birthday season

We celebrate 8 birthdays in our home between Christmas and Valentines. That adds up to a lot of cake, and many visitors (godparents and grandparents) passing through. We've always tried to keep birthdays simple, kids pick their special birthday meal and cake and ice cream on their actual birthday for grandparents and godparents that are able to make it. Inevitably though, there are folks that want to come celebrate, but can't make their special day, so we catch up on a weekend. This weekend was just that.

Friday we celebrated Alice and Emma's 9th along with grandparents and Emma's godmother. Saturday was pretty quiet.

Sunday we celebrated with Grace's godfather and his family for a belated get-together.

Monday brought Alice's godmother and her 5 kids, Alice's godfather and family, grandpa, and another of John's sisters and her family (cause the more the merrier, right?!) We started gathering after lunch, and by supper we had 7 adults and 22 kids in the house. What a joyful noise! The day included board games, a "square up" game tournament, and somewhere in the middle the older ones bundled and took off for the snow hill, while the younger ones played together nicely. I wish there were more opportunities for nice visits like these.

Anyhow, I had thrown on a crockpot of homemade mac-n-cheese, and another crock of ham slices for sandwiches earlier in the day. So along with a veggie tray (prepared ahead) and 2 dozen cupcakes, a 9X13 cake, some pretzels and dip, and other snacks, supper was quite simple. The hardest part was finding a seat, but then...there's always room for one more. Turns out several of the cousins, an aunt and an uncle all celebrate January birthdays, so we included each of their names on the cake, and sang to them all. It was a wonderfully exhausting day with family, and I'm so grateful for the blessing of each of them.

I think we're caught up with birthday wishes until February when John and Mary will turn 5. Oh my. I never thought I'd be grateful for a brief hiatus from birthday cake, but...who'd a thought I'd be this blessed with birthdays to celebrate?! God is good.

The UPS man delivered a much anticipated pair of shoes for Grace today. She's to be the flower girl in her cousin's wedding in a couple weeks, and needed ivory shoes to go with the dress that was ordered. Unfortunately, in trying to save a dime, I opted to pick up a pair on my own, rather than purchase them from the bridal store. (What was I thinking?! You can't find ivory shoes in January!!) Anyhow, with time running out, as we need the shoes to finish alterations on the dress, we finally located a pair online. (And no, didn't save a dime!) Lesson learned.
As we unpacked them today, I was frustrated to find that while they fit perfect, and looked beautiful, the fancy little buckle of one shoe was missing a couple rhinestones. Not major, but come on, they're supposed to be new. No time to return them, so we'll just take the loss.
Grace would not be discouraged though. As I mumbled my frustrations and packed them back in the box for safe-keeping, she consoled me. "It's okay mom. They have a nice clip-clop sound when I walk in them, and that's what really makes them WONDERFUL!"

making the day special

I'm not a perfect mom. I'll be the first to admit that, without hesitation. I've said more than my share of things that could certainly be enough to send any of the kids needing therapy someday.

On that note, I realize too, that having a large family makes it necessary for me to pay attention. "Look alive!" if you will. It wouldn't be so difficult for me to let any of the kids at any given time "slip through the cracks." I really do make an effort to make special times with all of the kids individually to ensure this doesn't happen. Today, Mary got some attention. She wanted rollers in her hair...so we let the laundry slip by and did it. She looks beautiful doesn't she?! The other girls teased her a bit about the big curls. Just jealous, cause I'd only let Mary have them today.

(Yes, Grace. Tomorrow can be your day!)

a belated thanks

Just nine years late on sending out this thanks....

Good Saint Gerard, patron of mothers, assist me in thanking God for the great gift of motherhood. During the months of my waiting, I learned to call upon you and placed the safety of my child and myself under your powerful protection. The great lesson of your trust in God sustained me; your slogan, "God will provide," became my hope and consolation. I thank God for my child and for motherhood. Help me to prize the great treasure of motherhood and obtain for me the grace to raise my child as a child of God.Amen

Happy 9th Birthday Alice and Emma!

...if only you could know how you are the answer to so many prayers. We are grateful for the gift of you!

cold hands, warm heart.

Well, it wasn't a snow day. We had to settle for the 2hr. delay. But it was a good day, none the less. We all slept in till 8, which was a wonderful treat, and reminder of our lazy days of Christmas (all except for John that is, who was off to work in the wee morning hours). After the 3 oldest were off to school at 10, the rest of us decided to bake cookies. I don't always love having the help of 2 yr. olds in the kitchen, but today it was enjoyable as they each (Grace, Mary, John, Charlie, Frank & Rose) took turns measuring, mixing, etc. (Lucy was down for a morning nap.) We made spritz cookies with sprinkles. They taste wonderful, but unfortunately didn't hold their shape when they baked and just melted into a pool of paper thin, sprinkled wafers. After back-tracking through the recipe to see where we went wrong, I realized that with all my helpful distractions, I doubled everything in the recipe but the flour, so...heavy on the butter and sugar, but thin. Oh well. We're an easy to please kind of crowd.
A dear friend, who I don't see often enough, called and joined us, along with her 4 yr. old son for lunch. It was a wonderful treat to chat and spend time with her, especially so impromptu. So nice to catch up. She's got 6 children, about the same ages as our oldest 6, including a set of twins as well...so there are plenty of funnies to share. I'm so grateful she stopped in!! I'm not good at that sort of thing (dropping in unannounced), but think it's great when other people do. It was definitely the highlight of my day.
After a nice visit while the kids played, it was nap time. John and Mary (home from preschool today) helped me with another recipe for chocolate toffee bars. They were a total failure. Burnt black in the oven. Even the chocolate and walnuts couldn't hide the smokey flavor, so into the trash they went. I never did figure out what went wrong there. It's a tried and true recipe that I followed to a tee. What a disappointment...just not my day in the kitchen I guess.
I'll admit I was a little afraid to start supper tonight. But our breakfast egg and sausage casserole, cinnamon rolls and fresh fruit turned out perfectly. It is a small miracle when everyone clears their plates...and ask for seconds.
Anyhow, it was a beautiful day today despite the bitter cold outside. I couldn't help but feel grateful, and reflective about all that we've been through in the last weeks. Grateful for the most basic things: warm home, good food, caring friends, good health, the blessing of family, and perhaps even grateful for the experience of losing a most precious little miracle. That sounds difficult to understand, even as I type it. I still have moments of intense sadness, thinking about the child I'll have to wait my lifetime to know, and feeling robbed of the joys of mothering that precious little life. But there are moments when I realize that this little saint in heaven is a unique gift. We share a spiritual connection, and as I pray to little Cy, for many things throughout the day, I'm grateful for the gift of him as he is, my little angel. The way God intended for our relationship to be. Our Heavenly Father has proven time and time again, that His plan is far greater than any I could have made for my life. I must trust Him once more.


"God smiles when we trust Him completely." ~the purpose driven life

shopping with a 6 yr. old who's "all that"...

...is no good for the self esteem. (to say the least)
I had Grace with me in the mall on Monday, looking for a few last-minute essentials for a wedding we're invited to, including a dress for myself. As we walked through the aisles of ladies dresses, she mumbles, "These are for skinny people mom. Let's keep moving." Aaarg. She's right. Let's keep moving.

Our first "snow day" from school

School dismissed 2 hrs. early today as the snow fell, leaving 5-6 inches of the white fluffy stuff. Wooohoooo! We love snow days!! Crossing our fingers for another one tomorrow. A 2hr. delay has already been announced. John had today off (part of his usual "weekend") so he took the 6 oldest to the big snow hill in town, while I stayed home with the nappers and lined up the mugs, ready for hot chocolate on their return.

a visit from the "cattle queen?"

Alice and Emma mentioned they had a visit from the "beef queen" to their classroom this week at school. I'm not sure what her official title is, but she's apparently the reigning royalty for the Auglaize County 4-H beef producers?.
Anyhow, she talked with them about 4-H and going to the fair, etc. Apparently she asked the question "If you could take any animal to the fair, what would it be?" Emma was quick to raise her hand and offer "I'd bring a hog!" and the why.... "because my twin sister says I live like one."
Emma thought it was so cool that the class roared with laughter. Her twin sister Alice was apparently "horrified" with embarrassment, that she was quoted in front of the whole class.

snow days

John's dad happened to be over after school the other day, just as the kids (9 of them to be exact) were gearing up for snow play. By the time the last were bundled and out the door, the youngest ones were back in, peeling off the layers and begging for hot chocolate. As boots and mittens, scarves and hats piled up by the back door, cold hands found relief wrapped around a warm mug. Dad laughed remembering his own dozen fighting over boots (boys never wanted to wear red, girls never wanted black.) He admitted he'd forgotten all the effort that went into those few minutes of fun in the snow, and the mounds of snow clothes that landed in their laundry room when the play time was done. It was fun conversation and I'm glad he was there with us to remember and giggle about it. He asked if boots still slipped over shoes and fastened with a rubberband over a button. Nope, thank heavens for velcro, zippers and fur lining!

with sincere gratitude...

We are so thankful for all the kind words, prayers, cards, meals and treats dropped by the house. Your kindness means so much. It's been a very difficult week as we mourn the loss of our new little one, and then waited for the time when we'd be able to hold our tiny angel.

And while that opportunity to hold him did not come, I did have the D&C today, and feel we can now begin to have some opportunity for closure, and healing.

We've decided to name the baby, and although I can never be certain, I've felt that it was a boy, and the name came easily. Every January 9th, our family will choose to honor the feast of our newest Saint in heaven, Cyril "Cy" Thomas Schmiesing.

My mom had given me a Prayer Book for Mothers for my birthday last month, and found comfort today in the words of this simple prayer to our new child in heaven:

Now that you, my precious baby,

are cradled in Our Father's arms,

please watch over us, your parents,

as we would have wanted to watch over you. Amen.

loving the small town life...

For many reasons, I love small town living. But this latest reason had me laughing out loud last night...something we can always use more of.

A couple months back I wrote here about the new thermometer I'd purchased at Walmart. It's one of the new forehead scanners that gives accurate readings instantly. (and YES IT WORKS!)
Anyhow, the $5 rebate check I'd also mentioned arrived in the mail this week, so I signed it and sent it with John while he was out running errands yesterday. It did say "no 3rd party...blah, blah blah" on the back, but I figured no one at the bank would question it. Well, wrong...they did. Apparently someone "not from here" was working the counter, and didn't feel comfortable cashing the check, so she wanted to check with her manager. I know...just doing her job! Meanwhile, "Sarah," (name changed for anonymity ;') another teller at the bank walked by with a friendly "Hi John!" The first teller questioned her about the check, as John shrugged an aplogetic "it's just a rebate check for a thermometer of all things..." Sarah, without missing a beat, added "Oh, the forehead one (making a swiping motion over her forehead)...I read about it on Jamie's blog!"
She then mumbled to teller one to go ahead and cash the check...it would be fine.

Only in a small town! I love it!!!


(and by the way, I never did get my $5. Darnit...who can you trust these days?!)

on a lighter note...

kids will (thank heavens!) be kids, and so shananigans will ensue. It's nice to have something to laugh about.

2 year old Rose has just learned to escape from the confines of her crib now, so rather than fight it, we just lowered the crib rail to make her climb a little less dangerous. I'm sure in good time, we'll dig the toddler or twin bed out of the attic, but for now...it's working. She's still napping well, and hasn't tested us much, that is, until last night. The youngest 3 were in bed in their separate rooms, and I kept hearing something upstairs. I guessed it was Rose maneuvering about, but figured it was harmless, so gave it a few minutes. When the noises continued, I headed upstairs for a peak. Turns out darling Rose had decided to "move in" to baby Lucy's room...which happens to be where Grace and Mary also room...and stash their makeup. I found the little peanut sitting at her sisters' pint-size table and chairs, makeup smeared over her entire face, and chomping away on Lucy's pacifier. (Contraband for Rose who has been without one for months now...but still tries to steal Lucy's any chance she gets.)
I glanced over to Lucy who was standing wide-eyed in her crib surrounded by everything harmful you can imagine...a balloon (for choking) a belt (strangulation?) a trash-can (???) and a grocery list of other crazy items I can't even recall. It was literally standing room only! Rose had also carried her own pillow, blankets and pile of stuffed animals and laid them out neatly on the bigger girls' bed...moving in apparently.
I didn't know whether to laugh or scream. Unfortunatley, I chose the screaming, which immediately sent both Rose and Lucy into a cry of terror. John came rushing in thinking someone was injured or dying. I scooped Rose and her belongings back to her room, with a quick detour to the bathroom for a facewashing, and John proceeded to return Lucy to a peaceful slumber, after scooping all the junk out of her crib of course.
It was a crazy time, but in hindsight, the look on Rose's face as she was "busted" was priceless and it has us all in stitches to retell it today.

He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children. Praise the LORD!(Psalms 113:9 Holy Bible ESV)

a prayer request

I've put off writing as long as possible, but it becomes necessary for me to share, and to ask for prayers as we grieve the loss of our newest baby to be.
I went in for a routine 3-month check-up yesterday with my obstetrician, only to find that the little life growing inside me, has passed. When the doctor was unable to hear the heartbeat, she opted for an ultrasound instead. Neither of us were especially alarmed, just figured baby was hiding a bit. I can't begin to describe the sinking feeling in my chest to learn the baby's heart had stopped. No movement, no heartbeat, just the image of a lifeless, perfectly formed little baby on the ultrasound monitor. A child I will only ever know in my heart.
I went to the hospital for a more detailed ultrasound, only to have my worst fears confirmed. I wasn't able to see the images on the monitor this time, only the flat line when the tech turned on the doppler to check for heart tones. No words were needed. She just handed me tissues, and asked me to wait while she spoke with the radiologist.
John and I spent the day, mostly in tears, telling a few family members, but mostly just sharing our sadness together. When the kids got home from school, we shared the news with them as well. The 3 oldest not only understood, but also felt the loss, and I was touched by their comments, and questions as we talked through it. I tried to explain that we'd now have a special saint in heaven to pray to, and intercede for us. Sam broke my heart when he asked if he could name the baby so he could be more specific in his prayers. He suggested the name "Sweet Baby Angel" and it brings me to tears again when I remember him praying at bedtime last night to our "Sweet Baby Angel in heaven."
The painful irony is that my body has not yet realized what my mind now knows. I continue to feel "morning sickness" and have not yet begun the process of miscarriage. For now, the doctor has recommended I wait a few days to see if the baby will pass on it's own, and if not, I'll go in to the hospital friday for a procedure called a D & C.
It's an incredibly sad time, as we grieve the loss of a baby we'll never hold, and yet has already made a place in our hearts and our family. I find comfort in the abundant blessings that surround me, a constant reminder of God's mercy and love.
Your prayers are greatly appreciated.
God Bless

On the 12th day of Christmas...

...we finally get to see...
SNOW!!!!
Yippee!!

Happy 6th Birthday to our Grace Elizabeth.

The weather seems much the same as the day she was born...snowy, although then it was much more ice. We slip-slided our way to the hospital with only moments to spare before she made her grand entrance around 10:30pm.

busy doing not much of anything...

To stop by and see our house, you'd wonder what exactly I've been busy with. I've "kept up" with laundry and dishes, and the basic cleaning...but for the most part, we've been busy doing not-much-of-anything! These days since Christmas have been such a treat, and I just hate that school starts back on Monday already. We've all enjoyed sleeping in, staying up late watching movies together, eating popcorn from John's new "stir-crazy" popcorn maker, (okay, we're pretty simple) and basically just enjoying these 12 days of Christmas. I've yet to finish my Christmas cards, and am thinking I might just join the "every-other-year" club with a couple of my aunts. I can be cool with that. We still have not found homes for all the new Christmas toys, and find ourselves tucking them back under the tree each night rather than put them away. Our van was even out of commission for 3 or 4 days till we finally got it into the shop and running again, and honestly, we didn't miss it a bit. I love that we're spending time playing board games together, fixing puzzles, building blocks, oh, and Playdoh...we love that stuff!
Just wishing these simple times could last a bit longer. (sigh)
But unfortunately, John's back to work tomorrow already, and schools back in a couple days...the end of our little vacation is nearing. I think we'll do some baking tomorrow...sugar levels are starting to drop as the holiday treats have disappeared.
Peaceful weekend to you all!

Happy New Year!

Wishes for peace and prosperity to you in the new year!

As for me, I resolve to start getting to bed earlier...starting tomorrow. ;-)

Happy Birthday dear Sam!

On this day 8 years ago, we were blessed with 10# 2 oz. Samuel Joseph. I can still feel his weight on my belly as the doctor placed him there for the first time. Wow, he felt big!!

His big sisters, Alice and Emma (just 11 months old) were staying with John's sister Mary for the day. Emma had her first 3 teeth cut through, and was a real "pleasure" to have around, I'm sure! (I still haven't forgotten Mary...thank you!!!)

For a few weeks to come, we'll have 3 eight year olds in the house. The kids like telling everyone that. They mentioned it first thing this morning. I joked, "Yikes. Just wait till I have 3 sixteen year olds." Emma was quick with "Yeah, cool. Maybe we'll plan to go on a triple date that day."
(AHHHHH! don't start with that!)

Happy Birthday Sammy Boy!

patience is a virtue

Patience is indeed a virtue, and one that is given many opportunities for practice and refinement...especially in a large family. Can you imagine having to wait your turn?!

Youngest to oldest is how it worked here on Christmas day. Poor Alice.

(Santa delivered toys to our basement this year, where there was much more room to spread out and yet still be together as gifts with small parts were opened and scattered.)

Feast of the Holy Innocents, Martyrs

Since the sixth century, on December 28, the Church has celebrated the memory of those children killed because of Herod's rage against Christ (cf. Mt 2:16-17). Uncertain of the whereabouts of the Holy Family, he ordered the massacre of all male children under the age of two. Liturgical tradition refers to them as the "Holy Innocents" and regards them as martyrs. Throughout the centuries Christian art, poetry and popular piety have enfolded the memory of the "tender flock of lambs" with sentiments of tenderness and sympathy.

a prayer:

Lord, as the horror of genocide continues today through the mask of abortion, strengthen us for the battle and enlighten us to the awareness of your beautiful gift of life. We pray for your continued grace. Amen.

A Blessed Christmas to all

It was a wonderfully exhausting Christmas here for our family! I hope you all enjoyed your Christmas as well.

Ours kicked off on Christmas eve with 4:00 Children's mass. Our two oldest joined in the choir, Sam played the role of Joseph, and Grace was one of the many angels dressed to celebrate the birth of our Saviour. John and Mary also attended mass with us, but this time we left Charlie along with the other 3 young ones at Grandma's. We arrived at church more than 1/2 hour early, and found it to be standing room only already. Fortunately once mass began, and all the angels found their seats, there were a couple extra pews to fill in, so we did get a seat. What a beautiful celebration it was!

Afterwards, we joined the younger ones at my parent's house for dinner (ham sandwiches and appetizers...HEAVY on the appetizers.) It was all so delicious! Of course there was time for some billiards and dancing (mostly the young ones) to christmas music before it was time to open gifts. And of course more nibbling on delicious appetizers and sweets. This is also my brother's birthday, so a phonecall to Florida to wish him a happy birthday was in order.

Naturally, bedtime took a bit longer than usual after all that excitement. I thought the kids would never fall asleep. Of course they arranged a plate of cookies and a mug of chocolate milk on the coffee table for Santa, and did a last sweep through to pick up toys so that the house would be tidy when he arrived. By 10:30 they were asleep, so the elves got busy. Very busy! I'd not wrapped the first present yet, so we had our work cut out for us. For years we've had the tradition of just 3 gifts per child, as with the 3 wisemen's gift for the Infant King. But I also had a few gifts for godchildren to open at our party on Christmas day. I think we made it to bed by 2:30. It's kind of a blur.

The kids were up at 7am, and John and I lingered in bed just a few minutes longer to listen quietly to their conversations about the gifts left under the tree. Too cute to hear their reactions! Of course, we don't open gifts right away. That'd be too easy. Rather, we let the suspense build while we have a light breakfast, get dressed, showered, fresh coffee, etc. (C'mon mom!!!! Can we open them yet?!?!?!) We managed to hold them off till 10. Everyone seemed more than pleased with their gifts. It was a very good Christmas, and I'm enjoying these years when they're still young, and easy to please. My parents joined us for gift opening, and then a late brunch of egg/sausage casserole, fresh fruit, toast and juice. The kids were able to enjoy their new treasures briefly before we were off to set up for John's family Christmas.

It was our year to host, so we rented a nearby hall...John's one of 12 children who all have families of their own now. The numbers add up fast. It too was a wonderful party complete with a re-enactment skit of the Christmas Story, a pinata and gift giving. We also enjoyed LOTS of food and beverage. The beef I'd been working on earlier in the week seemed to turn out great. Everyone brought plenty of sides and yummies to share. Good times were definitely had by all, I think. John took the kids home sometime after 9:30 to get them off to bed, and I stayed behind with a couple of the older ones to clean up.

In the days since, we've done not much of anything, but continue to enjoy our Christmas blessings. I was able to sneak out the morning after Christmas with my best friend who was home from South Carolina. We enjoyed coffee and an hour or so of wonderful conversation. Later her kids were able to join ours for an afternoon of playtime, trying out all the new Christmas toys. They played together so well, allowing us all time to just relax and enjoy. We've put puzzles together, built Charlie's new bike, downloaded some music for mp3's, continued to munch on christmas sweets, built forts and castles with Legos and Lincoln Logs, played with dollies and strollers, trucks and cars and tractors...and on and on. Tonight we're looking forward to the bounty of Grace's new Easy-Bake oven.

I'm ever grateful for God's greatest Gift, as well as time spent with family and friends this Christmas season. How abundantly we are blessed!