Quick Takes

My mind is full of random thoughts and possible postings so instead of picking just one and elaborating on it...here are some of my Quick Takes for the weekend:

1. We are splitting up the family to take the older kids to Mass this weekend. Yes, we hit that point that the positives outweigh the negatives of going to Mass as a family. Our patience and nerves are shot. Not to mention the poor people sitting near us week after week. What a show we provide for them! At least they are entertained. I think. Anyway, we'll re-evaluate next weekend in hopes it could be better. We'll see.

2. I took the girls to Mass yesterday, Saturday vigil. Haven't done that in quite a while. It showed when the lady in front of us turned around at the concluding song, told me she has not seen me here before and told me quite loudly that I have a very very nice voice (eeeeeek!!!) and handed me a business card (I was is such shock that I dropped it which of course made everyone notice even more!!!). Apparently she is involved in some chorus and wants me to join! My grin was enormous hearing this (and I bet others that were around us were giggling too. For the record, I do not think that I have that great of a voice! haaa haaa!!!)

3. My sweet baby is into climbing. Ay yi yi. Chairs. Couches. Stools. I wonder how I am keeping one step ahead of that lil monkey.

4. My hubby just (sorta) bundled up the 3 boys (minus baby and girls) and took them bike riding. I emphasize sorta. Nice huh? I think so ...sorta. It is sunny out... but it is only registering 27* right now. Something tells me they'll be back very soon and I better make some hot cocoa.

5. It is so very cold out. So cold that 8 minutes is the top limit for my kids, esp. my boys. Did I mention I have 4 of them boys? This is such not a good combo. Lord, help me.

6. I am already 1/2 way done w/dinner tonight! Yay for me! I put a pot roast w/ a can of cranberries in the crock pot early this morning. It smells delicious and I am going to peel some potatoes and carrots in a few minutes. Easy and warm winter dinners are the best!

7. My hubby and I watched a movie we got from Netflix last night called Flywheel. (The same guys who put out Facing the Giants and Fireproof- 2 GREAT movies too!). Wow! It was a great movie that we both enjoyed. I love how the noted before the movie even started that it was on a $20,000 budget and they still created it! So impressive. Good to know that beforehand b/c it did not have any special features and some lighting was off and immature acting at times. BUT it was Christian based and solid in honoring God in its production. Worth the watch (as with the other 2 noted above). As my hubby and I both agree, it did not make you feel guilty after watching it. Enough said.

8. Last quick take...We also watched as a family, the movie BOLT. It was oooooo-kay, I guess. We had to fast forward through some points b/c of some evil dudes. Enough to make 2 of my kids up b/c having bad dreams-argh. Those Disney movies do it all the time! There always has to be some evil side to each of them. I miss the good ol' wholesome movies.

Do you recommend any for the children, besides some I know of already? Please share if you do, maybe I can compile a list to share w/everyone. That would be great! There were some really funny parts to it that my hubby and I were cracking up to and the kids were looking at us as if "What is going on? Did I miss something?" Which made it even more funny!

Gotta go now!
God bless and Happy Sunday.

It will be a looooooooooong February, so get ready.

God bless,
Mary

Whoa! I found this on another blog

and just had to post it! How could I not? Amazingly beautiful and inspiring. Thank you Blessed Pope John XIII for these words!!! I am going to pray and meditate on these words today, especially thinking about how to bring these practical inspirations to my vocation as a wife and mother. Maybe you can too! (or in any vocation you are called to.)

From the blog In the Heart of my Home

"Only for Today"

Decalogue for Daily Living

1. Only for today, I will seek to live the livelong day positively without wishing to solve the problems of my life all at once.
2. Only for today, I will take the greatest care of my appearance: I will dress modestly; I will not raise my voice; I will be courteous in my behavior; I will not criticize anyone; I will not claim to improve or to discipline anyone except myself.
3. Only for today, I will be happy in the certainty that I was created to be happy, not only in the other world but also in this one.
4. Only for today, I will adapt to circumstances, without requiring all circumstances to be adapted to my own wishes.
5. Only for today, I will devote ten minutes of my time to some good reading, remembering that just as food is necessary to the life of the body, so good reading is necessary to the life of the soul. 6. Only for today, I will do one good deed and not tell anyone about it.
7. Only for today, I will do at least one thing I do not like doing; and it my feelings are hurt, I will make sure no one notices.
8. Only for today, I will make a plan for myself: I may not follow it to the letter, but I will make it. And I will be on guard against two evils: hastiness and indecision.
9. Only for today, I will firmly believe, despite appearances, that the good Providence of God cares for me as no one else who exists in this world.
10. Only for today, I will have no fears. In particular, I will not be afraid to enjoy what is beautiful and to believe in goodness. Indeed, for twelve hours I can certainly do what might cause me consternation were I to believe I had to do it all my life.
---------Bl. Pope John XXIII

Small Successes-it's Thursday!

Wooooohooooo! It's Thursday and only 2 more days till Saturday (in case you lose count like I do! Small steps...I can't wait b/c I am going to get some really sweet deals at a new grocery store I found out about-good sales, good prices always makes a momma happy!)

It's also Small Successes at Faith and Family Live!

1. I escaped.....uhm, I mean WENT to the library (see here for my funny -real -life -experience at our town library.) and I did not get upset that it was not out a night for me.

2. I have accepted help. Real practical help. And I love it! Here is my post on that one ;)

3. Last night, I took my oldest to a home school astronomy class. It has been wonderful for him-he looks forward to it and he loves learning. It is a diverse group of kids ranging from a kindergartner all the way up to a 9th grader! Of course the biggest perk is that they get to use this astronomers very very very large telescope. Last night he saw Mars and the Moon. Now, that is something he gets to brag about to his friends, huh!?!? So you are wondering....okay, so what is the small success? While the children are in class, some of the parents (moms usually) gather and talk. And talk. And talk. And talk. It is a fun time to finally talk with other adults, other moms. But, last night I had some great chances to hold my tongue, to practice patience and practice when to say the right thing at the right time or just say nothing at all. I am learning there is a fine line between idle talk, gossip and evangelization. I am reminded that I may be the only Bible that someone reads. Heavy stuff.

So, what are yours? Want to read some others? Check it out!

God bless,
Mary

Prayers of the weeeee ones

My conversation with my almost 3yr old this morning:

• "Momma, you got lots of babies in your tummy, right?"
• "Well, not right now buddy."
  
  With a very concerned look, "But WHY, Momma, why????"
• I reply "Well, God hasn't given us one yet."
  
  "But I weeeally want a little baby!"
• "Then you must ask God, okay?"
  
  "Okay Momma....pwease God can I have a little baby? Pweeeeease?"

(and he has not stopped this prayer yet...it's been a few minutes already!)

Indeed God hears the prayers of the little children.
I wonder how He'll reply.....

God bless,
Mary

Evening at the Libray-mom edition

An hour and a half and 3 bags of books later, I am back from the library.

Have I mentioned how much I adore and love my wonderful husband lately?
(yeah, sickening I know! haaa haaa).

Really.

I needed to get out tonight by myself. Get some air. Some me-time. Alone. Have some quiet.

I mentioned it to my hubby, and he happily agreed for me to get out tonight. I had this sort of list going on in my head of what I could do at the library...read some magazines, find a new book to read, begin reading that new book I found, bring along my calender planner, do some correcting and lesson plans, suggest some books for the library to get, maybe just sit there and 'people watch' and enjoy the somewhat quiet tranquility.

*(Hey, is it only me, but the times that you can get out to the 'quiet' library alone that there is always some screaming toddler or loud talking child near by? Just wondering....!?! )

Anyway, the list goes on and on. So, right before I leave, I have this tremendously great idea to tell each of my kids in quiet (shh! this is a secret from Momma!) that I am going to the library and what are some books that I can get for them?

Wonderful idea...or so I thought.

I had my handy-dandy notebook and jotted them down as any good mother would. With a big smile each child goes back to playing what they were playing with before I told them this secret from Momma.

Kiss my hubby then off I go. Sneaking out the front door so not to remind my kids that I really meant what I said and I was actually going by myself to the library. The secret was totally legit-Imagine that! heeee heeee! :)

Thinking if I get all their books first, then I can sit down and do what I want to do with this free time of mine. What was I thinking? I get so wrapped up in looking at all the books, deciding which is good but ...which would be better.

Before I knew it, the loudspeaker kicks in to say there is 15 minutes till closing and to bring all items to the counter for check out. So I do and as I pile them up on the counter, I hear the librarian snicker. I am not sure if it is because of all those books...or all those books in the last 10 minutes before closing?! What a good patron I am to this library, huh?

As I pile them into my bag and into my purse, I wonder when she will ask why I have all these books. I wonder...will she ask me how many kids I have? Will she ask me if I am a teacher? Will she ask me if one of my children are doing a report on knights and medieval times or ballerinas or ponies or the Presidents of the United States? Nothing. Just quiet as she checks the books out and hands them to me and I put in my purse and bag. I took the last bag available and asked if she had another one (those loud crinkly grocery bags!). Nope not there...wait, alas-there is one and another librarian comes over to help me pack up all my books.

I had to smile to myself. Especially when that second librarian says to me "So, how many kids do you have again?" (Obviously we have talked before and obviously she knew I have a lot of kids-funny I don't remember...!) They both did another snicker. What are up with those snickers? (yum...I could go for a snickers bar right now. Back to what I was rambling about...)

So much for a moms' evening out at the library. It does get me thinking though....I am not too sad that I did not get to do my stuff. I mean, isn't that what us Moms are all about...doing things for our kids? (not that I am one bit not into 'my time' 'girls dinner nights out' or shopping for me etc...ok?!) Mothers-doing things for our kids. It is not an 8 hour job-it is 24-7-even my night out at the library. Isn't that what Moms are all about-giving up our selfish motives for the sake of our kids? So once again, a night that supposedly 'mine' was not mine after all.

And that's okay.

Now my baby is crying so I have to get off this computer and cuddle that cutie pie. He is probably wondering where is his momma? He hasn't seen me in all of 2 hours. How about that?!?

God bless,
Mary

Toy Review Tuesday

Leap Frog Products

My 4 year old daughter got THIS for Christmas this year and it has been a hit for all my kids-but especially those that are learning their letters and following directions. It is portable and easy to bring in the car/van on long trips or just to the grocery store! It is also not too big and easy for them to carry around and hold onto. I am very pleased with this toy-worth the $20!

This year I have found that many of the "Leap Frog" products my kids have truly enjoyed and I find helpful in their learning. I wish we could get all these educational fun tools! Check out THEIR SITE for all the products. Below are some that we have and our kid tested-we approve.

• We have rented lots of THESE from the local library. (shh! don't tell them they are actually learning while enjoying the shows!)
• We got THIS 2 years ago and we have not lost all the pieces yet (some but not all!) and if we do not loose all the letters -if can be quite fun and educational too!
• Last year at Christmas, my oldest received THIS (but in a boys' theme), and it was a total hit among all the kids(he had to share quite a bit!). It was even used as a reward b/c we do not have video games or lots of TV time. It was expensive but a gift from someone else, and it is worth the money....it was great....until...it landed in the toilet! Bye Bye leap frog Leapster-we miss you so!!!
• A friend passed THIS leap frog to us and my kids somewhat enjoy it. It is something that I can pull out every now and then for them to work on quietly at the table while I am teaching the others.

Go HERE for more toy review products!

If you want to join in on the fun (b/c we all know how great it is to see reviews on toys so that we do not spend the money-that is so precious-and the time -that is also so precious- on things and toys that just collect dust.....right?????

Plus, I want to know what your reviews are too so leave me a comment if you are interested. There are always tons of b-days I have to make gift lists for and I need new ideas ;))

God bless,
Mary

Rainy Monday ramblings

Hello there! Tis this Great feast day of St. Paul today!

Since my printer is broken, there goes my idea of printing up some coloring pages of St. Paul and some other worksheets to celebrate this great feast day.

We will, in fact, make a yummy cake to celebrate today and have a bit of a party too after naptime today! :) What else to do on this rainy day? Bring on the sweets!!!! haaa haaa

For History in school this week, we will be researching The Underground Railroad and following along THIS SITE.

For Science, we will also be using the Internet and researching volcanoes and finally have ours that we made a few weeks ago, actually erupt this week-my boys are so excited! I hope to get some pics of it and will post them later in the week so don't forget to check back then too.

We belong to the homeschool freebie of the day, which by the way, is an awesome resource! I have found plenty of ideas and have downloaded supplements for the present or future use for school. It is just wonderful and I highly recommend it. It is FREE!

Happy schooling. Happy January. Happy Monday. Happy Rain day!

God bless,
MARY

Quote of the day!

"In order to acquire tranquility in action it is necessary to carefully consider what we are capable of accomplishing and never to undertake more than that. It is self-love, ever more anxious to do much rather than to do well and this self-love that wishes to undertake everything and accomplishes nothing!"
-- St. Francis DeSales

What are you watching today?

THIS is what we are watching today.

Wow...check this website out...have you seen it before? Woweeee. Very powerful (*fyi-use w/caution w/little ones around if you think so).

Did you know that most of our country is pro-life! Hello?!?!

We need to get out on those streets, get out on the roof tops and shout it out - "We've had enough!" Let us stand up for LIFE-from the first moment of conception to natural death!

"We are fearfully and wonderfully made."-Let's not forget it!

We have to continue to fight this fight- it is the MOST important fight we'll ever fight!

Life is a precious gift from our Lord God! Each child (born and pre-born) has a right to this life, liberty and pursuit of happiness!

We have the power to make a difference. The power of one multiplied by thousands and thousands that are at the March for Life RIGHT NOW reminds us that we do have the right to life. (Did you know that the 1st March for Life was held this day 37 years ago?)

To all the marchers out there today (some that I personally know that took an all night bus ride-God bless you!) and those around our entire country at their state capitals, I say a great big thank you for your courage, your persistence, and your dedication!

May God have mercy on us all, May God bless the United States of America, May God bless us all.
God bless,
Mary

WOOO-HOOO!!!

I absolutely love community service. I am a big advocate of it. AND as of today, I love being the recipient of it too!!!

In just one measly hour, a friends' 14 year old daughter came over...she folded AND put away my 6 loads of laundry and cleaned 1/2 of my windows!!!

I cannot remember the last time I was completely caught up with my laundry. I am NOT kidding!!! This is a great feeling :) Now I have time tonight to read a book, take a hot bath, or watch a movie with my hubby...or do all 3!

What a change in my attitude in only an hour, knowing those heaps of laundry are no more... until tomorrow. But for now, I am relishing in this happiness ;) ...For tomorrow, there are enough worries of its' own....

God bless,
Mary

This is what I have to deal with lately

Do you see these lovely cute little men that my (now!) 6 year old drew?

This is how schooling is going with my kindergartner this year.

Very interesting to say the least. It has been quite a struggle to get him to part with playing and to sit and learn some school. A struggle indeed.

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Boys. Boys. Boys.

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Energy. Energy. Energy.

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We have been practicing numbers and counting the past few months and I'd like to think and hope he is actually getting it! To his pure delight- this is how he is doing his math lately.

Hey, at least it is keeping his interest and I have to just laugh. How unbelievably cute, huh?

Happy Monday! Happy Math!

God bless,
Mary

Bumper cars

I keep bumping into my kids today. They are just around me. Everywhere. Every turn I take, bump-I bump into one then I turn and bump-I bump into another one.

It's one of those days.

Ever feel this way?
If only they'd laugh instead of some crying as I plow them over...er, I mean...bump into them!
haaaa haaaa!!!

God bless,
Mary

Kinda wordless Saturday

So much going on...Haiti...

I don't know what else to post about. It's on my mind and heart all day, everyday.

Go hear and DONATE to this organization- Catholic World Mission-it is a 100% trusted organization. This is NO DOUBT this is the place to give your $ to.

Please pray and consider giving any amount you can to help these poor souls in Haiti.

Please give. Please.

GO HERE.
God bless,
Mary

What my boys did today pics

This pic strikes me so funny. This is a real classic in our family-a favorite doll along side the tool box... The girls' toys along the boys' toys...

Here are the pics below. I found this cool little kit (that came from Lowe's!) at a tag sale for a cheap $0.25! Can't beat that deal, right?!

This is also a favorite pic of mine-my boys with both of their hands trying to work together (working on their patience and charity!!! heee heee). It took a lot of perseverance and they succeeded!

I'm one proud momma.

If your home is like my home, and your dynamincs are like our family dynamics...then lots of things gather around our kitchen table. Usually when one family member is working on a project of any sort (or anything for that matter), others gather around wanting (or complaining!) and wanting to do it too. Then it is ultimately up to me to figure out something for the others to do...usually a board game, cards, playdough or coloring.

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Despite how tiresome it is at times to keep on top of it and make sure everyone has something and/or someone to play with to keep the arguing down, I would not change a thing. The whole scene of chaotic but fun enjoyment is quite warming to my heart and actually pretty crazy funny.

.

You should see how messy it gets just because siblings want to be close to one another. (That may have to be my next picture post!)

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I just may think there is nothing quite like it.

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Nothing.

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And I thank Almighty God for it. What a gift. I am so blessed.

God bless,

Mary

One more Quote of the Day

"If I humble myself...and account myself to be mere dust, Thy grace will be favorable to me and Thy light will draw nigh to my heart."
-Imitation of Christ, by Thomas 'a Kempis (page 185)

Quote of the Day

"Each one of us is a result of a thought of God. Each of us is willed, each of us is loved, each of us is necessary."
-Pope Benedict XVI

Mom said never to play with food *Toy Review Tuesday*

...But do these count? (see below)

No?
Really?...why not?!?!

If you think so like I do, then this is the 'toy' for Toy Review Tuesday!

Bachman's Pretzel Sticks

I can't seem to upload the pics of what my boys made this morning and my baby is crying right now...so pics will come soon!

God bless,
Mary

This would make any homeschooling Momma's morning good...

"Mom, when you are done, can you please write up my assignment list for school? I really want to start so that I can finish early!"

Awe...these sweet words are soothing to my ears... and my heart.

God bless,
Mary

Quote of the day

"O Lord, our Lord,

how awesome is your name through all the earth!

You have set your majesty above the heavens!...

When I see your heavens, the work of your fingers,

the moon and stars that you set in place-

What are humans that you are mindful of them,

mere mortals that you are for them?"

Psalm 8:2.4-5

Rise and Shine and give God the Glory, glory!

Aren't these the most beautiful sunrises in January? As I was preparing breakfast one day last week, I glanced out the window and said "Wowee! Thank You God! What a beauty and a gift You give to us!" This pic was taken as I pushed over the screen, just outside my kitchen window.

How could I NOT share these pics with you?

God bless you all as you begin this new week. Hope your weekend was as awesome as mine!

God bless,
Mary

Freeze!

I wish I could have just frozen this particular simple moment that happened about 20 minutes ago.

My oldest sons' pant button fell off a few days ago and to my surprise I actually saved it and remembered where it was! (haaa haaa). I sat down at the dining room table and began to sew it back on. Obviously I do not do this enough or if I do it, I do while they sleep.

One by one was attracted to what I was doing and crept their way over to my side.

"Watcha doin' Momma?"

"Can I try it, Momma?"

A few tried and a few of my kids sat and gazed in wonder of the simple art of sewing. As I did it and let others try, I sat in awe of this moment that may not necessarily be there if I did not home school. Not just the sewing but the curiosity and desire to do it too. In fact my oldest said "Mom, I'd like to try so that when I get bigger, I know how to do this all by myself."

Well, buddy- you got it! How could I say no?

Thank You dear Lord for allowing me to be a part of their lives. Thank You for letting me see this simple and beautiful gift You gave me today. May I have it sketched in my memory.

God bless and happy sewing!
Mary

Birthday pics and traditions

(First off, just want to say sorry for the pics not being right side up- my computer is being quite fussy right now.)

Here is my birthday boy...my knight in shining armor. I told you it was so cool!


We have a few traditions that have enveloped over time in our family. This one is the birthday card from Mom tradition. I make a simple card and in it I start off by saying "Oh how I love you...let me count the ways..." and I make a list of how ever many years they are turning of the things they have accomplished or have stood out in my mind in that year. This is usually done the eve of the birthday when all the other family members are asleep, so that I can think! ;)

See these streamers? We also have a tradition that Momma stays up late decorating the dining room for the birthday child. Oh, and also his or her designated and honorary birthday chair. Funny the other day, my 7 year old daughter is convinced that Moms do all the decorating and that Dad's just don't do those things. Smart cookie!

Here is the bday cake for my *now* 6 year old son, "Baby Bear" cake. He loved it! and I truly enjoyed making it for him. We have a tradition that the soon to be birthday child gets to pick out the kind of cake I can make for them. I have a book from the early 1970's that my dear mother in law gave to me. It has to be the easiest recipes to make these cakes b/c my time and energy are limited! haaa haaa. So, do you notice the 4 and 2 on top? We keep those number candles b/c we go through them so quickly. Wouldn't you know it, but the #6 candle and its' wick had seen better days, and I had no little single candles so he had to do some math equation to get his birthday number! What a homeschool Momma I am, right?!?! haaa! :)

Would you like to share any traditions

you have in your family with birthdays?

psssssst...Now the kids are asleep. At least 4 of them- the 'older' boys are at a basketball game with Daddy and soon to be home. I have to get some sleep myself now. Good-night and God bless!

God bless,
Mary

Small Successes for this week

Small Successes over at Faith & Family LIVE. Click HERE to see more-they are so inspiring!

1. JUST got some of my kids to into their beds (it is 9pm)and did it without loosing my temper. Hopefully they'll be asleep soon-b/c I am about to be!!! LOL! My hubby is at a basketball game with my 9 and 6 year old boys and the boys club they belong to.

2. I did not complain to my hubby how tired I really am and how much I wished he did not go to the game tonight...instead, I held fast to my tongue and knew my 'older' boys needed this bonding time with their Daddy and their friends and their Daddies.

3. 2 nights this week, I was in no shape to make a dinner but alas...it came to me-thank You Holy Spirit! so, I made 2 dinners totally last minute-within the hour of eating dinner and my family liked both of them! Yay, it's a win-win situation :) The dinners were: tuna noodle casserole & Mexican beans and rice.

God bless,
Mary

Sometimes

a good cry

a good conversation with your hubby about your hormonal mood you are in

a 1/2 gallon of Breyer's coffee ice cream

and... a solid 15 minute nap after lunch

will transform your moody self and fix your day from a 'not so great' one to an 'better than okay' one.

Just sayin'.
So, how do you deal wtih your hormonal moods?

God bless,
Mary

No such diet here.

A Birthday boy's Menu (from Saturday):

• Breakfast: Blue milk and blue chocolate chip pancakes
• Lunch: Hot dogs and french fries
• snack: a teddy bear (affectionately called 'baby bear') cake and ice cream
• Dinner: Pizza
• dessert: brownies

It kinda makes me sick just looking at that food list-haaaa haaaa! but it sure made my Birthday Boy's Birthday the Best! And I'd do it all over just to see his non-stop smiles all day! :)

His birthday ended up having a theme to it, although I did not plan it that way-funny how things turn out. He had a knights and swords & a Star Wars and swords type of birthday. He is a one of a kind kid and loves to dress up and act-he got 2 dress up outfits: one was a King Arthur outfit (I got it at a tag sale for ...get this...only a dollar! and it does not even look worn!:)) and he also got a GI Joe/army outfit. I don't think he ever took these outfits off for 2 days straight, except for Mass!

Now, back to school (ugh...)-we have been having so much fun around here! AND good news is that we are totally back to being healthy. That was a looooong almost 3 weeks, and I hope we are in the clear for a while.

Bad news is that my camera dropped on Christmas day and now it will not take pictures, and I am in hopes to see if I can retrieve them so I can make a post all about our Christmas...God willing.

Until then, Happy New Year to you!
God bless,
Mary

Happy 6th Birthday!

Happy Birthday to our 6 year old son TODAY!!!

I remember your labor and delivery like it was yesterday-it was that crazy.
A quick explanation is...slept through labor (really, I did-that's what happens after practicing relaxation from the Bradley Method- I guess I was really really relaxed! haaaa). Then woke up to 2-3 min contractions, got to the hospital quickly and I was 9cm and about an hour later...our 2nd son was born! It was that wild and crazy. It was all-natural. It was very chaotic and I have not done a natural birth since then!!! He came out loud and crying and he's been loud ever since! Every labor and delivery has been sooooo very different...and every child is sooooo very different too. Funny how my pain threshold is different with each labor and delivery and I have had my share of different birthing stories: 2 c-sections, 1 natural, 2 epidurals~3 v-bacs.

It's time now to celebrate!

Happy Birthday to our 6 year old!

God has a great mission and great plans for you~ We are so blessed to have you in our family-for you are ONE OF A KIND!

You bring such spice to our family and we are thankful for you-we love you!

Love,
Momma