Daybook: On a Cold Monday Evening

Noticing God's Glory~

One more cold evening... at least for the week. It's funny how it doesn't get super dark these nights. Almost like you could play outside at 9pm, just like in the summer. Very strange.


Listening To~

Erm. Party Rock Anthem. It's kitchen clean up time.
;)



Clothing myself in~

American Eagle Artist jeans, scoop-neck shirt, cowboy boots. Pearl earrings and hair down.
I'm also nursing a Smirnoff. It's been a day.


Giving thanks for~

Heated homes. Food aplenty. DH's job.  I saw a woman rummaging through the recycling bags set out for collection today, looking for cans to redeem. Made me sad, and very grateful.


Pondering prayerfully~

God does not show Himself equally to all creatures. This does not mean that He has favorites, that He decides to help some and to abandon others, but the difference occurs because it is impossible for Him to manifest Himself to certain hearts under the conditions they set up. The sunlight plays no favorites, but its reflection is very different on a lake and on a swamp.    ~Fulton Sheen

Trying so hard to be that crystal clear lake.


Turning the pages~

Five for Sorrow, Ten For Joy.  For bookclub.



Thinking thoughts as I go about my day~

I had a New Year's resolution this year. I still do have it. Surprise, surprise. :)
It is "To do all things well."
I have a tendency to declare good enough and move on. Given my vocation and how crazy it can be around here, there are many times I need to declare good enough and move on. I certainly can't afford perfectionism.
However, there are also times I declare good enough when it isn't even close to good enough.
Doing all things well does not mean perfectionism, but a focused, intentional way of living. To really think about what I am doing, who I am doing it for, and why.
All of my tasks should be done well.
And yes, it's harder than you think.
:)


Creating~

Order. As usual. It's a beast I contend with daily.


Learning lessons in~

Prudence. Holding my tongue. Keeping my trap shut? Yes, that's it.
Oh, and being cheerful about it.
:)


Encouraging learning~

Had to send a note to Little Boo's teacher. She's young, a bit inexperienced and was not being prudent in the classroom regarding Little Boo's difficulties with Math.
Now we are on the same page, and Little Boo should see some improvement in her understanding of this enigmatic subject. 
As always, I am very impressed with the school, it's teachers and administration. I try not to be the helicopter parent, and they bend over backwards to take care of concerns promptly.
It's really a win-win.



Carefully cultivating rhythm~

The re-entry for the school kids is hard at the end of a long day. I try to make it painless, but squabbles inevitably erupt. I know they need some down time, but they can't ignore their other siblings.
Any advice? 


In the kitchen~

DH is working late, so it's chicken nuggets and corn on the cob. I take it easy on these nights because, truly, they are never "easy."  


Loving the moments~

When I look up from my duties and see Little Dude being totally occupied by one of his older siblings. They play chase with him, or ball, or simply scoop him up and dance him around. And I think they enjoy it more than he does.
Yes, he is spoiled but you know what? So are they.
:)


Living the liturgy~

Lent is coming. And boy, do we ever need it.


Planning for the week ahead~

Tuesday Valentine parties... at school and at home. Funny how things are amped up for the at-home kids when the others are in school. Trying to keep that score sheet even... :P


Capturing the images of my days~


A little hockey lesson...

Plus some big sister time...

Equals...


One very happy Little Dude.

:)

When Approaching This Child... A Repost

from the archives...



Looking back at the change that has taken place in me these past 14 years, the transformation from a know-it-all college grad into a full-fledged mother... I am astounded.

Astounded that God has taken a self- absorbed, self-seeking individual and achieved a metamorphosis that seemed at one time to be impossible.

When DH and I were first married, it seemed a natural result of the love we had for each other, to extend it to a third party. Within our first month of marriage, we acquired a cat.

:)

To our defense, we were eager to have children, but God's timing was to postpone that event. Of course, He truly knew best. We conceived Action Man at the end of my first year teaching, and gave birth to him during my second year. I squeaked through that year, bringing him to school with me, directing the play, and just barely surviving the insanity of it all. DH graduated with his MBA, and I never worked outside of the home again.

My work took what I thought to be an alarming turn. You'd think that being the oldest of 6, I would have some sort of an inkling of what I was getting myself into.

Nope. I was pretty clueless. (remember how self-centered I said I was?? yeah. God had his work cut out for Him.)

And so, when Action Man reared his screaming head, I was stunned. I was even more flabbergasted when I realized that this screaming thing was here to stay. God had seen fit to bless my first born with a severe case of colic. Unable to nurse, spending gobs of money on formula, working my tail off while recovering from an emergency c-section, I was a wreck.

In short, God threw me to my knees.

Which is where He wanted me all along.

In blessing me with such a needy child, and then 2 more births in quick succession, God was going cold turkey on me in the selfishness cure. No "miracle patch" for me. No siree. I suddenly found myself surrounded by irrationality with no time to read, write or pee. My only vivid memory of that time was the three of them: Action Man, Sports Fan and Little Dear (ages almost 3, 1, and 2 months respectively) lined up on my bed, ready for their diaper change. Yes, three in diapers at once. It's quite a war story.

It's also a love story.

God was pursuing me. He sought to change me, to mold me into something better, a more productive worker for the harvest of souls. He knew that the only way he could force me outside of myself was to place a loved one in my care. And just for insurance, to place many little loved ones in my care. He knew that a mother cannot ignore the needs of her child. That the midnight wail, the hourly call to duty would not fail to re-mold a heart hardened by selfishness. That the first bend to another happens automatically in the will of a new mother. An eagerness to serve, to soothe the cries and nourish the heart, soul, and stomach of this precious child comes first without a second thought.

Until, overnight it seems, this clueless 20-something woman is transformed.

It is no wonder, then, that the awesomeness of God comes to us in the tender form of the infant Jesus. Who can deny Him his due? Who can turn away from His cries? Who can refuse Him?

“There is nothing more mysterious than infancy, nothing so small and yet so imperious. The infancy of Christ has opened a way to us by which we can surrender self to Him absolutely, without putting too much pressure on our weak human nature.”

(Wood of the Cradle, Wood of the Cross)

God, in His all-knowing, all-merciful way, chooses to come to us humbled and makes it easy for us to submit. He coaxes us to bend our ways ever so gently towards His will by having us first gaze into the eyes of the Christ-Child. We forget ourselves and all of our grandiose plans, and instead look for ways to please this most precious infant, even to the point of radically re-shaping our entire lives.

:)

So Much To Say...

Words swirl around my head.  Posts composed in the twilight.  So much to share, no time to sit at keyboard and plunk.

I approach this morning with trepidation.  A long night translates into a quiet morning.  All are still asleep.  Yes, even the littlest.

The littlest who takes up the biggest part of me.
The one all flock to when rising.
He, who inspires humor and the most ridiculous serenades.

He consumes me.  I am so honored.
:)

Little Dude is growing so quickly. 
I find myself less torn these days....
You know, torn between wanting him to stay little and wanting him to grow and explore.

I used to be so torn.  With Little Love, especially. 
How to know God's plan?  Will we have another? Can we just freeze this moment? For one more second?

But now...
Now that my boys are set to head off to school in the fall... I am so. excited. for them.  Truly.  I have no regrets and really am peaceful that this is what God wants for them, right now.  I can't wait for them to go.  Not because I don't want them around, but because I know this is where they need to be.

My Little Dear is so interested in dance and theater right now... and will be starting piano.  So excited for her to find her niche!  So excited that she got to go see a wonderful production of "As You Like It" last night with her drama class. She was glowing when she got home.  

Now that Little Boo is a super star soccer player (ok, not really) I know that she is ready to take on the extra practices and games... indeed, she's been telling me this for quite awhile now.  Hoofing it to practice in 100 degree temps is not MY idea of a good time.  Ask Little Boo, however....  :)

That leaves my littlest, Little Love.  She will always be my baby.  But I am still so excited that she is growing up.  She went to Camp Jesus all. week. with her sisters.  Came home red-cheeked and full of stories every day.  Up and at-em the next morning... and off she went. The house is quieter.  The rooms less messy. :P  But that big smile when I see her in the afternoon and the joy at being with her friends is just awesome.

I know that as my kids reach different milestones, I will always look back at when they were "little" and smile.

But I can see how the joy of watching them grow... of encouraging them to grow into the people God wants them to be, will more than make up for the longings of those days gone by.

Well... almost.
:)

I Dance

There are roses on my kitchen table... splayed out in hues of pink and red.  Put there haphazardly by my exuberant 8 year old, after my equally exuberant 6 year old plucked them from her Papa's hand with a grateful smile and twirled them in the living room. 
I think she thought they were for her.

He smiles at me over the din and my weary eyes thank him. 

It's been a day.  And he knows it.

Hence the flowers.

And they dance on the kitchen table... brightening my heart.

:)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


The boy whose southern heritage is borrowed by place of birth is being formally instructed in the ways of south.
It has come to this.   
Yes ma'am doesn't roll off his tongue very easily...  and my northern ears cringe to hear it.  But his Canadian Papa has insisted.  A form of respect.  Respect that is wanting.  And the perfect way to capture exactly the tone that is needed.  27 days to form a habit?  We'll see. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Papa is at work tonight, in the cold.  I urged him to stop somewhere and buy insulated work gloves... fretting over his cold fingers in a dim warehouse.  This extra job he took.  How sad I am that he has to work it.  That he cannot be home with light and warmth and chicken soup.  How determined I am that he come home to that, and much more.  To cleanliness and peace.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


How inspiring it is to read these words.  And these.  And most especially these. 

Pausing to take stock.  Stilling the despair, and straining to hear the music. The music of the now...

There is an urge to purge and embrace Ordinary Time once again.  To establish our routine again.  To tuck our new baby into our lives and move on.  Because, after all, he is a little one... and can simply fold into us and be a part of us... another facet so small.

But then the reality of such a little one and all he entails hits hard.  He is beautiful, he is loved.  And he is loud.

3 months postpartum, and I have spent more nights sleeping upright than I have in any other position.  Teething comes early to my poor little ones, and oh how painful it is for them! 

Yes, I am tired.  Yes, our house is as haphazard as the flowers dancing on my kitchen table. And yes, some days the tears come easily.  But I would not change it for anything in the entire world.

The reality of what I am trying to do is comforting.  It may seem crazy to some, this hidden life.  But the reason hangs on every wall of my home.  I pass by this crucified love on display as I walk.... 

I hold our love close and I pace and I bounce and I hum. 

I dance.

Beth These Days

Beth (Elizabeth) is our Little Boo. And what a Little Boo she is.

She is the source of most of the hilarity around here, both good and bad.  She will mercilessly tease all of her siblings... yes, even the 13 year old, and then turn around and do something totally precious like, make Little Love some lunch, or change the baby's diaper.  She is so fickle that way.

Not to mention the gems that issue forth from her mouth.  When she learned of my Grandma's passing, she turned to mom and asked; "Is she the lady who lost her marbles?"
My Grandmother had alzheimers.
Nothing like a little humor to lighten the moment. 

:P

At the tender age of 8, Beth really is an old soul.  She has decided, all on her own, to keep her room neat.  So, when visiting my parents, she took it upon herself to clean the kids' room every morning.  She picked up the clothes and toys and made all the beds.  My mother was thrilled that at least one grandchild had inherited her gene of cleanliness and order!

Beth also has undertaken the task of acquiring a love of reading.  She sees her siblings with a book going every day.  She is determined to do the same.  And so there is a stack by her bedside, from which she reads incessantly, and keeps me apprised of her accomplishments. 

My Bethie Boo is becoming quite the soccer player.  She has been asked to play select in the spring. My little spitfire, the captain of her team, is now in the big leagues.  Well, sort of.  When bringing her to her first practice, she asked me if this was a "Spanish" team.  Indeed, she is the only caucasian on the team!  This only bothers her, she told me, when the girls speak Spanish to each other.  So, she says, she just needs to learn Spanish.  Simple, huh?

This girl has taught me so much about the overwhelming ferocity of love and determination.  She works with such concentration and will.  Her spirit is alive and infectious.  I am so happy to report that despite my lack of parenting skills, she thrives.  And how she thrives!

What a privilege it is to be her mom.

And how I look forward to witnessing all God has in store for this little girl.

:)

Our New Life...

I simply refuse to believe that it has been two weeks since I last posted.

TWO WEEKS.

Because, that would mean that little Dude would be an ENTIRE WEEK OLD today.

And that?   Is simply not possible.

And so... the starting of life... in pictures:


The clock in the operating room, marking the exact time.... (4:29pm)
















First night with Mama...

A visit from the siblings....

Gosh, there are a lot of them!!

Little Love is needing some extra attention as she rapidly assumes her role as a "big" sister....
:)

And, clearly, someone needs to do some explaining to Ben the Cat.

A longer, more eloquent post to come on how wondrous are the ways of God and how lucky we are to be a part of this communion of saints here on earth.

For now, please know that I am so very grateful for the outpouring of prayers and good wishes. I could feel the many graces carry me through each moment of the surgery and subsequent recovery. Prayer is so powerful!

Much love and prayers of thanksgiving to all~

:)

Leaving Good Behind

Yesterday was not what you'd call a stellar day in the Nut House.

By the time dinner was over, I was nursing a Smirnoff and ignoring the chaos surrounding me.  The little girls were fighting, chasing each other all over the downstairs, Sports Fan was moaning in agony, sure that we'd have to amputate his foot because he had stepped on a pencil earlier in the day, and Action Man was punctuating the air with complaints about the state of his uncompleted schoolwork.

Glancing at the clock and noticing the late hour, I rallied the troops.  Little Dear and Little Boo did the dishes, then cleaned up the living areas.  The boys tidied (most of) the homeschool room, and then they were all sent upstairs, leaving a semblance of peace and order.... some good behind.

I continued my pity-fest on the couch with my feet up.  Only one week left to go until Little Dude is born, but I have about a billion things to do.  And the weight of that knowledge plus the burden of other thoughts weighed on me.  Throw in some whacked out hormones, and you've got yourself one outrageously emotional Mama.

When despair starts to creep in, my instincts are to circle the wagons.  I can only deal with a shrunken universe.  My arms clench at my sides, and I bring the little ones in close.  I surround myself with kindness and mercy and venture no farther than what I deem comfortable.  This is not just a physical limitation, but a spiritual and emotional one as well.  Little Love and I read story after story today.  We sat quietly for so long, her head resting on my belly, that she suddenly popped up, looked at me and sighed.. what a loonnnggg snug that was, Mama!  And off she went to play.

Making my way to my doctor's appointment today, my feet dragged, knowing that this would be the last time I see this building before Little Dude was born.  My next appointment would be postpartum, and while I couldn't wait to be holding the little guy, the state of my physical being was not something I was looking forward to.

There are many "lasts" these days... My thoughts always begin with "This time next week..." because, indeed, this time next week, I will be in the hospital, and Little Dude will be born.  He and I will have come through the surgery with flying colors (God-willing) and I will be holding him in my arms. And then the uphill climb of recovery will begin.  And for that, I simply cannot wait.  I am not a patient patient.  But I am eager to begin ~possibly my last~ babymoon. It is always a time of simple joy and peace.  To have baby at home, and to experience the neediness of tending to one so dependent and helpless.  To be fulfilling just the basic needs, and to smile at the smallest of creation.

So, my dear friends, the blog will most likely be very quiet until the big announcement next Thursday.  I need to leave good behind... to prepare our home and lives for this most joyous event.  To ensure.. as best as I can... that those who will be helping out on the home front (thanks, Mom and Dad!) have a smooth transition, and that our veteran members of the Nut House will not be wading in chaos, but can truly enjoy this exciting time.

Please keep us in your prayers.  I know that all will be well.  And I truly cannot wait to introduce the newest Nut House member to all of you!


:)

Why I Love Our Homeschool Co-op

I get to house mighty little vikings like this one... and listen as she regales me with tales about her conquests in the new world! 

And truly, there is nothing like hearing about Galileo and his theories in the lispy-speak of  an excited 5 year old.

Love. It.

:)

{this moment}

{this moment}- a single photo, no words, capturing a moment from this week.

This one taken from our trip to Colorado two weeks ago, celebrating my mom's birthday.

:)

Slowing Down

I climb the stairs and take a deep breath.  I can't seem to catch it. When did we add in all those extra steps, anyway? 
;P
Suddenly I am assaulted from within.  The Little Dude is making himself known, berating me in his own way for pushing myself again. Seems like every time I try to get something accomplished and then sit down, the WWE takes up residency in my womb.

It's a good sign, I know. But it certainly is wearing me down.

With all of my other pregnancies, I was able to *ignore* my expanding belly and proceed with life as usual.  Sure, my clothes were snug and I eventually had to switch into maternity wear, but I never skipped a beat in my daily routine.

This time?  I feel like my house is on a slant, and that every step I take is uphill.  I persevere with my back, leg and arm exercises.  I try to dress is a way that is comfortable and conducive to exercise.  I am attempting to trick myself into thinking that I am still 28 and can do all I did when pregnant with Little Dear.... while keeping in mind that I'm no spring chicken and I need to be more aware of my ever expanding mid-section.

It ain't working.
:P

And so... I am forced to slow down.  To sit and relax while DH cooks dinner on the weekends.  He has had to physically push me (gently, of course) to the couch and force me to stay there while he cleans.  He pulls me up the stairs and propels me to the tub.  He tries to imagine what it must be like to carry this extra 20 lbs (yes... already!) throughout the day... and groans in sympathy.  My kids, too, see the strain and pat me on the back as they dart up the stairs ahead of me, leaving me in the dust.  They check on me often (a little too often) when I'm resting in bed or on the couch.  They'll even step in to lift or carry something for me... esp if I ask with a pitiful look in my eyes.....

:)

I wanted this, still want this, I remind myself.  It's what I've longed for, dreamed of... just one more chance to inhale that sweet newborn smell. To be the Mama... the one the cries are for... the only one who can appease.  It's a steep price, at least for my weak will and shaky legs... one that I had blissfully forgotten.  And with a much-dreaded c-section on the horizon, there are bigger hurdles in sight.

For now, though, I will take each day as it comes. 

Bask in my bigness...
Cherish the kicks...
Imagine the sweet sleeps...
And pray for the grace to meet the next month, week, day... task...
with love and patience.

:)

Advice For A Young Heart

Dear Nutmeg, at the tender age of 21~

So, you've met this guy, and started dating. And you've got a zillion questions swirling around your head and you are so very confused right now.

Two years ago, when you first laid eyes on him, you were astonished. His crystal blue eyes penetrated your heart in a way you never thought possible. His crazy hair and wild clothes only furthered your intrigue. His easy smile cinched the deal. But it would be years before you knew for sure...

He's a soccer player. Goalie for the college team. Funny how you didn't realize it at the time, didn't recognize the pattern... but this would be the third soccer player you had dated since high school. Standing on the sidelines, cheering loudly (a passion which continues as you cheer on your own children now) was a familiar scenario to you. Comforting, and sure. This is where you belong. This is instinctual, not learned. And the other girlfriends look to you to explain this enigmatic sport and all it's nuances... just to be able to relate, to understand their guys a little better. But for you? This is home.

You've had your ups and downs together. The "Junior Year" deadline is rapidly approaching... the one you had set at the end of Freshman Year.... If we're still together by Junior Year.... and suddenly here it is. And you feel no more sure about what God has in store for you than you did right at the beginning, at the first introduction when your heart was swept up in the moment and your eyes met, and your souls touched.

You've seen so much, and done so much these past years together. The west coast is an amazing venue for courtship. From Napa Valley to Tijuana... you have traveled it all. But most important were the talks, the time shared, not necessarily the backdrop. For each discussion, and yes, each fight, you both came away changed. The potter was molding the clay, and however painful it sometimes was, you will see also how necessary... and you will be grateful someday.

As you embark on this journey, this beginning, with all of it's uncertainty and trembling joy... here is my advice.

Stay ever close to Him. He alone knows your heart completely. No one else ever will, and... you know what? That is how it is meant to be. And because He knows you like no one else, He will find and mold your perfect fit. If you trust Him with this task completely, your life and your love together will become the most wondrous work of art imaginable.

As you look back on this time of your life, dear Nutmeg at 21... you will wish you had enjoyed the ride a bit more. That you had not worried so much, had not tried to take the helm and steer the boat. You see now how fruitless and pointless that was. You were never in control. You were never meant to be. How could you have known what a beautiful masterpiece was being woven in your life? How could you have taken the place of the master at work? Those knots you see? They are your own doing.. your own bumbling attempts to interfere....

As I sit here, expectant with our 6th child, dear Nutmeg at 21, I can assure you. God knew what he was doing. When your paths crossed and your eyes met, it was meant to be. When your heart was full of doubts and your heart full of pain, He was there, guiding the strokes that brought you closer together.

This uncertainty and trembling joy? All part of the plan.

Immerse yourself in it.

It's the stuff of Life.



*These ruminations may or may not be due to the fact that Lil Sis will be leaving(!) us(!) at the end of the month... and while I am excited for her, I am nostalgic as well for that time in my life of new beginnings....

Daybook: The Return of the Sun

After two weeks of clouds and rain and a generally unsettled weather pattern, we finally have sun.  With one day being a high of 86 this past week, it's been a strange July.  


Outside My Window...

Clouds and sun, battling for possession of the sky.  I have confidence that by the end of it, the sun will prevail.  Maybe it is wishful thinking on my part, since it has been far too long since my tired face has felt it's penetrating rays.


I Am Listening To...

Three of my children play Sequence.  All of them can play, and they take turns graciously (erm... sometimes).  But what I love is that even the littlest can play with some competitiveness.  Simply match the card in your hand to the one on the board... and try to get 5 in a row. We've pulled the plug on unlimited tv and computer games... so the board games are starting to emerge from the playroom closet.


I Am Wearing...

Maternity jean shorts, a v-neck top and brown crocs.  My hair is pulled back into a messy bun.  I was hoping to spend the day poolside, but the dishwasher repairman is due between 12-4.  :P
However, being without a dishwasher for a week makes me grateful that today is the day!


I Am So Grateful For...

My husband, who has been slaving away in our master bathroom this weekend.  It's been a messy demolition process, but that part is finally finished.  And we are getting really excited as we begin the tiling and painting.


I'm Pondering...

These two quotes...

When you go global and give your life away, you will see the world differently.  You will understand why cul-de-sacs can't contain God. You will see God as you've never seen Him before-- wonderfully ginormous.  That is a right idea of God. ~True Religion

It should be possible to say of each one of us at the end or our lives, as it was said of Jesus, He went about doing good.  We have to do good within our own families, among our colleagues at work, and among our friends, and even those people we just chance to come across. As disciples of Christ we have to be sowers of fraternity whatever occasions and circumstances life brings with it. ~In Conversation With God

And I hope to expand my thoughts in a later post.  We'll see if my brain is up to the task.
:)


I Am Reading...

True Religion, In Conversation With God, and will soon start Theopohilus.  Heavy stuff.  Very thought-provoking and soul searching.


I Am Thinking...

About perception, and writing.  And sharing.  About friendships and mercy.  Lots of conversations.. internal and with friends... have fueled these thoughts.  Plenty to ponder, and no clear answers.  At least, no pat "one size fits all" answer. God has a different call, a different path for each of us to trod.  I am no huge force on the internet, and I am truly grateful for that.  But I do love the written word... and will continue to bumble along in this space as best as I can, for this is the equivalent of our family "scrapbook"... a keepsake for me and my children. To remember, laugh and reminisce.


I Am Creating...

Beauty in our master bathroom.  Painting this week, while DH does the tiling.  I am off in a moment to get more paintbrushes and round up the troops.  We will wait for the dishwasher dude while painting cabinet doors and bathroom walls and window ledges. 


On My Ipod...

Lots of Weepies... including their new single.  And our new BNL album is uploaded and being played ad nauseam... in preparation for our next night out.  Yes, concert #2 is on the horizon.
:)

 
Towards a Real Education...

Still in summer mode, but getting ready for fall.  We continue our math drills, handwriting and word problems.  My task is to get up to speed on the fall co-op plans.  Exciting stuff!


Towards Rhythm and Beauty...

This bathroom re-do is taking up all of our time, but we're still managing laundry and chores... somehow.  Buckling down on the kids is a pain, but I'm hoping (and praying!) that better habits are taking shape.


To Live the Liturgy...

Confession this week, and mass at least one extra time.  Baby steps, baby steps.


I Am Hoping and Praying...

For a renewed sense of urgency in prayer.  My kids are growing up so quickly, and there have been a few situations arise that I haven't handled well.  A constant flow of inspiration from the Holy Spirit would be very helpful these days.


In the Garden...

The tomatoes are done.  We got a good two or three dozen out of our plants, and have eaten them all up.  I am officially addicted to fresh tomatoes on a chicken salad sandwich for lunch.  Unfortunately, the store bought ones aren't cutting the mustard (or mayo... in this case).


Around the House...

Laundry today.  And cleaning for a mid-summer bbq on Sunday.  Good food and good friends are a much-needed respite from the summer doldrums!


From the Kitchen...

No plans yet today.  The peach pie is gone, and we are full force into ice cream-mode for dessert these days.  Maybe Little Dear can whip up a batch of cookies this afternoon.


One of my Favorite Things...

Little Love's freckles.
:)


A Few Plans for the rest of the Week...

Cleaning and painting.  Soccer on Saturday, including an MLS game Sat night with Lil Sis and my girls.  It's our version of a "girlie night."
;P

He

He is the presence of protection in the house.  The strength and fortitude behind my actions.  Invisible mountain underneath my weak will and wearied arms.

He supports his family.  Right now working two jobs... just until the baby comes. To provide for this unplanned joy.  Gone for 12 hours, one job to the next, he labors for us.

He sees me resting, tells me not to get up.  Grabs the mop and bucket and cleans. After all of his duties, he gives even more. 

His face lights up as the youngest twirls in front of him.   Scooping her up, he kisses her as she squirms away.  He is the measure of Love and affirmation.  The one they turn to with hope-filled eyes.  The one they can't wait to tell... No, I'll tell Dad.

He lovingly relates to the difficult child. The one who ruffles all the feathers... the one who just moments before had been the cause of a massive meltdown.  The one who is now seeking forgiveness.  Forgiveness through relating.  And patiently, he gives it.

He is not perfect.  He comes to me in the morning, wakes me with kisses, and whispers in my ear.  And the darkness and pain from the previous day vanishes. Sunshine bursts through and all is set right.  We smile, eyes crinkling at the corners.  14 years of marriage, 19 years of knowing.  Half my life.

:)


No, it's not our anniversary... just a long overdue post. :)

It's A...

B oisterous, (kicking his Mama constantly....)

O ver-joyed, (his siblings, are, anyway...)

Y oungin'. (exactly 5 months!)



We are very excited!!

:)

Guess Whose First Communion We Celebrated Today?

Oh, wait... here's a more proper one...

And, since we must include other members of the family....

And, of course, the sisters....

Some of whom clearly cannot wait until it is their turn....

It was a lovely, grace-filled day!!

:)

Daybook: It's Summertime!

School ended Friday.  The kids are super-relieved to be on vacation.  The irony is, since camp starts this week, we are getting up earlier than we ever do during the school year.  And... surprise, surprise... the kids are not complaining a bit.
:P


Outside my window...

The sun is searing through the little smidgen of clouds that have dared to appear in the sky.  The past 3 days we've seen temps hovering near the century mark, with Saturday being the first official triple digit day.  Hellllooooo summer!


I am thinking...

About summer schedules. I'm glad for a bit of leeway in our learning program, to have the chance to do some fun learning after an entire school year of a canned curriculum.  I just hope I can follow through with all of my ideas!




I am thankful for...

Feeling normal.  Having energy.  A healthy baby.  This little one does plenty of flutter kicks to reassure the Mama that all is well.  I'm always grateful for them.




From the learning rooms...

We are in the process of a massive de-cluttering mission.   The closet has been organized, and now we need to pack up the books.  I'll need to replenish our craft shelf for the summer (for the kids... not me! lol) and start implementing our summer learning schedule.  Just some math facts, one big word problem, some handwriting, and lots of reading.  My thought is that after applying rigor to their minds, they will be more than happy to exercise their imaginations with a bit of peaceful play.



From the kitchen...

Dinner menus, and lots of events to plan/cook for.  Specifically, Little Boo's First Communion on Sat evening! 
 

I am wearing...

Black maternity skirt, tie-dyed black/white tank top, white flip flops.  The hair is curly.


I am creating...

Plans for this week.  In my head only, though.  Bad idea.  :P



I am reading...

 The Hidden Garden for bookclub.  A large book, but a fast read. 




I am hoping...

That I can use my time wisely this week.  That I can be disciplined but still joyful.




I am hearing...

Silence.  Little Love is snacking on grapes and Action Man just woke up.  The 3 others are having a ball at camp.






Around the house...

Cleaning cleaning cleaning.  We are hosting a bbq for the families of the First Communicants on Sunday.  I'm trying not to let my inner perfectionist take over, but I do want things to be clean at least. 


One of my favorite things...

Rainy summer mornings.  
:)



A few plans for the rest of the week:

Lots of time with Little Love.  A few projects, lots of cleaning, and a simple living room re-do.  It's amazing what a different rug can do to a color palette. 





Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Tulips are my favorite flower by far.  The more untamed the better.  I love how they splay out without a care as to proper decorum or neatness.  Instead of staying huddled together en masse, they shoot out their beauty for all the world to see~

:)

Recuperating

Is this thing on????
:P

What a whirlwind trip.

Yes, we are home. Have been for quite a few days.

And boy, what a crazy few days it has been!

Our time in California was wonderful. Really and truly, a beautiful vacation.

A picture perfect shot, no?
:)

Even though the water was quite frigid!!

Of course, Little Boo was the first to fall in.  When asked what happened she responded...
Kinda weird.  The water pulls the sand out from under your feet!

And she huffed away indignantly.
How dare that ocean.  Really, how rude.
:P

We went to a beautiful graduation at my breath-taking Alma Mater.

That's my godson Sports Fan is holding... quite the cutie!

After graduation we crashed at the beach house and entertained approximately 80 billion people.

No, not really.  But with our group it sure felt like it!
:P
So, we did a lot of this...

And this...

(my other cutie-pie nephew!)

And we enjoyed smelling these...

And we painted these...

I call these Beach Toes.
:)

After we tired of the beach (or, actually, had to leave our seaside paradise) we headed here:

Where we spent almost 12 hours riding awesome rides and seeing fun shows and just soaking in all that we could for our last day of vacation.

In between, we stayed with friends from college, and had a blast catching up on 7 years' worth of events and experiences (we graduated almost 15 years ago... but had seen them a few times since) and noting at every turn that our philosophies of life were in agreement.... while the kids ran around and played non-stop.
It's just so awesome to touch base.

Our ride home was long.  Laboriously long.

But, we made it.  And we have a huge book of memories to go along with our adventure.  Eventually, I'll get it all together, but for now it's here and elsewhere on the computer. 

But most especially, in the re-tellings of my kiddos. 

Which makes it all totally worth it.

:)