Someone shared in a previous comment that there is a shortage of canned pumpkin this year. I had read something of it when researching recipes online, but really just figured that was happening "somewhere else."
Truth is I haven't bought canned pumpkin in a couple years, since I found a simple way to cook fresh pumpkin (and I usually have half a dozen pumpkins sitting on my front step this time of year anyways...no one will miss a pumpkin or two.) Small baking pumpkins fit nicer on the pan, but I've used large jack-o-lantern pumpkins too...whatever ya got!
Baked Pumpkin
(for fresh pumpkin in lieu of canned)
1. Remove the stem from a small/med. sized pumpkin (by cutting around the base of the stem with a sharp knife.) 2. Then starting from the hole you just made, carve down and around the pumpkin, cutting it completely in half. 3. Scoop out the seeds (so much less messy, now that the pumpkin is split in two.)
4. Lay both halves open sides down (so the outside/skin is face up) on a jelly roll pan with a thin layer of water in the bottom. 5. Bake at 325 degrees for 45 min-1 1/2 hours. You'll see the skins getting darker, and caving in a little when they're done, and fork-tender. 6. Allow to cool a bit, and flip over scooping out the pumpkin flesh with a spoon. It is delicious to eat just like this with a little butter and brown sugar...like a sweet potato. Or fork it up a bit, and use this plain in lieu of canned pumpkin filling.
Last week I baked 2 small (6-8 inches in diameter) pumpkins (that's 4 halves) on one jelly roll pan, and got about 6+ cups of pumpkin. In the past, I have kept it for up to two weeks (sealed in airtight container) in the fridge without any problems. Not sure what the "safe" rule is though.
You're going to need pumpkin for the recipe I plan to share later. Yep...I baked again today...and this recipe is a keeper!!!
Monday, October 4, 2010
weekend report
We survived it.
The tents were raised, and probably down by now. The chicken was danced. Every imaginable food was deep-fried and delicious. There were mettwurst, and bratwurst, sauerkraut balls, and cabbage rolls, dark beer on tap served rightly in 1/2 gallon plastic jugs, soft pretzles, hot german potato salad, and games and gambling of every sort, all blended together beautifully with the sounds of polka playing oompah bands.
One could attend a German Heritage Mass, shop for clever crafts and wares, run/walk the 10k or "fun" run, watch a parade, vote on cute babies, witness a queen coronated, even relay a beer tray through an obtacle course for team bragging rights. No doubt, something for everyone.
And when you live just blocks away, with the echo of music constantly in the distance...it beckons you to participate in it all...despite the rain, and miserably cold weather.
The barrel was indeed rolled out this weekend, and I feel as if it ran me over. Can you say exhausted?!
Today, we're not accomplishing a lot...playing with Legos, watching more cartoons than usual, and of course, catching up on laundry. I desperately need to get up into the attic this afternoon to start the seasonal closet changeover...something I should have done before the weekend blustery cold weather, but with lots of layering, we managed okay. Oh, and after the weekend calorie overload, I'd love to do some baking (no reason for blood sugar levels to drop unnecessarily low too quickly!). I've spotted a few good recipes...I'm going to give them a try, and will let you know how they turn out. Pumpkin muffins, pumpkin cheesecake layered brownies, pumpkin anything (afterall, it's a vegetable, right?)
Here's to the start of another wonderful week... God Bless!
The tents were raised, and probably down by now. The chicken was danced. Every imaginable food was deep-fried and delicious. There were mettwurst, and bratwurst, sauerkraut balls, and cabbage rolls, dark beer on tap served rightly in 1/2 gallon plastic jugs, soft pretzles, hot german potato salad, and games and gambling of every sort, all blended together beautifully with the sounds of polka playing oompah bands.
One could attend a German Heritage Mass, shop for clever crafts and wares, run/walk the 10k or "fun" run, watch a parade, vote on cute babies, witness a queen coronated, even relay a beer tray through an obtacle course for team bragging rights. No doubt, something for everyone.
And when you live just blocks away, with the echo of music constantly in the distance...it beckons you to participate in it all...despite the rain, and miserably cold weather.
The barrel was indeed rolled out this weekend, and I feel as if it ran me over. Can you say exhausted?!
Today, we're not accomplishing a lot...playing with Legos, watching more cartoons than usual, and of course, catching up on laundry. I desperately need to get up into the attic this afternoon to start the seasonal closet changeover...something I should have done before the weekend blustery cold weather, but with lots of layering, we managed okay. Oh, and after the weekend calorie overload, I'd love to do some baking (no reason for blood sugar levels to drop unnecessarily low too quickly!). I've spotted a few good recipes...I'm going to give them a try, and will let you know how they turn out. Pumpkin muffins, pumpkin cheesecake layered brownies, pumpkin anything (afterall, it's a vegetable, right?)
Here's to the start of another wonderful week... God Bless!
Friday, October 1, 2010
...oh, and just because.
(you can fill in a reason, if you feel it necessary).
3 Minute Fudge
(mmm, hmmm. that's right. You're just 3 minutes, and 3 ingredients away from the next jeans size!)
2 bags of chocolate chips (1 semi-sweet, 1 milk chocolate...but I wonder if it really matters?!)
1 can sweetened condensed milk
3 Tbsp. butter (what isn't made better with real butter?!)
dump into a microwave-safe bowl. Nuke for 3 minutes. Stir well and spread into an 8X8 pan.
Refrigerate to cool/harden. (or eat a little with a spoon first, if you must. I'm guessing that's possible...not that I'd really know that for sure or anything.)
Enjoy.
3 minutes. I promise. It's dangerously delicious!!!
October 1st, A Day to Celebrate
It's October! There are so many things happening, so many things worth mentioning. It's so much more than just the start of a new calendar page...
Of course it's the feast of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, "the Little Flower." She's such an inspiration of how each of us are called to do great things in little ways...each and every day. St. Therese pray for us!
Oh...and October means fall! ...And Oktoberfest...and all things that smell and taste and look wonderfully crisp and fallish! (including fall weather) Welcome fall!!
We're so happy to greet you Mr. Autumn...and to offer a "Willkommen" to all the folks traveling into our community for our annual German festivities.
I can't help but sprinkle a little bit of fall everywhere. Even the back garden bench is sprinkled with Wooden Shoes and pumpkins and mums...
Mmmmm. Fall means yummy smells of spiced pumpkin. My favorite!!! John's birthday earlier this week had me baking up pumpkin for a wonderfully delicious pumpkin cake with cream cheese icing....yep. It was very good!!
More beautiful colors, and sprinkles of fall...on the front door.
Doesn't it make you want to drop what you're doing and dance a little polka...or at the very least, a chicken dance?!!! We put in our Freudemacher CD this morning after mass, and polka'd our way around the kitchen till we were dizzy and giddy with laughter.
Oh yes...and cooler weather means we can bake all we want to!!! Today it was snickerdoodles...mmmmm....cinnamon and sugary goodness!
Oh, and of course...how could I forget?! October 1st means we're entering into the last month of this pregnancy. Sometime, very soon, we are going to get to meet this new little baby. Oh we're getting so excited!! Today, Lucy helped me take the tags off of the few "neutral" baby clothes we've collected, and gather baby bedding and blankets from storage to wash up. Oh my. It's so fun to look at these tiny little white onesies and ducky-footed jammies. Just can't wait to kiss the little nose and toes and belly that will soon be snuggled in them...
Of course it's the feast of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, "the Little Flower." She's such an inspiration of how each of us are called to do great things in little ways...each and every day. St. Therese pray for us!
The 4 yougest kids and I started our day, by hurrying through our breakfast with the school kids, and heading off to morning mass to celebrate not only her feast day, but also to honor/remember the feast of our own family saint. John's mom, Alice passed away 13 years ago today. I am so grateful for the impact she had on my life in the few short years I knew her...she taught me practical things...a love of gardening and canning, even helped me at times with small sewing projects. But it was her kindness, and love, and gentle ways (much like we read of St. Therese) that left a lasting impression. She passed away before we started having children, and I could never have imagined that one day I'd be raising nearly a dozen as she had. How many times along the way, I've prayed for her intercession, her guidance...and wished she were still here for advice. What a wonderful woman, that I feel blessed to have known.
October 1st also leads us into the month of the Holy Rosary. I look forward to trying to incorporate it into our family prayer routine, and to help these little ones develop a love for this special prayer/devotion. Holy Mother, draw us closer to you and your Son. Amen.
Oh...and October means fall! ...And Oktoberfest...and all things that smell and taste and look wonderfully crisp and fallish! (including fall weather) Welcome fall!!
We're so happy to greet you Mr. Autumn...and to offer a "Willkommen" to all the folks traveling into our community for our annual German festivities.
I can't help but sprinkle a little bit of fall everywhere. Even the back garden bench is sprinkled with Wooden Shoes and pumpkins and mums...
Mmmmm. Fall means yummy smells of spiced pumpkin. My favorite!!! John's birthday earlier this week had me baking up pumpkin for a wonderfully delicious pumpkin cake with cream cheese icing....yep. It was very good!!
More beautiful colors, and sprinkles of fall...on the front door.
Doesn't it make you want to drop what you're doing and dance a little polka...or at the very least, a chicken dance?!!! We put in our Freudemacher CD this morning after mass, and polka'd our way around the kitchen till we were dizzy and giddy with laughter.
Oh yes...and cooler weather means we can bake all we want to!!! Today it was snickerdoodles...mmmmm....cinnamon and sugary goodness!
Oh, and of course...how could I forget?! October 1st means we're entering into the last month of this pregnancy. Sometime, very soon, we are going to get to meet this new little baby. Oh we're getting so excited!! Today, Lucy helped me take the tags off of the few "neutral" baby clothes we've collected, and gather baby bedding and blankets from storage to wash up. Oh my. It's so fun to look at these tiny little white onesies and ducky-footed jammies. Just can't wait to kiss the little nose and toes and belly that will soon be snuggled in them...
October Blessings to you all!!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
happy birthday John!
John Michael is 42 today.
Happy Birthday, Love!
a birthday prayer for my husband, father to 12 (10 here, one in heaven, and one we anxiously await), and guardian/defender of our home...
a birthday prayer for my husband, father to 12 (10 here, one in heaven, and one we anxiously await), and guardian/defender of our home...
Glorious St. Michael, guardian and defender of the Church of Jesus Christ, come to the assistance of His followers, against whom the powers of hell are Unchained. Guard with special care our Holy Father, the Pope, and our bishops, priests, all our religious and lay people, my husband, and especially the children.
St. Michael, watch over us during life, defend us against the assaults of the demon, and assist us especially at the hour of death. Help us achieve the happiness of beholding God face to face for all eternity. Amen.
tuesday morning funny
(it is Tuesday, right?)
Okay, so I'm actually on hiatus from working outside the home, at least for a few months, but I found this over at Abby's Feathered Nest, and it struck me as very funny for some reason.
Do you ever feel like you can't have a single conversation without your head spinning like this? or is it just me??
Love it...
Okay, so I'm actually on hiatus from working outside the home, at least for a few months, but I found this over at Abby's Feathered Nest, and it struck me as very funny for some reason.
Do you ever feel like you can't have a single conversation without your head spinning like this? or is it just me??
Love it...
Monday, September 27, 2010
living in the moment
It's been almost a full year ago since I've mentioned my friend/coworker who was diagnosed with cancer. I've had a few folks along the way ask how things are going for her, and truth is while my hours picked up at work, hers took on a completely different direction...one of healing, spiritual growth, focus on family, and all the stages that come with accepting the will of God (both good and bad) in your life. Turns out I've only talked with her once or twice over the last year, and only kept updated through another coworker.
I had the opportunity to chat with her last Friday though, and I've been unable to let go of our conversation. The cancer news was not good. In fact despite several rounds of chemo and radioactive treatments, the cancer continues to spread. More liver involvement, and now lungs and lymph nodes. She's taken on more than her share of negative side effects from the treatments, including weight loss, hair loss, fatigue, and neuropathy in her hands and feet making walking a new challenge, and hindering her fine motor skills.
I just can't help but think to myself how "unfair" it seems, and yet she'd have no part in sharing those thoughts with you. During the entire conversation she was a source of joy, and hope and optimism regardless of the diagnostic outcome. She truly radiated a sense of "living in the moment" and trust in God's providence. She shared how certain she was that He had his hand in every moment of her life/health, and just beamed with gratitude for each moment of each day. It was obvious to me how despite the bad things that come our way, God continues to use us. Our reactions can reflect His prescence and peace to others, despite the burdens we bare. Wow. What a beautiful woman. And how blessed I feel to have been touched by her message of spiritual healing and growth even when physical healing isn't possible.
I found myself thinking of her throughout the weekend and grabbing on to those little life moments that pass in the blink of an eye. The hectic times, the frustrating times, the good times...God's constantly working in our lives, and our reaction to all of it can change people. How blessed I am to sit in my rocker and twist braids into a ten-year-old's hair...getting ready for the football game, as supper warms on the stove. Or to show a 3 year old how to make the sign of the cross at mass, or to lay on the bed and read a few chapters with my son, to sit in the sun and watch the kids help their Dad water flowers. These simple moments won't last forever. Instead we continue to face more difficult challenges along the way, some we can't even begin to imagine or accept at our current phase of life, and yet, they'll come.
I pray for the grace my friend shows. I pray to be able to learn from her, and to find my self living in the moment, grateful for the good and the bad, content in the knowledge that He is constantly holding us in the palm of His gentle, loving hand.
I had the opportunity to chat with her last Friday though, and I've been unable to let go of our conversation. The cancer news was not good. In fact despite several rounds of chemo and radioactive treatments, the cancer continues to spread. More liver involvement, and now lungs and lymph nodes. She's taken on more than her share of negative side effects from the treatments, including weight loss, hair loss, fatigue, and neuropathy in her hands and feet making walking a new challenge, and hindering her fine motor skills.
I just can't help but think to myself how "unfair" it seems, and yet she'd have no part in sharing those thoughts with you. During the entire conversation she was a source of joy, and hope and optimism regardless of the diagnostic outcome. She truly radiated a sense of "living in the moment" and trust in God's providence. She shared how certain she was that He had his hand in every moment of her life/health, and just beamed with gratitude for each moment of each day. It was obvious to me how despite the bad things that come our way, God continues to use us. Our reactions can reflect His prescence and peace to others, despite the burdens we bare. Wow. What a beautiful woman. And how blessed I feel to have been touched by her message of spiritual healing and growth even when physical healing isn't possible.
I found myself thinking of her throughout the weekend and grabbing on to those little life moments that pass in the blink of an eye. The hectic times, the frustrating times, the good times...God's constantly working in our lives, and our reaction to all of it can change people. How blessed I am to sit in my rocker and twist braids into a ten-year-old's hair...getting ready for the football game, as supper warms on the stove. Or to show a 3 year old how to make the sign of the cross at mass, or to lay on the bed and read a few chapters with my son, to sit in the sun and watch the kids help their Dad water flowers. These simple moments won't last forever. Instead we continue to face more difficult challenges along the way, some we can't even begin to imagine or accept at our current phase of life, and yet, they'll come.
I pray for the grace my friend shows. I pray to be able to learn from her, and to find my self living in the moment, grateful for the good and the bad, content in the knowledge that He is constantly holding us in the palm of His gentle, loving hand.
oh my heart...
Heartburn.
It is a fact of my life right now...something I've been blessed with during each of my pregnancies. I keep Tums on hand though, so it is manageable, and I will not complain.
Except last night, I ran out of Tums. And I ate a late night slice of pumpkin pie, leftover from the World's Largest Pumkin Pie baked nearby in New Bremen, OH. (That's right...WORLD's largest! 20 feet in diameter, to beat their own previously held record of 12 feet. How cool is that?!)
Anyhow...back to the "burn." I knew instantly it was going to cause me problems...but it didn't slow me down. I ate it anyways. And sure as shootin, as soon as my head hit the pillow, the familiar burn set in. No prob. Chew a few Tums...and I'm snoozin. No Tums, remember?! Well I had forgotten. So I found myself first tearing apart every purse and travel bag I could find looking for a forgotten roll, and then doing what I do next when I have a dilemna...googling.
C'mon Mr. Google, don't fail me now...show me "home remedies for heartburn." I found every horrible idea under the sun...from drinking vinegar, or baking soda, or a combination (isn't that what you put in clogged drains?!), someone suggested drinking mustard straight from the bottle, or pickle juice (only dill.), milk, NO MILK!, yogurt, oh for heaven's sake. What's a girl to do?! One idea that kept creaping up was to take a bite of a raw potato. Hmm. I like raw potatoes, so it didn't sound horrifying (or caustic), and I happened to have a couple potatoes sitting out on the countertop that I ended up not using for Sunday brunch.
Hmm. A bite of raw potato?!
I went for it.
I peeled the end off one potato, and nibbled 2 small bites.
I sat up on the couch just a couple minutes, waiting for a reaction.
And guess what...
It worked!!! That darn bite of potato cured my heartburn within minutes. (faster than Tums, maybe.)
Okay, so there's no calcium benefit. And maybe it was just a placebo effect. But a single bite of potato is harmless ( I think) to me and baby, so I'll certainly try it again in a pinch.
I'm just saying. It's sounds better than the drain cleaner option!
It is a fact of my life right now...something I've been blessed with during each of my pregnancies. I keep Tums on hand though, so it is manageable, and I will not complain.
Except last night, I ran out of Tums. And I ate a late night slice of pumpkin pie, leftover from the World's Largest Pumkin Pie baked nearby in New Bremen, OH. (That's right...WORLD's largest! 20 feet in diameter, to beat their own previously held record of 12 feet. How cool is that?!)
Anyhow...back to the "burn." I knew instantly it was going to cause me problems...but it didn't slow me down. I ate it anyways. And sure as shootin, as soon as my head hit the pillow, the familiar burn set in. No prob. Chew a few Tums...and I'm snoozin. No Tums, remember?! Well I had forgotten. So I found myself first tearing apart every purse and travel bag I could find looking for a forgotten roll, and then doing what I do next when I have a dilemna...googling.
C'mon Mr. Google, don't fail me now...show me "home remedies for heartburn." I found every horrible idea under the sun...from drinking vinegar, or baking soda, or a combination (isn't that what you put in clogged drains?!), someone suggested drinking mustard straight from the bottle, or pickle juice (only dill.), milk, NO MILK!, yogurt, oh for heaven's sake. What's a girl to do?! One idea that kept creaping up was to take a bite of a raw potato. Hmm. I like raw potatoes, so it didn't sound horrifying (or caustic), and I happened to have a couple potatoes sitting out on the countertop that I ended up not using for Sunday brunch.
Hmm. A bite of raw potato?!
I went for it.
I peeled the end off one potato, and nibbled 2 small bites.
I sat up on the couch just a couple minutes, waiting for a reaction.
And guess what...
It worked!!! That darn bite of potato cured my heartburn within minutes. (faster than Tums, maybe.)
Okay, so there's no calcium benefit. And maybe it was just a placebo effect. But a single bite of potato is harmless ( I think) to me and baby, so I'll certainly try it again in a pinch.
I'm just saying. It's sounds better than the drain cleaner option!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Alleluiah Sunday!!
(a potty follow-up...disregard if you're tired of reading about such personal info.)
I was awakened at 7 am this morning to the beckoning call of "Mom, I poooooooped!"
(Oh no.)
Panic came over me as I lept out of bed as spryly as a woman almost 8 months pregnant can leap...and hurried, expecting to find a messy little 3 year old coming down the stairs. She wasn't there. I turned the corner to find her instead, grinning from ear to ear, sitting on the big potty where she had snuck in to do her business. In a matter of seconds all the kids were out of bed (probably expecting the same misfortune I had...and not one of the kids here can resist witnessing a good mess).
Hooping and hollering ensued.
Grace ran for one last package of silly bands I had tucked away in a cabinet, and so our Sunday began...what a blessed day!
Alleluia! Praising God for all his goodness, and mercy. That I shant have to bare many more days in the potty training trenches...at least not for a few more years anyway.
I was awakened at 7 am this morning to the beckoning call of "Mom, I poooooooped!"
(Oh no.)
Panic came over me as I lept out of bed as spryly as a woman almost 8 months pregnant can leap...and hurried, expecting to find a messy little 3 year old coming down the stairs. She wasn't there. I turned the corner to find her instead, grinning from ear to ear, sitting on the big potty where she had snuck in to do her business. In a matter of seconds all the kids were out of bed (probably expecting the same misfortune I had...and not one of the kids here can resist witnessing a good mess).
Hooping and hollering ensued.
Grace ran for one last package of silly bands I had tucked away in a cabinet, and so our Sunday began...what a blessed day!
Alleluia! Praising God for all his goodness, and mercy. That I shant have to bare many more days in the potty training trenches...at least not for a few more years anyway.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
TGFL
(that would be THANK GOD FOR LINOLEUM...and LUCY...and LUCKY timing...and LEAPING for joy over finally having potty success!)
After a 2 week battle of wills...and boy is she stubborn (like her momma)...we finally had success today!! Surely the entire neighborhood heard all 10 kids and myself singing and celebrating..."Lucy pooped on the potty!, Lucy pooped on the potty!" There were two weeks worth of bribes being pulled out of the cabinets...silly bands, bubble gum, lollipops, you name it. She called grandma. She gave high fives. She even wore a dress today...so the whole world can know that she's in "big girl" panties.
Yep. Life is good. Now...we just wait and pray, that it continues in a forward-moving direction. She's already starting to go pee independently...without constant reminders. Now we just hope the same for "Number 2."
(oh, and don't mind the poor picture quality...the only camera I could find in all the excitement was Rose's little Toddler-Cam. Lucy didn't mind though.)
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Aww Rats.
Either there's a really resourceful little rodent in this house, or a two-year-old toddler with a mean case of the munchies. Regardless...someone slit this bag with such precision that this unsuspecting mom grabbed it off the counter to put it away, tossing chips all over the floor.
....Lucy!!!!!!!!!!!
T minus 6 weeks, and counting...
...the millions of things I should be getting done. And yet, here I am. Taking a break from the madness (again). We've been busy here lately...mostly getting caught up in the comings and goings of daily life, but also trying to cross a few things off my "have to get done before baby arrives" list. (Okay, so some things have been on the list since, oh I don't know, Grace was in the womb...but a mom can dream, right?!)
I mentioned a couple weeks ago that we started potty training with my "baby" Lucy, who will be three in December. She took well to it immediately, loving the "big girl" attention. And after just a couple days was staying dry through the nights (even waking herself up, going on her own, and then sneaking into bed with us to let us know.) She's been accident-free of pee for over a week now. It's the "poo" that's giving us issues. She absolutely refuses (perhaps scared to death?!) to try that one on the potty yet. Oh, and it usually only takes ONE time for them to know it's okay...but we can't get that first one!! I've tried lots of little motivations (ie BRIBES). Today though, I'm throwing caution to the wind, and she's streaking in her birthday suit until we have success. (Had to drive Charlie the 1/2 block to preschool, cause I'm certain as soon as she's dressed she'll let loose in her britches...so, naked she went into her carseat...she giggled.) I'm trying to remain calm about this, knowing that it's just a matter of time, and that we've accomplished this 9 times before her (though in seemingly much quicker fashion)...just breathe Jamie.
In other news...I've got my sewing machine out for a marathon of projects. My mom sewed new dresses for the oldest two to wear at our local Oktoberfest next weekend. I offered to do the accompanying aprons. I finished those up yesterday (check). Next on the list is a medieval-style dress for Emma who is participating in/helping to organize a Renaissance banquet at school. It's not due until November, but timing is not the best there, so I'm wanting to get that checked off the list as well. I've got fabric set aside for some bean bags for our yard game...not a priority by any means, but since the sewing machine is out, I'll try to get that done too. Oh, and the girls had a clever sewing idea for some christmas gifts this year, so I've got 10 yards of really cute fabric waiting on me. Alice and Emma want to help with that project, so it may go quicker (or much longer) depending.
I'm still planning to accomplish a little more canning yet this year. I have a real hankerin' for homemade applesauce...warm with a little cinnamon...mmmmm. Can't you just taste it?! So, I'm hoping to get over to a nearby orchard yet this week, and get a bushel or two and get to work.
I'll admit, my energy level is dwindling (big time) so I'm pretty much limited to one project that I can complete in the morning, when I'm feeling my best. By afternoon, I'm not good for much more than a load or two of laundry to fold, followed by a quick cat-nap before the school kids are back home ready for the snack/homework/supper routine.
It hasn't taken me any time at all to adjust to John's new dayshift schedule...in fact, we're all LOVING it! And, I'm quite content to get my housework/laundry done during the day, so we can fall into bed by 10. I can't even remember having the energy to stay up past midnight every night...that must have been someone else...some other lifetime.
We're still working through finalizing a contract on THE HOME we're still dreaming of. It's one of those things that requires patience, and for the most part, I've pretty much forgotten about worrying about it. It will happen in it's own good time. Though, once the contract is signed, our current house will go on the market...and that's a whole 'nother stress (keeping things clean/picked up) that I'm not looking forward to. But, like I said...I've handed that worry back to God. There's too much keeping me occupied in the here and now...I'm trusting in His Providence.
We're (I'm) getting VERY excited about greeting this new little one, who's movements in my belly allow me to feel/imagine little feet and knees and other boney parts as they roll across my midsection. My nights are consumed with dreams about holding, nursing, and caring for this new little miracle...I just can't wait to meet him or her. Oh, he/she'll be here before we know it.
And list or no list, I know that we're ready...
I mentioned a couple weeks ago that we started potty training with my "baby" Lucy, who will be three in December. She took well to it immediately, loving the "big girl" attention. And after just a couple days was staying dry through the nights (even waking herself up, going on her own, and then sneaking into bed with us to let us know.) She's been accident-free of pee for over a week now. It's the "poo" that's giving us issues. She absolutely refuses (perhaps scared to death?!) to try that one on the potty yet. Oh, and it usually only takes ONE time for them to know it's okay...but we can't get that first one!! I've tried lots of little motivations (ie BRIBES). Today though, I'm throwing caution to the wind, and she's streaking in her birthday suit until we have success. (Had to drive Charlie the 1/2 block to preschool, cause I'm certain as soon as she's dressed she'll let loose in her britches...so, naked she went into her carseat...she giggled.) I'm trying to remain calm about this, knowing that it's just a matter of time, and that we've accomplished this 9 times before her (though in seemingly much quicker fashion)...just breathe Jamie.
In other news...I've got my sewing machine out for a marathon of projects. My mom sewed new dresses for the oldest two to wear at our local Oktoberfest next weekend. I offered to do the accompanying aprons. I finished those up yesterday (check). Next on the list is a medieval-style dress for Emma who is participating in/helping to organize a Renaissance banquet at school. It's not due until November, but timing is not the best there, so I'm wanting to get that checked off the list as well. I've got fabric set aside for some bean bags for our yard game...not a priority by any means, but since the sewing machine is out, I'll try to get that done too. Oh, and the girls had a clever sewing idea for some christmas gifts this year, so I've got 10 yards of really cute fabric waiting on me. Alice and Emma want to help with that project, so it may go quicker (or much longer) depending.
I'm still planning to accomplish a little more canning yet this year. I have a real hankerin' for homemade applesauce...warm with a little cinnamon...mmmmm. Can't you just taste it?! So, I'm hoping to get over to a nearby orchard yet this week, and get a bushel or two and get to work.
I'll admit, my energy level is dwindling (big time) so I'm pretty much limited to one project that I can complete in the morning, when I'm feeling my best. By afternoon, I'm not good for much more than a load or two of laundry to fold, followed by a quick cat-nap before the school kids are back home ready for the snack/homework/supper routine.
It hasn't taken me any time at all to adjust to John's new dayshift schedule...in fact, we're all LOVING it! And, I'm quite content to get my housework/laundry done during the day, so we can fall into bed by 10. I can't even remember having the energy to stay up past midnight every night...that must have been someone else...some other lifetime.
We're still working through finalizing a contract on THE HOME we're still dreaming of. It's one of those things that requires patience, and for the most part, I've pretty much forgotten about worrying about it. It will happen in it's own good time. Though, once the contract is signed, our current house will go on the market...and that's a whole 'nother stress (keeping things clean/picked up) that I'm not looking forward to. But, like I said...I've handed that worry back to God. There's too much keeping me occupied in the here and now...I'm trusting in His Providence.
We're (I'm) getting VERY excited about greeting this new little one, who's movements in my belly allow me to feel/imagine little feet and knees and other boney parts as they roll across my midsection. My nights are consumed with dreams about holding, nursing, and caring for this new little miracle...I just can't wait to meet him or her. Oh, he/she'll be here before we know it.
And list or no list, I know that we're ready...
Sunday, September 12, 2010
safety seat sunday
I mentioned in my previous post that John and I got out for a quick shopping trip...and here's the reason...
Now that Frank and Rose have turned four, and pretty close to the 40# mark (with boots and heavy clothes on), they can convert from the regular infant/toddler 5 point harness seats to the standard booster seat, which allows them to buckle in with a regular seat belt. With SEVEN kids in car/booster seats (soon to be EIGHT!) this means my life is greatly simplified. K-Mart has booster seats buy-one-get-one-free this week, so we had to rush over and check it out. Yup, two new booster seats for $18.99. What a deal!
It meant removing all the old seats, vacuuming the van, and even trying out a new seating arrangement. While the seats were out, all the kids had fun lining them up and playing with them in the driveway...even Alice and Emma were tempted to model the old "baby seats" that Frank and Rose are happy to send into storage.
Frank and Rose now get John and Mary's highback booster seats, and the older pair got the new backless seats.
Everyone's happy...'cept Sam, who didn't think I was quick enough with the camera to catch him reliving his younger days.
Now that Frank and Rose have turned four, and pretty close to the 40# mark (with boots and heavy clothes on), they can convert from the regular infant/toddler 5 point harness seats to the standard booster seat, which allows them to buckle in with a regular seat belt. With SEVEN kids in car/booster seats (soon to be EIGHT!) this means my life is greatly simplified. K-Mart has booster seats buy-one-get-one-free this week, so we had to rush over and check it out. Yup, two new booster seats for $18.99. What a deal!
It meant removing all the old seats, vacuuming the van, and even trying out a new seating arrangement. While the seats were out, all the kids had fun lining them up and playing with them in the driveway...even Alice and Emma were tempted to model the old "baby seats" that Frank and Rose are happy to send into storage.
Frank and Rose now get John and Mary's highback booster seats, and the older pair got the new backless seats.
Everyone's happy...'cept Sam, who didn't think I was quick enough with the camera to catch him reliving his younger days.
TGIS
Whew. Glad to stick a fork in this weekend, and call 'er done!
I'm not sure what happened...hormones, sick kids, pregnancy fatigue, dreary weather on Saturday, or the fact that I've been battling a nasty sinus infection all week (maybe a combination of all of the above). But Friday night I poured myself a big old bowl of "Feelin' Sorry for Myself" and munched on it all weekend! Talk about a funk...wow. Ask anyone here, I was a real ball of fire to be around. Thank God they love me, and put up with me gracefully.
It seemed to start Friday evening when John announced that he was taking the four oldest to the high school football game. God love him...I know he meant well...it would mean 4 less for me at home, and he even offered that if I'd rather go, he'd stay behind with the younger ones. Truth is, I had no desire to go without him, but would have LOVED to sit with him in the bleachers. This is about when I got the bowl and spoon out, ready to pour it on. For some reason, everyone's yard was looking greener...the couples who go to the games without their kids, or the couples who take all their kids with them and give each child several bucks to spend at the concessions, or even the couples who put their kids to bed early to stay up snuggling on the couch. Somehow in the joys and blessings of big family life, a small sacrifice...something we're always working to overcome is that there can at times feel like a disconnect in that whole "couple" thing. I'm thinking in hindsight (after I stuffed myself on "whoa is me" all weekend), that John's new day-shift schedule is certainly a step in the right direction for changing that. The kids are in bed by 9, leaving us an hour or so to talk, read the paper together, share thoughts on the day, or whatever. It has to beat communicating with post-it notes on those days when we'd work opposite shifts, or when I was just too tired to wait up for him to get home. ...
Anyhow...I stayed in my miserable little funk all through Saturday, accomplishing the bare-minimum as far as cooking and clean-up, and kids needs are concerned. John was asked to come in and supervise the OT shift for the weekend...9 hours...yikes. We had talked about doing a quick family get-away for the weekend, which we'd nixed by midweek, but that was still fueling my "sorry me" bowl yet too. I managed to twist around in my head that everyone else probably had fun plans for the weekend but us...whoa is me. The rest of the day was spent moping around in sloppy sweatpants...I can't even say they were baggy, which only added to my emotional dysfunction. Thankfully by Saturday evening, I got out of the house for a half-hour grocery run, and came home feeling like the fog was lifting.
Sunday's sunshine, and the graces that come with attending mass together as a family made the day seem even more good, with nothin' but feelings of hope and optimism. The gospel reading today is one of my favorite collections of stories of forgiveness, and were just what I needed to hear to start with a new attitude today. I could totally connect with Paul in the second reading...I am the sinner whom God continues to show mercy towards. And I have every reason to be grateful...especially after acting like such a schmuck yesterday. Even the psalms resonated...I love how the Holy Spirit speaks to us in the daily readings! God is good!! We spent the day putting on a big pot of chili, making a ginormous double batch of caramel corn (which had everyone smiling), and enjoyed listening to Alice share some of the new songs she's learned on the guitar. Wow...just 8 months of lessons and she sounds incredible. We had fun singing and dancing to her rendition of "Country Roads." John and I even got to sneak out for a couple hours while the younger kids were napping, to do some shopping. It was just the little "out" we needed to regroup/reconnect again.
Life is good. We have our "funky" moments...and I am grateful for the Holy Spirit who is waiting patiently to blow the stink off.
I'm not sure what happened...hormones, sick kids, pregnancy fatigue, dreary weather on Saturday, or the fact that I've been battling a nasty sinus infection all week (maybe a combination of all of the above). But Friday night I poured myself a big old bowl of "Feelin' Sorry for Myself" and munched on it all weekend! Talk about a funk...wow. Ask anyone here, I was a real ball of fire to be around. Thank God they love me, and put up with me gracefully.
It seemed to start Friday evening when John announced that he was taking the four oldest to the high school football game. God love him...I know he meant well...it would mean 4 less for me at home, and he even offered that if I'd rather go, he'd stay behind with the younger ones. Truth is, I had no desire to go without him, but would have LOVED to sit with him in the bleachers. This is about when I got the bowl and spoon out, ready to pour it on. For some reason, everyone's yard was looking greener...the couples who go to the games without their kids, or the couples who take all their kids with them and give each child several bucks to spend at the concessions, or even the couples who put their kids to bed early to stay up snuggling on the couch. Somehow in the joys and blessings of big family life, a small sacrifice...something we're always working to overcome is that there can at times feel like a disconnect in that whole "couple" thing. I'm thinking in hindsight (after I stuffed myself on "whoa is me" all weekend), that John's new day-shift schedule is certainly a step in the right direction for changing that. The kids are in bed by 9, leaving us an hour or so to talk, read the paper together, share thoughts on the day, or whatever. It has to beat communicating with post-it notes on those days when we'd work opposite shifts, or when I was just too tired to wait up for him to get home. ...
Anyhow...I stayed in my miserable little funk all through Saturday, accomplishing the bare-minimum as far as cooking and clean-up, and kids needs are concerned. John was asked to come in and supervise the OT shift for the weekend...9 hours...yikes. We had talked about doing a quick family get-away for the weekend, which we'd nixed by midweek, but that was still fueling my "sorry me" bowl yet too. I managed to twist around in my head that everyone else probably had fun plans for the weekend but us...whoa is me. The rest of the day was spent moping around in sloppy sweatpants...I can't even say they were baggy, which only added to my emotional dysfunction. Thankfully by Saturday evening, I got out of the house for a half-hour grocery run, and came home feeling like the fog was lifting.
Sunday's sunshine, and the graces that come with attending mass together as a family made the day seem even more good, with nothin' but feelings of hope and optimism. The gospel reading today is one of my favorite collections of stories of forgiveness, and were just what I needed to hear to start with a new attitude today. I could totally connect with Paul in the second reading...I am the sinner whom God continues to show mercy towards. And I have every reason to be grateful...especially after acting like such a schmuck yesterday. Even the psalms resonated...I love how the Holy Spirit speaks to us in the daily readings! God is good!! We spent the day putting on a big pot of chili, making a ginormous double batch of caramel corn (which had everyone smiling), and enjoyed listening to Alice share some of the new songs she's learned on the guitar. Wow...just 8 months of lessons and she sounds incredible. We had fun singing and dancing to her rendition of "Country Roads." John and I even got to sneak out for a couple hours while the younger kids were napping, to do some shopping. It was just the little "out" we needed to regroup/reconnect again.
Life is good. We have our "funky" moments...and I am grateful for the Holy Spirit who is waiting patiently to blow the stink off.
...from today's responsorial psalm:
R. (Lk 15:18) I will
rise and go to my father.
A clean heart create for me, O God,
and a steadfast spirit renew within me.
Cast me not out from your
presence,
and your Holy Spirit take not from me.
R. I will rise
and go to my father.
Friday, September 10, 2010
the week of "firsts" continues...
Okay, so not all firsts are "good things," but it could be worse, I keep telling myself. Frank had our first illness of the the changing seasons. I brought him in to the doctor this morning for a nasty double ear infection. Poor little guy has been running a fever off and on, and complaining of ear pain (mainly at night, of course) for a couple days, so it was time to consider treatment. Turns out not only did he have a lot of fluid and pressure behind both ear drums, he also had terribly infected ear canals, nearly swollen shut. He's being treated with not only an oral antibiotic, but antibiotic drops into the ear canal as well. I'm so glad we've had very little experience with ear infections...it seems to make the kids terribly miserable...not wanting to eat, not able to sleep, and just generally feeling lousy with fever.
The silver lining though...a quick trip to the library for some new books and movies while we were getting prescriptions filled means plenty of quiet snuggle time on the couch...which is actually possible with the smaller crowd at home during the day.
In other news...got another package in the mail today (a split shipment from my previously described order of baby items.) This one included some new items for momma too...though completely baby/nursing related. I'm very excited to share a review of my new goods in a future post. I hesitantly ordered a couple nursing tanks (something I've never tried before, but love the idea of), and after trying them on, I think I'm gonna LOVE them!! (men, you're gonna wanna tune out for that one.)
The silver lining though...a quick trip to the library for some new books and movies while we were getting prescriptions filled means plenty of quiet snuggle time on the couch...which is actually possible with the smaller crowd at home during the day.
In other news...got another package in the mail today (a split shipment from my previously described order of baby items.) This one included some new items for momma too...though completely baby/nursing related. I'm very excited to share a review of my new goods in a future post. I hesitantly ordered a couple nursing tanks (something I've never tried before, but love the idea of), and after trying them on, I think I'm gonna LOVE them!! (men, you're gonna wanna tune out for that one.)
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
rolling with the changes...
This week we're adjusting to all kinds of changes and "firsts." And while the flow of our day is certainly changing, we're embracing it...life is good.
On Tuesday, John made the schedule change to first shift. After 21 years on evenings or nights or weekends, it was an exciting, answered prayer to send him off to work in the morning and have him back home in time for dinner. What an interesting change of mindset for me to realize at mid-afternoon, that the day is only going to get better...rather than bracing myself for the challenging evening ahead. The accompanying change in weather (cooler fall-ish days) has even had me back in the kitchen cooking "real" meals for dinner, to welcome him home. It's a good thing.
Wednesday was Charlie's first day of preschool. He's our first to attend "morning" session, which happens to be working out fabulously as of day one. A little extra preparation in the evenings (laying out clothes for ALL kids, instead of just schoolies) makes it simple to get the school kids out the door, and spend the next hour getting the younger ones ready for the day in time that we can walk Charlie down the street and around the block to "Jackie's" by nine.
On Tuesday, John made the schedule change to first shift. After 21 years on evenings or nights or weekends, it was an exciting, answered prayer to send him off to work in the morning and have him back home in time for dinner. What an interesting change of mindset for me to realize at mid-afternoon, that the day is only going to get better...rather than bracing myself for the challenging evening ahead. The accompanying change in weather (cooler fall-ish days) has even had me back in the kitchen cooking "real" meals for dinner, to welcome him home. It's a good thing.
Wednesday was Charlie's first day of preschool. He's our first to attend "morning" session, which happens to be working out fabulously as of day one. A little extra preparation in the evenings (laying out clothes for ALL kids, instead of just schoolies) makes it simple to get the school kids out the door, and spend the next hour getting the younger ones ready for the day in time that we can walk Charlie down the street and around the block to "Jackie's" by nine.
Charlie was all smiles to finally be putting that new backpack to good use. He forced a "cheeeesey" smile, and practically ran off the porch ahead of us towards school. He did stop for us to catch up, but stayed several steps ahead of the rest of us...and even mumbled to little Rose that she most certainly "can not come up on the steps to school" with him. Little did he know we had our own plans for the morning...Just the three youngest and me.
First we headed down the street to the park...the girls seemed suddenly so much bigger. It didn't take long for my sister-in-law and her little Beth to meet up with us, and snatched Rose home with them for a play date. Oh my...only two little ones left with me.
Frank and I collected a whole jar of "cool rocks" at the park to take home and display on his dresser (for now.) We'll return them later, and search for new ones on our next adventure.
After a little laundry putting-away (Frank was a real help...putting all his own shirts on hangers), we turned up some music and danced...and jumped on Sam's bed, shhhh don't tell. We're celebrating life's changes afterall.
Before we knew it, it was time to go back for Charlie. We picked him up in the wagon, and heard tell of his first big day of preschool. He was all smiles as he chatted our way home with songs that he learned (the baby bumblebee song, ring-around-the-rosey, and more) and how he put two puzzles together all by himself, and how he met a couple boy-friends, but LOTTTTTS of girl-friends. Oh my....should be an interesting year.
So what did we do today to continue our week of firsts?? Well, we took Lucy shopping for "big girl" panties of course. She's officially decided to give all the diapers in the house to the new baby to come....yipppeee!!! We're just getting started, but off to a very successful start. I couldn't be happier for the new "big girl" in this house. And grinning to realize that for a few more weeks anyways, we will have nobody in diapers...for the first time in almost 11 years!!!
Oh my... yep, Life is Good. Our God is good.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
today a package came.
Please tell me we're not the only family that gets giddy and giggly when we find a package left on our porch. I'm not a huge internet shopper (not a huge any-kind of shopper, really), so when we see Mr. UPS or FedEx stop in, it's a big deal.
Today was one of those special days...and we all made a big fuss about it. Alice was the first to see it, and bring it in the house. I knew what it was immediately (I'd done a little online ordering earlier this week for some new baby things), and called the little ones in to guess what it could be. It didn't take long for a crowd to gather, as we ooohed and ahhhed..."whose name is on it?" someone beckoned. (It was for ME). "What is it??" Lucy begged.
"I think it's something for the new baby," I told them. Rose giggled like it was Christmas morning. We opened it carefully, and Lucy squeeled with delight to see what was inside...
Tiny baby clothes!
I purged our home of all things baby after Lucy outgrew them, holding on to only the gear and not the clothing...most of it so worn, it wasn't worth keeping. And the things that were new or still nice got passed on to family and friends. It's been fun collecting a few new pink and blue things...tags still on waiting till we know for certain what we'll need.
Of course I pulled the little sleepers out of the package, laid one across my bigger-by-the-moment belly and danced around to "model" it for everyone. 'Which one will we need to keep?' is the big question. Will it be a boy or a girl? Oh, we're just so excited to find out. It's been awhile since we've had a tiny baby...Lucy seems so ready to pass on her title. Only 8 more weeks to find out...
I purged our home of all things baby after Lucy outgrew them, holding on to only the gear and not the clothing...most of it so worn, it wasn't worth keeping. And the things that were new or still nice got passed on to family and friends. It's been fun collecting a few new pink and blue things...tags still on waiting till we know for certain what we'll need.
Of course I pulled the little sleepers out of the package, laid one across my bigger-by-the-moment belly and danced around to "model" it for everyone. 'Which one will we need to keep?' is the big question. Will it be a boy or a girl? Oh, we're just so excited to find out. It's been awhile since we've had a tiny baby...Lucy seems so ready to pass on her title. Only 8 more weeks to find out...
...oh, and wait till they see the cute little numbers that will arrive in the next package...too sweet!
saturday, cleaning day.
For now, we still do cleaning on Saturday mornings...especially when John's scheduled to work, and we have no other plans. That may all be changing soon with his new day-shift schedule starting next week....but for now, it works.
Some of you have written in, asking how I manage cleaning and household chores with kids...there's definitely a strong part of me that would rather just save all work until they're in bed, and get it done quickly and correctly (without arguing or fussing), but that's not really helping anyone in the grand scheme of things. I've tried it, and I find myself feeling resentful (and exhausted). Our team isn't getting any smaller...and kids need (and want) to play an active roll in making it a success. I mean, who really wants to "sit the bench" their whole lives??!
I found a website of daily chores by Motivated Moms that I'm considering downloading a daily chore lists, and dividing them up (it appears to be a VERY thorough list to include things that get lost in the shuffle until it's too overwhelming a task to want to accomplish.) If any of you have ever heard of or tried it, let us know with a comment!!
For now...the kids are on a rotating (by memory not list) schedule for daily tasks like emptying the dishwasher, emptying trash cans, and helping before/after meals. Sam takes out the trash each week.
On Saturday mornings "cleaning day":
~The kids are responsible for the basement...picking up toys, vaccuming, dusting, and vaccuming the stairs as well. It's never done perfectly...but close enough that I'm happy to leave it to them. Sometimes its done in minutes...sometimes an hour. But they work at it (or yell about it) till it's done, and I keep about my cleaning upstairs. Great things can come from letting them "work it out" themselves. When I hear things being thrown, or kids belittling each other, I intervene. Dance music goes hand-in-hand with clean-up.
~Alice and Emma take care of the upstairs "girls" bathroom...cleaning the sink and vanity, toilet, wiping mirrors, and cleaning the floor. It's never done the way I'd like it...and I usually go back over it slightly to "touch up." But they're getting better over time, and are starting to take pride in a job well done, so I don't dare take it away from them. They're also beginning to teach Grace and Mary the job, and they've all come to know how important it is to clean up toothpaste spills in the sink when it happens...not waiting till it's dry.
~The kids vaccum and dust they're own bedrooms. I wish I could say this got done weekly...more like monthly...but it gets picked up and beds made daily, so I'm cool with that.
~Sam loves to run the vaccum in the tv room, and he's strong enough to nudge the couch back a bit, and move the coffee table out of the way, so he does a pretty good job.
~All young kids LOVE washing windows. There's not enough glass in this house to keep them all happy, so I let them "go over" each others work, just to keep them busy. All windows and storm doors within reach, as well as television screens are fair game.
So where's mom? Sitting around slurping coffee and reading the paper? sometimes...for a minute...but there's still plenty to do. The kitchen, main bathroom, all-over dusting, and our bedroom is my "territory."
~I also still do all the laundry. This is just one area that I've not been able to work into a schedule, or find a way for the kids to help. Our washer and dryer run daily. As for the folding and putting away, I've just found it easiest to do after I have several baskets ready, and after the kids are in bed. It goes so much faster when the little ones aren't climbing across the folded piles of clean clothes on my bed. A long time ago, I found a way to sort socks before they go into the washer...and this system still works. The basket of whites is my least favorite...so at least the sock matching problem is out of the equasion. Sometimes I ask one of the kids to sort laundry by colors out of the laundry chute and into the hampers in the basement...but not as often as I used to. The oldest 3 (ages 9 and 10) have been schooled on using the washer and dryer, and I even taped instructions to the front of the machines for those times when they "need" something cleaned "right now." No reason they can't throw a load in, now and then...and someone has to know what to do all those times mom's in the hospital having babies, right?! oh, and on the subject of laundry, I've recently started making/using homemade laundry soap. So far, I'm quite pleased with the results...I'll share the recipe in a later post.
~oh and cooking...yep, that's all mine.
Anyhow. I'd love to hear how you all divi up tasks...or don't you? Maybe I'm a slave-driver and don't even know it?! I don't think so. The kids roll through six days of the week with little responsibilities, so Saturday morning "team-cleaning" seems fair. My goal for this school year is to have them share in more of the daily tasks, especially with new baby on the way. Afterall, they were a member of this team first...I want them to grow up knowing the blessing/importance/gift/value of family, and have a sense of priority towards their own family one day.
For now, I better get....we're in slow motion this saturday...lingering in our jammies and watching a few more cartoons than usual (kids don't appreciate saturday morning cartoons like we did when we were kids...when Saturday was the ONLY day of the week you could see them. Remember?!)
It's time to get business taken care of before Dad gets home from work for lunch. Have a wonderful holiday weekend everyone!
Some of you have written in, asking how I manage cleaning and household chores with kids...there's definitely a strong part of me that would rather just save all work until they're in bed, and get it done quickly and correctly (without arguing or fussing), but that's not really helping anyone in the grand scheme of things. I've tried it, and I find myself feeling resentful (and exhausted). Our team isn't getting any smaller...and kids need (and want) to play an active roll in making it a success. I mean, who really wants to "sit the bench" their whole lives??!
I found a website of daily chores by Motivated Moms that I'm considering downloading a daily chore lists, and dividing them up (it appears to be a VERY thorough list to include things that get lost in the shuffle until it's too overwhelming a task to want to accomplish.) If any of you have ever heard of or tried it, let us know with a comment!!
For now...the kids are on a rotating (by memory not list) schedule for daily tasks like emptying the dishwasher, emptying trash cans, and helping before/after meals. Sam takes out the trash each week.
On Saturday mornings "cleaning day":
~The kids are responsible for the basement...picking up toys, vaccuming, dusting, and vaccuming the stairs as well. It's never done perfectly...but close enough that I'm happy to leave it to them. Sometimes its done in minutes...sometimes an hour. But they work at it (or yell about it) till it's done, and I keep about my cleaning upstairs. Great things can come from letting them "work it out" themselves. When I hear things being thrown, or kids belittling each other, I intervene. Dance music goes hand-in-hand with clean-up.
~Alice and Emma take care of the upstairs "girls" bathroom...cleaning the sink and vanity, toilet, wiping mirrors, and cleaning the floor. It's never done the way I'd like it...and I usually go back over it slightly to "touch up." But they're getting better over time, and are starting to take pride in a job well done, so I don't dare take it away from them. They're also beginning to teach Grace and Mary the job, and they've all come to know how important it is to clean up toothpaste spills in the sink when it happens...not waiting till it's dry.
~The kids vaccum and dust they're own bedrooms. I wish I could say this got done weekly...more like monthly...but it gets picked up and beds made daily, so I'm cool with that.
~Sam loves to run the vaccum in the tv room, and he's strong enough to nudge the couch back a bit, and move the coffee table out of the way, so he does a pretty good job.
~All young kids LOVE washing windows. There's not enough glass in this house to keep them all happy, so I let them "go over" each others work, just to keep them busy. All windows and storm doors within reach, as well as television screens are fair game.
So where's mom? Sitting around slurping coffee and reading the paper? sometimes...for a minute...but there's still plenty to do. The kitchen, main bathroom, all-over dusting, and our bedroom is my "territory."
~I also still do all the laundry. This is just one area that I've not been able to work into a schedule, or find a way for the kids to help. Our washer and dryer run daily. As for the folding and putting away, I've just found it easiest to do after I have several baskets ready, and after the kids are in bed. It goes so much faster when the little ones aren't climbing across the folded piles of clean clothes on my bed. A long time ago, I found a way to sort socks before they go into the washer...and this system still works. The basket of whites is my least favorite...so at least the sock matching problem is out of the equasion. Sometimes I ask one of the kids to sort laundry by colors out of the laundry chute and into the hampers in the basement...but not as often as I used to. The oldest 3 (ages 9 and 10) have been schooled on using the washer and dryer, and I even taped instructions to the front of the machines for those times when they "need" something cleaned "right now." No reason they can't throw a load in, now and then...and someone has to know what to do all those times mom's in the hospital having babies, right?! oh, and on the subject of laundry, I've recently started making/using homemade laundry soap. So far, I'm quite pleased with the results...I'll share the recipe in a later post.
~oh and cooking...yep, that's all mine.
Anyhow. I'd love to hear how you all divi up tasks...or don't you? Maybe I'm a slave-driver and don't even know it?! I don't think so. The kids roll through six days of the week with little responsibilities, so Saturday morning "team-cleaning" seems fair. My goal for this school year is to have them share in more of the daily tasks, especially with new baby on the way. Afterall, they were a member of this team first...I want them to grow up knowing the blessing/importance/gift/value of family, and have a sense of priority towards their own family one day.
For now, I better get....we're in slow motion this saturday...lingering in our jammies and watching a few more cartoons than usual (kids don't appreciate saturday morning cartoons like we did when we were kids...when Saturday was the ONLY day of the week you could see them. Remember?!)
It's time to get business taken care of before Dad gets home from work for lunch. Have a wonderful holiday weekend everyone!
Thursday, September 2, 2010
a unique privelage
Earlier this week, John and I had the youngest four at Walmart to pick up a few essentials. I couldn't help but notice an elderly couple watch us enter the store with our little Rose in full-on tantrum mode, upset that she couldn't ride in the cart seat that she wanted. (Okay, they were more than watching...necks were bending and a couple times they turned around to walk backwards...better able to watch us that way.) I was frustrated to say the least, and I forced out a really loud, overly friendly "Hello there" as we finally met in the doorway. (Tried to kill 'em with kindness.) Turns out I'd soon be eating humble pie as they graciously introduced themselves, talked with tantrum-ing Rose (even gave her a little wooden hand-carved puppy), and showered us with kindness and well-wishes. "What a blessing you have there!" the kind man added. "You just love every minute with them...good and bad," he added. He went on to say that he and his wife had just one son. "We lost him in VietNam in 1969."
My heart sunk for them. My dad was there in 1969...it could have been him...and here I am frustrated about my pint-size "problem," that suddenly seemed so trivial. I'm such an ungrateful schmuck sometimes.
Fast forward to Wednesday night...mom called and said she and dad had a "ride" (that's motorcycle lingo for a "ride"...on their Harley (aka..."bike"). They were going to be a part of a procession of bikes that would escort the traveling Vietnam Wall Memorial display. She thought the kids and I might want to watch the hundreds of bikes expected to turn out for the escort. I kinda shrugged it off, thinking it was hot, it was a school night, we'd seen lots of bikes before. Last minute though, I thought of the fella at Walmart, and of his son, and had a change of heart. I thought maybe it would be a good thing to witness, and be a part of. The kids and I loaded up the van and started off to find a good spot along the route.
I tried to prep the kids a little about the Wall, and what it represents, and that the "parade" of motorcycles was in fact not a reason to cheer and hollar, rather we should be respectful...dare I say even somber remembering the soldiers that died. They seemed to understand the expectations I had for them, though not necessarily what the Wall was. We'd brought along our American flags, and took our places outside the van just in time for the escort to pass by. Almost immediately upon seeing the flashing lights, and those first bikes leading the way, I was overcome with emotions I hadn't expected. Tears filled my eyes, and I had to fight them back as many of the riders made eye-contact and nodded or gave us a thumbs up for being there. I couldn't help but realize that many of them had probably served our country at some point, perhaps even alongside the fallen soldiers this wall memorialized. I thought of my grandfathers, my dad, my brothers and in-laws who've all fought and made it home safely...and even considered the possibility that one day it could be one of my own boys wanting to do the same. An overwhelming sense of pride, and respect, and feeling of a sense of privelage to "welcome them home" came over me. Truly it was an honor and a blessing to be there to witness and be a part of something like this.
It turned out that more than 2500 motorcycles were on hand to escort the Wall. It took an hour for the procession to pass, and by the end we were hot and exhausted, kids were bored and tired of behaving, and thirsty, and whiny...and everyone was ready to leave. It was only an hour I told myself...such a tiny, tiny sacrifice. I offered it up in silent prayer as we drove home...for those whose sacrifice doesn't even compare. Thank you men and women of our military, and God Bless.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Morning Offering
One of the best things about returning to the "back-to-school" routine, is a renewed commitment to the morning offering prayer. It's something we started last year, but somehow got away from it through the summer when everyone was waking/eating breakfast at their own pace. I love sharing this prayer as a family before the kids rush off for the day... and reminding them (and me) just what the words mean...and reflecting back on it often through the day. Wow, in just a few days I notice a difference in the way I react to situations. I catch myself wondering in stressful times (particularly towards evening hours when we've all reached our boiling points) "Is this what God would appreciate as my gift/offering to Him?" I encourage anyone to give it a try. Here's our simply worded start to each day...
(we follow up with a Hail Mary...)
"Oh my God, I offer you this day,
All I do and think and say,
In union with what was done,
On earth by Jesus Christ your son.
Amen. "
(we follow up with a Hail Mary...)
fascinated with the baby belly
My constantly growing belly is the source of much entertainment for the kids in this household lately. From watching the baby's fluttering movements and occasional alien-like rocking and rolling, it never grows tiresome. Frank has even found the "shelf-space" it provides when I'm sitting quite useful for holding matchbox cars, resting his head, and today at mass even his offering envelope. He thinks its the coolest. So glad I can be of assistance. (Apparently he caught me resting my coffee cup there the other morning...hee, hee.)
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
leaving behind...
Four little monkeys...still in pj's, but not for long. Everyone was dressed (with new shoes on) by 7:50, and standing around waiting for something to do. I slurped down a second cup of coffee, and then wondered out the garden to pick a few more tomatoes, peppers and onions. Charlie and I chatted with some ladies who were passing thru the alley on bikes (one a retired teacher, who grinned that she wasn't missing this first day hoopla at all. Cute.) Before long Dad and the others had the bikes out of the garage and we were all headed off for a ride across town to grandmas. Home by ten, and mom's ready for a morning nap...
Wow, this is gonna take some getting used too...
Look out Miss Jackie (preschool teacher)...this one's gonna be trouble!!
Wow, this is gonna take some getting used too...
Look out Miss Jackie (preschool teacher)...this one's gonna be trouble!!
And just like that, they're out the door
Another summer vacation ended...new school year has begun. (sigh.) I'll say it a million more times in this life, "Where does the time go?" (and why so quickly?) Alarm clocks sounded at seven this morning, setting off a frenzy of scurrying kids...making beds, brushing teeth, getting dressed in clothes that were laid out neatly the night before. More squeaky tennis shoes on the hardwood floors upstairs, and giggling, and a little bit of tension as 4 girls attempted to brush teeth over one sink. (Just wait till Rose and Lucy join that mix). The boys handled things with a little less worry...rolling out of bed like it was just another day, taking turns in the downstairs bathroom, and arguing over cereal bowls like it was no big deal. After a quick bowl of cereal and OJ to wash it down...girls were lining up in my room for "hair." Alice wanted french braids into a "funky" bun, Grace and Mary had special plans, and even Emma asked for hair help (the first time ever without my prompting)...my heart skipped a beat when she asked. Yep, things are changing. She didn't even ask to wear basketball shorts and a baggy tee on the first day. Not that I would have expected any different...but to see her come down the steps in clothes that fit her body, and had buttons and zippers, and matched, without stains. Wow...fifth grade is bringing changes I couldn't have imagined. And it's just the first day...
Ten minutes earlier than necessary, the kids were out on the front sidewalk meeting up with neighbor kids, posing for first-day pictures, and pretending like they weren't the least bit nervous/excited. Another neighbor mom and I shared a little "Wooohoooo" battle-cry, and then laughed that we let that slip outloud. Guess I am excited for the changes this school year will bring, not the least of which is a slower pace here at home. Next week Charlie will be heading out the door for 3 mornings per week preschool. When we moved into this house 5 years ago, Alice and Emma were finishing preschool, and Charlie was still in my belly. (another sigh...)
Here's to a wonderful new school year full of growing and learning and maturing. Praying I can roll with the changes gracefully...
Monday, August 23, 2010
speaking of back to school...
Can you hear the "squeak" of new sneakers??? There have been 10 pairs of new tennies in this house for the last couple weeks now...hiding in one of the closets, until this evening that is. Now everyone's showering up fast, and squeaking around the house in brand new shoes. How much fun is that?! (I'm jealous.) Maybe after baby comes I'll treat myself to a new pair of work-out tennies too. (I don't really have to work out though, do I?)
Back-packs full of supplies and tissues are lined up and ready for the morning. Clothes laid out with sock and new sneakers. Oh, what excitement to be a kid again.
I just set up the coffee pot for morning, and have a new bottle of French Vanilla creamer in the fridge...the day's gonna be nice here at home too, I think. Cheers.
Back-packs full of supplies and tissues are lined up and ready for the morning. Clothes laid out with sock and new sneakers. Oh, what excitement to be a kid again.
I just set up the coffee pot for morning, and have a new bottle of French Vanilla creamer in the fridge...the day's gonna be nice here at home too, I think. Cheers.
insanely organized or out of my mind?
My husband's not yet sure.
School starts tomorrow already. So in an attempt to try to get ahead of the volumes of papers and crafts and appointments and schedule challenges, the girls helped me to put together a "control center" of sorts. In years past, we've managed the important papers by assigning each of the school kids their own magnet and place on the fridge to refer to. This year there are SEVEN school kids though, and even if the fridge did have room for everyone I've taken back it's doors as a place of (mostly clean) white space. No clutter. So where do we put the "important" school stuff now??!!
Here's my answer... with room to change/grow as needed.
We took an unused hallway wall, just off the kitchen, and added dry erase space for lists and shopping needs, my already in use desktop-turned-wall calendar that has plenty of space for all our appointments and comings/goings, as well as a clipboard for each of the school kids to hold important notes, papers, things to be signed/turned in later, artwork, etc. Everything (but the dry erase board) is mounted with the 3m Command strip hooks, so it can easily be moved/changed without damaging my freshly painted walls. (We are still hoping to have the house on the market soon, and didn't want to put dozens of holes in the walls.) We even had some cool sticky back name plates for each of the kids that my dad had made a while back...just waiting for a purpose. They work perfectly now mounted to the hooks holding the clipboards.
It's not too different than our system from years past, just all centrally located. I'm hoping this helps get the year started on the right foot...and helps me to keep my clear countertops/fridge door. We'll see how it goes. Enjoy a peaceful first day of school everyone!
I would LOVE to hear your tips for staying organized!!
School starts tomorrow already. So in an attempt to try to get ahead of the volumes of papers and crafts and appointments and schedule challenges, the girls helped me to put together a "control center" of sorts. In years past, we've managed the important papers by assigning each of the school kids their own magnet and place on the fridge to refer to. This year there are SEVEN school kids though, and even if the fridge did have room for everyone I've taken back it's doors as a place of (mostly clean) white space. No clutter. So where do we put the "important" school stuff now??!!
Here's my answer... with room to change/grow as needed.
We took an unused hallway wall, just off the kitchen, and added dry erase space for lists and shopping needs, my already in use desktop-turned-wall calendar that has plenty of space for all our appointments and comings/goings, as well as a clipboard for each of the school kids to hold important notes, papers, things to be signed/turned in later, artwork, etc. Everything (but the dry erase board) is mounted with the 3m Command strip hooks, so it can easily be moved/changed without damaging my freshly painted walls. (We are still hoping to have the house on the market soon, and didn't want to put dozens of holes in the walls.) We even had some cool sticky back name plates for each of the kids that my dad had made a while back...just waiting for a purpose. They work perfectly now mounted to the hooks holding the clipboards.
It's not too different than our system from years past, just all centrally located. I'm hoping this helps get the year started on the right foot...and helps me to keep my clear countertops/fridge door. We'll see how it goes. Enjoy a peaceful first day of school everyone!
I would LOVE to hear your tips for staying organized!!
Sunday, August 22, 2010
the anxieties of young minds
Charlie came into the bedroom as I was getting dressed for church this morning, sobbing as if he'd lost his best friend. "Mom, how big is a half a inch?" he whimpered. I showed him with my fingers as I wiped away tears..."Why do you ask?"
"The weatherman says the moon is shrinking by a half a inch," he continued. Alice followed him in to explain that the weather channel was doing a bit on how over time the moon is gradually shrinking. Apparently it's smaller now by 1/2 an inch. (Amazing to think someone has made it a priority to measure.) Anyhow, little Charlie is worried he won't be able to see it anymore. A few hugs and tears wiped away...he seemed reasurred when he walked out that the moon would still be his for the watching. Poor guy.
John on the other hand has other things on his mind. I caught him hugging Lucy on Saturday and mumbling "It's okay Lucy, I'll still love you when the new baby comes." (This is certainly more his worry than hers...I can't begin to think that it's even crossed her mind.)
"John, what do you mean?" I asked.
"Well, when the new baby comes, you won't be able to love Lucy anymore, so I'll love her and you can love the new baby." He patted Lucy on the head again. She just smiled, oblivious.
His dad was in the room too, and we spent a few minutes talking about how our hearts grow bigger with each baby (just like our butts, I thought to myself with a giggle) allowing us to love more...not less. I promised I had room to love all the kids plus the new baby...too cute how their minds are working on these things.
Little Lucy, despite John's concern about lack of love is concerned with only the new baby right now. She "practices" baby all day long, from changing diapers (on her invisible baby), to feeding, to holding. She seems so excited. We purchased a few new outfits for the little baby to come...a couple pink, and a couple blue...and she loves to look at them constantly, giggling about the pink built-in bunny feet, or the ruffles on the back. It's very sweet. Her biggest worry seems to be about not having enough baby to go around. She keeps saying mom's having "TWO" babies, one for mom, and one for Lucy. Umm. Not planning on that (this time.) Might be a bit tricky to learn that whole "sharing" thing. Wish us luck...
OUr conversation with little John reminded me of this cartoon that my father-in-law shared a few years back. So true.
"The weatherman says the moon is shrinking by a half a inch," he continued. Alice followed him in to explain that the weather channel was doing a bit on how over time the moon is gradually shrinking. Apparently it's smaller now by 1/2 an inch. (Amazing to think someone has made it a priority to measure.) Anyhow, little Charlie is worried he won't be able to see it anymore. A few hugs and tears wiped away...he seemed reasurred when he walked out that the moon would still be his for the watching. Poor guy.
John on the other hand has other things on his mind. I caught him hugging Lucy on Saturday and mumbling "It's okay Lucy, I'll still love you when the new baby comes." (This is certainly more his worry than hers...I can't begin to think that it's even crossed her mind.)
"John, what do you mean?" I asked.
"Well, when the new baby comes, you won't be able to love Lucy anymore, so I'll love her and you can love the new baby." He patted Lucy on the head again. She just smiled, oblivious.
His dad was in the room too, and we spent a few minutes talking about how our hearts grow bigger with each baby (just like our butts, I thought to myself with a giggle) allowing us to love more...not less. I promised I had room to love all the kids plus the new baby...too cute how their minds are working on these things.
Little Lucy, despite John's concern about lack of love is concerned with only the new baby right now. She "practices" baby all day long, from changing diapers (on her invisible baby), to feeding, to holding. She seems so excited. We purchased a few new outfits for the little baby to come...a couple pink, and a couple blue...and she loves to look at them constantly, giggling about the pink built-in bunny feet, or the ruffles on the back. It's very sweet. Her biggest worry seems to be about not having enough baby to go around. She keeps saying mom's having "TWO" babies, one for mom, and one for Lucy. Umm. Not planning on that (this time.) Might be a bit tricky to learn that whole "sharing" thing. Wish us luck...
OUr conversation with little John reminded me of this cartoon that my father-in-law shared a few years back. So true.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Top picks...
I am an experienced gardener by no means. I like to dabble, and occasionally have successful blooms to start with...and then I lose interest, or forget about it, or something goes sour, and I end up with brown, dead-looking yuck in my yard. I love small potted flowers for this reason. When they start to go bad, I can dump them and not feel too terrible about it. A few years back though, our neighbor lady and green thumb extroirdinaire introduced us to Zinnias. She sprinkled a few seeds along her fence row, forgot about them, and had the most beautiful vibrant colored flowers from summer, well into fall. I was amazed!
She offered us some seeds to save and replant the following spring...and we did...and they grew. Just like that. I watered a few times in the beginning as they just came up, but beyond that...it was survival of the fittest. Not only did they survive, they thrived! Beautifully!
We've been purchasing seed packets every year since(2 packets of seeds does a nice long row along the side of the house along our driveway, which gets full sun all day.) I would like to say that we saved and started seeds from previous years, but, well...like I said, I'm no green thumb. And for under $2 investment each year, it's worth it for me not to have to dry and store seeds.
Anyways. If you're not familiar with these, I highly recommend them. They're beautiful showy flowers in shades from white to pastels to vibrant bold and autumn colors. And they're perfect for cutting like we did here.
Pick some up next spring...and enjoy!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
summer madness continues
Sometimes spontaneous is a good thing. Other times, my old body is telling me I ought to stop and think things out a little better before I try to spring some more summer fun on the kids.
Monday I got home from work, and once again found a handful of kids laying around the tv "bored" with "nothing to do." Ugh! That makes me crazy.
The weather was gorgeous with lower humidity...a perfect evening to be outdoors. So, hmmm....what to do? what to do? I'd picked up 'smores fixins at my last grocery outing, and John had just attained a bunch of dried firewood, so a backyard campfire was surely a start for late evening. My wheels couldn't stop spinning though. Maybe we could roll with that theme and set the tents up in the backyard too...a full on campout. The only bad thing (or good thing in hindsight) about that plan is that the younger kids would bail on camping after a short time and wind up in the house. I was hoping for all of us to enjoy something together. What about real camping?? (This is where I should have hit the brakes, and stuck with the plan to stay at home...the plan that allows all of us to end up in our own comfortable beds if we so desire...but NOOOOO...Jamie's going for broke and googling available campsites at our nearby Lake Loramie state park. (and the kids don't have a clue.)
A short time later, I had myself convinced I can pull this off and make some fun summer memories for the kids while we're at it. I pencil down a quick list of necessary supplies, and hand it to Sam to hunt for items from the garage and shed...2 tents, hammer (for the stakes), lawn chairs, firewood, roasting sticks, cooler, etc...
I let the other kids in on the plan (to lots of whoops and hollars) and then a few grumbles when I told them that I need to catch up on laundry first as they pull together pajamas, sleeping bags, pillows, etc and tidy up their rooms a bit while they're hunting/gathering. I had let my laundry duties slide over the weekend with canning, cooking and birthdays, etc. Keeping the washer and dryer running is the easy part, but folding and putting away is my downfall...outta sight, outta mind in our basement laundry room. It wasn't long before the kids had everything finished on their part, and Alice and Emma were joining me in an all-out fold fest. In about an hour all of our work was done. I spent a little time throwing snacks and drinks, and a simple picnic supper into the cooler, and we were ready to load up.
Our evening at the campground was all the fun I was hoping for...and more. First tents were raised (while the boys had sword fights with the tent stakes, and little girls left their artistic mark with some chalk drawings on the drive), then our easy dinner of pb&j's, granola bars, bananas, and koolaid. Off to the playground we headed where the kids kept busy building a city in their fully-loaded-with-toys, ginormous sandbox; chased each other eagerly in a few games of tag; and even played a few games of kickball in the open grassy area there. We had planned to do a nature hike along the lake/trails, but they were enjoying themselves so much playing, that it was getting dark, and time to head back to build a fire and wash up for the night. We did have 'smores, and a few other snacks to munch while we watched the fire a bit. By this times the younger ones were so revved up about sleeping in a tent (or at least playing in it) that they were begging for bed. I left the four oldest to keep an eye on the fire, while I settled the 6 younger ones into the larger of the two tents. A couple drifted off to sleep pretty quickly, but the others were way too excited to settle easily...this is the point I began to rethink whether tent-camping was such a great idea. You see, everyone packed a sleeping bag...everyone that is, but me. Someone thought to throw in the "extra" that nobody else claimed...a tiny little toddler size "Buzz Lightyear" sleeping bag that might have been perfect for Lucy...but not this pregnant, feeling-older-by-the-minute momma. Oy. My bones were not happy to be laying on the hard ground with just Buzz and a little cotton batting to pad the nest. By the time the little ones were fast asleep (maybe a 1/2 hour or so), I left the tent to find that the older ones had had enough of the fire and were headed into their own tent. Shoot. So much for scarey campfire stories, and silly songs...but they were excited about sleeping the tent, and ready for bed. And the firewood was nearly gone. I threw one last log on the fire, and sat up in the quiet by myself for a bit wishing John could have joined us for the night. This would be a nice peaceful time to sit and chat with him...a rare treat indeed. I'm laughing thinking of how surprised he's going to be when he arrives home to an empty house, and a note explaining where we're at. I decided to give him a quick call at work to let him in on our surprise. (He already knows I'm crazy...) And we both agreed, that he may as well stay home and not join us. One of us should get a good nights' sleep and be sharp for the morning.
Anyways, I joined the younger ones back in their tent, and called it a night. Unfortunately, sleep didn't happen for me. Buzz was useless. I spent the entire night shifting from one hip to the other, certain there would be noticeable bruises on both sides when I woke up in the morning. All the Hail Mary's in the world weren't going to work tonight. I'm too far along in this pregnancy to be able to lay flat on my back anymore, though I gave that a try a couple times too...Baby Bean didn't like it, and was awake and kicking more than ever. As if I wasn't feeling enough discomfort already. At one point I even stole all the pillows from the kids who weren't using them, and attempted a make-shift cot, but keeping my butt/hips/belly from falling through the cracks was as much of a discomfort as depending on Buzz alone for a little padding. I just couldn't win.
The kids were all awake by 6am...about the time I'd finally lost all feeling in both hips and shoulders, and was starting to fall asleep. Dangit. I managed to keep them in the tent, and fairly quiet telling stories and rolling up sleeping bags till around 7.
From there it was a quick run to the bathroom, a change back into clothes, and poptarts and leftover bananas for the kids while I started taking down the tents. The kids played again at the playground for a short time (within eyeshot of our campsight) as I loaded everything into the van. And as quickly as we set off...we were headed home again. The kids couldn't wait to get home to tell Dad about the "best night ever!" and me....I just wanted coffee. Lots of coffee, a warm shower and a soft bed. (Still waiting for the soft bed...but it's not far away now.)
Despite the inconveniences and discomfort (and the fact that I'll never be able to watch Toy Story again without cursing Buzz Lightyear's name), I'm grateful for this beautiful family, and the opportunity for such a wonderful little adventure (and for no visible bruises.) As we packed up in the morning, we were greeted by several of our campsite "neighbors" who had such nice comments about our large family, and what a blessing it was to see us out together. I love opportunities like that...for others to witness God's gift of children, and big family life. I'm sure it's easier for them to say nice things too...knowing that we're packing up and heading out :) We truly are blessed!
Hmm. Wonder what we can do tomorrow for fun? Just 1 week left till school starts!
Monday I got home from work, and once again found a handful of kids laying around the tv "bored" with "nothing to do." Ugh! That makes me crazy.
The weather was gorgeous with lower humidity...a perfect evening to be outdoors. So, hmmm....what to do? what to do? I'd picked up 'smores fixins at my last grocery outing, and John had just attained a bunch of dried firewood, so a backyard campfire was surely a start for late evening. My wheels couldn't stop spinning though. Maybe we could roll with that theme and set the tents up in the backyard too...a full on campout. The only bad thing (or good thing in hindsight) about that plan is that the younger kids would bail on camping after a short time and wind up in the house. I was hoping for all of us to enjoy something together. What about real camping?? (This is where I should have hit the brakes, and stuck with the plan to stay at home...the plan that allows all of us to end up in our own comfortable beds if we so desire...but NOOOOO...Jamie's going for broke and googling available campsites at our nearby Lake Loramie state park. (and the kids don't have a clue.)
A short time later, I had myself convinced I can pull this off and make some fun summer memories for the kids while we're at it. I pencil down a quick list of necessary supplies, and hand it to Sam to hunt for items from the garage and shed...2 tents, hammer (for the stakes), lawn chairs, firewood, roasting sticks, cooler, etc...
I let the other kids in on the plan (to lots of whoops and hollars) and then a few grumbles when I told them that I need to catch up on laundry first as they pull together pajamas, sleeping bags, pillows, etc and tidy up their rooms a bit while they're hunting/gathering. I had let my laundry duties slide over the weekend with canning, cooking and birthdays, etc. Keeping the washer and dryer running is the easy part, but folding and putting away is my downfall...outta sight, outta mind in our basement laundry room. It wasn't long before the kids had everything finished on their part, and Alice and Emma were joining me in an all-out fold fest. In about an hour all of our work was done. I spent a little time throwing snacks and drinks, and a simple picnic supper into the cooler, and we were ready to load up.
Our evening at the campground was all the fun I was hoping for...and more. First tents were raised (while the boys had sword fights with the tent stakes, and little girls left their artistic mark with some chalk drawings on the drive), then our easy dinner of pb&j's, granola bars, bananas, and koolaid. Off to the playground we headed where the kids kept busy building a city in their fully-loaded-with-toys, ginormous sandbox; chased each other eagerly in a few games of tag; and even played a few games of kickball in the open grassy area there. We had planned to do a nature hike along the lake/trails, but they were enjoying themselves so much playing, that it was getting dark, and time to head back to build a fire and wash up for the night. We did have 'smores, and a few other snacks to munch while we watched the fire a bit. By this times the younger ones were so revved up about sleeping in a tent (or at least playing in it) that they were begging for bed. I left the four oldest to keep an eye on the fire, while I settled the 6 younger ones into the larger of the two tents. A couple drifted off to sleep pretty quickly, but the others were way too excited to settle easily...this is the point I began to rethink whether tent-camping was such a great idea. You see, everyone packed a sleeping bag...everyone that is, but me. Someone thought to throw in the "extra" that nobody else claimed...a tiny little toddler size "Buzz Lightyear" sleeping bag that might have been perfect for Lucy...but not this pregnant, feeling-older-by-the-minute momma. Oy. My bones were not happy to be laying on the hard ground with just Buzz and a little cotton batting to pad the nest. By the time the little ones were fast asleep (maybe a 1/2 hour or so), I left the tent to find that the older ones had had enough of the fire and were headed into their own tent. Shoot. So much for scarey campfire stories, and silly songs...but they were excited about sleeping the tent, and ready for bed. And the firewood was nearly gone. I threw one last log on the fire, and sat up in the quiet by myself for a bit wishing John could have joined us for the night. This would be a nice peaceful time to sit and chat with him...a rare treat indeed. I'm laughing thinking of how surprised he's going to be when he arrives home to an empty house, and a note explaining where we're at. I decided to give him a quick call at work to let him in on our surprise. (He already knows I'm crazy...) And we both agreed, that he may as well stay home and not join us. One of us should get a good nights' sleep and be sharp for the morning.
Anyways, I joined the younger ones back in their tent, and called it a night. Unfortunately, sleep didn't happen for me. Buzz was useless. I spent the entire night shifting from one hip to the other, certain there would be noticeable bruises on both sides when I woke up in the morning. All the Hail Mary's in the world weren't going to work tonight. I'm too far along in this pregnancy to be able to lay flat on my back anymore, though I gave that a try a couple times too...Baby Bean didn't like it, and was awake and kicking more than ever. As if I wasn't feeling enough discomfort already. At one point I even stole all the pillows from the kids who weren't using them, and attempted a make-shift cot, but keeping my butt/hips/belly from falling through the cracks was as much of a discomfort as depending on Buzz alone for a little padding. I just couldn't win.
The kids were all awake by 6am...about the time I'd finally lost all feeling in both hips and shoulders, and was starting to fall asleep. Dangit. I managed to keep them in the tent, and fairly quiet telling stories and rolling up sleeping bags till around 7.
From there it was a quick run to the bathroom, a change back into clothes, and poptarts and leftover bananas for the kids while I started taking down the tents. The kids played again at the playground for a short time (within eyeshot of our campsight) as I loaded everything into the van. And as quickly as we set off...we were headed home again. The kids couldn't wait to get home to tell Dad about the "best night ever!" and me....I just wanted coffee. Lots of coffee, a warm shower and a soft bed. (Still waiting for the soft bed...but it's not far away now.)
Despite the inconveniences and discomfort (and the fact that I'll never be able to watch Toy Story again without cursing Buzz Lightyear's name), I'm grateful for this beautiful family, and the opportunity for such a wonderful little adventure (and for no visible bruises.) As we packed up in the morning, we were greeted by several of our campsite "neighbors" who had such nice comments about our large family, and what a blessing it was to see us out together. I love opportunities like that...for others to witness God's gift of children, and big family life. I'm sure it's easier for them to say nice things too...knowing that we're packing up and heading out :) We truly are blessed!
Hmm. Wonder what we can do tomorrow for fun? Just 1 week left till school starts!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Happy 4th Birthday Frank & Rose!
The twelve of us attended mass this morning on the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary with an added sense of joy and gratitude today. Not only for the gift of our Heavenly Mother, but for the service and intercession she continues for our benefit, in her son's holy name. Today we also celebrate the birth and gift of life of our youngest twins Frank & Rose.
Happy Birthday Frank & Rosie!
Happy Birthday Frank & Rosie!
I can't help but get choked up when I see their first picture together in the hospital, before Rose was transferred to the NICU at Dayton Children's an hour away. Frank was delivered first, a beautiful healthy 8# 7oz. baby boy. Rose followed just behind, 6# 9oz., though delivered in a much more urgent fashion only to discover she had no pulse, and could not breathe on her own. She was pale, terribly anemic and requiring blood transfusions as well as very swollen from all the fluid she had retained as her heart was working so hard in utero. She spent 10 days in Dayton before we brought her home...completely healthy, without the first follow-up appointment required. No looking back. Our miracle. My ob/gyn and I have talked many times since about the events leading up to their birth, and how things could have played out so differently...she doesn't hesitate to share that she could feel a divine presence during her work in the delivery room. Most certainly, I know the Blessed Mother was interceding for us on this, her Feast Day.
Below is one of my favorite photos, possibly because it's rare that I'm in any pictures with my kids, but likely because not only does it capture the love of this mother for her babies...but I can't help recognize the Miraculous Medal I'm wearing, and remember the love of our Heavenly Mother, and the active role she has in our everyday lives. I bought this medal at the gift shop of The Shrine of the Holy Relics in Maria Stein, after spending time in prayer there when I learned of complications during pregnancy with our second set of twins, John & Mary. I continue to wear it almost daily.
And lastly, in light of our community's annual Alumni Softball tournament going on this weekend here in town, I had to include the photo when we were finally able to bring Rosie home...all 11 of us together. We had our own little softball team at that point and had shirts made to celebrate it. It's hard to spot the babies there in the buggy, but they had matching shirts too. How grateful I am for this beautiful team!
Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, August 15th
(from today's first reading)
"God’s temple in heaven was opened,
and the ark of his covenant could be seen in the temple.
A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun,
with the moon under her feet,
and on her head a crown of twelve stars." Rev. 12
"...the Immaculate Virgin, preserved free from all stain of original sin, when the course of her earthly life was finished, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory, and exalted by the Lord as Queen over all things, so that she might be the more full conformed to her Son, the Lord of lords and conqueror of sin and death."
~Pope Pious XII
"God’s temple in heaven was opened,
and the ark of his covenant could be seen in the temple.
A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun,
with the moon under her feet,
and on her head a crown of twelve stars." Rev. 12
"...the Immaculate Virgin, preserved free from all stain of original sin, when the course of her earthly life was finished, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory, and exalted by the Lord as Queen over all things, so that she might be the more full conformed to her Son, the Lord of lords and conqueror of sin and death."
~Pope Pious XII
Saturday, August 14, 2010
My weekend work awaits...
The garden is producing bountifully, and plans are in the works to do a second round of canning today. I made 2 batches of salsa on Monday, and hope to get two more canned today. Grapes are ready too, and the simple juice recipe I use means even the kids can help. It's just unfortunate that canning season can't come in February, when it's not so bad to stand over a hot stove for the day.
Tomorrow is Frank & Rose's 4th birthday, so it seems as though we'll be baking cakes today as well. (can you say 'steamy kitchen'). I have memories of finishing the salsa/canning the night before they were born, and it was really hot that year too. I was induced a few weeks early with them (unplanned) and was relieved to have that work out of the way before they came into the world. I'll have to share more about the miracle of that day later. Kitchen is calling.
"We give thee thanks all mighty Lord, for all the benefits we recieve from your bounty, through Christ our Lord. Amen."
starlite-starbright...
As my frenzied need to squeeze as much fun into these last days of summer continues...the kids and I ventured out to the Starlite drive in last night for some old-school movie madness. As are most of our plans, it was a last-minute decision to go, which seems to work best at motivating/exciting the kids. With just 10 minutes warning, they managed to scurry through the basement picking up toys, go potty and don jammies for the night out. In the meantime I threw some old blankets in the back of the van, some snacks (can you believe I was out of koolaid and popcorn, like my mom used to pack.) I had to settle for some non-traditional fare...vanilla wafers and pretzels was the best I could muster up.
We arrived at the drive-in just before dusk, and the older woman working the box office seemed a little disappointed that they wouldn't be making much money off of our crew that night. (They probably hate to see buses like ours pull in!) At $4. per adult, and kids 12 and under free...it was a great movie value...about 37cents a piece for us to see a new release. Not bad. And if we'd have stayed for the second movie...geesh, they'd practically be paying us to watch it.
We backed into the front row/grass area where the kids could spread out blankets and run like wild dogs with the other kids till the movie started. (Although surprisingly mine didn't run much.) They seemed so excited by the whole experience that they sat better before the movie started than they did once it began. It wasn't a very good movie...I'm not sure I'd even wait to see it on DVD for free from the library...Cats and Dogs was pretty lousy. But I can't tell you enough how much I enjoyed holding little Lucy in my arms for the last half hour, stargazing on the clear night, and whispering words to the song "Twinkle, twinkle little star..." together. My heart swelled with emotion as her eyelids got heavier, and her hands folded on her chest as if in prayer, and she settled peacefully off to sleep. Oh... this is is living, and loving. God is good.
We left before the second feature...well past the bedtime of the youngest half of our brood, and to the disappointment of our older crew. Ramona & Beezus was up next, and looks to be a fun movie to watch. Shoot, for $4 maybe we'll head back tonight.
We arrived at the drive-in just before dusk, and the older woman working the box office seemed a little disappointed that they wouldn't be making much money off of our crew that night. (They probably hate to see buses like ours pull in!) At $4. per adult, and kids 12 and under free...it was a great movie value...about 37cents a piece for us to see a new release. Not bad. And if we'd have stayed for the second movie...geesh, they'd practically be paying us to watch it.
We backed into the front row/grass area where the kids could spread out blankets and run like wild dogs with the other kids till the movie started. (Although surprisingly mine didn't run much.) They seemed so excited by the whole experience that they sat better before the movie started than they did once it began. It wasn't a very good movie...I'm not sure I'd even wait to see it on DVD for free from the library...Cats and Dogs was pretty lousy. But I can't tell you enough how much I enjoyed holding little Lucy in my arms for the last half hour, stargazing on the clear night, and whispering words to the song "Twinkle, twinkle little star..." together. My heart swelled with emotion as her eyelids got heavier, and her hands folded on her chest as if in prayer, and she settled peacefully off to sleep. Oh... this is is living, and loving. God is good.
We left before the second feature...well past the bedtime of the youngest half of our brood, and to the disappointment of our older crew. Ramona & Beezus was up next, and looks to be a fun movie to watch. Shoot, for $4 maybe we'll head back tonight.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Recipe Box
A cool cake to beat the blistering heat...can you say YUMMY!
I found this cake recipe a couple years back in the Kraft Foods magazine. I made it immediately and loved it, but somehow it got filed away and forgotten. (Did I mention I need a better, more organized system for filing recipes?)
Anyhow, with the crazy hot summer we're having, I did not have any desire to heat up the oven for Charlie's birthday cake. This recipe popped back into mind, and it was even better than I remembered. It's pretty enough for even the most special occasion (birthday, shower, dinner party, etc.) but simple enough to make "just because." Enjoy!
Oreo & Fudge Ice Cream Cake
1/2 cup Hot fudge ice cream topping, warmed
1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed, divided
1 pkg. (3.9 oz.) JELL-O Chocolate Instant Pudding
8 OREO Cookies, chopped (about 1 cup)
12 vanilla ice cream sandwiches
POUR fudge topping into medium bowl. Whisk in 1 cup COOL WHIP. Add dry pudding mix; stir 2 min. Stir in chopped cookies.
ARRANGE 4 ice cream sandwiches, side-by-side, on 24-inch-long piece of foil; top with half the COOL WHIP mixture. Repeat layers. Top with remaining sandwiches. Frost top and sides with remaining COOL WHIP. Bring up foil sides; double fold top and ends to loosely seal packet.
FREEZE 4 hours or until firm
Note...since the recipe only calls for 8 oreos, I crumbled a few extras to sprinkle on top, and piped a "Happy Birthday" on top with some of the leftover hot fudge. (Oh and then nibbled a few oreos too, of course!) It's beautiful all in white though...whichever you prefer.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
In God We Trust, sometimes.
We've all heard the saying, "It takes a village to raise a child." But what happens when one mother struggles with the feeling as though she's responsible for raising the whole village? A friend of mine recently called me about whether or not I'd heard of any support groups for moms of many, and unfortunately I have not. She's seeking support for a mom/friend of hers who found herself anxious and overwhelmed at learning she was expecting again, and then guilt-laden to learn she miscarried this gift she'd not completely yet accepted . It has less to do with not wanting more children, and more to do with lacking trust in God's plan for our lives. I can relate at times to the feeling of isolation/alienation that having a large family can bring. Certainly I know I too have questioned at times whether God has a real grip on how much He thought I could handle. (cause the saying goes, He won't give us any more than that...) I wonder at times if He's really getting the full picture...like when I lose it and scream at the kids for nonsense things, or when my frown while fixing a boo-boo leads one of my kids to ask "Mom, why are you mad at me?" Ugg. I'm not mad...I'm just overwhelmed...and my precious baby, whom I'm trying to comfort, is taking it personal. Ouch. Talk about adding salt to an open wound.
There must be some formal group out there though. Any of you have any suggestions?
In all honesty, I've felt grateful and incredibly blessed with each of my pregnancies. Though, I'd be lying if I said there weren't times when I stressed and worried about how much I thought I/we could handle; physically, emotionally, financially. I remember feeling as if four children in three years was my limit...and cried many nights to sleep praying for the strength/courage to quit contracepting and allow God to lead again. Thank Heaven for answered prayers. There's been no looking back since. I recall too when I was expecting our seventh child, that certainly life was going to go from organized chaos to out-of-control anarchy. It didn't. Seven is a holy number, and God graced us with a sense of peace in our home that I could never have imagined with 7 children, ages 5 and under. And look at us crazy kids now...expecting our 12th (eleven here on earth), and feeling confident in God's divine plan for our family (and sense of humor).
Still, there are moms out there, who in trying to remain faithful to our church's teachings, find themselves struggling to accept, let alone embrace the gift of more children. Good moms, good women, good wives, struggling. How can we reach out to them in support? How do we remind them that God in all of his Providence wants only what is good in our lives? That children are gifts from Him, and that the struggles and challenges that come with raising many young ones are worth it, now and for eternity. I can only speak for myself when I say that as we allow ourselves to trust...just little bits at a time, we allow His hand to lead, and see more of His plan for us revealed. Baby steps...growing in faith.
I pray tonight for moms struggling with infertility. I remember. I pray tonight for moms blessed with fertility and who are feeling alone, unsupported, and incredibly challenged by the many gifts they have been entrusted with. I have my moments there too. May we all find peace in knowing we can find rest and reassurance in His hands.
If you are aware of any support groups for moms of many or even words of advice/encouragement, please let me know, either in the comment box or e-mail me...I'd be so grateful to pass along the information.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.(Proverbs 3:5-6)
There must be some formal group out there though. Any of you have any suggestions?
In all honesty, I've felt grateful and incredibly blessed with each of my pregnancies. Though, I'd be lying if I said there weren't times when I stressed and worried about how much I thought I/we could handle; physically, emotionally, financially. I remember feeling as if four children in three years was my limit...and cried many nights to sleep praying for the strength/courage to quit contracepting and allow God to lead again. Thank Heaven for answered prayers. There's been no looking back since. I recall too when I was expecting our seventh child, that certainly life was going to go from organized chaos to out-of-control anarchy. It didn't. Seven is a holy number, and God graced us with a sense of peace in our home that I could never have imagined with 7 children, ages 5 and under. And look at us crazy kids now...expecting our 12th (eleven here on earth), and feeling confident in God's divine plan for our family (and sense of humor).
Still, there are moms out there, who in trying to remain faithful to our church's teachings, find themselves struggling to accept, let alone embrace the gift of more children. Good moms, good women, good wives, struggling. How can we reach out to them in support? How do we remind them that God in all of his Providence wants only what is good in our lives? That children are gifts from Him, and that the struggles and challenges that come with raising many young ones are worth it, now and for eternity. I can only speak for myself when I say that as we allow ourselves to trust...just little bits at a time, we allow His hand to lead, and see more of His plan for us revealed. Baby steps...growing in faith.
I pray tonight for moms struggling with infertility. I remember. I pray tonight for moms blessed with fertility and who are feeling alone, unsupported, and incredibly challenged by the many gifts they have been entrusted with. I have my moments there too. May we all find peace in knowing we can find rest and reassurance in His hands.
If you are aware of any support groups for moms of many or even words of advice/encouragement, please let me know, either in the comment box or e-mail me...I'd be so grateful to pass along the information.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.(Proverbs 3:5-6)
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