happy feet

..a few minutes of this on a daily basis, and I'll be one hot mama! The kids drop whatever arguing might be going on when I put a cd into my kitchen player, and start dancing. Did I mention I love the Jo Bros. ?! Ahhh, to be a teenager again....

Be prepared to move your feet when you check this out

Note to self...

Spend less time hollering, and more time dancing around the kitchen table to tunes like "We are Family" and "Sweet Home Alabama." Even Lucy loves to dance.

On Palin for VP...

Okay, a few thoughts...I'm uncertain how someone "pro-life" can be strongly pro-death penalty. Not sure I love her love of guns...but she's not from midwest, so maybe it's another ballgame up north. Its also unclear to me how a mother of 5 young ones (including a 3? month-old with Downs) can want to throw herself so completely into a career of any sort. (No, I'm not saying we shouldn't have working moms! it's about balance, I know.) But I do love that she gives a voice to the unborn, and children with special needs, her opposition to same-sex marriage, and that she comes from the largest energy state in the nation, and has a proven track-record for standing up to big oil companies. She's got moxy. Overall, I'm pleased with McCain's choice, even if it is completely contrived. While it probably is a ditch-effort to gain Clinton supporters, I think it serves better to light a spark in the GOP, who could only stand to gain from this self-proclaimed "soccer mom." Brilliant move, Senator McCain (and all who help him do his thinking.)

even better than abc's and 123's...

Our Grace started kindergarten last week. Each day since, she comes home with a new letter of the alphabet, and a poem to go with it. Cute stuff...learning the basics. But yesterday I was moved to tears by her lesson learned for the day. She pulled a crumpled red contruction paper heart out of her backpack and began to smooth it out with her hands before beginning the story. The tone of her voice softened as she began..."Mom, our teacher says that when we call someone a bad name or tease them, this happens to their heart..." and she began to gently crumple one edge of the paper heart. "And if we make fun of them, or laugh at them, this happens to their heart..." and she crumpled the other side of the heart. She continued "And when we tell them we're sorry, and try to make things better," (she began smoothing the heart out again) "their heart gets better, but we still leave wrinkles on their heart Mom. When we're mean to someone it changes their heart forever." By this time, tears are rolling down my cheeks. I hugged her. She ran off to grab an after school snack, and I hung the heart proudly on the front of the fridge. Note to self: be sure to send that teacher a note of thanks...and maybe a treat. These are the basic lessons all kids need to hear.
God Bless.

a blast from the past.

I had the opportunity to visit with some good friends/former co-workers tonight. It's been 10 years since the Assisted Living facility I used to work for opened its doors, so an Open House celebration took place. I happened to be one of the first nurses hired in to what became a very close-knit (all but ecclectic) group of men and women. I spent just a couple years there, until the time Alice and Emma came along, and then I took my leave. Other than an occassional Christmas card, I'd fallen out of touch with these friends, so it was wonderful to be reuinited with them tonight. As I left the party and drove home though, I became even more aware of how God brings people into our lives, sometime only for a short while, but always with purpose. The people I'd met there helped me to find the best part of me. I believe my perception of myself changed, and acceptance of others for their unique differences grew, enabling me to embrace my faith more fully. My prayer life grew stronger in those years, and I developed a special connection with the Blessed Mother as I was reaquainted with the Rosary by one of the other nurses. What beautiful people, and what a wonderful stepping stone on my path through this blessed life. Thank you God for taking care.

On the Feast of St Monica

...and I was just talking with someone the other day. She asked what we do about children/family who have strayed from the church. Prayer was the only answer. And now I can share with her the name of a wonderful intercessor. As mothers, we can learn from St. Monica to pray without ceasing for conversion of souls especially those of our children who may stray from the church. May we never lose hope. She was the wife of a verbally abusive husband, and mother to Augustine who chose a carefree lifestyle and wicked ways. Because of her constant prayers he converted just before she died and later became a Bishop and Doctor of our Catholic Church. St. Monica and St. Augustine graciously hear our prayers, and help us to lead our children to Christ. Amen.

going bananas (over grapes.)

Mmmmm...I love the smell of grapes. Real grapes, fresh from the vine...not like bubble-gum grape flavoring but real grapes as God intended. We planted a couple grapevines 3 years ago, and this is the first season they've produced enough for more than just the birds to enjoy. John and the kids picked a large grocery sack full, and together with Grace and Mary, I cleaned and made juice of them. 30 quarts of beautiful, delicious grape juice canned and ready to be enjoyed. I see the jars lined up on the cupboard cooling, and I smile thinking of John's mom who gave me my first lessons in canning more than 10 years ago, just before she passed away. It was tomatoes and peaches then. She was so patient, sharing her skills and tricks of the trade that came with years of experience. I think she might just be happy to know that the art was not lost on me, that I did learn something wonderful from her, and that I'd loved to have learned more. Ever grateful for the blessings in my life...bountiful harvest, loving supportive people, beautiful family. God is good.

Some mornings go smoothly...

...and some mornings we have drama. Today, a little drama. I would expect this with 6 girls in the house, but didn't think it would start this young. I try to eliminate as much morning angst as possible by being prepared. For one thing I set up the coffee pot the night before. There, I'm ready. It's also required of all school kids to lay out clothes (socks and shoes included) the night before. I even check it, cause God knows black and navy only go together in a bruise (SAM!) Anyhow, bookbags are laid out, cereal bowls and spoons set out...you get the picture. This morning though, things just weren't working out for Alice. The cute t-shirt she picked out last night just wasn't fitting the way it had last time she wore it (the bottom hem was rolling up and it was bothering her.) Anxiety led to tears, then yelling, and more tears. I nonchalantly suggested she head back upstairs and find something else. (Apparently she expected more of a rise out of me...so she sobbed back upstairs.) Emma, who's always the first ready...cause she doesn't care what she looks like, headed upstairs to give Alice a shoulder (not a helping hand...she's useless in the fashion dept.) A few minutes later Emma came down, and whispered "It's not goin' good up there mom." By this time, I had sorted through a basket of clean tees, and was able to send Emma back up with a shirt for her twin. I love how despite their extreme differences, times like these allow them just to be there for each other. Emma could have antagonized, but she didn't this time. She just shared in her "pain" and helped however she could. The rest of the morning went smoothly, and everyone got off to school with smiles on their faces, and those few moments of drama and tension were behind them. For now.
Peace to all! God is good.

Houston, we have a breakthrough...

2 year old Rosie has begun to say "Yes." Okay, some of you are saying "big woop!" I know. But, "no" and "I dunno" have been her only words (aside from mom and dad) for months now. So to hear the word "yes" was music to my ears. She seemed to know it was a big deal, and played it up nicely for me. I bombarded her with "yes" questions all day long, just to hear her linger on the "s" sound...with her little tongue hanging out to stretch the sound a little longer. Rosie have a stinky diaper? "Yesssss," Would you like a clean one? "Yessssss" Need a drink? "Yesssssss" Kisses for mommy? "Yessssss," Are you pretty? "Yesssss" Ready for naptime? "NO!" (okay, she likes the new word, but she's no dummy.)

too funny

okay, this was too funny to stay hidden in the "comments" box. Apparently this is what ramp-building and other shananigans may lead to. (By the way, I'm NEVER leaving the kids home alone. Ever.) Thanks anonymous.

check this out

Of suds and stuff...

Did I mention I dabble in laundry from time to time? Stain removal, it's my thing. Our summer sock-hiatus is over now, so it's that time of year again to start sorting socks. Yuck. (I mean, oh joy!) Anyhow, I've come up with a lifesaver. If your kids are still young enough and trainable...it might help. I bought a small mesh laundry bag for each of the kids (the kind that you can wash delicates in...zips shut). The bags are clipped to hangers with the kids name on them and hang in our bathroom closet near the laundry chute. At day's end, they place thier socks into their own bags. When the bags are full, I zip them all shut, and toss them into the washer with the other whites. When dry, each of the kids is responsible for emptying, sorting, and putting away the socks from their bag. Voila! I'm outta the sock sorting loop. Halleluia!!
...leaving me more time to lay on the couch, reading my favorite magazine, and eating bon-bons.

little rock-n-rollers

OMG! How old are they again? 7 and 8, or 17 and 18?! All of the kids have been sharing in the fun of "fashion shows," from boys dressed as contruction workers or football players, to girls in party dresses. I'm fine with this creative play. I'm even cool with them destroying/losing most of my clothespins with the stage curtains they clip up in the basement. But quite frankly, this ensemble scared me. No, not the all black...although it caught me off guard that they'd heard the term "goth" and used it to describe what they were wearing. It frightened me that in a split-second, I felt 10 years older, and completely unprepared for the teen years. (Imagine...9 teenagers in one house...OMG!) Anyhow. I tried to be cool. Told them how "cute" they looked and encouraged them to wear their outfits to school. They immediately returned to their rooms and changed. Thank goodness, reverse psychology worked out this time. "Cute" is a word that changes Emma's mind in a heartbeat. These self proclaimed rock-n-rollers nearly rolled right over me today. Yikes. Just breathe Jamie, just breathe.

Rock on..

Today's Gospel told the story of Jesus proclaiming Peter to be the "rock," the very foundation on which the church would be built. The same Peter who did not want his feet washed, the same Peter who denied Jesus (not once, but 3 times), the very Peter who did not want Jesus to suffer for the sake of all, and who lacked confidence in the storm. This was to be the man on which our church is built. In this I find hope. Hope that if Jesus can find goodness and worthiness in us despite our imperfections, then perhaps we can be "rocks" too. On days when I am a doubter, when I don't feel capable of "handling" or perhaps unworthy of all the blessings I've been given, I can find peace knowing I'm not meant to be perfect, just good. And that in admitting our shortcomings, and asking Jesus for forgiveness, as Peter did, we can also delight in the promise of a share in the kingdom of heaven. May we remain strong in our faith, proclaiming God's good word, being a "rock" for Christ's church, starting at home, and "rockin' on."

back on the subject of sweeping the floors...

...we had tacos tonight. (Aye Caramba!) Next time we're eating outside. Period.

Who was St. Rose?

Interesting that I just read that today is the feast day of St. Rose of Lima. I had heard her name before, but didn't really know anything about her...that is until just last week. The stained glass windows are being renovated at our church. So one by one, each window is carefully removed, temporarily replaced with clear glass, and then returned when completed. They're looking beautiful as ever. It just so happened that last week the window of St. Rose returned and mom asked me after mass, why she was wearing a crown of thorns. Hmm, didn't know, so I 'googled' her. Turns out St. Rose was known for her remarkable suffering (at times wearing the metal barbs which she hid with a crown of roses) as a means of penance and unity with the Divine. She is also the first canonized saint of the new world. A little Catholic/saints trivia for you today.

St. Rose pray for us, that we may recognize our trials and sufferings as a means to bring us closer to Christ as well. Amen.

who needs t.v.?!

...we don't here, at least most of the time. Last evening my parents stopped over for a visit. I think when they get tired of silence (perhaps bored) they drop in to see what's cookin' at our house. (and somethin's always cookin!) Last night was not a disappointment. The kids drug their skateboard ramp (of the scrap-wood, homemade variety) out of the garage, and were trying to "find something different to do." They placed it in the grass at the end of the sidewalk that runs along side our garage. The grass made for a softer landing, and the ramp was angled so that they could run their scooters off better. It didn't take long before they pulled other scraps of lumber out of the garage to raise it a little higher, and give it a little "spring." Soon scooters were left at the wayside, and the ramp became a spring-board. Even the toddlers were involved, and the line of 9 little people taking turns doing jumps was a crack-up to watch. I think the laughing turned to hysterics when Alice took her turn and jumped right in the middle of the ramp, cracking into two pieces. It was classic. I should have known that the fun wouldn't stop here though. What one doesn't think of, the others will. They began stacking the ramp pieces in a teeter-totter fashion, so that Emma would jump onto one side, just as the runner hit the other end, springing the runner into the air even further. The thought of an ER visit did cross my mind, but I hadn't seen my parents laugh this hard since we were kids doing dumb tricks around the house. Even my dad took his turn as the "jumper" once. (only once.) When they started dragging chairs and coolers out of the garage to get higher jumps, I had to stop the show. I mean, where would it end? I had visions of them trying to jump off the garage roof next...just trying to get a good "spring." And I wouldn't put that past Emma for a second! She has no fear. Oh well, gave us all a good laugh, nobody was hurt, and the television stayed off for another evening.

check out those new dookie-dockies

Oh yaah! Too cool. I happened to have the 2 youngest boys with me at Walmart last night, and came across these great finds (only $3). Reminiscent of the old Converse Chuck Taylors I had when I was a kid, and pretty sure, my dad had too. Charlie and Frank think they're "all that." Made me remember my grandma who would have loved those nice "dookie-dockies." (Not sure if that was a word used only by her, but rings right in with "davenport" which is the only word she ever used for couch.)

busy planning

Not much to write about tonight as I'm busy planning for my first class tomorrow. Ready to meet and greet 14 2nd-graders and try to lead them towards a closer relationship with God. It's a big year as they prepare for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. I'm nervous and excited. Pray for us.

I just swept, I promise.

It occurred to me today as I was sweeping the kitchen floor, that it might be quite possible to feed a third world nation from the cast-offs on my kitchen floor. And that's just lunch! I'm certain there was a time in my married life when pulling out the broom on Saturdays (cleaning day) was more than sufficient. And if I didn't get around to it that often you might not even notice. But now, if I skip brooming after a meal, there's a potential for bodily injury! I mean seriously, if you've ever cut your toe on a dried crusted cheerio, you know where I'm coming from. It shouldn't come as any surprise then, that this is Lucy's favorite hangout. The snacking selection is endless...brownie bit, cracker crumb, mushy (or dried) cereal, oh, and on a "good day" you might just score a half of a breakfast bar (or more!) I'm telling you. I really did sweep today, but someone snacked, and we start all over again! Scouts honor!

busted...

Okay, I'll admit, maybe I was dragging my feet a bit. I just couldn't get motivated let alone excited about the first day of school. It didn't help that little Lucy was awake frequently thru the night (perhaps cutting more teeth?). So as I moped around the kitchen table, still in my jammies, and hanging my head into a huge vat of coffee, Sam called me on it. "Hey Dad, how come you're doing everything today, and mom's just sittin' there?!" Someone blurted out (maybe me) "cause Dad's the man of the house...he's takin' charge." Grace was quick to pipe in "Well God's 'the man' of the whole world, and He's not pourin' cereal." Okay, already. I get the picture. I mustered what little energy I had, threw on some clothes, and shuffled everyone out onto the front step for first-day pictures. Oh, and it was a beautiful day outside. Breathing in a little fresh morning air was good for the soul. 3 were on their way across the street to meet up with the neighbor kids for their 2 block walk to school. One more would be heading out after lunch for afternoon kindergarden. The rest were piling out onto the step in their pj's to watch the buses go by. Oh, I think it might be a good day afterall. A new school year is underway.