mom's little helper

Frank wanted to help in the kitchen the other day (okay, every day) so I asked him to set the table. Ummm? Think we might just need a little more elbow room than that. Even Rosie had to laugh.

just breathing...

As mentioned earlier, things seem busier than usual here lately. I don't think there's been anything major happening, just trying to keep up with the everyday. It seems to go in tides where things will seem quiet for a few days, then crazy again. We're just getting through one of those crazy waves I think. After focusing on Easter and celebrating the Triduum, Monday brought the realization that I've got to get focused on Sam's First Eucharist which is less than 3 weeks away. ( Not to mention a need to catch up on laundry, stock up on groceries, etc after a long weekend.) I took Sam shopping Monday afternoon, looking for a suit for his special day. Finding a good fit was trickier than I imagined, and I wished I'd brought someone along for a second opinion. I have fond memories of taking John's mom along suit-shopping for him when we were still dating. She knew just how things should fit, and would tighten and tug and tuck to make sure everything was just right. Boy do I miss her on many days. Anyway, I decided to hold off getting anything. I'm hoping my mom will join us this weekend, and decide on something with just enough time left for alterations if necessary. We had a parents meeting at church last evening as part of the preparations for Sam's First Eucharist, and even though I've been teaching his class this whole year, somehow being with the other parents, and hearing Father talk gave me goosebumps and I can't believe it's so near. He's growing up...
John did have last week off work, and managed to finish the girls' bathroom upstairs with much help from our neighbor and friend. New toilet, sink and vanity, some drywall repair from replacing some of the old plumbing, and of course a fresh coat of paint. Although, I only got 2 of the walls painted...just enough for them to complete the vanity/sink installation. I'm hoping to be completely finished this weekend. What a relief to have 2 bathrooms again!! That's an "Alleluia" indeed!
Yesterday had me an hour from home at the nearest Sam's Club. I try to get there every 6 weeks or so to stock up on all the essentials, although I'm realizing their prices are going up on many things, and may have to reconsider what items I can find cheaper closer to home, and whether it's worthwile. I do love being able to buy some of the convenience frozen foods in larger packages though...chicken nuggets, and waffles by the case.
Today, I was scheduled to be at work. I love my job. It's easy for me to say that perhaps because I only work a couple days per month. But I really do love it. Even when it's stressful, it's a welcome change from what I'm used to at home, and feels good to feel challenged and mentally stimulated. Did I mention I get to have conversations with other adults? Anyways, I get home just as John's ready to take off for his work-day. It's like tag-team parenting. High-five from the ropes, and I'm in.
It's days like these that leave me frustrated with the fact that John and I are often going in opposite directions. I think his new evening shift schedule has a little to do with this, as I used to get groceries after nine when the kids were sleeping, or make my Walmart trips late at night when everyone was in bed. I'd work on his day off, and still have the whole evening to catch up. It allowed for all of us to have more time together. Not so anymore. All errands/running/appointments/etc need to be completed by 2pm so John can get to work on time. The days just seem too short. It makes me very grateful for his weekends at home now, when all of us can spend time together. That is, when our kids don't have plans of their own. Alice and Emma are going home after school with a friend for a sleepover, so we'll see them Saturday. Tonight I had the 3 oldest gone for softball practices and Boys' Club meeting. I'm not sure I'm ready for the kids to be growing up and spreading out. I kinda like having them all here with me. Not much for me to do about it though, but embrace the changes, and for this evening...just breathe.
Thank you Lord for our good health, jobs to go to, and all the blessings you've given us. Amen.

supper sillies

Young Lucy has developed an attitude at the dinner table. She took great pleasure, giggling out loud, as she cleared her highchair tray of everything she disliked. Or maybe she just enjoyed the sound of it hitting the stove door... Toss an apple wedge, 'ping.' Toss a grilled cheese, 'ping.' Green bean, 'ping.' Guess I can add floor and stove scrubbing to tonights to-do list.

sorry for the silence

As difficult as it may be to imagine, I've (we've) been busy. Our schedules have been such these last couple days, that it seems John and I just swat each other a "high-five" as we pass each other through the back door. Lots of communicating in notes, etc. Hope to fill you in this evening! Hang in there....

why Grace thinks 10 might be better than 3 after all.

A few days back, 6 year old Grace was frustrated about having to share something. (The complaint came at the dinner table, so it may have been about sitting too close to someone...I really can't remember now the source of this conversation.) Anyhow, she grumbled to us all "I wish we only had 3 kids in our family." Trying not to sound mocking, and yet sort of tickled, I replied "hmm. Then you wouldn't be here to complain to us all." She looked confused at me. "You're #4, remember?" I continued. She thought a bit longer. "Okay, maybe we should just have 4 or 5 then."

It led to a funny conversation about exactly where would have been a good place to "stop" having kids. A little shout of baby-talk from Lucy in her highchair reminded us that 10 seemed right. We were all laughing by then. How on earth could we get through the day without any of them?!

An Easter miracle!

...the lost is found!! (under the boys bed of all places, nearly wedged under the edge of a dresser.) Thank goodness for wrestling around on the boys floor trying to get little ones dressed in their Easter best!

A Blessed Easter to You!

...from our family to yours.

~we're currently "napping up" here, between parties. Lunch with my side of the family, and supper with John's. Makes for a busy (sugared-up) kinda day. We're glad for a little down time in between. Hope you all are having a blessed day!

jamie, john and family

Happy Easter!

Alleluia!

He is risen!

Easter Prayer:

Lord,the resurrection of Your Son has given us new life and renewed hope. Help us to live as new people in pursuit of the Christian ideal. Grant us wisdom to know what we must do, the will to want to do it, the courage to undertake it, the perseverance to continue to do it, and the strength to complete it. ~New Saint Joseph People's Prayer Book

called to pray

More than anything tonight, I felt like dropping in to bed early. We spent most of the day outdoors, going for walks, playing in the yard, even picnicing at the lake for supper...anything to fully enjoy the beautiful weather. Somewhere in there I also managed to get 2 more thin coats of drywall mud up and sanded in the bathroom, boiled 4 dozen eggs, and the usual meals, cleaning, etc. I wanted to try to get a start on painting the bathroom tonight as well, but really more than anything, the bed sounded good. After all the kids were off to sleep, and I was headed that direction as well, I kept feeling a pull towards time with the Lord. I tried to push it away, knowing we'd spend some time in church tomorrow during 3 hours, and mass on Saturday and Sunday. Surely I could skip tonight. But His words from Luke just kept echoing in my mind "46"Why are you sleeping?" he asked them. "Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation." Surely I can find an hour for only Him.

So, around 10:30, I shed the comfy sweatpants for something more appropriate and headed to church for an hour of adoration. I'm always so glad when I do. That time in quiet prayer is such a gift, and I am ever grateful for His gentle nudge.

Looking for a soulmate...

Please, help!!!
Have you seen my match?
Missing now for over a week, 1 pink sparkly princess sneaker, size 4.





















Little Lucy has become notorious for throwing everything in the trash!! I'm afraid the moment I toss this one, the other will mysteriously reappear. So far though, no luck...think it's in a landfill somewhere. (Praying to St. Anthony!)

another busy (blessed) day.

I'm not getting far on my to-do list this week (closet organizing), but I'm not complaining because that means John is doing quite well on his. You see, we can't both be busy doing our own thing...there's a team here that requires managing. So, while John's been very busy updating our upstairs bathroom (making it usable again) I've been keeping the young ones entertained. Yesterday he got the old toilet torn out and replaced with a new high-powered, can't clog it, super flusher (trip #1 to Lowes) and today, he tore out the old wall mounted sink. This was no simple fix, it required tearing into the walls a bit thanks to the older plumbing in the house but he got things repaired nicely and is ready to install a new sink/vanity (trip #2 to Lowes.) I need to do a little drywall repair tonight, and after a 3rd trip to Lowes tomorrow (cause the sink didn't come with the drain) we should be all set. We've been blessed with a wonderful neighbor who's experience and kindness has proved invaluable and I think John's learning a lot in the process.
The six oldest kids attended an egg hunt and movie at our Parish Center this evening. They hunted for "Resurrection Eggs" and then watched a movie that explained the items found inside the eggs. They seemed to enjoy it, and it was cute to hear Mary open one of her eggs and explain very softly and gently what was inside. With a serious expression, "This egg has a piece of cloth in it mom....the kind of cloth they placed Jesus in after he died." What a great way for kids to hear and relate to the Passion and Resurrection. I hope this becomes an Easter tradition at our church for the kids. If not, I think I've now got a complete set of the eggs, I'll have to start a tradition of our own.
Better get, I have a bucket of drywall mud calling my name... Peaceful night all!

Easter Bunny explained

I borrowed a cute little story book from our parish library today. "The First Easter Bunny" by Frrich Lewandowski (not a typo) is a fun read. It's the story of a little rabbit that follows Jesus through the events of Holy Week, and is the first to see the risen Christ. It helps to bring a little deaper meaning to the Easter Bunny, beyond jelly beans and chocolate eggs. I think all the kids enjoyed it...except Lucy who spent most of the story bouncing on my lap, giggling and pelting other board books at me, oblivious. Can't win 'em all.

bonus bread

We had breakfast for supper tonight. It's simple, kids love it, and I happened to have all the required ingredients...pancakes, sausage patties, bacon and pineapple. The bummer was that at my last trip to Aldi's I got crushed pineapple instead of chunks. I'm not sure how the kids would feel about a pile of mushed pineapple on their plate, so I was trying to think of a quick easy "crushed pineapple recipe" for dessert. I had marshmallows in the snack cupboard, so if I could find some cool whip in the freezer, we'd have "pineapple delight." No such luck, but while I was digging through the freezer, I found one last loaf of chocolate chip banana bread from the loaves I baked last fall. Bonus! I sliced it up on their plates (right next to the pile of crushed pineaple) and the kids went wild. I haven't baked any sort of sweet bread since the fall, so the kids were quick to suggest we make some more. (I hadn't told them, that while digging for cool whip I'd also found 3 bags of shredded zucchini from last years garden.) After supper was cleaned up, Emma, Charlie, Frank and Rose hung around the kitchen to help me throw together a triple batch of zucchini bread. We baked 7 large loaves. 4 for the freezer, 1 to share, and 2 left out to enjoy...probably be gone in a day or 2. The kitchen smelled wonderful!! Mmm...what might we be lucky enough to stumble upon tomorrow?

attempting to stay focused

At the end of yet another crazy-busy day...

"God of such unwavering love, how do I "celebrate" the passion and death of Jesus? I often want to look the other way and not watch, not stay with Jesus in his suffering. Give me the strength to see his love with honesty and compassion and to feel deeply your own forgiveness and mercy for me. Help me to understand how to "celebrate" this week. I want be able to bring my weaknesses and imperfections with me as I journey with Jesus this week, so aware of his love." ~from onlineministries "Lent One Prayer a Day"

Opening Day

...Cubs win!
It was hot dogs and loaded nachos for supper here at Schmiesing Stadium. And while I don't think we saw the first lick of baseball today (only a few cartoons for the kids) we did catch the Cubs score after the kids were in bed. Unfortunately the Reds didn't fare so well today.

In lieu of television, Alice and Emma and I are working our way through the Little House on the Prairie series of books. Alice got them from her Godfather a couple Christmas' ago, and we're finally making a point to finish them. What enjoyable reading as the three of us spread out on my bed, and take turns. Even Rosie joins us from time to time, for a snuggle and a few pages. Very sweet! I'll have to keep my eyes/ ears open for another good series for when this one is over. I'm enjoying the time more than I could have imagined.

my "calgon" moment from the weekend

It's always a bit zoo-ey around here. Saturday though, I had one of those "Calgon, take me away moments," and my poor sweet neighbor girl was here to share in it. (She came back to play on Sunday though, so it must not have been too traumatic.) We'd been outside all afternoon, cleaning the shed and getting patio furniture out, airing up bike tires and going for rides, kids playing in the yard with neighbors, putting a few Easter decorations outdoors, etc. Just as I was getting supper ready (that's always a "magic" hour, not?!) John decided to drive off to get me a bucket of gravel for one of my many projects. One of the older (jr. high age) neighbor girls came in with Rosie who had a splinter in her hand. I retrieved a tweezers from the bathroom, and set a fussy Lucy on the kitchen counter, so I could work on Rose's splinter (while neighbor girl held her). Just as I'm making progress on the splinter, the timers for the oven and stove began beeping (bread, pasta, and veggies all done.) Fussy Lucy stops whining for a moment and proceeds to vomit all over herself and the kitchen cupboard. Poor neighbor girl looks at me in horror, wondering what I'm going to do first. I turn off the beeping timers and burners, etc.. Give Rosie a kiss on the hand and let her know I'll get back to that splinter later, and proceed to pick Lucy up by the feet and back (to keep the barf spooned on her front, and carry her straight for the tub.) Poor gagging neighbor girls takes Rosie back outside, mummbling (and gagging some more) "Cleanup is always the worst." Man, you got that right.
John was back in just a few minutes...by that time we had Lucy bathed, and ready to be taken up for a nap, (poor thing had thrown up what looked to be breakfast and lunch...no wonder she was fussy!) kitchen countertops cleaned and disinfected, stinky trash taken out, supper on the table, and nauseaus neighbor kids on their way home. Oh, and I finally did remember to get back to that splinter...on Sunday evening. Sorry Rose.

Entering into Holy Week

I'm looking out the kitchen window now, and can see snow on my patio furniture! Something's very wrong with that!! I should have known when we cleaned the shed and hauled it all out this past Saturday, that we'd certainly not seen the last of the white stuff. In a way the snow seems fitting for the day. As we enter into Holy Week, the cold and snow forces us (at least at our house) to stay in, and slow it down a bit again. I hear the boys hammering away with their play tools in the basement, and the girls are hiding out in a tent in their bedroom. John's home this week due to a plant shutdown. I have quite a list planned for him, from fixing a sink and toilet in the upstairs bathroom, to replacing the boards on our picnic table outside. Not to worry, I have my own list as well. It's change of season again, and that means time to start working through all the kids closets to resort and reorganize. And of course a list for the kids...to complete and tie up loose ends on all of their lenten projects...mail off a check from all of the pizza money we saved, fill with treats and distribute our Easter grass pots, make cards for and distribute the rosaries they made, etc. It's bound to be a busy week. I'll try to keep you posted along the way.

thunder cake, thunder storm, thunder thighs?

It just so happens that there's one little man in this house who's terribly frightened by thunder. Just as the kids were settling down before bed, we saw a few good flashes of lightening, followed by some rumbles of thunder. That was it. I was definitely snuggling in between Charlie and Frank tonight. I didn't mind a bit! I'm not sure if it was the late night I was up last night, the busy day at work today, or all the fresh air thanks to our gorgeous weather this afternoon/evening...but I am wiped out tonight. I wedged in between Charlie and Frank and fell asleep quicker than they did, I think. I spent about an hour with them, and now I can't seem to get myself motivated to do much of anything. Fortunately, we ate supper outside at the picnic table tonight, so the kitchen doesn't need straightened. I have the washer and dryer running, and several baskets of clean laundry waiting to be folded, but I think that's gonna have to wait till tomorrow.
Funny coincidence, Sam brought home a recipe from school today for "Grandma's Thunder Cake." It came from his reading text book, with a story about a delicious cake grandma would bake to keep the grandkids busy, and less anxious about the storm outside. I baked the cake tonight for supper, and it was delicious! (A chocolate cake that calls for pureed tomatoes of all things, with a chocolate buttercream frosting. Yumm!) While it was a culinary success, it did nothing to ease the fears tonight. Guessing it would make more sense to call it Thunder-Thigh Cake. I best not have another piece before bed...perhaps for lunch tomorrow. Sweet dreams all!

the truth will set you free

I was just reflecting on the day a bit, and recalling what an excellent job my second graders did at mass today. It really was great to be a part of it with them as they shared in the procession, readings, offertory, and various other "jobs." It got me to thinking a bit more about today's mass readings and how crucial the message is today. The first reading was of King Nebuchedneezer, and the 3 men who refused to worship his golden statue. Rather, they accepted their fate in the firey furnace, and were found to be saved by an angel sent by God. The Gospel carried out this same theme, as Jesus told his disciples that when we live in His word, we will know the truth and the truth will set us free. I can't imagine that I'm going to be put to such a test as the 3 men in the first reading, at least nothing so blatant. Yet, in today's society, we are all constantly being challenged to do just that, to recognize the truths of our faith, and to live them. How much simpler it seems sometimes to just allow our kids to do things because their friends parents are okay with it, or to participate in gossip rather than stop it, to ignore the issue of abortion rather than fight it, to turn a blind eye to those less fortunate than ourselves. So often we have a choice to do what's easy and "acceptable" or to do what's right. I find it a constant struggle to try to do what God wants for me, to do His will. Often, I find myself trying to chart my own course, or choose my own way. I must remember that it is sin which enslaves us. I pray today that God helps me to free myself from falling into the traps of wanting what is of this world, and wanting instead to live in His word, that I may be free to love, free to give, free to forgive, free to receive the gift of eternity with Him in heaven. amen.

April Fool-ishness

So grateful to have survived an entire day of "Mom, your shoe's untied....April Fools!!" or "Mom, you have something right there....April Fools!!" It's cute, and fun until about mid-morning. After that, I'm begging for someone to forget about it, already. Who started the madness, anyway?! (oops, that was probably me..."Hey guys...no school today....April Fools!!")

Note to self: Next year, just resist the urge to "April Fool" anyone, and perhaps the day will go by unnoticed....April Fools!!