by His grace

It was a time-clock-punchin' day again. I do love my job very much, but it seems the last few times I've been scheduled, there's some sort of catastrophe brewing. Today was no different as I was leaving 2 little sickies home with John, on top of the usual chaos. A stomach virus hit our house over the weekend. It seems to be running it's course among cousins and other family members, so it finally came to stay with us. Frank started, and Rose soon followed suit. At no age is it a treat to be sick and vomiting...but at two, yuck. They know they don't feel well, but aren't quite quick enough to make it to a target on time. This means more laundry, more carpet cleaning, more mattress and bed cleaning, more baths...and on and on. Last night we moved Rosie's toddler bed down into our room so we could hear her better, so that helped. But there were probably half a dozen times when we had both two-year olds vomiting at the same time...it's like they could hear each other through the walls and a chain reaction would occur. Poor Charlie was caught in the crossfire at one point and came out of his bed crying "Why did Frank have to puke on me!?" "Frank, why did you?!" (One of the few negatives of sharing a bed with a sibling, I guess.)
Anyhow, on my silent drive in to work this morning, I was reflecting on the word "grace." It's a topic we've talked about very briefly in my 2nd grade religion class recently, and like many of our subjects, leads me to further reflection on my own, later. The word grace simply means "God's life in us" and I've always thought it to mean an undeserved, freely given gift. I suspected I guess, that it was something to help us through various moments. Something to carry us through hard times, or moments when we need His guidance or assistance. Today though, I thought perhaps grace isn't just something to carry us through difficult times. Perhaps grace Is the difficulty, the suffering. Jesus' life on earth, especially in His last days, was one full of unfathomable pain and suffering and perhaps through grace, He allows us to embrace that and draw nearer to Him through our own difficulties, however great or small. Maybe I need to embrace the suffering, difficulty, hardship, frustration, whatever it is, as the gift; God's life (even His cross) in us. As I hold that bucket and watch my 2 year old wretch uncontollably, frustrated that they've already missed, and splattered the carpet or bed linens one more time; the next time I find myself folding 3 extra loads of bed linens and bath towels as the virus continues to pass through; or even the next time I cook a beautiful meal only to be told "Yuck, I'm not eating it!" I hope to recognize God's grace; His life in me, drawing me nearer to Him on the cross, and allowing Him to flow through me...that I might be more compassionate, more charitable, more forgiving, more kind and loving, more at peace.

St. Valentine's Day

How Sweet!

While making Valentine's treats for the girls school parties yesterday, I found myself reminiscing about the day John and I met. Valentine's Day, '93. We had our first date a week later, and were engaged within 5 months.

Thank you God, for my love, sweet love.

Too Cute!

I was talking with the older kids last night about fun things to do today, not just to celebrate Valentines, but to make the day home with Dad special. I mentioned the weather may not cooperate with outdoor things, so maybe a picnic lunch on a blanket in the living room, some fun games, or making Valentines to share with the neighbors...something. Sam was quick to chime in, "oh yah, or we could just lay around in our underwear all day watching tv." (Umm. not what I was thinking Sam. I hope this is not a sign of future valentines to come...your wife could be a little bit upset.)

...and little John, Charlie and Frank snuggled into our bed this morning and woke us. My husband leaned over to give me a morning kiss, and I wished him "Happy Valentines." I joked with the little boys..."Everyone grab their girlfriend and give them a valentine's kiss." Charlie was quick (in an uninterested tone.) "Frank gets to be my girlfriend."

Laughing ensued.

Happy Valentines Day everyone! Have a blessed one.

the mystery footwear

Just couldn't help myself. With all the "hype" about the shoes, I thought I'd let the kids model them. It started as a little contest to see who could "work them" the best. The winner would be "featured" on mom's blog. They were too cute though, so here they are. All the contest winners sporting moms fun new shoes with matching clutch. (Did I mention they were red...my favorite color?!)

Charlie...who added "work gloves" to "man" it up a bit. (also note, he's wearing socks which I'm told is a faux pas!)

John...too much man for the shoes, and definitely no purse!

Grace, accessorizing the enemble with a baton.

Emma....I wish the shoes made me look that skinny!!

Alice...you look FINE girlfriend!
Beautiful Mary. I think these shoes will look great with jeans, no?!

Rose has the hair all fluffed for an evening out. (Love the polka dots!)

Even Lucy thinks the purse it "to die for!"

Frankie! Nice toes! (and mittens!)

Sam..."Are you nuts Mom?! I'm not touchin' those 'girly' things!"
...and there they are...my $3.99 peep toe shoes...with the $1.99 matching clutch. That's my bargain-basement clearance sale of the century.

My sister-in-law was kind enough to share a family picture she'd taken at the wedding.(Thanks Therese and Rod!)

We don't clean up too bad...

can't see the shoes, but check out those legs! ha, ha!!

and so the kids think I'm a "geeeeenius!"

The kids love egg sandwiches here.

It's a simple enough meal, but trying to fry or microwave that many, usually means someones waiting a long time...and usually the first one is ready for seconds before the last one is served. Last night I tried something new (to me) and it worked like a charm. I scrambled a dozen eggs with a little milk, and poured the egg mix evenly into 20 well sprayed muffin pans. Popped them into the oven and baked them for 25 minutes. At the end I threw on a 1/4 slice of American cheese. At the same time I baked 2 tubes of pop-out refrigerated biscuits (20 total.) The eggs popped out of the muffin pans beautifully, and were served on the split biscuits. All were ready at the same time. They were perfect bite-size sandwiches for little hands...most of the older kids had two. Everyone's happy, and all is right with the world.

Next time I want to experiment with adding veggies or meat like onions, sausage, ham bits, to make little omelet sandwiches. Yumm.

On the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes

Happy 5th Birthday Mary & John!

At my routine 20 week ultrasound, I found that there were two of you, not one. What a complete surprise to learn that we would be having a second set of twins!! (and relief, to know I had an excuse to be that big again!) We called everyone we could think of on our way home from the hospital that day. 6 children in 4 years...What joyful, crazy, exciting news.

The pregnancy wasn't without it's share of worries though, as we also learned that John was developing with some kidney problems. Prayers to the Blessed Mother, and to all the saints for their intercession proved fruitful. John was born with only one kidney...a perfectly formed, wonderful kidney that has more than compensated for it's missing counterpart. And Mary came into this world strong and beautiful, my worries with you will surely come later (in the teens?)

God is good, and we are eternally grateful.

Our Lady of Lourdes, continue to pray for us.

Red Envelope campaign

I read this letter over at Faith & Family Live's blog. It later arrived in my inbox from several friends. Just read, and if compelled, send Mr. Obama a quiet message. I think it's a cool idea. Gonna go look for a red envelope now...

Dear Friends and Intercessors:
This afternoon I was praying about a number of things, and my mind began to wander. I was deeply distressed at the symbolic actions that President Obama took as he began his presidency. Namely, that he signed executive orders releasing funds to pay for abortions, permission to fund human stem cell research, and federal funding for contraception. I have been involved in the pro-life movement for nearly 20 years, and it pained my heart to see a man and a political party committed to the shedding of innocent blood.
This man, and this party lead our country, but they do not represent me or the 54% of Americans who believe that abortion is wrong and should no longer be legal.
As I was praying, I believe that God gave me an interesting idea. Out in the garage I have a box of red envelopes. Like the powerful image of the red LIFE tape, an empty red envelope will send a message to Barack Obama that there is moral outrage in this country over this issue. It will be quiet, but clear.
Here is what I would like you to do:
Get a red envelope. On the front, address it to:
President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
Washington, D.C.

On the back, write the following message:
This envelope represents one child who died in abortion. It is empty because that life was ended before it was able to offer anything to the world. Responsibility begins with conception.

Put it in the mail, and send it. Then forward this email to every one of your friends who you think would send one too. I wish we could send 50 million red envelopes, one for every child who died before having a chance to live. Maybe it will change the heart of the president.

no use crying...

...over not one, but 4 spilled milk cups. (and that was just lunch.)

St. Paul, pray for us.

(when I googled "patron saint for milk spills" it mentioned that when he was executed, milk spilled out of him rather than blood. It was as close as I could get, and any intercession is appreciated!)

...and did I mention there was dancing.

Emma and cousin Jacob



Grace and cousin Phil


Frank and Charlie doing the new dance move "moppin' the floor with your back" while cousin Tom watches

Sam making room in his dance card for little Rose

Rose and cousin Beth (and that's more "floor moppin' moves" in the back

Grace with cousin Ben

reflections on the day

It was an absolutely beautiful wedding. From the mass and vows, to the reception, the decorations, the dresses, the food, and fun times with family and friends. But most beautiful to be witness to the love shared by two as they partake in the sacrament of Holy Matrimony. I'll admit, I was choked up most of the mass. I can't help but remember our own marriage, and reflect on all God's goodness and blessings. Certainly we couldn't have anticipated what was to come when we said "I do," any more than Tricia and Eric can imagine what life has in store for them. It's the ultimate leap of faith, trusting in His providence and goodness. It's just a beautiful thing

A prayer of blessing:
We thank you, O God, for the Love You have implanted in their hearts. May it always inspire them to be kind in their words, considerate of feeling, and concerned for each other's needs and wishes. Help them to be understanding and forgiving of human weaknesses and failings. Increase their faith and trust in You and may Your Prudence guide their life and love. Bless their Marriage O God, with Peace and Happiness, and make their love fruitful for Your glory and their Joy both here and in eternity.

hello again

Sorry for my absence. Busy, busy, busy weekend with a wedding rehearsal dinner Friday, wedding Saturday, and more visiting with family on Sunday. Just catching up on laundry tonight. Will post more tomorrow. Peace to you all.
(oh, and thanks for the advice...went without the hose...got several compliments, and a few more comments regarding the initial post, mostly to the effect that I'd have been a nutcase to wear them with the cute shoes.)

my little fluff-ball

...why this Dad should not be fixing little girls' hair...

Sorry Rose, Mom will fix it...

diapers to your door

Because I'm wondering where this little treasure's been hiding for the last 9 years of my life, I'm going to share this with you moms (or grandmas) of little ones in diapers. They have nearly every brand under the sun, as well as wipes, etc. I found they have larger cases than what Walmart carries (which is great when you have 3 in the same size diapers). It's free shipping on orders over $49, and they have a coupon for $10 off your first order of $49. I did the math and it's just a couple pennies more per diaper than Walmart prices, but for the convenience (now that I'll likely have fewer trips there) it seems worth it. I'm going to be giving this a try. Thank you Karla, for sharing this with me!!

W.W.S.P.D

warning...men this post is probably not of any interest to you. It's "chick" stuff.

I'm in a bit of a quandry about wedding attire for the weekend. I found the cutest pair of "peep-toe" shoes (and I won't even tell you what a bargain they were!) to go with the outfit I'm wearing. My dilemna is weather or not to wear pantyhose. I can't imagine a pantyhose seam sticking out of these too-cute shoes, and yet...I'm old-school. Is it "legal" for a grown woman to dress-up without them? Yikes. I found myself wondering tonight..."What would Sarah Palin do?" She looked hot in everything, right?! I've been lotioning up, big time, just in case I work up the courage to go sans stockings. Even trying a bit of sunless tanner. Perhaps I'll turn orange, and the decision will be easy. We'll see what the day brings. Feel free to advise.

Sorry Mom.

Okay, so I got this cute little haircut today. (or at least I think so.) I've been way overdue, and with a wedding to attend this weekend, it was mandatory. Anyways, I took three of the girls with me. Afterwards, when I asked what they thought...Grace answered "You look like Grandma, but without the wrinkles." Good thing she has one hip grandma! I'll take it as a compliment.

not sure we can afford this routine...

Last evening, it was discovered that we were nearly out of diapers. We had enough to last through midday today, which would normally not be a problem, except that I had to work this morning. (Wouldn't have time to run before work.)
Now that John is on 2nd shift, I'm not afforded the luxury of running out to grab some alone through the evening, or even making my usual trip when the kids get to bed. Nope, last night it was all or none. I loaded up all 10 to hit the nearest Dollar General. I had just 3 or 4 things on my list...diapers, tissues, dishsoap, and deoderant I think. Shoulda been in and out in less than 5 minutes. Oh no! Not anymore.
Alice grabbed a cart and took Frank, Emma had a cart with Rose, and I had Lucy and Charlie in my cart. The rest were on their own to run like wild monkeys through the store. Okay, they actually behaved quite well...and I promised if they behaved well, they could pick out their valentines cards.
That promise was my biggest mistake. The arguments began..."If they get Valentines, can the rest of us get something little." Oi. Mind you, it's rare, VERY RARE, that the kids ever get to pick out toys or treats at the store. We just always stick to the list. But I had the army with me, and feared anarchy, so I caved. Everyone got to pick one small thing (less than a dollar). There were a couple that just couldn't decide...my patience was wearing thin, but I stood strong. I smiled at everyone who glanced across shelves, pointed, giggled, waiting for me to lose it. I never lost it. Selections were finalized and after what seemed like an eternity, we made it to the register. The older kids helped the younger ones out to the van to buckle, while I paid. Yikes...$30 of essentials, and $10 of junk...I'm not sure we can afford for John to stay on this shift. Ha! In hindsight, it might have just been cheaper, and less exhausting, to pay a neighbor girl a couple bucks to come over for 15 minutes.
Oh well. That which doesn't kill us, makes us stronger. I know we can get out and accomplish just about anything we need to. Little tasks like these are character & confidence building...although, I'm going to go hide a stash of diapers somewhere now, in case this happens again anytime soon.

around the dinner table

The 3 oldest began singing selections they're practicing for the spring school musical. Something about squirrels, and rain...I couldn't get a clear answer as to what it was really about...too much singing and giggling.
Anyhow, I asked what they were going to need to be dressing as this year. Alice and Emma thought they might need to look like squirrels. Without missing a beat, Charlie chimes in, " and I think Sam should be the nut!"

(I literally choked with laughter on my spaghetti. Where does he come up with this stuff?!)

St. Blaise, pray for us.

Feast Day, Feb 3rd.

We all stood in line after mass on Sunday as our priest and deacon offered the following blessing. As I laid in bed last night listening to the multitude of hacks and coughs coming from every corner of the house, I continued (and do still) to ask for his intercession for healing.

“Through the intercession of St. Blaise, bishop and martyr, may God deliver you from ailments of the throat and from every other evil. In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Blessing of St. Blaise).

day one on alien planet...

The kids came home from school today, asking as expected..."Where's Dad?" I reminded them his schedule had changed, and immediately called to order a meeting. Over teddy grahams and fruit snacks, we hashed out how things might change...good and bad.
The older kids seemed willing to help out a little more in exchange for a few more minutes of computer time or other liberties (yet to be determined.) We made a schedule, that will surely change a zillion times, but I feel better going in with a few ground rules...like no computer or electronic games before supper. After school time is for snack, homework, then helping with the little ones while I get supper on. After supper will be their free time. Except Friday evenings, which will now be our cleaning night. (So we can have "good times" with Dad on Saturdays.)
Tonight the older kids did a wonderful job entertaining Lucy while I made supper (without me nagging, even) and so after supper, we spent an hour or so at our public library. It's a favorite hangout for all ages. We followed up with some ice cream for a late dessert (low-fat for me!) and a silly sing-along movie before bed. The older kids would never admit to liking it...but they know all the songs by heart, and it's fun to watch them all enjoy it. Charlie even helped me with a Rosary as the others settled off to bed. It really was a good start to this new chapter. I'm grateful for God's grace to carry us through. Thanks for the prayers.
So now, I have a couple hours to fold up some laundry, get the dishwasher unloaded, and "settle" until John gets home. I'm not one for tv...don't even know for sure what I'd want to watch to get hooked on. Perhaps a little reading instead. A friend dropped by a book today that I'm anxious to check out. I can't even tell you the title, something from Focus on the Family about spending quality evenings with the kids...funny, it's as if she knew...that 'ol Holy Spirit is always working!

Peace and good night to all!

rolling with the changes...

After 5 days home, I think the kids were ready to be back in school today. Some anxious to get back to big projects, others just excited for gym class, and conversations with friends about the super bowl.
It was a little bittersweet sending them off this morning, as today begins quite a change for our family here. With layoffs and cutbacks where John works, his weekend shift was done away with, so he's moving to supervision on evening shift. The hardest part about that is him not being able to see the school kids through the week. It will be a HUGE adjustment for us all, to say the least, but we can only be grateful. We have neighbors and friends and coworkers who don't have jobs at all anymore. I feel blessed that John had an option at all.
Although, with the bad comes good, and that means John's home on the weekends for the first time in 4 1/2 years. We went to church together yesterday, and it was wonderful! I can't describe the comfort and strength I felt just having him there with us. All was right. Even Charlie behaved a little better (though not a lot!) but a little.
Posting may be a little more infrequent, as we adjust to new schedules and demands...or maybe not. Things may just roll along smoothly. If you think of us, say a little prayer as I tackle evening shift with the kids on my own.