Oh No!

I think that I have a brand new addiction - - -

Making Cute Little Girl Hair Bows - EEK!

This is how it came to be. . .

Robert and I decided to step back from the day to day routine and head to Gainsville tomorrow. While we are not attending the game, we thought the kiddos would like to see the Gators. Although if we were to somehow get tickets, it would be fun! Anyhow, I want the kiddos to be decked out, from head to toe in their gator gear. We already had everything that was needed, except bows for Hannah's hair. I searched everywhere for some Gator ribbon, but came up empty handed. This morning, we made a trip to Hobby Lobby and it just so happens that they were having a sale! BIG OH NO! We went straight back to the ribbon area and bought just 4 rolls! We settled on orange/blue for the gator bows and 2 others just for fun. Then we found the perfect clips and went to pay - For the 4 rolls of ribbon, plus the 25 clips, it was only just over $7!

We headed home and went to work. I had to research this as I had never even attempted a bow before. There were so many types of bows, so I had to find the most basic and break it down from there!

Here are the results - the orange/blue ones are for Hannah's for tomorrow and the other 2 are for Aahliya as I will do her hair before she flies to North Dakota today for her Uncle's funeral.

Let me know what you think! (I still need to tweak things, but I am mostly happy!)

Hannah's Go Gator Bows!

Aahliya's that matched her outfit.

 

Do Everything With Love

What a beautiful reminder about how to appreciate EVERY single thing you do during the day!

More Prayers Please. . .

Many of you know of the precious little girl that is apart of our daytime family. In a way, her family has become part of ours and they were struck with great tragedy this week. On Wednesday, her Uncle, Deputy Bryan Sleeper, suffered a heart attack and died shortly after arresting a drunk driver. He was only 39 years old and leaves behind a wife, step children, and a grandchild.

Aahliya and her parents are leaving tomorrow to join her mother and other family members as they prepare to say a final farewell to their son/brother. Please hold all of them close in prayer as they endure these next few days and weeks.

Much like the Chinnault family who lost their husband and father, I can not imagine the pain. All I can offer is my most sincere and heartfelt prayers.

Grant unto us, Almighty God, in all time of sore distress,
the comfort of the forgiveness of our sins.
In time of darkness give us blessed hope,
in time of sickness of body give us quiet courage;
and when the heart is bowed down, and the soul is very heavy,
and life is a burden, and pleasure a weariness,
and the sun is too bright, and life too mirthful,
then may that Spirit, the Spirit of the Comforter, come upon us,
and after our darkness may there be the clear shining of the heavenly light;
that so, being uplifted again by Thy mercy,
we may pass on through this our mortal life
with quiet courage, patient hope, and unshaken trust,
hoping through Thy loving-kindness and tender mercy
to be delivered from death into the large life of the eternal years.
Hear us of Thy mercy, through Jesus Christ our Lord - Amen.

Comparing!

My little ones came across a picture today and were quite perplexed. In it were my younger sisters, Maura Anne and Mollie at least 10 years ago. Robert and Hannah looked at it for a moment and asked me who that was in the picture with Hannah. I explained to them that it was Aunt MooMoo and Aunt Maura, but they absolutely did not believe it. . .

So, you make the determination. Do Mollie and Hannah look alike? I think they do :-)

(L - R) Maura Anne, Mollie, Hannah

Burned Dinner?!

Daddy arrived home from work tonight shortly after I put all of the kiddos in bed. Hannah and Robert insist on sleeping in the same room as they are inseparable. As he walks into the room, he sees that Robert is at Hannah's kitchen. He asks them what is going on, and this is what he was told:

• Hannah: We're cooking you dinner.

• Little Robert: Yeah. daddy. It's going to be yummy.

• {Hannah hands Daddy a plate of plastic food, to which Little Robert takes and brings it to the 'kitchen'}

• Daddy {Perplexed}: Robert, why did you take my dinner away?

• Little Robert: She didn't burn it like mommy does.

Now, I admit that I am no Food Network star, but I do not *routinely* burn food - Yes I burned the pasta yesterday, but I can not remember anytime before that! Oh, and need I mention that he does not even eat my food?! He is so picky, that he will not even touch it! So, despite what he says, my food is edible, not like this. . .

Science Club ~ Dry Ice

We had been counting the days until this science club meeting. All the kiddos knew was that we were all required to have safety goggles for our eyes and that there would be something really neat! Above and beyond that, they had no idea! They all had their hypothesis as to what was going to happen, and they were all great ideas! The kiddos guessed everything from explosions to cooking. Bedtime last night was quite easy with the bribe of potentially missing science club today!

The white grape juice with dry ice.

When we arrived and the kiddos all sat down, they were finally told what we were learning about today : DRY ICE! They were quite excited, but they had no idea as to what it was! Ms. Kitty led the group and had purchased a kit from Steve Spangler Science. 

Our first experiment was putting a piece of dry ice and a piece of regular ice in seperate cups, allowing them to melt, and discussing what was left in the cup at the end. (The kiddos were beyond excited when, at the end of class, one cup had water and the other was empty! How crazy?!?!)

Our next experiment of adding dry ice to a pitcher of white grape and apple juice. The kiddos LOVED watching the bubbles through the pitcher! After the dry ice completely dissolved, each child was able to taste the juice of their choice. Robert chose the apple and was convinced it tasted like sour patch kids! The white grape remained unchanged according to the kiddos present!

Then, each kiddo was allowed to come up to the science table and hold a dry ice/soap bubble on their hand. They had to wear a glove or the bubble would burst because of the dirt and oils on their hands. Robert and Hannah had a great time with this one. Wesley wanted to try it for a while, so I put his goggles an glove on, but he became terrified at the last minute!

Let the hands on experiment begin!

Hannah was indifferent about holding it, but LOVED stepping on it!

Robert LOVED every minute of this!

He had trouble keeping his hand straight.

Little Robert has been speaking about these experiments all afternoon. He is desperate to try it again as he had THAT much fun! In fact, during our prayers tonight, when I asked him what he was thankful for, he said Ms. Kitty and all of her science fun! I think she made an impression on him.

Distance is hard. . .

Our First *Little* House

When we moved here from Jackson, MS 6 years ago, it was not a decision that was made lightly. We had a new baby. We had just bought a house a year prior. I had NEVER been away from my family, even in college, my sister was there with me! But, it was God's plan. Our fabulous realtor sold our house in a matter of HOURS. Robert was offered a great job that moved us and paid for ALL expenses. God was showing us that this is what we needed to do, so we did.

Clare and I - March 2005

Upon moving here, where Robert is from, we made friends. Bought a house. Found an incredible, one of a kind doctor. Everything just fell into place. It was an adjustment of course, but it was not too bad. The homesickness that I had anticipated was really just not there. I liked life here. Things were good.

We would return to MS every so often, and they would travel here, and at first that was great. But as time wore on, my siblings grew up - They experienced life and made memories that did not include me. When my older and younger sister became engaged, everybody was present. . . except me. I was not able to see my little brother graduate elementary school or my bigger little brother graduate college. I missed out on the bonding. I am not able to talk to my mama face to face or tell my papa to come get his grandchildren before I go crazy. There is just so much.

Robert and Mama Gerry! (May 2010)

Most of the time, I am not bothered. Much like, I do not feel homesick until we visit 'home.' But lately, with all of the death that is surrounding people that I know, I am feeling it. Maybe it is because we are not able to talk anymore. Everybody has their own crazy schedule with work, school, husbands, sports, plays, etc etc that the last thing they want to do is get stuck on the phone catching up - and I understand that. Completely understand that.

The Bride and her Nephew (March 2010)

 Missing all that I am missing out on. All that my kiddos are missing out in. Missing all of the inside jokes that I used to be apart of. Missing just the day to day. My little brother swims on the JV swim team. Who knew? So much that I am unaware of that normally does not phase me, but lately is really eating at me.

I also think that a part of me is scared that something will happen and I will not have had the opportunity to have spoken to them, regardless of my attempts.  Especially with the deaths that have occured completely unexpected lately. I am scared. I am sad. I am worried that an opportunity has been missed.

Maybe one day we will all be together again and I can share in all of the ups and downs that come with a large family. But until then, I love each of you and miss you dearly. If you get a spare moment, I would love to hear from you! XOXOXOXO

All 14 of us: Little Robert, Bret, Rachael, Mama, Joseph, Michael holding Hannah, Will and Clare (Bride and Groom), Mollie, Papa, Me, Daddy, Wesley --> 6 of the 9 children present, 3 spouses, 3 grandkids!  (April 2011)

I *WANT* to be this organized. . . One Day!

I was emailed this today. . . One day is all that I can say!

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There are several things that I have learned over the years that I hope will be quite helpful to all of you:

• Learn to say NO! And not just to drugs. Don’t be afraid to set boundaries for yourself. You will be asked to teach your parish’s CCD class, to be team mom of your son’s soccer team, to chair your support group’s field trip committee, to host a co-op in your home… All of this and more ON TOP OF teaching your own children! Know your limits and expectations for yourself and your family and stick to them!

• Set time aside for glancing at the week ahead. Every Sunday I set aside at least 1 hour to glance at the week ahead. I make note of any upcoming commitments, errands that need to be made, and feast days to celebrate, as well as make the weekly meal plan, grocery list and ready the workbox. Once these tasks are noted on their appointed days, I then have a skeleton on which to work. If I know ahead of time that Monday, (our regular laundry day), hosts a field trip, then I know I need to make plans to squeeze it all in on another day of the week. If I know that I will be next to our favored market on Wednesday due to art class, then I will make plans to swing by on our way home. Mapping out the week helps to limit surprises and ensures that all of my tasks are accomplished.

• Meal Planning. In our home, having the evening meal together, seated at the table, is non-negotiable. This is the time of day when we all gather together to share our day and pray together as a whole family. To ensure that it happens, adequate planning helps keep this time of day running smoothly. Also, learn to use your slow cooker– it is a real sanity saver!

• Evaluate your expectations. Despite how much is contained within our family master schedule, there are only a handful of duties that I feel must be accomplished daily. There are some days when nothing else is achieved in my day besides clean bathrooms, tidy living spaces, and the evening meal prepared. Some days it just has to be alright, and I’ve learned to be okay with that.

• Set time aside for yourself. I know. I know. You have heard this a million times— but do you listen? We all need time in our day to recharge and regain energy. Try to make the time in your day to set aside just for you. Revisit old passions or pick up new hobbies, but make sure it will benefit you and you alone.

Lastly, as I am sure you will be visiting all of the other participants in Lacy’s hop, remember the importance of keeping your eyes on your own work. Don’t let the glimpses of of other’s lives discourage you! Weed through all of the wonderful advice and wisdom, but remember not to loose what He has created you to be!

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This is their daily schedule. . . Like I said, one day!

7:00 The children rise and begin there morning routines and chores.

7:30 Breakfast and prayer together as a family. Father leaves for work. Collective cleaning and tidying up the kitchen.

8:00 Read aloud time conducted by my oldest for my son as I gather and order things for the school day. Usually this time consists of hand picked picture books appropriate to the liturgical season.

9:00 Opening prayers, intentions and saint for the school day, followed by catechism and poetry memorization. Occasionally a liturgical craft will find it’s way here.

10:00 – 12:00 Entries into daily journals, involving handwriting, grammar, spelling and copy work, which are often accompanied by illustrations. Latin and Math follow closely behind.

12:00 – 1:00 Family lunch and praying of the Angelus. Afterward, the children have outside play time as a little tidying up is necessary before moving on to afternoon studies.

1:30 – 3:00 Afternoons alternate between science, history and fine art studies. Lots of reading aloud and experimentation occurs, rabbit trails are explored. In the cooler months, nature walks and park trips are frequent.

3:00 -5:00 Lots of free play and outside exploration.

5:00 – 6:00 Everyone gathers together again to help prepare the evening meal. Often audio books or our current music study play in the background and little hands are kept busy with art projects. Father arrives home.

After the family meal, the evening hours are filled with the business of tying up the day– tiding up, reading aloud, prays and bedtime.

Then, in the morning, it’s rinse and repeat.

Marriage

As I sat at the computer tonight, my husband had this article up. I read through it and wanted to share it as there are many very good points. . .Things that are easily forgotten in the everyday living - Things that after so long, if you are not careful, you might fall into the habit of committing.

I know that for Robert and I, the past 7 years, 10 months, 3 weeks, and 2 days have been FULL of ups and downs. There are definitely times that neither of us are proud of. There have been times where instead of cleaving to one another, we have confided in our friends or family. But then there are even more times, specifically these past 3 years, where we cleave whole heatedly to the other. Where we have created a marriage SO strong that nothing could break it. I am not saying that it is perfect, as we are FAR from perfect, but we have learned to cleave to and rely on the other. We have realized that our marriage, just like every relationship, needs to be pampered and taken care of. That when our kiddos grow up and leave the house, it will still be just Robert and I and we need to maintain OUR relationship as husband and wife, and not just that of mommy and daddy - although that is all that I call him now as it is easier that of me: Robert - boys: Which Robert? - me: BIG (or little).

For us, the vows that we said to each other that sunny Saturday in November have held true in all areas of out life - In sickness and in health. In good times and in bad. Till death do us part.

I hope that you enjoy the article as much as we both did!

Why Can't Our Kids be Normal?

My dear husband walks in from outside and asks me this question. I have my backed turned to all of the kiddos making dinner, so I do not see any of them. I start to respond in the loving, motherly manner that our children ARE normal and perfect, but then I hear and see:

• Little Robert: Doing a headstand on the couch which he KNOWS is a big NO NO in our house while 'speaking' fish to Little R, Mrs. H, and Hopper.
• Hannah: Crawling around on all 4, sucking a paci (not sure where it came from!), and barking like a dog.
• Wesley: Hanging from the counter while chanting 'ooh ooh aah aah' like a monkey!

It was a funny sight for a little bit - and of course, our laughing made them THINK that they were hilarious, so they continued. Hannah even ate her dinner like a puppy - no fork, spoon, or hands.  I am sure that if they ever 'go to school,' that we will be receiving MANY calls from the principle!

Introducing:

Little R, Mrs. H, and Hopper

Hopper (gold/black tail), Little R (orange/black tail), Mrs. H (orange)

Well, Robert and I tried to hold out, but we could not. So, earlier today, we bought our FIRST EVER, TO KEEP, P E T S!!!!!(It only took nearly 8 years of marriage and 6 1/2 years of parenting!)

Pre-Pet Giggles and Excitement

There was NO turning back. . . Of they go!

Before they were purchased, we spoke at length with the 'Fishy Person' about choices and she re-assured us, and the kiddos MANY times if we make poor choices and/or bad decisions, that Little R, Mrs. H, and Hopper CAN and WILL be returned. I just hope that is enough motivation to continue the good choices and wise decisions!

At first, we went back and forth - do we want to get a bigger tank? Different toys? 1 big or 3 smaller fish? Finally we settled on Platys. There were many varieties, so each kiddo picked their own:

• Robert chose one that is bright orange with black fins and tail.

Little R's last moments with his old family

• Hannah chose one that is a lighter orange with almost yellow/gold tail and fins with a black mickey on her tail!

Hannah selecting hers!

• Wesley chose, well, we actually chose for him, and gold/white platy with a black mickey tail as well

Wesley was excited!

Because you can not go to PetSmart without visiting the birds and tailed creatures, we did that as well!

Wesley was 'talking' to the birds!

'LOOK! There are B I R D S!!!!!'

Wesley was in a complete trance with this guinea pig!

Robert was confused as to why he only ran in circles!

After we finished touring the store, we headed home to introduce our brand new pets to their home. The kiddos could NOT wait!

After MULTIPLE attempts, this was the best picture we could get!

We followed all of the instructions and after 15 (or so) minutes, we were ready to pour them in! The kids were full of anxiety and giggles - it was a sight!

We quickly put the lid on just in time for "Fishy" to try and jump out, gaining the new name of "Hopper!" They have now been in their new home for a bit. Little R and Mrs. H seem to be adjusting VERY well. They ate a little and are swimming and exploring - Hopper however, I think is a bit confused, or depressed as he is only hiding in the fake plant. . . or maybe he has a head injury from hitting the top of the tank so hard!

We Went To The Zoo, Zoo, Zoo!

Today, we met another fabulous homeschooling family at the zoo! Between the 2 mama's, we had eight kiddos ages 16 months (Precious Bella) through 6 1/2 years! I am sure that we were a sight to see - especially when our small children used words such as habitat to describe an animals home. Or when they were correctly able to identify the anacondas and otters. Or the different species of birds and fish. Or that the baby warthog's were nursing because they were mammals! Or when Wesley, after dipping his hand into the wishing fountain, took two fingers on his right hand, knelt a little and made the sign of the cross (Is it obvious that we are Catholic!)!

As always when you have a lot of children and not a lot of adults, there are times you want to scream. And yes, there were definitely those moments where one or both of us had to just sit back and laugh so that we would not pull our hair out, so it was nice to have that other adult with you who felt the same! Who could justify the feelings you felt or take over for a second for you!

The life-size elephant is always a HUGE hit!

Hannah and Wesley on the trunk!

At the Otter tank - Robert and Aahliya with our buddies Ethan and sister Alex

Wesley was captivated by the otters. . . and the puddles that he tried to go swimming in!!

CHEESE! How to turn a single stroller into a triple - 2 in the front and 1 in the basket - no work for the kiddos, A LOT of work for the mama!

Alex, Aahliya, Derek, and Ethan in front of the giraffes

It was a great morning with incredible company! Thank you SO much, Jennifer for the idea - We need to get together more often!