Feels like Sunday...

The kids had the day off school today, and for some reason it's got me thinking it's a Sunday. Unfortunately, John and I had a funeral mass to attend this morning, and he still had to go in to work this evening, but the kids and I managed to turn the day around thanks to a visit from family (lots of cousins!) My sister-in-law and her kids were in town visiting during their school spring break, so they along with some other local family members who also had the day off school came over for an impromptu spaghetti supper. Lets see, there were the 3 moms, along with our 21 kids...that adds up to a house-full pretty quick. Thankfully the rain held off for the most part, so the kids spent much of the time outside shooting hoops, or riding bikes/scooters, etc. The littlest ones spent much of their time in their high-chairs at the kitchen table listening to moms gab, and happy to be tossed a grape or breadstick, or unfinished cake left by an older sibling. I think little Lucy loved having cousin Kate (11 months) sitting next to her, to share forks, sippy cups and already gummed breadsticks. They were pretty cute together, and seemed to entertain each other quite well. We always love having cousins over to visit, and I enjoy the conversation with my sisters-in-law immensely. I was never blessed to have sisters of my own, so I'm grateful for the ones I inherited through marriage.
Anyways, it was a great evening. Our last guests left in time for our kids to get showered and mellowed a little before bed. It's back to school for our bunch tomorrow. Wednesdays here means the kids attend mass before school. We're so fortunate to live in a community where our public school has made it possible for release time so that all students may attend mass together once a week. Tomorrow my 2nd grade class is preparing for the liturgy...doing the readings, bringing up offertory, carrying a banner in the procession, etc. Sam and I are quite excited (and I'm a bit nervous) to see how it all goes. The kids have worked so hard planning and practicing. It should be quite a special morning. I better go, need to double check to be sure I've got things in order.
Blessed night to all!

Just wanted to include our menu for the evening (cause people ask now and then what a meal is like for the 12 of us, so it's fun to think about feeding 2 dozen.)
2# spaghetti
2 lg. jars store-bought sauce
5 dozen breadsticks (fresh baked~Alice helped me knead the dough!)
lg. bowl grapes
few carrots, celery and peppers with dip (I think the kids just used the veggies to get the dip to their mouths)
and a dozen or so pieces of cake, cut in 1/2's to make it go further (assorted flavors, leftover and shared by a neighbor from a luncheon yesterday)
Incredibly simple, wonderfully delicious...tastes even better when eaten in great company!

too delicious to hide in a comment box

Someone requested the recipe, so I thought I'd just share it here for all to read. I called it Buttercream Frostng in my previous cookie post, but now as I'm reading the recipe, I realize technically it's not. Anyhow...it's really yummy!

Homemade Buttery Decorator Icing
1/2 cup butter (don't substitute!) softened
1/4 cup shortening (I prefer butter-flavored crisco sticks)
1 tsp. vanilla
1/8 tsp. salt
4 cups powdered sugar
2 to 4 Tbsp. milk

In large bowl, beat butter and shortening until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and salt. Beat in powdered sugar 1 cup at a time, scraping down sides of bowl. Add 2 Tbsp milk, beat at high speed until light and fluffy. Add enough additional milk for desired spreading consistency.
Yield: 3cups. Note: Icing stays soft for awhile, so I usually place on plates in the fridge to help icing harden, then store cookies between layers of wax paper in airtight container.

Tip: Can be made 2 weeks in advance (if you can keep your kids/husband out of it that long!) and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bring to room temp and beat before using.

always room for one more...

It makes me smile when the kids make comments about wanting more siblings. (Not that I have news, or that I'm in a hurry to have news.) I just worry sometimes that the older ones might be noticing more that life in a bigger family means doing without some of the nice things their friends have. Surely they've noticed. And yet, despite the small sacrifices, they also seem to know the joy. We are abundantly blessed.
On this note, it moved me to tears when Emma sat on the edge of my bed early this morning to tell me about the "best dream ever." She whispered "Mom I just dreamt you had another baby. It was a little girl this time, and she was perfect!"
How sweet is that.
She must have enjoyed our night out at the park last night...all 10 kids, myself and 3 school friends we invited along. Quite a van-load to haul around...filled with laughter, and singing and goofing around. Reminds us there's always room for one more.

Did I mention I LOVE to bake?!

I take pleasure in rolling out cookie dough, stamping out the perfect little bunnies, snowmen, or whatever the season calls for. It's a real pain in the butt, I think, but I love doing it none-the-less. Last night though, John burst my bubble when he brought home "slice-and-bake" cookie dough from the grocery store. He mentioned, "it must have been a good deal, cause these were the last ones on the shelf." I should have known better than to send him to the store for one item so close to supper. He can't pass up a "deal."

Anyhow, in an attempt to prove him wrong, I sliced up a few tubes of the stuff last night (since the oven was preheated from dinner.) And although it's rare that I'm ever wrong, (this might be the 2nd time, or so) these little babies were delicious!!! Okay, anything could taste good when doctored up with homemade buttercream frosting...but these ranked right up there with homemade. Why have I been dodging them my whole life??!! I'll be happy to simplify my life (no mixing bowls, measuring cups and flour all over the kitchen) for this little treat...especially if they're on sale.

So, if you tend to be a bit "old-fashioned" in the baking department, as I tend to be, I think you'll find these worth a try. (It was an IGA brand to boot...not a name-brand)

You think this looks bad...

...you should see the other guy! Okay, not really. My little prize-fighter took a nose-dive into the edge of our kitchen window bench last evening. Ouch. Lucy handled it like a champ, though. I thought she might be needing stitches the way her brow was split open, but turns out a little "butterfly-ing" with bandaids through the night, and it's healing up just fine.

She saw herself in the mirror for the first time today, and just kept doing double-takes, and grabbing her forehead in disbelief. Too cute.

Charlie's got competition...

...in the pew, that is. I was hoping to forget about it completely...but since Amy brought it up in the comment box, I better 'fess up. Truth is, I heard little of the Gospel yesterday, and dear hubby heard even less. 2 year old Frank was a real terror. Okay, maybe not "terror," but distracting to those around us none-the-less. He discovered the echo of his voice yesterday, and for several minutes during the Eucharistic prayer/consecration continued making noises and laughing despite John's attempts to stifle it. Once they stood up and entered the communion line, things were fine. The boy just needed to move. In his defense, it was a tough mass. All of the high school religion students were in attendance to mark the end of their year, and recognize the seniors. They took up the first 2/3 of the pews. So we sat well into the back half of the church. (We're usually in the first couple pews so that the kids can see what's going on, and tend to behave slightly better.) There were also several rows of Knights of Columbus members with their families for their annual family mass. All this meant extra prayers, blessings, songs, etc. It just was more than 2 year olds could sit through without being able to see what was going on. It didn't help that there was a slightly unhappy (albeit grumpy) older couple ahead of us who continued to send sharp, disapproving glances in our direction through most of the mass. (Another reason I love sitting in front...I can't see the disapproval from behind, and then worry about it less.)
Anyways, it was a difficult mass, and we struggle with how exactly to handle this. We don't want to be disruptive, but our kids do need a chance to learn proper church behavior. We don't have a "quiet room" in our church, so if things get too out of hand we have the option of taking them out into the vestibule/entry for a few moments, but I kind of think once they know that's an option, they tend to misbehave just to get a change of scenery. Anyone have any thoughts on this? We started taking most of the kids after age 2, and for the most part, it seems like it's worked well. Just a couple of the boys now want to make it a little crazy. Charlie is still active in the pew, but at least not noisy or disruptive to those around us. And despite the disapproving glances from in front, there were a couple families behind us that commented how well-behaved our kids were in church again (talk about mixed messages?!)
(sigh.) I just keep thinking, next week's another chance for things to go smoother, right?! Feel free to share comments on this.

Giving from the heart

I wanted to try to share these thoughts in my own words, but I think Patricia Fosarelli said it perfect in her Lenten devotional "Coming Home to the Lord." Aside from that, I'm dog-tired from another crazy, busy weekend. I'll fill you in on all of that later. God Bless!

Fifth Sunday of Lent:

So give for alms those things which are within [you]. Luke 11:41

When people speak of giving alms, they usually think of giving money to
poor people. In this passage from the Gospel of Luke, Jesus is saying that
when we give to others what is within ourselves, we are also giving alms.
Such "inner things" include our talents, laughter, concern, assistance and
friendship. Everyone, from children to adults, can give alms because they
can give from what they have.
God of generosity, help us to give alms in the ways that we can--sometimes
with money, and always with the gift of ourselves.

Young John called me outside this morning, excited to show me the beautiful flower we had growing in the side flower bed...first signs of spring. Oi. Looks like work to me.

Truly, beauty is in the eye of the beholder!

Upon further investigation though, we also found a couple daphodils, some Iris plants peeking up out of the ground, Clematic vines budding, rose branches greening up, and several other early signs of nature's beauty. What a lovely day!

a brief retreat...

This morning John and I & the 7 youngest took a drive over to Maria Stein. The weather was just beautiful for a stroll through the woods there at the Spiritual Center. It's been since last summer that we were last there, and I was amazed at all the changes going on. Wow! We always like to take the rosary path through the woods, and were pleasantly surprised to find the trails now paved with concrete sidewalk. There were 1/2 dozen or more new concrete grottos, not yet complete, along the path. I'll be anxious to see what they have in store for them. The kids love to splash there hands in the water of the Respect Life Memorial (which is just beautiful!) I could be wrong, but I also thought the outdoor stations had newly built wooden displays. Everything is just looking amazing and beautiful. I suspect we'll be visiting more often as the weather stays warm just to see how things continue to progress. For those who've never been, the Spiritual Center and retreat house have beautiful woods with trails, complete with Rosary walk, Outdoor Stations, a pond with bridge, and many places throughout for quiet reflection. It's located right behind the Maria Stein Center and Shrine of the Holy Relics which is another must-visit. What a great way to spend an hour, an afternoon, or maybe someday even a weekend retreat. It's on my wish-list somewhere!

random acts of kindness

"Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile"- Mother Teresa

I'm recognizing that I've been on the receiving end of more than my share of random acts of kindness lately, and I'm humbled that friends, acquaintences and even strangers would be thinking of us and reflecting Christ's light. I am grateful! And I plan to pay it forward, each opportunity I get. That's the point, right?! Even the smallest of gestures can lift spirits and hearts. God Bless you all! I encourage you to take a moment today to recognize the kindness of others and thank God for those He's placed in your life, and then think of someone who might be in need of your kindness today...perhaps even just a smile. I think you (and they) will be glad you did.

alice's song

I was going through some old pics and found this one. My older girls love to write...poems, stories, even song lyrics (of which they later love to perform!). Alice wrote this a couple years ago. I can still remember her sweet little voice singing along in her own tune. I thought it was a keeper, and now worthy of sharing. Enjoy!

who said "big things come in small packages?"

At our house, the bigger the package, the better! We had diapers delivered to our door today thanks to diapers.com. A friend suggested the site to me a while back, and now I'm hooked.
Anyways, the kids are happy to see the UPS man coming too. Big box = Big fun!

thought for today.

Lent, 2009

"Saint Francis reminds us to do more than look at the cross. We see the external cause of pain. We need to look for the interior love that accepted the pain and gave it meaning."
—Daily Reflections for Lent 2008 (borrowed from americancatholic.org)

feast of the annunciation, march 25th

As we recall the angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary, may we also recognize Mary's response...her "fiat" or "Yes!" to the Lord. Her willingness to serve brought Christ to the world, and changed the course of things for all eternity.

May we also respond with a resounding "yes" to always do God's holy will.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee...

(thanks to this blog for the great image of Mary's Fiat.)

"Guess What Mom!"

..."You're a grandma!!!" Alice and Emma could hardly contain themselves as they burst into the front door from school today. I must have looked more than a little confused, as they stopped to explain. Their baby chicks hatched today...part of a County Extension 4H project in their classrooms at school. They've been watching and waiting for 21 days now, I think. Finally, today the little peeps made their way into the world. Grace, Mary and John were equally excited and proclaimed their new titles and "Aunts and Uncles." Chickies Charlie and Nemo are reportedly doing well. Alice tells me that Charlie's delivery was quick...he pecked a hole, and made his way out in less than an hour. Whew, an uneventful labor and delivery.

I'm hoping to visit them after school tomorrow...I'll try to post pics of the new grand-chickies when I get a chance. We're all so proud.

nature vs. nurture?

I'm sure I've handed the girls (and boys) baby dolls and taught them how to give "Ahhhhhhs" with hugs and little wet kisses. But never (and I'm sure about this) have I pointed an index finger (let alone a real gun) and made a shooting sound. Where do boys learn this?! Is it genetic? The girls don't routinely do this...but Frank (and all the little men for that matter) are packin heat with their index-finger-pistol from the moment they crawl out of bed in the morning. Frank takes aim and chooses his breakfast cereal with one eye closed and the trigger pulled. "Pow" (apparently he's having Fruit Loops, partner.)

"hearty" laughs

As the boys hopped one-legged through the kitchen, little John stopped to tell me he could feel his heartbeat in his chest. I placed my hand there and told him it felt like a galloping horse. Charlie followed right behind him. "Is your heart galloping like a horse?" I asked.
"Nope, mine sounds like a cow! MOOOOO!" was his reply.

The Passion

John and I got a chance to see Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion of the Christ" Saturday night. It was the first we'd seen it again since it came out in theatres 5 years ago. I had forgotten so much about the movie, from the subtitles to the intense graphic depiction of the scourging. Parts of it are difficult to stomach, I'll admit.
You know, I can only speak for myself, but I love this movie in that it brings Jesus' suffering to life. I grew up with a crucifix present throughout our home, our church, and even wear one around my neck most days. We pray the stations, and even hear The Passion read in church, and yet somehow, it seems that while I as a Catholic, embrace the cross, and His sacrifice, I've become almost numb to the real suffering it holds. I manage to forget somehow that our God-made-man, endured not a little, rather incredible suffering for me. For all of us.
John and I remained silent as the credits rolled, and longer. I remember the same "audible" silence as we left the theatre 5 years ago. There are no words necessary. Certainly Christ's ability to love and forgive in spite of the intense suffering and humilitation He endured serves as an example and reminder of our need to do the same in this life.
I think if you've not seen it, or if it's been awhile, it would be a benefit to you this Lent. How 'bout you? What are your thoughts on the movie? And at what age, would you consider it appropriate for your kids? (I'm certain mine are not ready.)

Saturday with the girls...

I packed the 6 girls into the van on Saturday for a day at the mall. Alice and Emma couldn't recall their last visit to the Lima mall (school shopping for kindergarden 4 years ago) and the other girls, I'm fairly certain have never been there. I'm not embarassed to admit that if we can't get what we need at a Walmart or Target, we probably don't need it. But every great now and again we like to try something new. Easter is the one occasion in the year that everyone gets something new to wear, so we were on a mission! What an enjoyable day. I'm not sure I've ever had all 6 girls alone for a whole day. We started off soon after breakfast, and made it home in time to fix the men some supper. In between we had a ball trying on all kinds of fun outfits, shoes, etc. We even splurged and went out for a sit-down lunch. (A place with no chicken nuggets on the menu.) Oh it was nothing fancy, Alice requested I-Hop, but it was ordering from a menu, which is definitely a treat!
As for shopping, I was disappointed to find that it's impossible to find a dress in the mall with sleeves. Everything was tank-style, or worse yet, halter/strappy. I'm certain it's a conspiracy for stores to be able to sell the matching sweaters they had hanging next to each dress. (Which we did, for a couple of the girls.) They have you over a barrel. But like I said, Easter's the one time that everyone ('cept John and I, of course...we've been wearing the same stuff for ten years, I think) gets something new. We even slipped into the boys section at one store and picked out new shirts/polos for all the boys. Too cute.
I'm glad we don't shop like that all the time. It's actually a bit stressful to keep track of who's getting what, and who still needs pantyhose to match, etc. But it was a completely enjoyable, different kind of day for the girls in this house...and hopefully they'll have some memories of it a few years down the road when we may try it again.

Cheese!!!!!

...no comment for this one. Only that this picture speaks VOLUMES about the kind of silliness that oozes from this house on a daily basis!
Enjoy your Monday!