Mothers Day Memories

~not sure it gets any better than this...

My window sill is lined with styrofoam cups full of all sorts of mystery flowers...lots of green with few actual blooms. A stack of homemade cards covers the desk in the kitchen...complete with promises to take out the trash, empty the dishwasher and the like. I scored a whole treasure trove of homemade trinkets like pipe cleaner bracelets, heart shaped bead crafts, and more. It can only mean one thing...I had a simply divine Mothers Day! Of course I wore the bracelets to mass on Sunday...the girls worked so hard on them. I couldn't have been more humbled as I stood with other moms to recieve a blessing. And yet I was painfully aware of other women, who like myself some years ago, are longing to be the ones standing. I pray for them, that God may find it in his plans to answer their prayers.

I'd be remiss to ignore the best part of my day though...my first waking moments of shear joy...Breakfast in bed! Yes. You read it right. The 6 girls teamed together Sunday morning to deliver a delicious, (well-rounded, even) breakfast of hot oatmeal (with a hint of brown sugar--just the way I love it), warm buttery toast, yogurt, and milk complete with 2 mini donuts. (They were glad to help me eat what I couldn't....like the donuts...and the yogurt...and oh yeah...milk, blech!) Tears spill out again just typing about the thoughtfulness that went in to those few moments. Each of them worked together...little Lucy played her part well. She was sent in to snuggle between mom and dad to keep us in bed just a little longer. Meanwhile the 5 older girls shared the kitchen work, and yes, even cleaned up when they were done! (gasp!) They delivered it on a lovely little wicker tray they had to dig for out of storage in the basement, and just beamed as I oohed and ahhhed over each and every bite.

I can't begin to explain how my heart welled up in those moments with the girls. (John had slipped into the kitchen to make coffee, God love him!) This simple act of kindness, a pouring out of love...it was everything I could have ever prayed for, and yet never even knew was possible before becoming a mom. Truly I am blessed. God is present in these moments, waiting to be found, an expression of LOVE, His love. I am so grateful for this Sunday morning God-moment, long before we were ever present with Him at mass. I praise Him too, for the lives He has entrusted us with, and am reminded especially at Mothers Day of a time not so long ago, when it seemed we would never have a family of our own. God is good!

Of course the boys rolled out of bed and into our moment just as I finished, and wondered what all the hoopla was about. Typical boys...oblivious, and yet quick to throw in a warm "Happy Mother's Day mom!" as if they were part of the whole breakfast plan. cute.
My 6 bed-headed beauties delivering a tray full of love this Mother's Day. (if you listen closely, you can hear their 4 brothers still snoring just down the hall)

"It's not having what you want
It's wanting what you've got" ~Cherly Crow, Soak up the Sun lyrics


May we enter each day with a greatful heart. Thank you Lord for gentle reminders of your goodness in all things. (and thanks for that little dance Lucy and I shared today after breakfast...kick, kick, kick...spin, spin...and freestyle!)

My own kleenex commercial

okay, I'm pregnant. So it's no surprise that tears well up at the drop of a hat, as my hormones wreak havoc with my emotions, not to mention my complection.
That being said, surely you'll understand how a simple question posed by a 3 year old boy, and his Dad's loving "yes" got me all choked up today.

Frank: Dad, will play ball with me?
Dad: Yes! Let's go.

(mom's in tears, and fighting back sobs.) Tissues anyone?

a lifetime of deceit, EXPOSED!

It came like a blow to the gut this weekend, as John and I discovered first-hand we'd been lied to (by the women who gave us life, no less) for years. Did you know (or are you still living the lie) that chewing gum does not stay in your belly "for seven years" if swallowed?! Nope. Won't even stay there seven days! I changed Lucy's diaper yesterday to discover not one but 4 pink wads of chewing gum in her stinky diaper. The same 4 pieces of gum she'd shimmied into the top cupboard for the day before.
She's blown the lid off of a lifetime of questionable stories we'd been fed since childhood. Next we'll find out that if we try to cross our eyes they won't really stay that way forever. (gasp!)

celebrating new life.

Yesterday, I heard the heartbeat! The beautiful, galloping heartbeat of the tiny miracle of life that continues to grow inside me. Praise God! I had no idea how consumed, and nervous and anxious I could or would become during this pregnancy after experiencing the loss of a miscarriage at 3 months last year. We've been tremendously excited about a new baby, don't get me wrong about that. But it's been difficult to fully participate in the wonder and joy, when the thought of losing this one again has been consuming my thoughts. I'd had spotting for about 2 weeks, which didn't help to relieve my fears any. The "3 month" mark has been looming like a dark cloud. That's all in the past now though. A weight has been lifted, I feel like I can breathe again...and begin to imagine the possibilities, and wonder and plan for this new baby to be. God, the Author of Life, is good and kind...and I am humbled and grateful.


"I will bless the Lord at all times.
Praise shall always be on my lips;
my soul shall glory in the Lord
for God has been so good to me."
~James Moore, Jr. -lyrics, Taste and See

who says chivalry is dead?

3 year old Frank happened into the bathroom this morning while I was in the shower. After a little small talk through the curtain, and realizing it was me in there, he kindly asked "May I get you the toys now?" (The bath toys are kept in a small storage drawer near the tub, and I usually insist the kids wash first, play later.)
What a little gentleman! I had to respectfully decline. Showertime was up, and I had to be moving on. But "thank you, Sweet Frankie." I'll take a raincheck.

Boys! Check this out!

A friend of mine has worked for several years now to plan and organize a "princess party" (fundraiser event) for little girls to dress and play the part. Our girls have LOVED being a part of it in years past, but the boys...well, they just stay at home as far away from the primping and pageantry as possible. This year she's managed to pull together a fundraising event just for the boys. I'd be remiss in not sharing the details, cause my little men are PUMPED for this. (Thanks Stacy! We can't wait.)

What: Bob the Builder Party
(Meet Bob, make your own tool belt, and also meet Minster's Firemen and EMT volunteers who will have their firetruck and squad on site for tours.)
When: Sunday, April 18th 2-4pm.
Where: St. Augustine/St. Joseph Parish Center
Cost: Donation--all money raised will be used to offset the cost of of the ND Vision retreat at Notre Dame for local high school students.

Come dressed in your "work" clothes. There will be door prizes, coloring, tool belts to decorate, fireman hats, and much more!!
Remember your cameras!

Girls, don't feel left out, more information to follow regarding this year's Princess Party planned for May 15th!

play ball!

Grace had softball practice last evening. It gave the rest of us an opportunity to hang out at the park during her practice and monkey around a bit. (and boy did we monkey!) The nine with me kept busy playing on all the cool playground equipment...chasing other kids in a wicked game of tag, swinging, sliding, and of course making black rubber-mulch pies. Everyone seemed to have fun as evidenced by black knees and elbows and hands from the shredded rubber mulch bedding. Yuck. No escaping a bath-night for 10. The black-stained bodies would have been enough...but why stop there? One team finished practice a couple minutes early, leaving behind an empty dusty diamond just calling our names. We couldn't resist. The nine kids and I took the field to play the championship "air" baseball game of the century, complete with imaginary balls, bats, and plenty of homeruns to spare. It was a hoot, and I'm sure we were entertainment to the few parents standing by to pick up their kids from practice. We were too busy to notice. We ended the game with the 10 of us running the bases several times around, with the older kids sliding into home each time around. Dust anyone? The kids were covered in it head to toe, so much so that you couldn't see the black mulch dirt hiding underneath it.
Definitely a ring around that bath tub, but worth every priceless minute! It's just too bad Grace was tied up with her team, and couldn't join us. I think she may have a better grasp of the fundamentals...but we definitely won the game!

Monday, Monday...

“Every other day, every other day
Every other day of the week is fine, yeah.
But whenever Monday comes, but whenever Monday comes
You can find me cryin all of the time.” ~The Mamas and the Papas

(big sigh) Yep, it's Monday. Washer is working overtime, clothesline is full, and the house is turned upside down from a weekend of family fun. I find myself sipping the coffee a little slower today, roaming room to room picking up, putting away, straightening and still feeling as if I'm getting nothing done. Monday. Uggh.
Oh, but what a wonderful weekend it was...(sigh, again) baseball games in the backyard, ice cream, Sunday mass then visiting with family in New Albany. Have I mentioned before that we LOVE visiting there?! There are few places we can unload this giant-sized family on someone's front door step and not feel like a burden...Steve and Martha's is one of them. It was a gorgeous day for playing outdoors, venturing to a nearby park (and I'm not exagerating that this was quite an adventure...with trails and "cricks" to follow. Too fun!) The kids had a "spanking machine" for cousin Ben who was celebrating his 11th birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEN!!
There were laughs and giggles, cake and ice cream, baseball and "pickle", Capture the Flag, oh and plenty of good conversation for moms and dads. We left too late (for a school night) and fell exhausted into the van for the 2 hour drive home. (and yes Martha...we did have to stop for another bathroom break...darn kids drinking all that good pop!) But if I heard it once, I heard it 10 times..."Today was the best day ever...when can we go back?!"

(sighing again)....so now it's Monday. I'm grateful that God has blessed us with wonderful family, food to fill our bellies, laughter to warm our souls, good health, and love to fill our hearts. Even the laundry doesn't seem too horrible today as I remember the kids running and playing the weekend away to fill these knees with grass-stains. Who am I to complain?!

Another cup of coffee, anyone?!
A blessed week to all. ~jamie

Easter bliss

Yep...I'm in love...with these...

I think this is what's making me feel so good...maintaining a constant (albeit elevated) sugar level is helping to ease the nausea. Nevermind what it's doing for my butt. Ahhh. Loving Easter.

Say "cheese."

It's not always easy getting everyone together and smiling for a picture...we try though.

Frank and Charlie were pouting (and cursing my name under their breaths I'm sure) after I confiscated their new sunglasses for the picture. Lucy was busy picking her dry lips. Everyone else squinting through the bright sun/wind. Geesh. Oh well, it's documented. Easter 2010...12 of us (plus new baby in mom's belly) cleaned up for Easter Mass, and ready to enjoy the day!

Happy Easter!!!

the great pet debate~SETTLED.

Thank you Easter Bunny!!

I've mentioned before that the kids of the house, particularly the oldest few have been requesting (i.e. BEGGING) for a dog for nearly a year now. They add it to the bottom of my grocery list each week, flag pictures and favorites from the local animal protection league website, and even mention all their friends who are getting new pets. John and I have talked about humoring them, but in reality we are nowhere near ready to commit ourselves or our home to the responsibility of a dog. I just can't. period.

The Easter Bunny is a much kinder, considerate being though...and he settled the great pet debate by delivering an adorable little Easter (guinea) Pig for all to enjoy. The kids were thrilled, and so far have accepted the responsibility of cage cleaning (poo detail), and feeding/watering the little creature with open arms. Oh, and they don't mind holding/snuggling with it one bit. She (aptly named Bandit for her black "masked" eyes) NEVER lacks for attention...lacking for peace might be another story.

Welcome to our home little Bandit!

catching up

"tick, tock...doo, doo, doo, doo-doooooo. Time keeps on slippin', slippin', slippin...into the future." ~Steve Miller

(Sorry I slipped away there again...)
It's one of those overcast, super-windy days here. The kids are busy with their dad pulling weeds (and finding worms) in the yard, while I get through piles of unfinished business here in the house today. Everything from dusting (and picking up scattered Easter grass everywhere), filing local taxes, renewing my nursing license online, sorting through papers and finally marking all the kids' baseball/softball/teeball schedules on the calendar. Whew. I've really let that kind of stuff slip lately with my low-energy, nauseated pregnant state. (Must admit though...each pregnancy has gotten MUCH easier in that department. Long gone are the pregnancies of hyperemesis, vomiting up ice chips, and requiring IV fluid treatments in the hospital. Praise GOD!)

I'm beginning to get a glimpse of my countertops again, which is always a nice feeling. The wind just whipped my towels and washrags dry (and a few into the neighbors yard.) I think the rest of my laundry will go into the dryer today, just to keep me from having to chase it through the neighborhood. Have to conserve energy where I can...even if it's just my energy.

Hope you all have a grace-filled week, living and loving the blessings to behold in another "ordinary" day.

Alleluia Easter!

Easter Blessings to you all.

pull what out of where?!

Little Charlie is mesmerized by the magic trick of pulling thing out of his ears. I'm no magician, but somewhere along the line I fooled him into believing I could pull a quarter out of his ear. Now he asks for that trick often. One afternoon John and I spent what seemed like an eternity passing a quarter behind his back, and pulling the same quarter out of his ear over and over and over again. Charlie's giggles and requests to "do it again" were priceless.

Unfortunately, he seems to be completely unaware that it is just a trick. Last week at the mall while shopping for some new shoes for Easter, he asked me for some ice cream at the food court. We'd just finished sharing some pretzels and a drink, so I commented we were "out of money" for snacks. He shrugged and asked, "Can't you just pull some out of my ear?"

(sigh) If it were only that easy...

picnic at the park!

Hooray!!! It must be spring. We made our first picnic to the park this evening. It was complete with a baggie full of p.b.&j.'s, melon wedges, and chips. Yumm. A feast for kings!!
And then we played of course. Curly slides, rock walls, digging in stones, swinging...and on and on.
It's amazing to think that we can have 10 children close enough in age, that EVERYONE can enjoy a good playground picnic together. This may be my last year for that. The older kids met new friends and played "tag," while the younger kids just enjoyed climbing and exploring and getting dirty like kids should. Ahhhh.....it feels good to be outdoors again.

motivated by...

...this one liner I've been reading on the calendar at work. It hangs above the copy machine, where I have nothing else to look at/read while waiting for the darn copier to "warm up."

(and I should have written it down...or copied it...cause now I can't think of the exact words)

"Attempt today to accomplish one thing more than you thought possible."

It seems fitting this Holy Week as we try to do better, be kinder, love more, and "offer up" for the greater good.
Today it helped me catch up on laundry, even if only momentarily. As soon as the kids stripped for baths and pajamas tonight, the laundry chute was filled to the brim once more. (sigh) Tomorrow's another day.

God Bless.

entering into Holy Week

"Lord, let me walk that lonely road with you, under the weight of the wood."

I've had a fairly lackluster Lent. Not proud of the fact that I made few Lenten plans, and managed to keep none of them. As we enter into Holy Week, I'm picking up the pace, realizing it's never too late...offering up every opportunity for sacrifice and penance. (nausea, fatigue and laundry baskets lined up for miles seem to give me plenty of opportunities to start.)
May you have a blessed Holy Week!

cool treats.

Young Sam has been enjoying his share of popsicles, ice cream, milk shakes, pudding, yogurt and other cool treats this weekend...one of the few perks of having surgery to remove his adenoids on Thursday. The novelty is wearing thin though, as he continues with occasional sore throat, stiff neck, and an extreme dislike of the antibiotic he's been prescribed to take 3 times a day. (Blechk!!)
He's been an extremely good sport though, and is anxious to get off the couch and back to school tomorrow.
I'm feeling guilty realizing now (after it's gone) what a terrible time he had with snoring, waking up grumpy (not fully rested), mouth-breathing all day. Yep, we should have had this taken care of years ago. In the wake of his silent nights, I'm beginning to realize that he has a couple of younger brothers who may be getting evaluated for similar symptoms, sooner than later.

God is good!!!

Okay, reason #2 for not posting so well lately...
Have you ever had something so big and wonderful on your mind that you just can't tell. Rather than risk spilling the beans, you decide to just not talk at all. Well, that and the fact that I've had no energy whatsoever lately. Yep. That's it!
God has blessed us yet again, and we couldn't be more ecstatic! We shared the news with the kids yesterday at breakfast. The cheers and hugs all around were music to the ears and the soul. We could hear them hollaring across the streets to friends and neighbors as they made their way to school. Too cool.
So now, we share the news with you and the rest of the world!

Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you"

God's perfect miracle

Is growing up.

I've had her little foot over there in the left column since I started the blog. I just LOVE that pic. The nurses in the hospital were sweet enough to spend time (and lots of it, I think) photographing her through the wee hours of the night when she was awake, but mom was resting. I have the most beautiful album thanks to them.

Anyhow, it dawned on me today that my little baby girl is growing up...and so are those precious piggies I love to kiss on... (sigh). Where does the time go?!

Forgive me, Friends...

It's been 12 days since my last post!
My apologies, indeed.

I wish I could tell you I was off to some fancy resort on a beach somewhere sipping drinks with little umbrellas in them. Nope, just life as usual (or unusual) as can be.
My poor mom e-mailed last week sometime wondering if I'd buried myself under a rock or something...I think she missed my blogging. In truth, I guess I've just been a little more introspective lately. Enjoying the crazy times, but not necessarily feeling the need to chat about them.
We've had our fill of fun over the last weeks...11 of John's 12 siblings (and families) gathered with their dad last weekend to celebrate his 80th birthday. The weekend was FULL, helping the cook to prepare food, making up snack trays, even a little pre-partying for a St. Patty's dance with all the sibs and spouses. Oh, and then clean-up. Work is definitely lighter and more fun with many hands to help.
Our elementary kids prepared for and performed in their Spring musical (all about bugs.) Sam was a spider, and Grace dressed as a bee. It was fun and all the kids enjoyed watching/singing along.
In our "ordinary" days, we've been enjoying the spring weather to the fullest with bikerides, basketball games, scooters (Little Lucy has become quite independent on her little 3-wheeled scooter and could spend hours going up and down the driveway.) We made our first trip of the season to the Tastee for icecream over the weekend. Our yard has been a-buzz with neighbor kids of all ages joining in the fun. The girls seem to have started their own cheer team...I keep hearing their 8-count in my sleep.
Little Frank had an unexpected, albeit incredibly exciting visit from the tooth fairy (about 3 years to early!) He managed to trip into the coffee table in our family room, knocking out his top front tooth. ( As if he didn't look honery enough before.) I can't quit cracking up everytime I see his toothless grin. John and I have both begun wondering if the tooth had contained some alien-implanted mood chip, or perhaps was resting on his funny nerve. Since losing it, he is the most pleasant boy I've ever met...his speech has taken off...all of a sudden he's happy, singing, telling stories. He's a new person. Strange, I know. But I'm loving it.
Like I said...business as (un)usual here. Living and loving this life God has blessed us with.

whatcha been up to?

...in case you haven't noticed (perhaps hiding under a rock somewhere?), the sun is shining in these parts and temperatures have risen into, well I don't even know. But it's jacket, not coat, weather. Sheets have been reaquainted with that lovely thing called clothesline, as have the curtains, rugs, blankets, etc. Kids have been bouncing basketballs, riding bikes and scooters, playing pitch and catch, and of course dragging mud and grass into the house. I'm not complaining one bit though. It's as if we've been awakened from some dull gray stupor to run, ride, skip and breathe in the lovely spring-like air. (10 more days till we can say officially "spring air.")
As for me, I continue room-by-room straightening, sorting, washing, and dusting...cause that gorgeous sun has a way of making every bit of dust sparkle. It's amazing how it can go unnoticed all the gray of winter! Ahh, but hard work and hard play is making for some incredibly easy bedtimes as well. Life is good.

Yeah!!! Spring is almost here!!

Our version of "blue tooth technology"

When Rosie called out from the bathroom yesterday that she had a "blue tooth," I couldn't help but giggle at the familiar technological catch-phrase being used in our house...the home that still plays VHS tapes, and on occasion sends film in for processing. (Don't even ask me what the term really means...I only know you can't pass by the electronics section at Walmart {ie. where we buy the latest Taylor Swift/Jonas Brothers/Hannah CD} without seeing some mention of it.)

random thoughts/feelings...

~feeling a little stoved up this evening. Our dear baby Lucy has been sneaking into our bed in the early morning hours...sometimes only a few minutes before the alarm, sometimes longer to snuggle in. I LOVE this, but my body in noticing the improper sleeping alignment. *that girl takes up more room in bed than an adult*
~happy to have gotten groceries today...it's so nice to have choices about what to make for dinner...instead of "Hmm, I have a can of mandarin oranges, no bread...but tortilla wraps, and some pizza sauce. What can we make with that?" I am guilty of waiting a couple days too long to stock up on groceries, but it is great for clearing out items hidden in the pantry, and I've fooled myself into believing the kids learn to appreciate good food when it's around this way.
~frustrated that Mary tore a hole in her brand new pants while helping clean the garage this morning. Darnit. We mended it up nice though, and they'll still wear just fine...but darnit. I told her we'd look for a pretty patch to cover up the stitches...she seemed happy about that.
~grateful for the sunshine again. John and the kids were out in the garage early this morning straightening up a bit, and throwing out quite a few broken toys before the garbage man came around. I think we've all been bit by the "clean up, throw out" bug...this 40 bag thing has really been a wonderful thing.
~loving my little naptime on the couch with Charlie in the afternoon. Okay...today I was the only one napping while he snuggled in and watched Word World, and a bit of Barney...but I wouldn't miss that snuggle time for the world.
~enjoying our evening prayer time this week. We're taking our turn hosting a "traveling crucifix for vocations" in our parish. A different family has the crucifix each week. The prayers and scripture reading that come along with it have been wonderful for our bunch this week, and I'll be sad to pass it along on Sunday.
~inspired by my older kids, and the way they can reach out to their younger siblings and encourage, support, hold, fix, and make things "all better." (especially when their momma doesn't have the opportunity or worse, patience for it.) Some days they seem so much bigger than me. I'm humbled.
~laughing about my 3 year olds who despite my best efforts are growing into little miniature people...with their cute slim little bodies...running around in underpants at bedtime...dodging all attempts to put jammies on them, all full of energy and giggles. Ooh. I just want to squeeze them, and bottle that up.
~feeling a bit sorry for myself tonight (woe-is-me) as I glance around and see all the cleaning/picking up that awaits tonight. Most days I don't mind, but sometimes I just feel exhausted...today's one of those days. We'll forge on though...prayers to the Blessed Mother.
~excited about what the future holds...received an opportunity to share/speak with a group of women at a retreat next spring.

God is good. Who am I to be so blessed? He whispers, I am His...

duped by the sun

As a rule, the kids not going to school in the morning, stay a little longer in their pj's greeting the day in a relaxed fashion. Today though, the sun had them tricked into believing warmer weather was here, and by 8:15 all of them were dressed, bundled and cruising on bikes & scooters in the driveway. It didn't take long for them to realize the temperature was still in the teens. Brrr.

Finding hope in the knowledge that spring does indeed follow winter... this (cold) too shall pass.

Psalm 74:17
17 It was you who set all the boundaries of the earth;
you made both summer and winter.

Went to Menards today...

One might think we had some great home-improvement project up our sleeves. Nope. I wish. We spent an hour with the 6 younger kids playing on their "playground," and came home with some drawer pulls, a few lightbulbs, and this...

A one and a half pound vat of cheese balls that they suckered us in for at the check out. Someone please tell me I'm not the only one in this world who needs to get out more...

I should be embarrased to admit this...

(continuing my "40 bags in 40 days" Lenten purge)

Another weekend, another round of purging from closets. This time I hit the girls clothes with a vengeance. Imagine 6 girls with clothes in 2 different closets and an armoire. What they grow out of or grow tired of through the school year gets folded (ie. tossed) onto the top shelves of their closet for me to go through later. In addition to their current seasons clothing in their closets there's a couple storage bins of in-between sizes in the attic, a bin of jeans under my bed, another bag of newly shared hand-me-downs from a friend in the corner of my bedroom...and on and on. In no time at all, the excess starts to take over every corner of our house.
I should be embarrased to admit this, but I will anyways...after corraling ALL girls clothing from every corner and nook of this home, I managed to save 4 tubs of out of season and between size clothing, throw away 2 garbage bags of holey/faded/too warn to pass on clothing, and donate 12 paper grocery sacks of good, gently used clothing. Talk about excess!! What's even more embarassing is that I could probably count on my 2 hands the number of items I actually purchased for our kids. The majority of it is hand-me-downs from friends, cousins, coworkers, etc. Those bags speak volumes of the kindness and charity of others, and is exactly why I couldn't stand to think of putting any of it on a garage sale...paying it forward, and donating what I couldn't pass along to friends, to our local Agape thrift store.
It reminds me of this post I shared awhile back...worth visiting again, I think.

Ahhh...I love to see empty hangers, and "breathing room" in closets. My sister-in-law reminded me not long ago that "Less is definitely more" when it comes to "stuff." She says she got the notion from me, but the way our closets looked recently, I needed to be reminded again.

because I was out of chocolate chips...

I pulled out one of THE simplest cookie recipes, EVER, today.
The kids went nuts over them...and Charlie loved making the criss-cross with the fork.

Peanut Butter Cookies
2 eggs
2 cups sugar
2 cups peanut butter

Mix the eggs and sugar till creamy, stir in peanut butter. Roll into 1 inch balls, place on ungreased cookie sheet and press with fork in criss-cross pattern. Bake at 375 for 7-9 minutes.
The recipe says "makes 2 dozen," but I always get at least 3 doz.

Yes. That's it. And they're DELICIOUS!!!

Go ahead, try them. You'll be glad...

Boredom Buster

from the recipe box:

Salt dough...great for making beads and other shapes that dry hard.

2 cups flour
1 cup salt
3/4 cup water
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
Paprika (optional for makimg "clay" color)


There's no school here today...blowing and drifting snow. Fortunately Emma brought home this recipe from school yesterday for making Indian Beads. Last night they made beads for painting/stringing in addition to all sorts of other funny shapes. (Even Lucy loved to play in the dough!) We baked them on a cookie sheet in a 250 degree oven for 1 hour to dry. (They could also be left to air-dry for several days...but who really wants to wait?!)
Today, we're going to be painting and stringing them...love projects that keep on entertaining!

A new "Way" to pray

For the last couple years, we've included some form of the Way of the Cross in our Lenten prayers and devotions. The first year it was with coloring pages. The older kids helped to color them, and then they were taped on the kitchen wall, and we'd tell the story of Jesus' passion and death as we sat around the table together. Last year we tried a small accordion-fold booklet that a friend found for us online. Each of the kids colored their own, and we'd pray it together. This year, thanks to that same friend who's always finding clever things online, we made this beautiful votive holder to set on our mantle, and reflect on the 14 stations in a more meaningful way. We followed the instructions exactly, except that instead of just gluing the votives to the wood, my dad drilled holes into the board so that the votives are inset slightly, and can be removed for storage, wax removal, etc.
Our current plan is to light and pray them every Friday night together, and hopefully on Sundays as well. Last Friday,after lighting all 14 candles, the kids took turns reading the prayers/reflections from a "Way of the Cross for kids" booklet I recieved last year. After each station, we'd blow out that candle and at the end we were left in a darkened room to reflect quietly (sort-of). The 2 and 3 year olds were at times distracting (to say the least), but I think this week, we may just give them books to look at, or even save this prayer for just after their bedtimes, to allow the older kids to appreciate it even more.

8 down, 32 to go

We're attempting the 40 bags in 40 days for Lent this year. I'd like to be disciplined enough to make my way through the house tossing/donating 1 bag each day...but in fact I tend to toss "when the feeling's right." This evening the kids and I took on the toyroom, and managed to part with 6 boxes of toys and games to donate, and another two bags for trash. What a wonderful thing to watch as the kids took time to sort, toss, and neatly package like items for donation. Even the methods they used to decide what to keep and what to share was inspiring. Grace had decided to part with a baby doll that she loved (though has since accumulated several others) and carefully dressed it, and packaged it up with all the accessories, commenting that some other little girl would surely love it just as much as she did. Too sweet. The boys dumped out their large bin of matchbox cars, and sorted by colors, and models taking turns to choose a few of their favorites and then passing along the rest. It was such great teamwork...except for little Lucy who seemed a bit startled to see things boxed up and taken away, screaming just a couple times, and forcing us to pull an item or two back out for her to keep. Cute.

The girls and I have earmarked the weekend for going through closets and sorting/organizing clothing. With bins of hand-me-downs stashed in all corners of the house, we're sure to come up with even more items to share (and plenty to toss as well.)

anyone else trying something new this lent?

teaching my little man to "fish"

How's that saying go..."If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day; but teach a man to fish and you'll feed him for a lifetime." (or something)

Yesterday Charlie was learning the art of fishin' in the kitchen. He LOVED kneading the dough and was actually quite good at it. The little ones were napping away the afternoon while the older kids were at school. This fall he's off to preschool, and I think I'll miss our adventures...by then Frank and Rose will be done napping though with plenty more fun times to come.

These chubby dough-filled fingers make me smile...

Mmmm. I LOVE the smell of fresh white bread baking. We all snatched up a warm crusty buttered chunk long before it had a chance to cool. Thanks to Kathryn for the wonderful "no-fail" recipe. It is delicious!!

the journey begins

Just not certain yet, what the road holds. I'm torn about what to do this year regarding blogging and lent. There's a part of me that wants to share my journey with you, and yet feeling as though I've "lost the map" so to speak, I'm not sure what I have to offer this year. Another side of me thinks I should just introspect, and leave the blogging to others for the next 40 days while I concentrate on personal change/growth in the faith. What to do??
I'll keep praying on it, and hope I'll hear the Holy Spirit's direction when He calls.
I encourage you to read back through my posts last year this time, either by searching by month/date in the left column, or by typing "Lent" in the search box at the very top of the blog. I was a bit amazed by some of the nice reflections I found/posted and various lenten activities for the kids I shared last year. Some are definitely worth a re-read I think.
God Bless!

'smore please

Kids were home again today.
I know I was all anxious about that yesterday, but in hindsight it was really a nice day. The kids are so desperate to get back into their school routine, the girls actually started a "book club" today. Alice and Emma have Grace and Mary reading chapter books, and taking tests over them, little group discussions, even word and math flashcards printed from the computer. It's sweet...a little "think tank" going on here, and did I mention I love to see the older ones sitting down in a quiet corner reading to the little ones. Melts my heart. (If only it could melt the snow.)

Anyways, today I had visions (like a mirage in the desert) of warm summer nights, campfires in the backyard, and yes...'smores. So I came up with a fun recipe I'll call "Indoor 'Smores." They were incredibly simple, and a HUGE hit. They left everyone asking for 'smore! Sure...why not? It is Fat Tuesday, right?!



Indoor Smores
1 bag large marshmallows
1 bag choco chips (melted)
1 sleeve graham crackers (crushed)
wooden skewers (for the 'toasting stick')

place marshmallow on stick, dip into melted chocolate, let excess chocolate drip off, then roll in graham cracker crumbs. Let sit on foil line cookie sheet to allow chocolate to harden. (I put them in the fridge for about 1/2 hr.)

Enjoy!!

Over the river, and through the woods...

...to Grammie's house we went!
Always up for an adventure (and change of scenery) the kids and I packed up our sleeping bags and pj's and headed a few blocks across town to Grandma's house this past weekend for an overnight campout. Woooohoooo!
It doesn't take much to impress this bunch let me tell you...no swimming pool, no room service, not even a phone by the bed that rings with a sweet wake up call. Nope. Just a pile of sleeping bags, spread out wherever someone could find a bit of couch or floor space, a good movie, homemade chex mix and Twizzlers. Thank you grandma for getting us (me) out of the same four walls, and out of our snow-days rut. We love you!

The men (my dad, my dear husband, and my younger brother) had an adventure of their own as they headed down south to help my older brother move. He and his family are moving north (closer to home) from Jacksonville to Knoxville, where the guys met them to help unload the moving truck.

snow prayers.

Okay, so I do still LOVE the snow. I get all giddy and anxious as it falls...and could just park myself over the back of the couch and stare out our front picture window with the rest of the little ones to watch it fall in wonder and amazement. I LOVE IT!
That being said, I'm ready for it to ease up (just a bit) so that our dear little ones may return to school. They've been home since what? last Monday? I can't even count back anymore. The first several days were filled with fun, adventure, silly games and snow play. Now though, things just seem a bit louder, with more disagreeing over stolen toys and siblings "annoying" each other, more running in circles, and did I mention things seem LOUDER?! Yep, as much as I love these kiddos and their snow days at home, it seems as though everyone is ready to move beyond the holding pattern and back into some sense of structure and routine.

My craft supplies are diminishing, as are the snacks in my cupboard, and the patience God has graced me with. The girls are begging to move bedroom furniture tomorrow (and the only advantage in that is that I'll get to vaccuum in places that don't see daylight often.) Please Lord, let there be school.

Just got the call we're in for another 2 hour delay tomorrow. (sigh) Pray with me.

Happy Birthday Mary & John

February 11th

My second twins are 6 today. Oh my. Where does the time go?!

Happy Birthday little ones.

I had so many wonderful memories flooding back today, from the surprising news at my 20 week ultrasound to learn it would be twins again, to silly memories of the day you came into the world. My doctor (whom I swear didn't want to be late for his lunch engagement) insisted that wearing a hernia girdle would force you out sooner. As if 2 hours of labor was "lengthy." The nurse and I played along. I'm certain it didn't help, but he made his lunch date, and I had a lovely lunch in bed while you two were evaluated in the nursery.

Many prayersfor the intercession of the Blessed Mother were answered for your good health and safe arrival.

How wonderful that you would arrive on the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.

God is good!

Our Lady of Lourdes, feast February 11

Divine Jesus,
You sent the Blessed Mother to Saint Bernadette to show the world that God is real.
Just like Mary asked the girl to dig for a spring of healing water to appear, show me how to be cleansed of my sinful tendencies.
Give me our dear Mother when I need her tender love and holy inspiration.
As I go through difficulties, cover me with her prayers.
When I have important decisions to make, ask her to intercede for me until I understand and follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
When it’s time for me to die, send her to carry me peacefully into the arms of our Heavenly Father.
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for me.
Amen.

(image and prayer from Marypages.com)

Recipe Box

A taste of the season:

Snow Ice Cream
1 large bowl of clean white snow (you know my wise father always said...don't eat yellow snow!)
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1-2 tbsp vanilla
a little milk to help stir (though not necessary)

Stir all ingredients together and enjoy!

Wacky Wednesday

Most of my kids were THRILLED to have school cancelled yet another day. Not my middle-schoolers though. They let me know more than once how disappointed they were to be missing school during spirit week. Yesterday was to be "Wacky Day" and today "Christmas." Who wouldn't be disappointed to dress like a clown at school?! (Well, looking back at my middleschool years, I pretty much had that look mastered, but that's another story.)
Anyhow, in an attempt to ease tensions, I agreed to a Wacky Wednesday here at home. Boy was it ever. It started in the planning stages last night when Alice and Emma helped 7 of their younger siblings to choose the weirdest stuff they could dig out of their closets. (Sam wanted nothing to do with this. He's way too cool.) They laid out their wackiest attire and waited for morning to come. The six oldest did end up camping in the basement last night, while the 4 younger ones slept in sleeping bags in beds (though not their own beds, just to mix things up a bit.) This morning, everyone dressed quickly in their wacky-wear, and were pleasantly surprised to find pizza in the oven...for breakfast! Mid morning, we made homemade snow ice cream (a recipe I'll share later.) It was simple and delicious, and really fun to make! We had breakfast for lunch of course, and found time to cut out paper snowflakes.

The younger kids help me mix up monster cookies, which took most of the afternoon to finish baking. Of course there was more time playing out in the snow, and the oldest two de-wacked to go play at a friends house for the afternoon. It was a fun day, though nothing terribly crazy, quiet and simple...good.
We're already on for a two-hour delay tomorrow, and I wouldn't be terribly surprised if they cancel again. We may have a few more disappointed ones to learn that Valentine's parties are cancelled, and Mary and John won't get to bring in birthday treats to share with their class. They're turning 6 tomorrow! Guess that means I need to get back in the kitchen and start on a cake...they want a "jungle" themed cake. Ummm. I'll have to think on that one.
Blessed (wacky) night all!

More snow fun...

Hot chocolate, please!

She's cute as a button, but I think her face is actually frozen in that smile...if you listen closely, she's like the tin man mumbling "Hot chocolate, please..."

This is the boy that's gonna break my heart...




The same one who hollared through the house to me today "I love you mom!" and not knowing for certain where he was, I hollared back "I love you more Charlie!" I found him in the bathroom...and we smiled at each other as he said "I love you a cross like Jesus." I had to ask him to repeat, cause I wasn't sure what he'd said at first...what kid (let alone a 4 year old) says stuff like that?!

I'm not sure how he came up with those words, but the fact that he associated the image of Jesus on the cross with real love was just ...well, I don't know...heart melting, encouraging, tear-inducing, inspiring. I mean wow! I love this kid. Thank you Jesus for him, and each and every one of them!! God is good!

Rule One: Attain the proper safety equipment.

Safety first, no matter the size of the job.
Emma was showing Charlie how to clean the toilet bowls today...and he was a stickler about splatter. Kudos to Charlie for wearing proper (albeit excessive) eye protection. Nevermind, he's still in his pj's.

snow days

School was cancelled for the day, as more snow moved in...expecting 6-10 inches total by tomorrow morning. It came as no surprise when my sister-in-law (who works for the school) stopped by to say it's already been cancelled for tomorrow as well.

We've kept fairly busy so far today playing outside in the snow of course, sipping hot cocoa, painting with watercolors, and even building race tracks...oh and of course boys with their powertools and girls with babydolls. I expect playdough will come out yet this evening, and by tomorrow we'll have hopefully built a Little People-Lego village that will later fall under attack of plastic army men and cowboys & Indians. The kids are asking about a "party" tonight...or at least a campout with sleeping bags in the basement...we'll see.

Never a dull moment, that's for sure. Just makes me grateful for family, warm food, shelter, power...all that good stuff. It's good snuggle weather, the three youngest are napping, and I think I have a little guy on a warm couch calling my name. Might just have to put my feet up, at least for a few minutes.

Warm blessings to you all.

Dad's little helper

Frank was tickled to announce that he was helping Dad with the "snow-mowing!" Unfortunately here, he got his mower hung up in a snow bank, and had to call 'er quits for the day.

ready, set, snow!

It's a bit of a dance really, like a finely coreographed stage number perhaps, or maybe more like a mosh pit, trying to get everyone dressed and ready to play in the snow. Even Lucy wants to follow the older 9 outdoors for a a little snow fun. Of course it never fails by the time the last one is out the door, the first ones are nearly ready to come back in, begging for some hot chocolate, or at the very least, dry mittens. Uggh. Not a moment's rest...

Lucy's hat and snow pants...(check)

mittens (check)

Coat zipped (check)

Boots readjusted (check)

Wooohooooo! It's snow time!!

snow ponderings

When it comes to snow accumulation, Dad always told us to "watch the size of the flakes to know if they'll amount to much." His theory, which has been pretty accurate so far, is that the smaller, finer flakes tend to accumulate the most, while the big pretty snowflakes tend to taper off a bit more quickly.
It certainly held true this past weekend as we watched the fine white snow blow for hours, leaving behind about 8 inches on the ground...not to mention the incredible drifts.

The thought occured to me sometime through the storm, that perhaps the same theory might be applied to us. When we humble ourselves; lessen ourselves by acknowleding our sinfulness and shortcomings, then too our impact on the world or our ability to accomplish the work He has set before us is greater. Certainly when we become "smaller," His graces flow allowing us to better serve and do His will. On the contrary, if we allow our egos to get the best of us, (who doesn't want to be one of those pretty flakes now and then?!) or begin to believe that what we have or have become is of our own doing, we are destined to fall disappointingly short.
Sunday's readings seemed to help make more sense of this...Isaiah, St Paul, and even Simon Peter expressed their unworthiness. And yet despite their former shortcomings, each went on to become pillars of our faith...doing the work they were called to do, and reminding us all that we too are called to be disciples of Chirst.

St. Paul, help us to say with you, "No longer I, but Christ who lives within me."

Radio Program, Infertility links

As promised on the program the other day... here are various links that were mentioned relating to infertility, NFP, Napro technology, etc.

It seemed to be a great discussion we had. I appreciate those calling in with such wonderful information to share!

http://www.naprotechnology.com/

http://www.creightonmodel.com/

http://www.fertilitycare.org/

http://www.loveandlifeunlimited.com/

http://www.catholiccincinnati.org/

htpp://www.ccli.org/learn/

and details of the upcoming day of prayer, support and information on fertility treatments and adoption:

Saturday February 27th, 2010 9am-2:30pm

at the Transfiguration Center for Spritual Renewal (Ludlow Falls, OH)

Sponsored by Family Life Office, Archdiocese of Cincinnati

Cost: $10. per person, includes lunch

Presenters include: Dr. Jason Mattingly (certified in Napro Technology, and expert in Creighton Model Fertility Care System), Sylvia Carson, RN (Certified Fertilty Care Practitioner), Deacon John Corson, Beverly Badgett (adoption, pregnancy counselor) Dale Richardson (foster care & adoption), Julie Irwin-Zimmerman (author: A Spiritual Companion to Infertility)

Contact: Jean Borgert at the Family Life Office 937-492-4449

or jborgert@catholiccincinnati.org

deprogramming

Last week or so, I mentioned that our boys have been playing "army dudes" on a Nintendo (64?) game system that someone had passed down to us. It wasn't real battles...no graphic violence (rated E for everyone). It was a cartoon-style game of little plastic army men (like the kind you buy in a bag in the the dollar section.) that travel through various rooms of the house shooting at things, and looking for more ammo. It seemed like relatively clean harmless fun, right? I mean, the boys have bags of these toys they set up on their desk and can imagine battling each other for hours on end, so why should the video be much worse.
Well, when 4 year old Charlie yelled out that he "wished he had a real gun" so he could "kill dad" for not giving him a cookie, or when he woke up twice in one night with bad dreams about army men, something seemed very wrong. He screamed and cursed me when I unplugged the game and tossed it back into a box in the laundry room. He's four. And I've never seen behaviour or heard words quite as horrifying as the ones that have come out of his mouth of late.
Television is pretty tightly moderated here, so I feel confident it was the game working through him. It's disgusting really. And to think that in other homes kids are exposed to endless hours of this, often times with much worse violence and graphics. It was a wake-up call for me, and I think a perfect time to de-program and rethink how we want to spend our "free time."
I'm starting small...with "dark nights" on Wednesdays. It's our one evening that we currently have no sports, book clubs, Conquest, or any lessons/practices to leave the house for. Tonight we turned off the tv and spent the hours reading out loud, playing "go fish," and even made time for a single decade of the rosary together. It was wonderful...and nobody complained one bit.
Sam (my 3rd grader, who has yet to acquire a real like, let alone love of reading) asked if we could read again tomorrow night. YES! This is shaping into a great launching point for lent, when we may just have to unplug completely.
Thank you God for opening my eyes to realize the affects of some of the garbage we call "entertainment" before these little hearts and minds were altered forever.

(oh, and on a side note...to update: Frank is still hating on everything...those shananigans started before the games. But he does it with a little smirk now, which gives me hope that he'll get bored with trying to push that button soon.)

on air, on infertility

Join me this monday morning on Radio Maria (88.7 fm local, or live online) for discussion on the subject of infertility. I'll have a guest with me, Jean Borgert of the Family Life Office of our Cincinnati Archdiocese to share details about an upcoming day of prayer, support and information relating to fertility treatments and adoption.
It's estimated that as many as 1 in 5 couples struggle with infertility. Chances are you know someone who would benefit from hearing this program. Listen and call in to share your experiences.

1-866-333-6279

Look forward to hearing from you!

who's hungry?

Just trying to keep life interesting. Tonight it was giant pancakes for supper. The kids LOVED them. Alice, Sam and even Mary all got clean-plate awards. Wow. Makes my belly hurt just thinking about it. According to the measurements on the pancake mix package, I made enough batter for 75 small pancakes...surely they measure them very small, not?

oh, I need to add that we did NOT finish all these. About half was leftover for breakfast tomorrow. As I started to make them, all the kids decided they each wanted a giant pancake of their own....so well, they got one.

runnin' wild

Every now and then, at the constant begging and pleading of our children, John and I toy with the notion of getting a puppy. I always joked that I'd never even consider it until we reached the point in our lives when there were no more diapers. Sadly enough that time is near.
Last night I found myself browsing through pictures of cute little puppies waiting to be adopted through our local animal protection league. I even went so far as to google various aspects of puppy training, which dogs don't shed, good with children etc. I came across one site that went into great detail about how to properly train dogs, walk dogs, etc. It stressed that dogs are pack animals and have an instinctive desire to walk/run. Apparently letting them out to do their business in the yard is not enough, you have to walk them regularly or it will affect their behavior.

Hmmmm. Sounds very much like the wild kids I'm raising around here. You see, I've not had the chance to "walk" them properly as of late, and they're growing restless. For the last several nights they've been running laps through the house like...yep, you guessed it...a pack of wild dogs. My mom stopped over this evening in the middle of their "pack run," and found not one, but 7 of the youngest just running...and running, and running..single file down the front hall, through the kitchen & family room, back down the hall. Monday night, I swear little Rose ran a mile without stopping. If I don't get them outside soon, they're going to wear a pattern in my living room carpet.

Can you imagine what might happen if I tried to introduce a poor puppy into this crazy mix? Oh my. I don't think I'm ready just yet. Nope. No puppy. We've got enough wild animals.

don't be hatin'!

I'm trying desperately to maintain my cool composure, and just breathe my way through the hatin' that's going on in this house, but it's becoming more difficult. Three year old Frank is going through a horrible phase of hating everything, especially me. Ouch.
I'm not exagerating when I say that he says "I hate...(fill in the blank)" a hundred times in a day. Most often it's "I hate you mom." Ouch. It does hurt.
Thing is, I know he doesn't hate me, he's just angry...about whatever. It's almost always over something simple like running out of his preferred breakfast cereal, asking him to pick up a toy, telling him it's nap time, or even calling him to the lunch table in the middle of something he's playing. Anything that doesn't fall into line with his plans for that moment. I know it's just a phase. I know that. And I keep telling myself, if I remain calm, and not "react" to it, it will probably pass sooner than later. But boy, it's getting harder and harder not to take it personal and not to react. I have recently resorted to walking him to his room for a time out when he uses it repeatedly. I'm not sure that's gonna work either, but while I don't want to give him a reaction, I also want him to be aware it's not okay, and it's hurtful.
Geesh. Who could have guessed that each child could be so completely different with a whole new set of unique behavior challenges. What one doesn't think of...
Thank goodness for every "I hate..." I hear in a day's time, I see a smile, or hear a giggle, or find him snuggling on my lap during a book or movie. Today we built Legos together,and he was my "helper" in the kitchen making snickerdoodles (something he loves to do, but told all the big kids later he "hated.") He and twin Rosie shared my lap for a snuggle before bedtime tonight. It's all good. If we can just stop the hatin!

Please pray this passes soon.

who am i?

I am lovin' this song right now. Can't get it out of my head...

semantically speaking

Emma and I were having a conversation about something or other recently. I can't even remember the context of it now...something about something. (Oh shoot, why do I even try sometimes?!)
Anyhow, she had a great little one-liner that has stuck with me, and I had to share. Somewhere in the conversation I half-jokingly called her a soccer "wanna-be." (It's one of, if not her very favorite sport to play.) Without hesitation, she corrected me with a "No mom. I'm a soccer 'gonna-be!'"

I love it! She's so confident sometimes it just rattles me a bit. You go girl!

what inspires me?

Today, I'm inspired by moms (and dads) who have the patience to stack the Jenga blocks back into the box day in and day out without finally heaving them all into the trash.

My younger kids do not understand the concept of the game. They're just building blocks. Items to be dumped, stacked, scattered, tossed, hidden in couch cushions, but most certainly not stacked neatly back into a box which was most certainly designed by an obsessive compulsive neatfreak who never had toddlers. Who created a game in which the parts must be stacked just so (and I mean...JUST SO!) in order to fit back in the box. Come on!

Anyhow, I'm losing the battle of patience here tonight...not with my kids, though. I actually find it adorable the way they build neat little roads across the coffee table, and even the way they fling them through the kitchen like shuffleboard to see who can slide them the farthest. And who can blame the 3 year olds for not having the patience to stack them back in the box...I certainly don't.

(sigh) I do consider myself mostly organized. But this is too much. This game was a hand-me-down from some other lacking-for-patience family...wonder which one of my good friends I could pass this off to. muhaaaaahhahahahaha (my most devilish little laugh). Yes! Feeling like I might just have to share the "fun" of this game with someone else who could "enjoy" it for awhile. Anyone care for a game of Jenga?

prayer for life

On this anniversary of Roe v. Wade, I pray for the conversion of hearts, for the safety of those traveling to DC, for a renewed awareness of the sanctity of all life, and ultimately for an end to abortion.

Prayer to the Virgin Mary

O Mary, Mother of Jesus and Mother of us all, we turn to you today as the one who said "Yes" to Life. "You will conceive and bear a Son," the angel told you. Despite the surprise and the uncertainty about how this could be, you said yes. "Be it done unto me according to your word."
Mary, we pray today for all mothers who are afraid to be mothers. We pray for those who feel threatened and overwhelmed by their pregnancy. Intercede for them, that God may give them the grace to say yes and the courage to go on. May they have the grace to reject the false solution of abortion. May they say with you, "Be it done unto me according to your word." May they experience the help of Christian people, and know the peace that comes from doing God's will. Amen.

today's playback

WARNING: THIS COULD BE MY WORDIEST POST YET!

6:00am- I awaken to Lucy crying. Of course by the time I get upstairs she's sound asleep again, so I trudge back to bed hoping the last hour before the alarm clock rings feels longer than the previous 5.

7am- I hear the alarm clocks upstairs...just a minute faster than ours, but I don't get up yet. As the youngest 2 girls awake upstairs, they usually drift down into our bed for the seven minute snuggle before the snooze alarm goes off.

7:07 snooze is up. Time to wake the boys. John takes over on this morning allowing me a few more minutes with Rose and Lucy.

7:20 all the kids are in the kitchen now. I can smell the coffee brewing that I had set up last night. Time to get the day rolling. Kids are helping themselves to the cereal and homemade chocolate chip muffins, set out the night before.

7:45 school kids out the door. The kitchen table is cleared and the rest of us settle into the family room for coffee, puzzles, blocks and other games. Not in any rush to get dressed.

8:30 Kids are playing happily, so I sweep and mop the kitchen, while John sneeks outside to take the rest of the christmas lights down before the rain comes through.

9:30 The kids and I are finally getting cleaned up and dressed for the day. No need to rush a good thing. I miss these rare, slow-paced mornings now that I'm working more.

10;00 snack time. Kids pile around the table for fruit snacks, chex mix, and juice. I pour another cup of coffee for John and I.

10:30 John's working on converting Lucy's crib to a day bed, while I scrub the downstairs bathroom and switch over another load of laundry. Rose is 'helping' me, while the other kids 'help' dad (mostly bouncing on beds and getting into his tools.)

11:00 I'm starting lunch, and I ask John to check the bathtub drain which seemed a little slow last night. (at this point he remembers that the boys "might" have lost a matchbox car in the tub yesterday.) He opens up the drain trap in the basement, while I use a coat-hanger in the tub to try to fish the matchbox out. It made the first 90degree angle, and is happy to just park right there. I think Dora and/or Boots may be driving. It's not looking good. And after much poking and fishing with the coat hanger, and talking through the 8 inch curve of drain, we decide to wait another day, till John can locate a better tool. (What would be a "better" tool, I'm not sure he knows...just buying time to think of something.)

11:30 lunch is on.

12:15 John and Mary are off to school. Riding bikes today.

1:00 art 101 at the kitchen table. brushes and watercolors...and water...everywhere!

1:20 All 27 pieces of paper are covered in gray water. (What happens to all the COLOR in watercolor?) I'm sopping up the mess, and saving the "art" while the kids washup and move on to the tv room for a movie...Alvin and the Chipmunks.

1:45 3 youngest are off to nap. John leaves for work, and Charlie and I find a warm spot to snuggle on the couch.

3:00 Lucy fell out of bed. Nap's over.

3:10 house is full of noise again as the kids burst in from school. Snacks, then homework.

4:30 Frank asks if he can play "army dudes" on the Nintendo. (A coworker of John's gave us a whole box of parts and games along with the Nintendo game console. The boy's favorite is a game of little plastic green army men making their way through the house battling various things.) Charlie, Frank and John get 25 minutes of game time. This is an eternity for 3-5 year olds...especially when the older kids aren't telling them how to do it.

5:00 supper. fish sticks, mac-n-cheese, california blend. (There were a LOT of leftover veggies.) doorbell rings..neighbor kids. Nobody rushes to answer. How bad is that?! Grace finally gets the door, and makes excuses for everyone. It's yucky outside, so I'm glad she didn't ask to go out and play.

6:15 Kitchen's finally cleaned up, coffee sounds really good, but the pot is in the dishwasher, and I'm feeling too lazy to wash it by hand. I can wait.
the basement toy room looks like a landmine hit. Grace is playing with her new Webkinz on the computer. Boys are dressed up in cowboy and Starwars gear, and shooting Nerf guns. Little Rose and Lucy look adorable having a picnic lunch with their dollbabies on the living room floor. Alice, Emma and Mary are watching Extreme Home Makeover. It's a pretty touching story, and before I realize, I'm sucked right in to watching it with them. Figures it was a 2 hour special. We watched the whole darn thing! Eventually all the kids trickled in, and joined us. I hate wasting an evening in front of the tv thought. At 8 the tv was off...pajama time. This is when Lucy was sleepy but catching her second wind and tumbles into the corner of the end table. She split open an area behind her right ear...it was a mess. Moments later, she's giggling, playing with her babydoll, and bumps her lip...yep, fat and bleeding. Oi.

8:15 extreme home makeover here...kids were disappointed to learn that meant "clean up time" in the basement. Quick teamwork and all the toys were put away in just a few minutes. Yeah!

8:30 Bedtime! First Rose and Lucy upstairs. Then Frank and Charlie to the boys room. Later Grace and Mary. By 9, all 10 kids were pottied and in bed. Whew.

9:15 I hauled up 4 laundry baskets full of things needing folded from the basement laundry room...I'll get to that soon. The washer and dryer are running. Straightened the bathroom. Opened the dishwasher to air dry before I put those dishes away.

The clock on my computer says 10:30. Time to pull that coffee pot out of the dishwasher, and brew some up for the long fold ahead. My night is just getting started.

Blessed night all. ~jamie

growing pains

Grab a tissue if you will, and join me for a misty-eyed moment of silence as we commemorate our first night in more than 10 years without a crib in the house.
(sniffle, sniffle)
Lucy's crib was officially converted into a day-bed today...no more baby beds...only big kids beds.
It happens just like that...first bouncy seats and bottles are packed away, then the cribs, before you know it booster seats and step stools are cast away to make room for shaving cream and car keys. Why can't they just stay little forever?!
Even just a year ago, I couldn't have imagined this beginning of the end of baby stages. When you're in the thick of it you wonder if you'll ever crawl out from the trenches. But then, as it must, it happens and you find yourself longing for simpler times. Harder...but simpler. Now the worries begin...how to police the tv and internet, what are they "learning" at school (in and out of the classroom), are they developing healthy friendships? respectful of others? do they wash their hands in the bathroom when you're not there to tell them anymore?! There's peace of mind in being able to just do things for them when they're little, and now we slowly have to learn to let go, and trust we've taught them well.
Oh, I know no one said this would be easy...but I didn't understand that growing pains make your heart hurt too.