Owl Pellets

Today, we had our first Science Club meeting of the 2011 - 2012 School Year! Our fearless leader, Ms. Kitty, chose Owl Pellets. The children explored the outside then after breaking them up, we were able to explore the inside - all of my kiddos owl pellets, contained undigested rodent pieces - YUM!

They LOVED the gloves!

Hannah unwrapping her pellet

Robert was scared to touch his - Owl Vomit has me skeptical as well!

Wesley 'loosening' the pellet in water/soap.

Hannah's dissected pellet FULL of rodent bones!

It's Here! It's Here!

Our 2011-2012 curriculum just arrived! 

Hannah and Robert were so excited - they met the UPS man at the door and brought the boxes inside and immediately tried to open them. . . but of course mommy needed to get pictures!

We use Seton Home School. For those of you who do not know it, it is a Catholic homeschool and we love them! They provide the lesson plans and all sorts of 'extras' as well. I also love the fact that they are true to the Church's teaching.

This year, Hannah will enter Kindergarten. Robert and I were on the fence about this as she is only 4, but she is also very ready. So, we decided to go for it and worse case scenario, it takes 2 years to get through it. Big deal. It also allows her to still feel like she is participating as that is something we struggled with last year. . . she felt left out a lot.

Robert will be entering 1st grade. He is SO excited - and so was I until I saw ALL of the books - I need to go through them and get a better feel for them as right now, I am feeling a bit overwhelmed! Regardless, he is ready and I have no option but to follow in his footsteps - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Help Me! 

So, my goal is to look through all of it tonight, The kindergarten I already know from last year and *hopefully* we will start tomorrow. . . We also have our first science club meeting with our homeschool group in the morning - we are investigating owl pellets!

"Parents are the first and the most important educators of their own children, and they also possess a fundamental competence in this area; they are educators because they are parents." Pope John Paul II

Another Proud Mommy Moment for the Day!

Wesley decided to dress himself today. . .

Proud Mommy Moment

Hannah had a surprise for me this morning. . .

Not only did she get the letters to create the word B - A - T, she also told me what the word was! This is why we are starting kindergarten a year early!

My Babies

After posting the picture of Little Robert last night, it made me want to go back and look at all of our babies at that age to compare. Robert was the biggest and they got smaller from there. . .

Robert, September 2005 - Hannah, August 2007 - Wesley, August 2009

How fun it was to reminisce - With Robert, we had just moved here to FL. Hannah was beginning to start her AWFUL fits. Wesley, well, he was not even holding his head up real well yet (hence the reason he is laying down)!

6 Years Ago

Not so Little Robert at 4months old - right after our move.

6 years ago today, we loaded our little Mazda Protege with all of the items that could not fit on the moving truck and began the 600 mile trip to Jacksonville, FL. Little Robert was just 4 months old at the time. . .

It all started with SouthTrust Bank being bought by Wachovia. They were getting rid of Big Robert's position at the bank which would leave him jobless. We trusted in God and did what we felt was right - opened doors everywhere. One thing that we knew without hesitation was that we would go nowhere if there was not family, so that essentially left 2 options - Jackson, MS or Jacksonville, FL. Robert put in applications and went for interviews. We put our house on the market as a FSBO. Then it came, a job offer from Wachovia in Jacksonville. The offer was incredible, but there was the dilemma of the house. We prayed and prayed, trusting in God's ultimate plan. Our house was listed one evening and within 18 hours, we had a full price offer! Yes, God spoke to us and said take it, so we did.

Leaving MS was hard. I am from MS. I had never lived outside of MS. I was taking away my parents grandson and my siblings nephew. I was missing out on the day to day of my family. But, we trusted and this was what God was showing us. . .

As luck would have it, our move coincided with Katrina and our movers had, rightfully so, returned to New Orleans to be with their families. Sadly, their families lost nearly everything and when the driver came to bring us our stuff, 5 weeks after we moved here, he had all of his belongings piled behind his cab. It was very surreal to see that they lost nearly everything they had, yet he still had a smile on his face and was just as incredible as he was that day in MS when he loaded the truck.

Lots has happened in the past six years. Everyone has gotten older, even though I still see my *little* siblings as they were when we moved. For some reason, time has stopped in my head when I think of them - when we left, my little sister was 9 - now she drives and is a sophomore in high school. Two of my sisters have married. My brother will *hopefully* marry his girlfriend (Hint Hint to you both!) My parents have celebrated more milestones. We have welcomed 2 more children into our family. Life has continued for all . . .

Our First *TINY* House - White picket fence and all!

It feels like so long ago that we moved, but then it feels like just yesterday I was sitting on the porch with my mama at our old house. Our first house. Our first home. Who knows what the future holds, but for now, we wait and continue to be open to whatever God has in store for us.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

The Gift That Keeps Giving

Well, it has happened. . . We have had our first ever bug that has made its way through our entire family. I am not sure whether to celebrate (that it took nearly 8 years) or sob (because now I know it *can* occur), but it has happened!

It all began last Tuesday/Wednesday with the boys. There were still tummy issues through the afternoon on Wednesday, but by bedtime, all was well. Thursday afternoon, I was feeling off, but thought it was just fatigue from not sleeping well. . . We made it to Friday Mass with the cousins at Christ the King, but had to forgo our plans for the zoo and headed to play at Chick-fil-A instead. That lasted about 25 minutes and then I knew we needed to get out. We headed home and that is when I became the third victim of this bug. Luckily, Daddy came home early and I thought it was over, but low and behold, the real fun was yet to come! I survived it and Big Robert even let me sleep in the next morning!

Today, Hannah began complaining of her tummy hurting. She will get these odd tummy aches from time to time that will last for a bit then disappear. I thought this was one of them and got her a wet rag and laid her down for nap. About 10 minutes later, I heard tears and then a call for help from Daddy. . . Yep, she had fallen victim as well! Great. That meant that Daddy was the only one left. . . or so we thought!

As we were all sitting on the couch talking about 5pm mass, I asked who would stay home with Hannah - Daddy or Me. Partway through this conversation, Daddy started commenting that he was not feeling well. . . With this development, there was no way that I was going to leave 2 sick people home and bring our germy selves to Mass, so the decision was made to stay home. . .

So, this is the story of the bug that got all 5 of us sick. We are all beyond ready for it to leave and never return as I am tired of laundry and cleaning toilets!

Avoiding Bed

If Hannah takes a nap, she will be up far past her brothers. One night, not too long ago, this was how she avoided her bed. . .

The Parking Lot

The other day, the kiddos wanted to go ride bikes. We loaded up the van and went to the 'parking lot,' but sadly it is no longer empty :-( So, we had to find another place to freely ride bikes, and I think we found it! Here is our fun:

Hannah and Wesley hanging out in the trunk!

Hannah off for the races!

Robert being super silly!

Because you can not wear a shirt when you race a bike!

The 8th Commandment

** Thou Shall NOT Steal **

Since I do not officially have our curriculum, I have just been making things up as we go. I have been reviewing the kiddos Catechism (kindergarten version) from last year and decided to start with the 10 commandments. We are really focusing on the 4th (Honor Thy Father and Mother) and the 5th (You Shall Not Kill). The 4th is straightforward, but the 5th DOES pertain to children. It can also be translated as do not fight. Do not argue. Do not be cruel. In other words, be nice! The kiddos are still having some difficulty with those, but after tonight, I realize that I should have been focusing on the 8th as well. . .

I took the older two to Walgreens to pick up some stuff. We checked out at the pharmacy and walked back through the store to leave. I stopped for a moment at the front to pick up a their in store coupons and saw Robert and Hannah looking at something. Not thinking anything, I called them and we left. When we got in the minivan, I heard them talking in the backseat about their bracelets and assumed that they found some treasures in the van. . .

We arrive home a few minutes later and I realize that Hannah has a red bracelet on and it is definitely one that I have not seen before. Daddy and I start questioning about where they came from and both kiddos nonchalantly respond walgreens. Obviously, they did not think that they had done anything wrong. Daddy and I calmly instruct both kiddos to return to the van because there will be a return trip to the store. This time daddy takes the lead so I can deal with the baby. . . plus, he can get more of a reaction then I can!

They all go in carrying the goods and confront the manager. Little Robert confesses what has happened and the manager, in a not nice way, tells him to go stand behind the counter while he calls the police! I am glad that I was not there as I would have had to try real hard to bite my tongue! I understand what they did was wrong, but you do not have to be a total prick about it. . . Anyhow, after a few tense minutes, Daddy, Robert, and Hannah leave without the bracelets and the escort of a cop. . .

I hope they have learned their lesson!

The Monster Game

The Monster Game is a favorite at our house. I am not sure why or when it began, but it has grown into something that is so loved that we have to limit its playtime! We have the rule that only Tuesday and Thursday we can play it during the week, but because of the drama of last night, we had to skip it. . . so tonight was makeup night!

This is basically how it works. . . Daddy crawls around the house grabbing the kids and growling. That is it! Every once in a while, the older two will put on their super hero capes and try to save the day, but it all depends on their mood!

And they are off!

I think it is safe to say that Wesley does not like it!

Super Hannah is too pretty to save Wesley!

Super Robert to the rescue!

The Monster is on the prowl!

Wesley is SCARED. . . as always!

Hannah is trying to breath!

The Game ends with a kick to the tummy!

The Pouch

With the events of last night, today, Wesley has been pretty fussy. As much as I love to sit down and just hold him, there are others that I have to tend to as well. . . But then I remembered THE POUCH! It was given to us by Mrs. Lawrence after Little Robert was born and I used it with all 3 kiddos, but especially with Wes since he was a preemie. Up until about 6 months ago, it was used daily. . . then it got too hot and I had my surgery. . . Anyhow, today, it has been a lifesaver!
Ps. If anyone out there is having a baby, I HIGHLY recommend this. It is SO much better than the front carriers, and I have tried them all! Also, the Moby Wrap is a great $40 investment!

A Prayer for Students by St. Thomas Aquinas

Creator of all things, true source of light and wisdom, origin of all being,
graciously let a ray of your light penetrate the darkness of my understanding.

Take from me the double darkness in which I have been born,
an obscurity of sin and ignorance.

Give me a keen understanding, a retentive memory,
and the ability to grasp things correctly and fundamentally.

Grant me the talent of being exact in my explanations
and the ability to express myself with thoroughness and charm.

Point out the beginning, direct the progress, and help in the completion.
I ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.


**St. Thomas Aquinas is the Patron Saints of Catholic Schools. He was an incredible author and teacher. May all of us strive to have the wisdom and knowledge when teaching that he had.

Long Night ~ Sick Boys

To say that last night was a long night, is an absolute understatement!

The day was a not so great day behavior wise, but when Daddy got home, things began to improve. . . for about an hour! Then without warning, Wesley started fussing and holding his neck while I ignore and try and determine who hurt him. Within a minute or so, the neck moved to the tummy and I knew where we were headed. I scooped him up and we made it to the kitchen sink just in time. Within an hour, he had gotten sick 5 times!

After some good snuggles on the couch and Wesley having a few episodes of dry heaves, I decided to put him to bed so that Robert and I could have some time together. Well, that did not last long - after 2 hours, he wakes and that began the never ending up and down! At one point, I just made a pallet for him and I on his bedroom floor. By 2:30a, he was so worn out that he could not even hold his head up, but he still managed to tell me thank you after I wiped his mouth!

About 3a, I see the bathroom light on and hear all too familiar noises. I get up and see Little Robert now getting sick. GREAT! So, after he get cleaned up and joins us on the pallet, Hannah wakes up. I send her into the room to get her covers only to hear her scream. I get up and run in there. . . lets just say that I was under the impression Little Robert made it to the potty!

Needless to say, naptime is MUCH needed today!

Missing My Mama

I think I figured out why this entire situation with my mama is so upsetting to me and why I am having SUCH a hard time with being away right now. . .

First, rewind to 10 years ago, I was a freshman in college and my mom was pregnant with my little brother, John David. She began to have complications, but nobody told me because they wanted me to remain focused on my studies. She was admitted to the hospital in her 4th/5th month and from there things went downhill. I was eventually told about the complications, but after things had already been taken care of and she was 'stable' and back home on complete bed rest and under the watchful eye of homehealth. A few short months later, on December 9, 2001, my little brother was born at 31 weeks and was by far the tiniest baby I had ever seen. He did not make it. . .

So, now, with my mama having these sudden and serious (but hopefully temporary) issues, I am left wondering, what are they not telling me? With me being 600+ miles away, there is a lot that I am not told in regards to them and my siblings, just like they do not know about every detail when it comes to me and my family. But we are all growing up and I understand and appreciate that is par for the course. So, while, I do not believe that they would keep secrets from me, I worry, especially since all I have seen is a picture.

So, until I can see her again with my own eyes and hear her again with my own ears, I will be on edge, but I remain prayerful that she is being well cared for and pampered. And God-willing, today will provide a much needed jump start in the road to recovery!

First Day of Homeschool 2011

WOW! This year, Robert will start 1st grade and Hannah/Aahliya will start Kindergarten. We do not have our curriculum yet, but I am ready to start, so today we got back into the routine!

Our days starts with some wake up/free time. Then after breakfast, we clean/do morning chores and brush teeth. As soon as that is done, our school day begins!

• We start with the Pledge and God Bless America

• Then morning prayer (Glory Be, Hail Mary, Our Father, Guardian Angel Prayer, Morning Offering)

• This is followed be story time and journals on the kitchen floor.

• Then, off to the table for our 'work' Today, we worked on writing letters and thinking of words that started with that letter.We then did what was supposed to be self portraits. . . My First Day of. . . (Hannah drew an elephant and Robert just copied what I wrote!)

• Wesley wanted to do school today too. . .

The one aspect that I love about homeschooling is that you make the routine. You decide what will and what will not happen. If something does not work, so be it. If you want to have 'school' a few days a week, that is fine. Everything and anything is a learning opportunity!

Also, one thing that I need to mention here is my husband as he is the reason that we are able to do this. If he did not make the sacrifice to go to work everyday, we would not be able to do this. So, thank you, Robert!

Sweet Baby :-)

Baby A arrived 2 weeks ago on August 7, our Aunt RaRa's birthday! His mama Mrs. Katrina, has turned into the kiddos second mama as she took over the entire house for the first month after my surgery. We have watched her belly grow and shared in all of the excitement that comes with growing a baby! Hannah and I even attended her baby shower!!

The initial plan was to visit at the hospital, but we had some germs going through the house and did not want to share. Not to mention, it was a LONG and HARD labor and delivery and Mrs. Katrina and Mr. Chad just needed some quiet family time. We had plans a few other times to go to their house to meet this new baby, but everytime something happened. Finally, last Friday, we were able to meet him and he is PRECIOUS! Looking at him, it is hard to believe that Wesley was 3 lbs smaller when he came home!

*LITTLE* Kiddos

There are 5 months between Robert and Ryan (the kiddo next to Robert). We have not seen Ryan in a while and were a little shocked today. . . he has always been taller than Robert, but never THIS tall!

The Kiddos are Fish!

Typically on Saturday's we will go swimming. Little Robert is quite good and can handle himself in the water (100% supervised, of course!). Hannah and Wes, however, have to use their arm floaties. Wes is a dare-devil and LOVES for us to throw him and to jump in on his own. Hannah is a bit timid, but today that changed. . .

We convinced her to take off her floaties and she very reluctantly agreed. After a few tears and tense moments, she was able to paddle her arms, kick her feet, keep her tush in the air, and her head in the water! She swam almost the entire length of the pool. . . she did not intend to go that far, but you know the classic parent trick of stepping backwards?!?!?

We are quite proud of ALL of our kiddos tonight. . . now they just need to go to sleep!

An Indoor Camping Trip!

Typically on Friday's, if the kiddos make *mostly* good choices for the week, we will give them a reward on Friday. This time, they wanted to make an indoor tent - complete with shadow puppets and scary stories! We had a great time listening to the kiddos make up their own stories and they had all of us laughing! Daddy's story, however, wins the prize as it made them all scream! For my story, I stuck with tradition from when I was little. . . Whenever we went camping, my papa would always tell us the story of the deaf policeman and I now happily share it with my crew:

Once upon a time, in the middle of the night, 2 dead boys got up to fight. Back to back they faced each other, drew their swords and shot each other. A deaf policeman heard the noise and came and shot the 2 dead boys!

Inside the tent.


The Tent


Wesley making shadow puppets!


Hannah making shadow puppets!


Robert making shadow puppets!

A New Blog

I so enjoyed my other blog, that I wanted to start one about our everyday life and not my hysterectomy. I hope that you enjoy keeping up with all of the craziness that occurs in our household!