuse me while I get a tissue to dry my eyes...


Always fashion-conscious, Alice posing with all dressed-up Emma. As mentioned before...you'd never guess they were twins.

Seeing red!

Today, seeing red is not such a bad thing. It means we have our first tomato ready in the garden. It's just a bit too pink to pluck yet, but tomorrow...Yep, I can taste it already. Sliced, warm with a bit of salt and pepper. Mmmm. My mouth is watering.
The plants have been loaded with tomatoes for sometime, and in a few weeks, they'll be coming faster than I can shake a stick at them. The onions and peppers are coming along nicely too, and will hopefully come together to make some wonderful salsa, which I love to can and enjoy all winter long. Mmm. Bring on the nacho chips. I can hardly wait.

blue ribbon af-fair

Okay, this is completely bragging...but I'm the mom, so what the heck.

Alice and Emma both participated in judging at our county fair for their respective projects (Alice-cooking, and Emma-Ohio Birds) and both did very well. As first year 4-h-ers' we really had no idea what to expect as far as the judging process goes. When we arrived to see kids dressed up to match their projects (i.e. a young boy dressed as a cowboy to demonstrate his knot-tying abilities, or a girl all decked in red, white and blue to go along with her Fourth of July themed dessert) the girls got a little nervous. I was nervous for them too. But I know how much time they'd both put into their projects and that they knew their material, so they'd be fine. And they were. Both girls were graded an "A" by the judges and recieved a blue ribbon for participating. I was thrilled for them. They looked surprisingly calm as they each spent time interviewing with a judge, answering questions about all they'd learned and accomplished. I was so darn proud of them. You can imagine my reaction then when I got a phone call today from our County Extension person, that Emma took first prize in her Conservation division, and will be taking her project to the Ohio State Fair.

That's right, her humble little homemade bird feeders and information about the birds she observed landed her First Prize. We're planning a trip to Columbus next Friday so she can participate in judging there, and see what comes of that. She called her Grandpa (John's dad) right away. John and most of his 11 siblings were active in 4h growing up and she thought Grandpa Schmiesing would be tickled for her...and he was. Oh, I tell you...I'm just so darn proud of them both...maturing right before my very eyes. (sigh.)

Alice talking with the judge about her "Mini Meals Magic" project...

...and at home with her Breakfast (sausage, egg, cheese) casserole just out of the oven. Let's roll!

Emma with the director of activities at Otterbein St. Mary's where she donated her homemade feeder (built with John's help) for the residents of the Memory Support unit to enjoy.

...and displaying her 2 homemade feeders and poster she presented for judging at the fair.

St. Martha

Feast Day, July 29th

Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:38-42).

I'm digging Martha, and all she seemed to be feeling when Jesus visited that time. She had hosted Him and his friends before, and was good at it. I'm sure she enjoyed her work in the kitchen, taking great pride in attending to all the extra duties that come with having guests. But just as the bread was coming out of the oven, the fish was probably burning in the pan, soup boiling over and there sits younger sister Mary...at Jesus's feet, which was just not acceptable, especially when there was so much to be done. A few whining words to Jesus ought to get her back in the kitchen, but it doesn't. Rather Jesus reminds Martha gently of the importance of hearing/listening to His word. I don't believe His intention is to belittle Martha her job, instead to point out the fact that His word is lasting, the way to eternal life. So how do I find that balance? Not an easy answer...I'm clearly a Martha...a work in progress. But, perhaps in offering our days work as a form of prayer, doing everything to serve Him by serving others we begin to live His holy word. I think a slow-down from time to time is necessary too, although admittedly difficult in order to think, pray, and more importantly hear the words Jesus is speaking to us...through ordinary people and circumstances. Sometimes we have to leave the dishes and cleaning for a moment, and just sit at his feet and listen.

A prayer: St. Martha, patron of housewives, food service workers, and laundry workers, pray for me that I too may graciously serve Christ. Help me to choose the "better part," to not be distracted by my daily labors, rather to be attentive to His holy word. Amen.

a little stir crazy...

~picnic dinner at the lake (grapes, string cheese, cookies, pretzels, and peanut butter sandwiches)
~playing in the sand (rakes, shovels, buckets, squirt guns)
~swimming at the beach (can you say sand in the britches?!)
~10 kiddos taking their turns in the bathtub, scrubbing sand from all the nooks and crannies (just a little water and sand to clean up from the floor when they're all done)
~followed by some warm buttery popcorn, and what else but a good Christmas movie.

Yep, should be good sleepin' tonight!

off to the county fair

Okay, let me start by singing..."The fair is a veritable smorgasbord, orgasbord!"
Better yet, I'll just let you see it again for yourself...


Alice and Emma joined 4H this year, and are both bringing projects to the county fair for judging. Emma chose a project called "Ohio Birds" which required her to build a couple simple feeders and watch to identify 20 or so different birds. It was fun and fairly simple. It also led her to build a nice wood feeder with her Dad's help, which she later donated to the Retirement Community where I work. I think the residents there will really enjoy it. She had judging last week, and scored an "A" on her project. We'll find out later how she placed among the others.
Alice chose a cooking project which has had us busy in the kitchen trying all kinds of recipes. One last late night in the kitchen tonight, and we're off for judging tomorrow. I've complained with her a bit about how much I've spent on groceries for all her unusual recipes, but in all it's been a wonderful experience as she's gotten quite good at reading recipes, following directions, and feeling her way around the kitchen...even learning about cleanup. (Yeah me!) She'll be fixing a breakfast egg/sausage casserole tomorrow morning. I've made it hundreds of times myself. It's super simple, no-fail (I hope) and should be a good first-year recipe for her to try. I'm excited for her, for them both...and perhaps even more excited for when the work is done and we can visit the fair next week, check out the various booths and exhibits...and of course enjoy all the good food!! (What can I say, I'm a rat at heart apparently.)

Happy Birthday Charlie!!

My little man is 4 today. Our "CHarley Davidson" as Grace first announced him to the world, born July 27th, 2005. It's Charles David, but with grandparents and an uncle who are Harley owners/riders, you can see where the confusion came in.
He's number 7 in our line-up. I remember having a bit of fear and anxiety before he was born that this was to be the one that would "put me over the edge" so to speak. I imagined constant chaos and perhaps even mayhem with seven children. What we found instead was a child that brought peace into our home, even more love in our hearts. He was a perfect fit...pure joy.
He is four now...and a boy...so at times the chaos ensues, but he has me wrapped around that chubby, dirt-stained little finger. My world is better because he's in it. I love you Charlie!

I promise I'm still here...

Sorry to those of you who are kind enough to still check in on us from time to time. I promise my days are full of blog-worthy moments and yet, by days end lately, I feel as if I have nothing to say. Just too pooped to find the words, I 'spose.

This little moment, which I was lucky enough to catch on film melted my heart instantly. It was Sunday, getting ready for church. That hour before 10 o'clock mass is often racked with chaos, yelling over missing shoes, and other silly nonsense. I try to have clothing laid out the night before, but there's always some drama. (A friend once suggested this was Satan's way of spoiling our mood, and attempting to turn us away from the Mass). Some mornings I have to wonder. Anyhow, this past Sunday Rosie was frustrated that she couldn't find someone with a spare moment to help her with her shoes. Without missing a beat, twin Frank was there to her rescue...trying his best to help her buckle up. How sweet are these moments?!

Touche` Satan. Love never fails!

couple pics from the weekend...

like second nature...

I wanted so badly just to fall into bed last night. I believe it's true, that old saying "Nobody needs a vacation more than the person who just returned from one." Oi. I was exhausted.
But just like I'd never been gone, I fell into my old routine of switching the laundry around from washer to dryer, setting up the coffee pot for morning, checking on the kiddos, and so on. Nope. Not much has changed at first glance...except my "check engine soon" light has just gone off, as I'm refueled and reenergized from a wonderful weekend of R&R with my longtime BFF.
Good thing...I'm gonna need it. The three I had with me are now all suffering from fevers and ear pain (swimmer's ear) and 4 of the little ones who stayed home with dear hubby have had high fevers and sore throats (Strep throat) all weekend. I took the worst from each of the two groups to our family physician today and 2 co-pays, and 7 prescriptions later ...I'm hoping we're on the mend. Lots of extra attention needed by little ones who "hurt too bad" to swallow.
(sigh.)
That lounge chair by the pool seems more than just miles away now...more like a dream. If it weren't for the itchy, healing sunburn on my backside, I'd wonder if it really ever happened.

Were you afraid I fell in?

Well, I did actually. Just returned, refreshed & rejuvinated from visiting my BFF and her family near Charlotte, NC. Just the 3 oldest and I made the 9 hour trip south...dear husband manned the fort with the seven youngest back here at home. (Yes, he is a saint!) It was an absolutely wonderful visit. I'm catching up on a week's worth of laundry and cleaning tonight, so I 'll be sure to post more tomorrow.
Peaceful night all!

I love you more than...

...brownies!
Charlie caught me carrying a package of fresh-baked brownies down to the freezer tonight. His eyes lit up as if I were going to offer him one. "Mmmm. Mom I love brownies." I stopped for a minute to show him the package. It's one of several baked yummies I've been putting in the freezer for this coming weekend, when the oldest 3 and I take off for a quick trip down south. I'm still feeling a bit guilty that we're not all taking a family trip together, so I'm trying to stock the freezer with homemade surprises for when I'm gone.
I went on to tell Charlie that the brownies were for the weekend...and that while I'm gone, he can ask Dad to get them out, and share them, and remember "how much mom loves you." These brownies can be a little hug from mom while I'm gone. He smiled wide. "Thanks mom! I sure love brownies."
"You're welcome Charlie...I love YOU even more."

for a giggle...

my kids (and me too) LOVE this...

I need to wear a sign

"Choosing my battles"

That's what my sign would say. It would very neatly sum up why it is that Mary is wearing black long pants in 85 degree heat, and Frank has blue socks with red trim boasting dancing penguins in santa hats...with gym shorts and brown dress shoes. Yes, I suggested alternatives to each of them, but rather than get into a full blown argument about something so silly, I just sigh a "Whatever" and let them roll with it. Needless to say I'm sure there were some parents at the park tonight wondering what I was thinking allowing them out of the house that way. I'm cool with that...if only I had my sign.

bike parade

Where was a camera when I needed it most?! (or better yet, some bystander to take the darn picture!)

The kids and I headed out this evening for our weekly (or more often) visit to the library. Backpacks loaded with books, it just seemed too nice to hop into the van. Instead we biked it. The nine oldest kids had their own bikes (Frank and Rosie with training wheels of course) and Lucy rode in the carrier on my bike. Ten, yes 10 bikes parading down the sidewalk for the 4 or 5 block trek to the library. The older kids were quite speedy, and waited patiently at each stop sign for the younger ones to catch up. Walking may have been faster, I'm not sure. But I giggled out loud a couple times at how we looked filing down the street. Too darn cute!

Emma led on her light purple bike, then Alice on dark purple, Sam on his yellow mountain-type bike, Grace on her fuschia bike, Mary on pink, John on blue, Charlie's blue with green wheels, Frank on his red and black racer, Rosie with pale pink and powder blue, and last Lucy and I sporting an electric blue number....wheels, wheels and more wheels!

more holiday pics

Dad and Charlie enjoying the fireworks display...

Sweet sisters, Grace and Mary after the parade on Saturday...

Frank and Rose checking out their parade loot...

The twelve of us at Uncle Clete and Aunt Mary's for the Independence Day Parade, say cheese!

Sweet Independence Weekend (review)

John had the night off of work Friday so we took the 7 oldest to a minor league baseball game (Dayton Dragons.) We arrived at the game plenty early, with time for a quick picnic supper of cold meat sandwiches, homebaked cookies and grapes. We headed into the gates early for a nice seat in the lawn section of the ballpark. We learned after attending a game last year that the lawn fills up fast, so with blankets in hand, we were determined to find a great spot. We were met at the gates by the mascots (Heater and Gem) and the "fun crew" who helped plan various games and events throughout the evening. John and Mary felt like they'd hit the lotto when they were invited to run the bases after the first inning. We quickly found a perfect spot, near the end of first base line, and spread out our blankets for the game. John, Mary and I headed off to meet the fun crew as previously planned, and were excited to find that they led us under the stadium and into the dugout where we were introduced to the coach and a few players. They competed against each other in a race around the bases, with a stop at each base where they were assisted in donning pieces of their assigned costume. John dressed as Uncle Sam, and Mary as Betsy Ross. It was aweful cute. John was given a huge hat to wear, which fell to his shoulders, covering his entire head. It made putting on the much-too-large pants at 3rd base impossible...so he and the entire crowd seem tickled when the helper just scooped him up and helped him finish the race. Mary won...she'll be quick to tell you that, but truth is, they both won. It was great fun for them, and they each received a free Dragon's t-shirt for their efforts. Who could ask for more than that.
Oh but there is more. As we left the fun crew behind, and headed back to our own "fun crew" in the grass, a fly ball landed on the ground right in front of us. An usher was quick to pick it up and hand it to Mary. (Can it get any sweeter?!)
The night ended with an awesome fireworks display over the nearby river, put on by the city of Dayton. Fireworks started just moments after the game ended (by sheer coincidence) and our grass seats at the game provided the perfect viewing location. Fifteen minutes of the most beautiful fireworks I've ever seen. (not that I've seen many...but still) Just awesome!
Despite our late night, I woke early, and headed out for a nearby Fourth of July 5k run. I ran it in it's entirety, for which I'm quite proud. I'm hoping to continue to improve and shave a few minutes off my time for my next 5k in August. Around lunch time the entire family watched the Independence Day parade and visited with relatives at John's Aunt and Uncle's home. It's become tradition to sit on their curb every year where other cousins and distant relatives meet. It was a short parade with lots of candy...everyone left happy. The rain moved in later that afternoon, so our plans for sparklers were put on hold...something to look forward to for next week perhaps.
We ended the weekend with a birthday party for John's godson. Ice cream, baseball, and playing/visiting with cousins is always a treat. The kids spent time catching lightning bugs and putting them into a plastic mayonaisse jar. It was to become a night-light for the older kids camping in tents in the yard there.
Overall it was quite an enjoyable weekend, one that was not over-planned, yet held pleasant surprises for all. I'm thinking these are the kinds of weekends memories are made of.

just remembering...

It was 6 months ago that we lost him. Today was our "due date."
While I know it's not my place to question His perfect plan for us, I'd be lying if I said I didn't wonder from time to time, how things may have been different.

Not a day has passed that we haven't thought of you, prayed for your intercession...baby Cy, I love you and look forward to holding you one day in Heaven. ~Mom.

this crazy thing called life...

I'm frequently asked, how it is that I manage to keep up with a blog...what, with 10 kids and all. Well quite frankly, as of late I can't. But I think about it often. Does that count? This computer is actually the last place I should be right now, but kids are in bed, I just put 4 loaves of Zucchini Bread in the oven (first zucc. from the garden!), dishwasher and washing machine are both hard at it, and I have 3 baskets of laundry waiting to be folded on the kitchen table. I'd like to get 30 minutes on the treadmill tonight as well...so I may as well take a break, right?!
Grab a cup of coffee...I'll try to catch you up.
I'll start by mentioning that I'm beginning to see the light at the end of the "crazy summer" tunnel. The girls ended their softball season tonight with a loss in their first round of tournament play. Emma had some really nice hits (she's a lefty and is often signaled to bunt, which she's gotten really good at), and Alice had a nice game as well. It was enjoyable to watch, win or lose. Their coaches treated the team to pizza and pop which not only took their minds off losing rather quickly, but made for quite a fun ending to the season. This week will also mark the end of their swim team season, with their last regular meet on Thursday. No more daily 9am practices...although I liked them having motivation to get going in the morning.
Sam's baseball team starts tournament play Wednesday evening. We'll see how that plays out. He's got quite a young team this year, although I think they've all improved over the season. Grace still has a few more tee ball games on the calendar (Tuesday nights), but her games last only an hour, and everyone bats/plays, and no score is kept. It's really quite cute to watch.
Little John was to the eye doctor today after failing his kindergarden vision screening. Turns out his cerebral palsy (have I mentioned that before?) affects the muscles in his eyes as well. He's farsighted in his left eye, which means glasses for the little guy. I must say, as much as I expect it to be a pain in the hiney, he's pretty darn excited...and I think he'll look rather handsome in his new specs. He told all of his friends at the ball game tonight "I'm blind. But I'm getting glasses and then I'll see better." He was feeling pretty cool in his lime green Ninja Turtle sunglasses after having his eyes dilated for the testing. Too cute.
The younger kids are just moving through summer like good little campers, guaging their days by moments on the slip-n-slide, popsicles, bike-rides up and down the front sidewalks, or even story books under the shade tree out back. Life is good, indeed.
John is keeping busy as ever working evening shift, and although the hours aren't ideal we've managed to make the best of it, and are just grateful in times like these that he has his job.
I'm managing to carve a little time out of my day for exercise. I've been on the treadmill at least 4 or 5 nights per week, and even finished a 5k this past weekend (without walking at all.)
It's so easy to find myself "wrapped up" in all the going-ons of daily life, without giving proper time/credit/attention to our Loving Father who makes it all possible. I'm so painfully aware of my shortcomings in the area of the spiritual formation of these little blessings I've been bestowed. I'm making an effort as of late, to just listen and pray...to be led by the Spirit. I felt as if this past Sunday's reading (St. Paul's letter to the Corinthian's) was addressed specifically to me...

"My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." I
will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of
Christ may dwell with me. Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults,
hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am
weak, then I am strong.

For all the times I'm feeling weak, incapable, incompetent to accept let alone deal with all these blessings, I can know His grace is sufficient.
Peaceful night all!

Happy Fourth of July!

You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism. ~Erma Bombeck

Shhhhh....quiet time.

I took the kids to the library last evening. It had been a week since we were last there, and we were in dire need of new books for the summer reading club. The 6 oldest are signed up, and keeping track of all the books they read in an attempt to collect small prizes and ice cream coupons, as well as earn chances to win bigger prizes given away at club's end. Little do they know, mom's happy to see them keeping up/improving their reading skills before next school year, as well as exstatic about the quiet time it brings to our home. It's all good.
Anyway, as luck would have it there was a magician scheduled to perform upstairs soon after we arrived. The kids quickly checked in their finished books and I escorted the 10 little indians upstairs for the show. The room was filling up fast, so Lucy and I ducked back downstairs for an entire hour of one-on-one quiet time. It was wonderful!! She seemed to know it was special time, and we snuggled into a reading nook to look at picture books, play with puppets, and later chose new books for 4 of the older ones who would let me. For a moment Lucy was busy playing with a toy "barrel of monkeys" allowing me a brief chat with the librarians about reading material I've heard other moms checking out. I toyed with the idea of taking a book home for myself...but honestly, I know something would have to give...like dinner or laundry...so I didn't. I did however put my name on a wait list for one popular read, so we'll see what comes of that when it's available.
I have to admit, it's little quiet moments like these that can turn another "ordinary" day into something extraordinary. I'm grateful for opportunities to spend quality time with each of the kids when it comes along. Life is good, indeed.