Shorter Days...

...make for much longer, at times more difficult evenings. We finished dinner at 5:30 tonight, only to glance out the window into pitch black. Dark already. Dang! Now what? How on earth do we fill 3 hours every evening from here to spring, without losing my mind completely? Good question, one I'm still working on figuring out. Wow, how I long for the days I'd just send them all out into the yard to play after dinner, or we'd walk to the pool or park. Now the kids scatter to the basement, or bedrooms looking for things to fill their time, often forgetting that we're indoors now, and play needs to be a bit different. The logic of 3 and 4 year olds is quite simple...no trees? we'll climb bunk beds. No swings to jump out of? we'll bounce off furniture. No wind to carry our tune for miles? we'll just sing loudly through a paper towel tube...YES, VERY LOUDLY!
We're working on remembering our "inside voices" again. We're pulling out puzzles, and coloring books, and matchbox cars, and Lincoln Logs, and Rescue Heroes. We're putting music on to dance to...just to burn off a little energy. Tonight, I filled the tub with water just so Charlie could swim for awhile. It was better than big time wrestling, and the soap didn't hurt either. As the kids get a little older, they want to spread out more so there's some kind of busy going on in nearly every room. On one patrol through the house, I spotted Frank and Rose "traveling" in the top bunk of the boys room with luggage and stuffed animals packed up for their journey. Charlie was swimming in the bath tub while Grace, Mary and Lucy held a dance party in the basement. Alice and Emma were spread out on my bed with their noses tucked in some good books. And Sam & John sprawled out on the living room floor catching a few minutes of Cartoon Network before it was "tv off" time. (I prefer tv to be a last resort for something to do.)
I'm curious how you all are filling your evening hours. Are you settling in okay, or feeling a little cabin-feverish already? Hopefully soon, we'll all have our creative juices flowing as we come up with wonderful ways to entertain our little ones, and maintain some sense of sanity along the way. Certainly can't say there's no time for starting up a family rosary again, or any family prayer time, I 'spose. Or maybe the older kids and I need to revisit the art of letter-writing. Perhaps learn a new craft or hobby. Scrapbooking is something we could all do...
Any suggestions anyone??

Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray thee Lord, my soul to keep. Angels watch me through the night, and wake me with the morning light. Amen.

In just a split second, accidents happen. Such was the case yesterday when baby Lucy reached her little hand under the treadmill belt as John was running, while the kids played in the same room. So scary. She has a pretty severe sheer/burn on 2 of her fingers and and palm of her hand. She's going to be fine...just treating it with a prescription creme, antibiotics, and watching for infection as the layers of skin try to heal. Dad, on the other hand...it will take a bit longer for the feelings of guilt to subside. Poor guy.

God Bless Lucy. God Bless her dad too.

"the talk"

Oh my...my oldest babies are becoming little ladies. Tonight we had "the talk." Not the birds and bees just yet, but a long beautiful conversation about the changes they can expect their bodies to be making over the next couple years. Granted, they're just nearing 10, so they've got time. But they're in middle school now, and have been hearing mumblings of things from friends, and older girls at school about "periods" and various things. A little of which was starting to frighten them a bit. I thought it might be best to lay things out on the table now, and encourage them to ask questions as things come up.
I prayed about it first, which certainly helped. The Holy Spirit was my counsel as the three of us stayed up late to talk about the awesome miracle of a woman's body, created to carry life into the world. We actually cried together as we talked about our Blessed Mother carrying Jesus in her womb, about the dignity of women and how we need to respect our bodies. They asked so many wonderful questions...some I hadn't even thought would come up. Gosh, they seemed so mature taking it all in. And as they got up to head to bed, and gave me the usual kiss goodnight, I got a little choked up again. Gone are the baby girls that would lay on either side of my lap as I'd feed them their bottles each night. They're maturing; becoming little women. Oh my. I ask God's special graces to carry me through this next phase of life.

Oh pickles.

I typically don't sit around lamenting my difficult life. I really don't. But I'd be lying if I didn't admit that at times I feel a bit under-appreciated. It goes with the title of being mom though, so really, I'm okay with it. As a matter of fact, I've become quite used to being invisible, and with a whole lot of prayers for help from the Blessed Mother, and the Holy Spirit...I can go about my day trying to give my best anyway.
It so happened the other night that I baked fish for supper (which John had been hinting about for days). Unfortunately we had no tarter sauce in the house, so I made some from scratch...simple mayo, chopped pickles...nothing special. Anyhow, the kids threw a big fuss about dinner (as is often the case when feeding toddlers, right? Please tell me I'm not alone on this.) Unfortunately a lot went to waste, 'cause leftover fish is just blech! As I was clearing the dinner table, John mentioned the tarter sauce. He had noticed it was homemade, and that I probably had to chop the pickles, cause he knew there was no relish in the fridge. Anyways, long story short...he said something to the effect of "Nobody here really realizes that dinners don't just fall on the table. You put a lot of effort into feeding everyone 3 times a day, don't you." (no duh.) The conversation pretty much ended there, but it was enough to make me aware that A. he notices (how sweet is that?!) and B. I'm okay with the fact that my kids don't notice. Oh sure, those precious moments when one of them says "thanks mom" or "this is delicious" or even a grubby little thumbs up my direction is nice, but not necessary. I keep reminding myself that one day these kids aren't going to be here...no little ones to bathe, or cook for, or help dress, or teach or read with, or pray with. Someday, silence will prevail. For now, I must find joy in the doing for, in the being with, in the sharing of all that I have to offer. I think I've mentioned before (and need to remind myelf once and again too) that it is in our daily service to our family, that we are honoring God in our true vocation as wives/mothers. May our days work become a form of prayer when done out of love. peace.

Singing it's praises!

Around 11:00 last night, I decided it wise to scrub the bathtub. It needed it really bad, but worse was the un-scrubbable mildew that collects on the caulk that lines the edge of the tub. Eeewww! Disgusting. We have no ventilation in that bathroom, hence the mildew, and for some reason, it just can't be removed from the caulk. So every so often, it's necessary to scrape away the old caulk, clean it well, and re-caulk. Last night I was on a mission! I tore down the shower curtain and liner along with the rubber bath mat and heaved them into the washing machine. I removed all the soap & shampoo, scrunchies, and other tub paraphenelia and was ready to get down to business. One trip to my cleaning supply closet though, made my heart sink. Darnit. I forgot to put tub cleaner on the list last time I used it, and ran out. Okay, I'll just use Comet...all gone. Dang! Nothing appropriate for scouring away mildew and soap scum. Now what?! I just tore apart the bathroom. And I have my caulk scraping tools ready and waiting.
I googled homemade cleaners and decided to try a little vinegar and baking soda. OMG!!!! It's a miracle. That stuff either used separately or later as a paste (I did it both ways) was AMAZING!! As a matter of fact, I should be embarassed to admit...there has been a black area of stains on the outside edge of the old porcelain tub since we moved here...looked just like hair dye drippings (not that I'd know anything about that.) I've tried everything from bleach, to comet, to Scrubbing Bubbles, and several generic tub & tile cleaners along the way and have never been able to remove it. The vinegar and baking soda literally took it off in one swipe. (Are you hearing the choirs of heaven singing too?!) Yep, nothing short of miraculous. Praise God!!!
I am certain to never use anything else again...unless perhaps I forget to put this on my list too. (oops.)
So, anyone else have any super-incredible cleaning supply must-haves?! (Cause I'm slow to catch on that simple is sometimes better.)

crispy or chewy?

How do you like your bacon?
It's split at this house. As for me, I'm a crispy gal...and since I do the fryin', well, there's a good chance it's gonna be crispy.

(Not that we have bacon often. But I was frying it up as a treat for breakfast tomorrow...and well...I got to talking with myself...and just wondered.)

fashion faux pas

Yep, this is just wrong. Worse than wearing white after labor day, I'm sure. I'm choosing my battles though. Like when Charlie decided to wear a much-too-tight sleeveless "muscle" shirt yesterday. Whatev' I'm down with that. (choosing my battles. encouraging independence. biting my lip...yada, yada.)

It's tough telling this little curly-top that her toes-in-tights don't look "fabulous" in flip-flops! What can I say? She's my princess.

Celebrating the Saints

Our parish's newly formed "Little Flowers" group celebrated the Feast of All Saints by dressing up as various saints, and taking part in the 11:30 mass today. There were probably 40 or more young ones who processed into church. Present were the likes of St. Isadore, St. Jacinta, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Therese, St. Juan Diego and many more. We celebrated with other families afterwards with a party of games and treats for the kids.


Alice (St. Rose of Lima), Emma (St. Catherine of Siena), Mary (Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha), Grace (Mary, our Blessed Mother)...the boys weren't keen about dressing up this year, but after seeing other "dudes" with Armor & Swords(St. Michael & St. George), or even prison uniforms (St. Maximilian Kolbe) they're already planning their costumes for next year.

Prayer for the Solemnity of All Saints

God our Father, source of all holiness, the work of Your hands is manifest in Your saints, the beauty of Your truth is reflected in their faith. May we who aspire to have part in their joy be filled with the spirit that blessed their lives, so that having shared their faith on earth may we also know their peace in your kingdom. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Happy Halloweiners!

(One of the kids recently read a book at school about a weiner dog on Halloween. I don't know any more about it, but the fact that kids keep hollaring out "Happy Hallo-weiner Dog!" It's making me a little crazy.)

So... these are my Hallo-wieners. Dressed and ready for their big night of trick-or-treating last evening. We had beautiful fall weather. No rain, thank goodness! Sam was a little apprehensive about dressing up this year, and said he just wanted to stay home and help pass out treats, but thanks to a last minute, dollar-store mask he decided to stop at a few of our neighbors homes. I was glad he decided to go out if even for only a few minutes. He was back home with me in no time, while an older neighbor girl brought the other little ones around. Alice and Emma had a little more freedom to venture off with friends this year, and managed to have a great time as well.

I have to say that the hour or two leading up to the magic moment when kids burst out the door for treats, is mayhem to say the least. Do you all experience that same anticipaton/excitement/chaos? They rush home from school to finish off their homework. Then it's "How much longer mom?" for the rest of the evening. We scramble through supper (I cheated, and ordered in pizza this year.) trying to tidy as we go, just in case someone stops by and wants to actually come in and visit. Once supper is over and cleared, we begin planning the "schedule" of costumes and makeup so that everyone gets dressed in time, and that nobody is ready too soon. Being ready too soon, only exacerbates the anxiety and frustration. This year the older kids were able to help get the younger ones dressed into their very simple costumes, and only a few required "hair and make-up." But neighbor kids were swarming the yards, just waiting for that first porchlight to go on. Once our kids realized the other kids were out...everyone had to be out. Lots of nervous pacing on the driveway...waiting, and more waiting. 3 more minutes. "Mom, can we go yet?! Everyone else is starting!" Porchlights come on 1 by 1, and the kids are off.
Before long, we're all back together at home again, loading up the van to visit grandparents and Dad at work.
We arrive home again late, needing showers and a little quiet to allow them to come down off the ceiling.

Oh, so glad it's over for another year.

Happy Hallo-weiner Dogs!

It must be the morning after...

...trick-or-treat. Frank hopped out of bed, and without a "Good morning," or even a moment's hesitation, he headed straight for the pumpkin. It was too cute to try to stop him. Although the pumpkin is now located on top of the refrigerator...requiring permission to obtain some of the sweet stuff.


Moments later at breakfast...notice the barely nibbled egg sandwich and pinapple chunks. But the boy managed to polish off that chocolate bar.
Really. We don't have candy like this often... and we won't allow this before breakfast again... but it was the first morning. Gotta break the rules every now and then.

there I go sneaking off again

It feels like just a moment ago, instead it's been several days since I've last posted. Where does time get to?! It was another busy, beautiful weekend. Maybe not beautiful weather-wise, but good times none the less. Friday I spent most of my day in the kitchen it seemed...baking, cooking, making pizza subs for the freezer. I'm fortunate that most of the younger ones are thrilled to spend time at the kitchen table coloring, or playing with playdoh so I can work and still manage to keep an eye on them. On Saturday I joined a few friends for a day of shopping to check out the new Outlet Mall just north of Cincinnati. I had forgotten how good it is to get out with the girls and just laugh and cut up. I did manage to find several bargains in my new (improved) size, which was also a bonus. Saturday evening, John and I met with several other couples for our recently formed "gourmet club." Each month a different couple hosts (or selects a place to dine out) and chooses a theme for the evening. Last month was beer and appetizer pairings, this month was an "Iron Chef" style party in which each couple brought a dish that included pumpkin in the recipe. Good food, good friends, good fun! We had everything from Pumpkin Lasagne, stuffed mini-pumpkins, pumpkin foccacia bread, pumpkin roll for dessert...even pumpkin martinis and pumpkin beer. (Yumm!)
Sunday morning brought a much-needed lazy morning. I'm enjoying that the 4 & 5 year olds have religion class during the 1130 mass, so our mornings are not so rushed as when we used to go to the 10 o'clock mass. We definitely file into the van in a more laid back, ready-to-receive-Jesus frame of mind. Sunday evening we participated in our community's 3rd annual "Pumpkins for Life" memorial. It's such an awesome event in which 400 pumpkins, carved with a cross, are lit and displayed on our church steps in honor of the 3600 babies killed by abortion each day. (Each day!) There is beautiful music & singing by our parish Folk group, a prayer service, treats & socializing. I think what's most amazing and inspiring is that this event is organized and put together each year by this incredible group of teens for life. Just awesome! It was a perfect way to end the weekend, as the kids and I lugged our pumpkin home, placed it by our front porch and relit it to show support for the ProLife movement, and honor those babies who died.
This week our focus is on surviving the Hallow-days. We have a costume party at the K of C Hall tonight, trick-or-treating on Thursday, and a Saint's party on Sunday. Fortunately all the kids were able to find costumes here at home, put together with items from their closets or the bin of old costumes in the basement. (Whew!! What a relief...no sewing or crafting original costumes this year!) The biggest stress for me is getting everyone ready and pulling it together despite the usual schedules of homework, (Sam's) Boys Club meeting, and other commitments. It's one of those crazy weeks that has me wishing John was back to working days again.
Just this week, I keep reminding myself...just for this week.

If it were this simple...

I'd have tried it on myself long ago.

We were discussing halloween, and more important to the kids, trick-or-treat, coming up next week. Everyone seems to be coming up with clever (and thankfully simple) ideas for what they want to dress as this year. Little John though, he's been struggling. Until today, that is. He suggested, "Mom, you can just by that 'invisible spray' and spray my head invisible, and I can go as the headless horseman." Umm. "Yeah John, that'd be really cool. Do you think it'd work?" I played along.
"Sure." He says. "And when we're done you just spray me down with water like Mr. Crab did to Sponge Bob."

Umm. Okay. I'll have to check for that next time I'm at Walmart. sounds handier than hiding out in the bathroom to "just breathe." Imagine what I could get done...invisible!

God love him.

Lucy's lion

I passed through the house in my usual fashion last night. Kids were in bed, so I began my "sweep" of rooms. The kids usually have to pick up toys before they can watch any tv for the night, so it's just a matter of me rescuing that one "Little People" princess who didn't make it back into her carriage for the night, or the handful of Legos swept under the couch in the hustle of scooping them into a bucket. I typically line up backpacks for the next morning, spot a missing sock that needs thrown down the clothes chute, return a book or two to the shelf, fluff a few pillows on the couch. It's a nightly ritual to assure most things are back in their places for the next day, so that kids can turn it upside down all over again. Actual cleaning is another story...I can live with a little dust, at least till my next official cleaning day.

Anyhow, as I picked up a throw pillow to straighten and fluff it on the couch, I spotted Lucy's lion. For some reason tonight it made me catch my breath...and yep, even get a little misty for a minute. She's been carrying this lion around as her best friend since she got it the other day...it's almost a part of her. Seeing it there curled up on the couch brought back a surge of memories and emotions I wasn't expecting. I recalled in a flash, the days when we were losing hope of ever having children of our own. For some reason the painful memories of infertility seemed fresh in my mind again. Those four years of waiting and trying to have children were very real all over. I was never so grateful for one misplaced toy, as I was last evening. This little lion says there are children in this house. Our God is an awesome God! I am so grateful for His kindness and mercy, that He could find us worthy of not only one, but a whole houseful of blessings. Certainly, I have much to be thankful for, and Lucy and her little lion are just the start.

Thank you God for this gentle reminder of your love.

Wednesday Night Fever

Another beautiful Indian Summer day!
The girls had their first Little Flowers meeting after school till 5. They came home full of excitement and stories of their day. They seemed most excited about their "craft project" which was to make St. Therese sacrifice beads like these. I caught all of the girls looking for opportunities to help out this evening so they might slide a bead over, marking the "sacrifice." The boys did their homework in a quiet house, and then helped me pack up a simple dinner for one last picnic in the park. I couldn't stand to stay in on such a gorgeous day. As soon as nappers awoke and the girls arrived home, we drove over to Ft. Loramie park. We dined on PB&J, homemade zucchini muffins, Fritos and red Gatorades. (Not much balance there, but it is what was available, quick and convenient. (Walmart had the Gatorade in their clearance section for next-to-nothin' last week when I was there...otherwise something we don't keep in the house.) The kids were THRILLED to have their own plastic bottle with lids...big kid drinks, not koolaid in plastic cups.
We returned home to some chores, showers, girls finishing up homework and as usual a little television time to wind down before bed. Tonight however, our VCR was acting up (i.e. "eating tapes") so we turned music on instead. The kids took turns entertaining the rest of us with various dance numbers. It was far from "winding down" time, but hilarious and fun way to end the evening. Lucy was most silly, spinning and jumping like she had ants in her pants. And of course she didn't mind being the center of attention. A little popcorn after the music ended and kids were ready for bed.
The house is quiet now, and after spending most of last (late) evening hours folding laundry, I'm taking a break tonight. It feels good to sit in silence. No tv, no radio, no kids arguing. Just silence. It's quite conducive to hearing what God is trying to get through my sometimes thick skull.
Yep, after all that noise, laughter, dancing & silliness...silence is good. Just gonna grab my rosary and listen.
Goodnight all.

boys being boys

My mind raced, and I had to hold back laughter as I glanced across the back yard and spotted Charlie (4) and Frank (3) lugging a small step-ladder from the garage and through the yard. They were carrying it with a very certain purpose, that's for sure.
I called out "Boys, we need to put the step-ladder away!"
In unison "Aww Mom! We NEED it for something."

Hmm. Not sure what that "something" could be, but they were headed for Emma's favorite climbing tree. Thank you Guardian Angels for helping me to catch them in time.

Big boy plans foiled again. (Thank goodness!)

To honor our Blessed Mother

There are four girls in this house (five counting their mom) who are quite excited about the new girls club "The Little Flowers" coming to our parish. Today is the first meeting of the new group which honors St. Therese as it's patron, and teaches the girls about the Blessed Mother and other saints, virtues and prayers and helps them to grow in their faith and love of Christ. I offered to bring treats for this first meeting, and was excited when a friend referred me to Catholic Cuisine for this awesome cupcake rosary idea. It kept me busy during naptime yesterday, but I believe it turned out beautifully. A perfect treat during this month of the Holy Rosary.

Trick or treat?

The kids weren't really sure how to answer that...
I tried a new recipe today for "Dinner in a pumpkin." Most of the little diners here didn't really give it a chance judging solely on it's looks, but I thought it was delicious. The "stuffing" reminded me of the Stuffed Green Peppers mom used to make when I was younger. A hamburger, tomato, rice mixture that is quite yummy.
Feel free to try it out for a festive Autumn meal...if you dare!

Dinner in a Pumpkin

1 medium sugar pumpkin
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons white sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
4 cups tomato juice
3 cups shredded cabbage
1/2 pound fresh green beans, washed and trimmed
1 cup uncooked white rice

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Wash pumpkin, cut off top, scrape out seeds and discard.
Place hamburger in a large, deep skillet. Crumble and cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain fat, add onion and garlic; saute slightly.
Add sugar, Italian herbs, salt, pepper, tomato juice and rice; mix thoroughly.
Layer inside of pumpkin with 1/3 of cabbage, green beans and beef and rice mixture. Repeat layers, replace lid and bake for 2 to 3 hours. Be sure to cook in a jelly roll or roasting pan to catch the juices!
Note: I used canned tomatoes in their juice instead of tomato juice, but would suggest trying Rotel seasoned canned tomatoes next time for a little more flavor. As you serve the stuffing, scrape a little pumpkin flesh from the inside to add to the mix. The pumpkin complements the stuffing wonderfully.

Indian Summer

It sure is nice to be able to send the kids outside after dinner to play again. After all the rain and frigid temps last week, we were due for some outdoor fun. Today we took advantage by carving a pumpkin, raking a few more leaves, playing backyard dodgeball with the neighbor kids, and definitely more tree climbing. I really do love this weather with the cool air, warm sun, crunching of leaves underfoot, and gorgeous colors all around. The Lords' blessings are abundant indeed.

a new "must try" recipe

I baked a triple batch of this bread on Friday. It's my first time trying it, and it has been voted a total success, hands down. Tis the season for a little pumpkin in the diet...

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
3½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon of salt
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
¾ cup whole milk
1 egg
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice
1 cup of chocolate chips (floured)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Grease and flour one 9x5x3 inch loaf pan or two 8½x4½x2½ inch loaf pans.
Mix all ingredients together in a mixing bowl except the chocolate chips.
Add the chocolate chips to the pumpkin bread batter.
Pour the chocolate chip pumpkin bread batter into the loaf pan(s).
Place in the oven and bake for one hour or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Note: I used 1 cup of Pumpkin Pie Filling instead of the pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spices. I also made muffins which baked to perfection in just 20 minutes.