This Is My Life

I know I don't talk politics much, but...

2008-09-04T06:51:00.000-07:00

I am absolutely loving Sarah Palin. This is a mom facing real challenges (being govenor of Alaska as well as being the VP running mate, a mom of five, and a soon to be grandmother) who shows what family is all about.

I, for one, am finding that I am focusing more and more on the VP position instead of the actual President. I am actually looking forwards to her running for President in 8 years. Not that she's sharing an information with me or anything, just that I'm hoping.

And just in case someone out there hasn't been privvy to all the Sarah Palin news and the Republican National Convention (going on in my home state of Minnesota!), say someone living in Canada, let me just share that Sarah not only says she is pro-life, but she lives it. She knew that her 5th child had down syndrome while pregnant and chose to have her sweet little boy, who is now only 4 months old. Her unwed teenage daughter is now 5 months pregnant, but instead of shunning her, the family is embracing her. We don't have to like what her daughter did, but that doesn't mean we can't openly accept what is to be.

Okay, I'll get off my high horse here, but tell me, are all the pro-life moms out there feeling this way? It seems to be how most of the blogs are that I'm reading.

Where have I been, you ask?

2008-09-03T09:43:00.000-07:00

Well...I've been gardening and canning and picking and cooking and freezing and teaching and helping and stressing and sneezing and itching (allergies are a killer!) and sleeping and waking and cleaning and bathing and changing and dressing and reading and writing and praying and loving.

It's been a bit busy around here. I have severe allergies and hopefully when the season is over I'll be in better shape to blog more. Until then, the first day of school was yesterday and we are working hard.

Glue?

2008-08-20T08:19:00.000-07:00

Does anyone know a good way to get glue, with glitter nonetheless, out of carpet? I'm going to try melting some ice cubes on it and "washing" it up, but other than that, I'm lost.

2 years olds

2008-08-14T07:05:00.001-07:00

Well, my twins turned two years old on Sunday, Aug. 10th. It's really hard to believe that it has been two years already. I don't have many memories of their first year (oh, there are a few) because things were so hectic, but this past year has flown just as fast. They are running around getting into everything, crawling out of their cribs (ugh!) and starting to say a few words. They really are fun to watch. Imagine having your child get together with another child for a playdate. Isn't it fun to watch them play together and see the funny ways that they interact? That's what we get to do everyday. They are very cute when they are "talking" and playing together. They are even cute when they get into trouble together.

So, we've been sitting outside most mornings and late afternoons in order to enjoy the great weather and get the kiddos some excersize. It really is the only thing that I can do with the twins now. They can open doors and can even open 2 of our 3 baby gates (can you believe that?!) so it is almost impossible to get anything done around the house anymore. I tried to empty the dishwasher the other day and a stuffed tiger went into the toilet. I tried to make supper two nights ago and Harry got out the markers and started coloring a chair. Lucky for me we only keep washable markers in the house. I sit down to nurse Mary (about a 20 minute activity) and I the shampoo and lotion from my bathroom was emptied on the floor. So, for the next year or so, when I still won't be able to reason with them, we'll be found outside. If it is raining, check the garage.

Big things come in little packages

2008-08-11T10:05:00.000-07:00

If you have ever met my children, then this post is not for you. But, if you have not met my children, then please take notes for the day that you do.

If you see my Joseph and notice that he is the tallest of my children, do not assume that he is the oldest. He measures in at about 58 pounds and 53 inches tall. He towers over other kids his age and looks like he is 9 or 10 years old. He is, in fact, only 7 years and 1 month old. Please keep that in mind if you meet him. He's just a little boy in a very tall body.

If you see my John Paul and notice that he is a small, petite little boy, please remember that he is my oldest. He measures in at about 41 pounds and 48 inches tall. He is by far the smallest of any child we have met that is his age and looks like he is 6 years old. He will be 9 in just a few short weeks (Aug. 28th!). He's a big thing in a little package.

Please treat my children according to their ages, not their sizes. Thank you for listening to my little sermon. Have a great day!

Charlie

2008-08-03T08:11:00.001-07:00

There is just something about a 4 year old boy, with dimples and freckles, that can make a mom weak in the knees. What is it about these little creatures that makes me want to grab them and hug them and never let go?

There just something about these two also, but I don't quite know what it is yet!

Back from church early today

2008-07-27T10:45:00.000-07:00

Well, today didn't go very well at church for my kiddos. They have rules that they are supposed to follow and we don't think it is too much for only an hour. Some of the rules include staying in their seat when we get there (not switching around in the pews because they want to sit by someone else), sitting and standing and kneeling when the adults do, not talking (oh, they whisper to us occasionally but we don't want them playing games with each other), and basically sitting quietly and still.

Today,this did not happen. Vincent started it off by wanting to get out of the pew before Mass even started. By the time the second reading was over my husband was ready to take the twins out to the gathering space. That left me with a very happy Mary and a well behaved John Paul, and three other not very well behaved children. That was a little bit stressful. Now, we consider taking the children to church to be a blessing and we want them to enjoy it as well as they can. We don't go to morning Mass simply because it is just too much work for me with seven children who are so young. However, we have decided to take them this week so that they can practice their "church behavior". I think it'll be just me with the oldest 4 and leave the younger 3 home with Brian. Just to add, morning Mass is only about 30 minutes long so it should be very doable for my brood.

Wish me luck, or say a prayer!

My surprise blessing!

2008-07-15T08:02:00.000-07:00

I have one of those children that can make you burst into tears one minute and run screaming from the house the next. But, he is also our most sensitive and imaginative child we have. He is the one that all the other children want to play with because of his great ideas. He is the one that can hold the baby, sing to her, and make her smile.

I sometimes joke that he spent his whole third year in time out (which is almost true!) and when he does get into trouble now, it's usually a whole day scenario. But, he can bring me to happy tears in two seconds flat with a simple hug and kiss. I love this kiddo with so much of my heart that it hurts sometimes.

He is the biggest surprise blessing because I didn't know what a true blessing he really was.

My Joseph...

My baby is 6 months old today and 4th of July pictures

2008-07-12T09:18:00.000-07:00

**Help! Does anyone know how to rotate my pictures?**

How's that for a title? My sweet little Mary Margaret is 6 months old today. Already 1/2 way to her 1st birthday. She's getting so big, I'm even considering starting baby food today. We'll see, only if the kitchen is clean enough...we had smoothies last night and waffles this morning and it's a bit of a mess. Here is a fairly recent picture of her.

Yes, she's eating her toes in this one...do you think it's time to start baby food?

Now on to the 4th of July celebrations! We had a few relatives over at our house and had a great time. Here is the day in pictures...

And on to the fireworks...not much, just a small display in our back yard, but the kiddos loved it.

I know I don't have a picture of Evelyn, but she was sharing a chair with her cousin Ella, and I don't want to publish her picture without permission. So, there you have it...our 4th of July!

Baseball and boys

2008-06-24T18:26:00.001-07:00

Here is my son John Paul playing baseball...so at the ready, so with it, and so athletic!

And it's a hit!
Made it to first base!

And here is my son between pitches...does he have to use the bathroom?

Can you see your own shoes from behind?

Stayin' Alive! Stayin' Alive!

Don't trip!

It's a bird, no a plane, no it's Superboy!

That's my boy!

Hot Fun In The Summer Sun!

2008-06-20T11:47:00.001-07:00

I'm so glad that we homeschool!

2008-06-20T11:38:00.001-07:00

So, I was reading this article, thinking how lucky I am that I didn't go through this in high school. I'm also thinking how lucky I am to be able to homeschool my children. Public schools can be a very scary place (and I am a public school teacher!).

Read it and tell me what your thought are.

Confession Time

2008-06-14T14:34:00.000-07:00

So, I have a confession to make. I am a lurker. I have been for a long time and I probably will be for a long time. So, if you "feel" someone lurking around your blog...it may be me.

The foyer

2008-06-13T12:06:00.001-07:00

Remember when I said that I had ordered some vinyl words from scribbleitonline.com? Well, here they are in the finished project. And a picture of Mary that is also hanging in my foyer. I have to say that most of those frames cost $1-$2 at the Thrift Store and were simply spray painted black. The mats that are in some of the frames are made from $.25 scrapbook pages. I love projects that don't cost a lot of money.

You can click on the picture to make it larger, but this is what it says: "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the number of moments that take our breath away."

This wall makes me very, very happy!

I had to edit to add that if you do click on the picture of Mary to make it bigger, you will see all the fingerprints and smudge marks. I apologize to all the Martha Stewart wanna-bes, but that is the way we live around here and I think the picture is still perfect!

Happy 5 month birthday!

2008-06-08T11:25:00.001-07:00

So, since I have a newfound delight in posting pictures, I figured I'd do it again. I just have to ask, is she not the cutest little thing?

One more of trouble #1 and trouble #2!

One more to show the curls!

Have a great day!

First Communions, Baptisms, and Birthdays

2008-06-06T18:59:00.000-07:00

So back in April we had a party. I couldn't post pictures then, so I'm going to tell all about it now. We had a First Communion, Baptism, and a 4th birthday party all on the same day. It was wonderful! We had about 45 people at our house after the ceremonies at church. So, here are a couple of pictures of my kiddos.

John Paul, my First Communicant, looking good in his suit.

And John Paul holding Mary, in her Baptismal gown, and Charlie (the 4 year old birthday boy).

That's all for tonight.

When Daddy needs help...

2008-06-06T18:36:00.000-07:00

Otherwise known as I'VE GOT PICTURES!!!

So, when Daddy is fixing the tractor and little ones are around, they naturally think that they are vital to getting the job done. Exhibit A,B,and C.

And for those of you who aren't sure, Vincent is in the orange and Harry is in the blue.

Busy, busy, busy

2008-06-05T09:12:00.000-07:00

So we got our garden planted (most of it) on Tuesday. Yes, here in MN we don't plant until the first of June. And it was cold! I'm very excited about this garden and I'm even more excited to stock my freezer and pantry after harvesting all the goodies!

We're still homeschooling. Since we took time off for Mary's birth and just plain don't homeschool every single day, so we're just going to keep going. The kids don't seem to mind most days and it'll be good for them. So, we just trudge along. Really, it's the twins that take up so much of my time and energy. They really are a handful, and as much as I love them, I do look forward to nap time. It's the only time when I can get anything done. They are boundless balls of energy and into everything.

So, that's it for now, I need to do a few things, but I will try to get on again soon.

First of all, a giveaway...

2008-06-05T09:11:00.001-07:00

Recently I purchased some vinyl letters (that are wonderful!!!) from http://scribbleitonline.blogspot.com/

and now they are having a giveaway. If you like the look and want some good customer service, check them out and enter the giveaway (or not, I'd like to win!).

Lunch

2008-05-16T09:55:00.000-07:00

Whoever decided to melt cheese on tortilla chips and call them nachos was a genius!

For all my loyal readers

2008-05-14T07:28:00.000-07:00

I know that you are only a few but knowing that you are there makes me feel obligated to post something. I really do want to post something, but I'm afraid my life is so boring and mundane that it wouldn't really interest anyone. But, then again, I have 7 kids under the age of 9 so I suppose there are those who wonder if I am crazy and must tune in to see if I have officially lost my marbles.

I have a problem, so here is a question for all you eager readers out there...how far do you go to support your husband when it is hurting you to do so (NOT physically, just to get that out there). My husband is having an issue with my parents. A BIG issue and I have stood by him throughout it all because he has a valid point. However, I am ready to move on and get over it and he is also willing as long as we have a coming to Jesus meeting with them and my brothers. My family does NOT understand why this is important or necessary and, therefore, are forming negative opinions of us and our situation. I just want to be finished with the whole business and my husband does not. I need to get past this. I fear calling my parents at all now and I have avoided talking to my brothers. And this is on my mind all day long.

I must back up a little and say that I firmly believe that when we marry we must stand in support of our spouse. I am not saying that you put yourself in harms way or stay in a terrible, controlling relationship. I have an absolutely wonderful husband who loves me more than anyone ever has. And I love him. I think that marriage comes before our parents, but we must also be good children to the best of our abilities. I don't know if this is making any sense, but basically there is a hierarchy and it goes husband, children, parents.

Okay, I am done with this topic as it gives me much stress. I need to take care of it and do what I need to do. If only I didn't have little kids around me all day, I could have better phone conversations and maybe finish this whole ordeal.

I've been tagged...a month ago!

2008-03-17T11:33:00.001-07:00

So, it's been a month already. I'll get around to things eventually, see?

A. The rules of the game are posted at the beginning. B. Each player answers the questions about themselves. C. At the end of the game the player tags 5 people, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment letting them know they've been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

10 years ago: I was preparing to get married. This October will be our 10th wedding anniversary, so needless to say I was in love . I was substitute teaching and waiting tables at T.G.I.Fridays, which is where I met me beloved.

5 things on my to-do list today:

1) Clean the kitchen floor.
2) Play a game with Evelyn and Charlie.
3) Fix the valence in my bathroom (I hung my toile sideways so the people are lying down!).
4) Read with Joey and Evelyn.
5) Clean the playroom.

Snacks I enjoy: Chocolate anything, especially with nuts. Tea and/or coffee. Chips and salsa.

I would do if I were suddenly a billionaire: Pay off our debt and all the debt of our family and friends. Go on a vacation...a big one with the whole family (ours not extended!). Hire a housecleaning service and a nanny. The nanny wouldn't be replacing me, he/she would be here while I am here just to help.

3 of my bad habits: 1) Eating when I'm upset. 2) Feeling guilty for everything. 3) Not sending out birthday/anniversary/celebration cards. I do some but I'm not as good as I should be.

5 places I have lived: Oak Grove, MN, East Bethel, MN, Coon Rapids, MN, Bloomington, MN, Hardin, MT. These are the most recent.

5 jobs that I have had: Teacher (school), teacher (piano), waitress, retail sales, my first job ever...Little Caesar's Pizza Pizza.

5 things people don't know about me:
1) I taught on an Indian Reservation in MT.
2) I can wiggle my eyes.
3) I thought I was going to marry my college sweetheart.
4) I have always wanted a large family (they're not all surprises!)
5) I honestly don't enjoy breastfeeding like I think I should. I do enjoy it at times, but I'm so busy I just wish someone else could give the baby a bottle so I can get some other things done sometimes.

Whew, done!~
I tag Julie!

Illness and rash

2008-03-16T07:09:00.000-07:00

I know it's been a while. I think a new baby will do that to you. Mary Margaret is a wonderful baby. She's smiling and sleeping through the night and is such a cutie. She's got dimples, just like Charlie. My husband and I both have dimples and I have seven kiddos, only two of them got the dimples. I love dimples...they're so kissable.

I really wish I could post pictures. Hopefully I will be able to again soon. The way our computers work, my husband has everything on his computer because it is constantly being backed up since he works at home and needs to make sure that everything is good. So, we have all of our pictures on his computer. I only have a few and I think everyone has already seen the few that I have. Oh well, someday I'll be computer saavy enough to post more pictures.

Life here is drudging along after 2 weeks of illness. Six of us had strep throat and I, of course, had it the worst. It was so bad that I couldn't swallow or talk. Thank goodness we all got medicine and are doing much better, but now there is some sort of virus going around. My poor Joey woke up with a rash today also and I fear he is allergic to the antibiotic that he's been taking. And, since today is Sunday, he'll have to go to urgent care, which I HATE. You have to wait and wait and wait until you are seen by a doctor who is in a hurry.

We've seen signs of spring lately. The weather has been in the upper 40's even getting to 51 once. Tonight, however, is a prediction of snow. Too bad. Just yesterday Evelyn was commenting on how she could see grass in our yard. It will mean that the Easter egg hunt will definately be indoors this year. Only one week until Easter.

That's all I've got for today. I know it's not much and kind of boring, but I'm just trying to get my life back in order with a 9 week old. My house is a disaster so it's a cleaning day for sure.

8 more days~!!

2008-01-04T07:32:00.000-08:00

Only 8 more days until I finally get to meet this little girl! 8 more days until we check into the hospital, at some very obscene hour of 5am!, and get ready for my 5th c-section. 8 more days until I can be alone and get some rest!

Okay, the getting rest may not actually happen, but I am looking forward to not taking care of the other 6 kids for a couple of days. Does that sound mean? It's certainly not that I don't love them or love taking care of them. It's just that I am so tired these days that it's been a bit more challenging than normal.

I plan on finishing the living room cleanup today and starting on my bedroom which will involve getting the pack-n-play set up and getting some newborn girl clothes out of storage. That will be fun! I won't start that, however, until I have the living room done, done, done. Hopefully it won't take too long. The tree is outside and most of the decorations are put into the boxes. It's just a matter of putting away the rest of the Christmas stuff and toys that the kids got, vacuuming, and moving the furniture (I think I'll let Brian do that). I usually like to keep our decorations up until Jan. 6th, the Epiphany, but with this baby coming and all, we have a lot of work to do to get ready and just felt the need to put it all away this year. It makes me a little sad. We didn't do much with Advent or some of the other Christmas activities that we normally do, but I am 9 months pregnant and I keep telling myself that it just is the way it is.

Until then...8 more days, 8 more days, 8 more days!!!

Did I make a mistake?

2007-12-28T11:01:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness. There I go using French words when I have no idea if I am using them right! I happen to have a reader who is French Canadian, French being her native language. Then I go and use a term like "se la vie", not knowing if I spelled it correctly, used it correctly, or even had the correct words to begin with!

You can see the faux pas (French again?!) in my Dec. 22 update. Well, Julie, feel free to correct me and tell me how I really did.

And, now to actually NOT post as I am very under the weather with a yucky cold. I have to go lie down as the twins are napping and the other four are out for a few more hours with Grandma. I must take advantage of the quiet house while I can.

Let's say a little prayer that I get some more sleep in the next few days. Sleep has been very elusive and I am not going to feel better until it comes around again!

We are truly blessed!

2007-12-27T02:25:00.001-08:00

Just a quick note to say that our Christmas was wonderful and I hope that everyone had as much fun as we did. I am exhausted, however, and coming down with a cold, but we did have a fun holiday. If I get a picture on my computer, I'll post one soon (the connection between Brian's computer and mine isn't working right now and he has all the pictures).

Merry Christmas!

p.s. No names yet for this little girl. Unless you ask my husband, then he'll tell you that it's Mary Margaret, but I haven't given the official 'yes' yet. I'm still just not sure.

Okay, okay, okay...here I am!

2007-12-22T11:31:00.000-08:00

I didn't think people actually read this blog, but I guess there are a couple of you out there! What can I say? Life is keeping us busy and I am exhausted. I've been substitute teaching when I can and I am 9 months pregnant, so my days are busier than normal.

I can't believe I only have 3 weeks left! I still don't have a scheduled date because my dr. left town and the hospital was supposed to call, but it didn't happen. So, I am waiting for my dr. to come back to town so we can actually schedule the c-section. I'm fairly sure it will be either Jan. 14th in the morning or Jan. 15th in the afternoon. We're hoping for the 15th just so we don't have to be at the hospital before 11:00am. If it is in the morning, we'll have to be there around 6am and we live 30 minutes away. That's early for us! We like to take our time and be leisurly.

So, my kids are outside playing in the snow and sledding down our hill right now. That makes me so happy. I love when my kids play outside. And, no, it's not because they are out of my hair! I just love that they get the fresh air and excersize and they feel good after a day of playing outside.
We got about 2 inches of fresh snow this morning, so they're having a blast.

I did a marathon Christmas shopping trip yesterday, and can you believe that I'm not done? We're going to the inlaws tomorrow and I don't have those gifts completely done yet. I honestly don't know what I am going to do! I'm going to have to go out tonight and see what I can do to finish. Sigh, oh well. I was going to make some homemade fudge to add to their gifts and I sent Brian out to pick up the ingredients today. Well, I forgot one...the butterscotch chips. Now what? He had to go out because he had some work to do and he didn't want me to drive because it is very slippery with the new snow. Well, now I'll have to go out later anyway. I'm frustrated that I forgot that. Oh well, se la vie.

Christmas day will be here at our house with all of my relatives, including my brand spanking new nephew! I'm so excited to see him again. He was just born on the 14th so he won't even be 2 weeks old. He's a real cutie and it will be the first time that our kids get to meet him. I'm looking forward to that.

Well, I'm here typing away when my twins are napping and the others are outside so I really should be productive and get some stuff done. I promise to try to blog more often.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Look!!! 2 posts in 2 day!!!

2007-08-17T12:40:00.000-07:00

Ah, yes, I've been inspired. Not that I have anything useful to say, but I was just sitting here thinking, why not add another post? So, here I am.

This morning was spent cleaning the older boy's bedroom, Evelyn's bedroom, and the toyroom. It was quite an endeavor. I really wanted to vacuum it (we know about my love of vacuuming) and those rooms hadn't been cleaned in about 2 weeks. It took way, way too long, but that's because the kiddos didn't want to help much and I had to keep reminding them what we were doing.

Then came lunch. We've been doing some bento lunches recently, basically because they are fun and because I am trying to introduce them to some new foods. Today, however, I was worn out and frustrated after all the cleaning so I just scrambled some eggs and cut up some plums, peaches, kiwi, and bananas. Of course, John Paul didn't eat any fruit, but he did get a fruit bar and ate all of his eggs so I'm not complaining.

I really wanted to get some schoolwork done today so I think we'll be doing that soon. I also want the kids to play outside (I love when they get fresh air and lots of excersize) but I'm still frustrated about how long it took us to clean this morning and I think we'll have to get some schoolwork done. I know it sounds mean, but we're taking 2 days to do 1 day worth of work, so I'm not actually doing too much.

Okay, I have one baby climbing my leg and another sitting on the floor looking at me so I'd better run.

So, it's been a little while...

2007-08-16T11:47:00.000-07:00

This post is for Julie ;) ! This is just a little of everything post since it has been so long since I have done any writing/blogging of any kind.

I am now 17 1/2 weeks pg with baby #7. I still can't believe that we are having another one right now. In fact I saw Father Blume, our Parish priest, at the grocery store today and he asked how I was doing. I told him that I was doing well, I just wish I could get excited about this. I'm still going to focus on holding a newborn. For some reason, that makes me very happy. I think I just get overwhelmed thinking about all of the other logistics of it all. Like how am I going to actually do it? How am I going to take care of 2 17 month olds and a newborn, not to mention a 3 year old, a 5 year old, a 6 year old, and an 8 year old? See, I'm already hyperventalating!!!

Okay, happier note. The twins just celebrated their first birthday. I can't believe a year has gone by already. Part of me kept wishing for the time to go faster so that they would be able to do a few things without me constantly there for them. Things like eating finger foods, crawling up the stairs instead of me carrying them, entertaining themselves with toys, etc. Now, of course, the mommy guilt sets in and I miss their little selves. I can't believe they are running around and acting like toddlers!

We did start homeschooling this month, although we're starting a little slow. Normally school here in MN starts after Labor Day, sometime around Sept. 4th this year. We got an early start so that we could take more time off later. I still let them play outside a lot, though, because the weather is so nice. So, really, we aren't getting much ahead. Oh well!

So, Julie, if I find out the gender of this little one, I'll let you know! I should be having an ultrasound sometime in the next month. I hate to say this, but if I find out I'm having another little girl, I may get much more excited for this pg. Is that an awful thing to say? I'd love a little boy also...I think it would be great for the twins to have another boy similar in age. I just can't help hoping, just a little bit, for a little more pink in the house.

Huh?

2007-05-17T13:03:00.000-07:00

John Paul was asking for the leftover turkey from his dinner last night. I told him that he was too late and that Daddy had eaten it for lunch. I explained to him what "You snooze, you lose" means.

He then asked me..."Then why did slow and steady win the race?"

My love of vacuuming

2007-05-15T08:34:00.000-07:00

First I must preface by saying that I have a LOT to say about each of my children, so I will be returning to the subjects. I just thought I'd throw out a random thought today.

I love my Dyson vacuum. Is it wrong to love an inanimate object? I don't think so. I've always enjoyed vacuuming (doesn't everybody?) and I got my first Dyson vacuum about 2 years ago. It is the best thing ever. EVER.

One thing I HATE is mopping. So, if you have any really good mops or suggestions as to how to easily clean my hardwood floors, I'd love to hear about them. Especially something that can clean up after my children have a particularly messy meal.

John Paul James

2007-05-08T05:45:00.000-07:00

My friend Maggie (http://patentsgirl.blogspot.com/) has this quote on her blog right now...

“It seems to me that if a little flower could speak, it would tell simply what God has done for it without trying to hide its blessings. It would not say, under the pretext of a false humility, it is not beautiful or without perfume. The flower about to tell her story rejoices at having to publish the totally gratuitous gifts of Jesus. She knows that nothing in herself was capable of attracting the divine glances, and His mercy alone brought about everything that is good in her.” (St. Thérèse of Lisieux)

I read that this morning and as lovely as it is and as much as I love St. Thérèse, it made me a little sad. It made me sad for my children because for some reason it is wrong to tout your own intelligence. It is wrong to tell people that your children are brilliant and that they are excelling in academia. Why do other people take it as an insult to their own children and their intelligence? It's not a comparison!

Now my feathers are ruffled. Here's the thing, this is MY blog and I will tell the world just how smart my children are because God has given them gifts and I want my sweeties to know it. I want them to use their gifts and not hide them. I want them to be able to do anything they want to and do it easily if possible.

John Paul knew the alphabet at the age of 16 months. He could not talk, he'd only been walking for 3 months, and I had no idea he knew his letters. But, he loved books. Before he could crawl he would roll across the floor to the stack of books that I had, grab one, and roll back to me. Never once did he rip a page or try to eat the cover. Books were, are, his thing. At Christmas time he was 16 months old and he received his first ABC puzzle. A few days later we were putting the puzzle together and I was talking as I did it. I would say things like, "We need to find the 'r', can you see it?" And he would pick it right up. He did this over and over and over. That was the first realization that he knew a lot more than he let on (he didn't talk until he was 2 1/2).

My little smarty is now 7 1/2 and in the 2nd grade. He is almost through his 5th grade math book and finds it incredibly boring. He can read anything and he is now learning the piano. He can learns new things very quickly and I can't wait to start him on the violin this fall.

Do you see why I am so proud of him? Hmmm, maybe you don't. You see, as smart as my little guy is and how happy that makes me, there's more to it.

John Paul is a very caring boy. He likes to sit and talk with me about anything, but I think he really likes being the oldest and having "grown up" talks. He is always willing to help me out and will readily hold a little sister or brother's hand when crossing a street.

He loves baseball and is learning how to play himself. It is so much fun to see him catch, throw, run the bases. My John Paul is a peanut (he's about 40 pounds and really very short) and sports don't always come naturally to him, but I think he's found his niche with baseball.

John Paul is quick with a smile and has an easy-going attitude that makes all things easier. Especially in a large family. He very sweetly shares all his treats and is the first one to say yes when a sibling asks.

And those books that he loves? Well, now he reads them to his siblings.

Now do you know why I am so proud of him? Oh, I'm very glad that he finds learning things so easy. But I am also proud of him for what he does with his gifts.

P.S. I have five more children to write about so I will give them each their own entry. Otherwise, this entry would go on and on and on and on and on and on...

Babies Will Do That To You

2007-05-06T05:20:00.000-07:00

I play the piano at our church. Usually one weekend a month for the 3 Masses. I actually enjoy getting up early on Sunday morning to go and be by myself, I've always been a morning person.

My morning ritual includes showering, dressing, getting a cup of coffee, and reading the paper (i.e. blogs and other fun things) online. Only now I have 8 month old twins. Harry decided to get up with me this morning. Now my morning ritual included showering, dressing, making a bottle, changing a diaper, getting a cup of coffee, playing with said baby, getting spit up on by said baby, changing clothes again, and sitting down at the computer for a quick blog while said baby is occupied with my shoe. Funny how things change when you have a baby.

This Is My Life

2007-05-04T15:50:00.000-07:00

So, I've taken the plunge and started the blog that I have wanted to start for a long time. What a better way to keep a log, or diary if you will, of my life; all computerized and neat and orderly. So here is my life.

There was a time when I was a little girl that I thought someone in their 4th decade of life, thirtysomething, was there, the place that I wanted to be. These were the people with families of their own, jobs of their own, and time to do with whatever they wanted. (I know what you're thinking...I was very naive). These were the people who, like my parents, made all the rules. I wanted to be those people. I wanted the kids, I wanted the husband, I wanted the job, I wanted to make the rules, and I wanted time to be my own, to do with as I pleased.

I've recently celebrated my 34th birthday and I realized that I am there, but it is a far cry from the place that I thought it was. I had a job, only to replace it with staying home with my children and homeschooling. I have a great husband, who I love very much, and who needs things from me just as much as I need things from him (who knew THAT was how it worked?!). I have 6, YES SIX, kids (yes they are all mine, yes we wanted them all, yes I know what birth control is, yes I have my hands full, now don't ask) who are so much more needy that I ever was! And, I have time. Time to change, feed, and help brush teeth in the morning. Time to teach math, reading, writing, and religion. Time to make lunches and clean the table and sweep the floor and wipe down 2 high chairs. Time to read to the kids, take them places, and discipline. Time to make a supper meal with all the food groups and force my children to eat green vegetables. Time to bathe, change, and read to my children before saying prayers and tossing them all into bed with kisses. Time to collapse on the couch at the early hour of 8 pm and vegetate in front of the t.v. so I can watch Grey's Anatomy and The Office. Hmmm....not what I thought when I was a little girl, but I wouldn't change it for anything.

How's that for a life?

p.s. That is my daughter, Evelyn. My one and only daughter. Isn't she a cutie?