Thursday, April 26, 2012

Kid Funny!

Yesterday, my boys were playing a little soccer on the deck (we have a back yard that slopes).  Then my oldest daughter came up the stairs happily bringing me freshly picked flowers (love that!). 

I heard "Whoa, watch out!" then quickly followed by "I didnt' mean to."

Then here comes the hilarious part:

He goes on to say "You shouldn't be mad at me.  Be mad at your body that got in the way!"

haaaa haaaaa!!!

God bless,
Mary

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Big surprise for my 11 yr old

We surprised my 11 yr old to an unforgettable night on Sunday night.  We totally surprised him and I love surprises, don't you??? Well, I know some people do not... but I am a huge fan of them!!! I love to give them and get them!

Last minute, we changed our plans slightly and instead, we decided, as a family, to make the trek out to see the great composer/musician ERIC GENIUS.  Do you know of him?  If not, why not?!?!

CLICK HERE to see his website and listen to some of his most beautiful, inspiring and totally God given talent and music and learn about him. 

My 11 yr old son is a big fan of his.  Last summer he picked up one  of his CD's and has listened to it daily ever since. 

What a great role model he is!!!

We had a long drive up and got up there much earlier than anticipated, along with all the terrible rain we endured, thanks be to God.  I asked him to come with me and as we walked up the stairwell, still wondering what we were doing as a surprise, I pointed to the sign/poster.  He looked at it then looked at me.....looked at it then looked at me...then smiled enormously.  At that smile, I said enthusiastically, "Come on!!! Let's go!" and ran up the rest of the stairs and ran up behind me, both of us like 11 yr olds!

Little did we know...we were the first ones there!  We went in and there he was!!!

A sudden 'almost- teenager -cool' came upon him, but I know this child of mine, and for sure his insides were doing somersaults!!!

They shook hands and talked briefly.  I even got a picture of them together.  What a blessing! This is like a once in a lifetime experience!!!  Thank You God.

My own 11 yr old self was ecstatic for him!!!

Oh, how I knew he would always remember this moment.  How fortunate and blessed I felt to be there with him.  It was all God to make this happen.  This was something very much out of our comfort zone, for many reasons.  But, for him and for our family, we knew we had to go to this concert.

And it was totally worth every effort.  Every frustration.  Everything!

I love the joy of 11 yr olds! It is so contagious.

My 11 yr old is now even more energized to keep practicing and playing the piano.  He has a God given gift and I am so thankful for him to be following in Eric Genuis' footsteps!


God bless,
Mary

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Together

Do you remember these 2 good friends?


Tonight, I was doing just that.  Being together.

Creating memories together as we cuddled in my big bed and read this good book, just me and my 3 year old.  After a long and hard day of learning obedience and charity, both him and I...we needed this.  We needed love to heal us.  We needed to be together.

He claimed that the big tall one, the frog, was indeed his Daddy and that little one?  That little one, the toad, was him.  Very cute. 

Together.

Then he looks to me and says that I have a smudge on my chin.  I try to wipe it off and he looks and tells me it is still there.  I try again and again.  Not satisfied, he licks his own thumb, and swipes it off my chin.  Ahem, nice one, little guy.  Very cute.

Together.

God bless your evening and your night,
Mary

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Look at what we saw from our back deck!!!

Discovery Space Shuttle on top of a 747~!
Thanks NASA for this very cool viewing and we didn't even have to leave our house!  :)

Although, for  a quick moment, I thought about it and how great of a learning experience it would be to actually go to the airport or a better viewing place that NASA recommended on their website.  Good thing we didn't b/c it came early!!! They said to be on the lookout between 10-11am and it came at 9:40am!!!  And we didn't miss it!

God bless,
Mary

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Jesus and His Divine Mercy



Have mercy on us and on the whole world!

God bless your beautiful Divine Mercy Sunday,
Mary

Saturday, April 14, 2012

My day of great finds!

Phew!  That last post I wrote was a bit on edge and a bit serious.  But, that is life and so there you have it. 

Just to note, we had an awesome day today.  Which, thanks be to God, was an answer to my prayers according to my last post, huh?  God is good.  He KNOWS what we need!!! Today was much needed.

Due to a major necessity, I managed to miraculously get out and about to a bunch of yard sales- even before the kids were all up!!!  I made our usual homemade waffle mix, left it out on the table and motioned to my early bird hubby, who was busy doing the bills at that early hour,  that I was off for the morning.   (Oh how I love LOVE this man of mine!:P)

We go through high chairs like water.  I stand in awe of other big families that have the same high chair for 3, 4, 5 kids in a row.  Uh, how on earth DO they DO it?!?!?!?  My big purchase was a new high chair.  Well, new to us, that is.  It was my #1 objective of the day and I conquered it by 7:30am!!!  That is a huge accomplishment and I am so happy and so thankful.  It is very sturdy so I am hopeful it will last for a while.  The negative aspect about it is that is a big and chunky.  I went online to see if I could find a picture of it and I couldn't.   I guess that says how old it probably is! haa haa!!! :) 

Along with my finds, I picked up about 10 more matchbox cars (a momma of boys can NEVER have enough cars) and 2 of the sweetest dresses for my lil' Lady.  She is so darling in them.  I love to see my girls in dresses and they love to wear them!

This afternoon was a great adventure for us. On the eve of Divine Mercy Sunday, we as a family, gave of our time-2 plus hours- by decorating and packing up boxes for the homeless, the poor, the needy and the elderly.  It was something we could do AS A WHOLE FAMILY so we did it!!! Even my youngest 15 mo. old got in on the fun.  She was putting soap in the boxes-it was so cute!  All my kids were amazing.  Never underestimate what a child can do, right?   They are so driven when they see a need and act on it.   They really did surprise my husband and I.  They were the last ones there helping to pack up the truck and all.  They counted 791 boxes to be distributed!  It was beautiful and we are so blessed to have been a part of it. 

We ended our day by stopping and actually eating IN chick-fil-a!!!  What a treat!  Usually, I don't have enough gutso to go IN so I normally do the drive thru.  But with hubby by my side, we did it  and the kids had a blast.  What a great reward for  all the help they gave.

This was a day that we all needed.   To get out, think about others, be a part of something much larger than our 4 walls.  God is so good to have allowed this to happen for us.  I think it will make a great and memorable impression. 

As my 3 yr old repeatedly told us the last 15 minutes of packing up the boxes:

"Oh how I love this day.  I just love it!"

This 3 yr old reminded me how I need to say this EVERY SINGLE DAY.  Out of the mouths of babes...

God bless,
Mary

Friday, April 13, 2012

I am crying

Have you every just cried b/c you are sick of saying...

"Because I said so, that's why." 
"Stay in room till I let you out." 
"Stop fighting and bickering!" 
"If you fight about it, away it goes." 
"Sit down and do your work!"
"Who made this mess?  Please clean it up!"
"Stop teasing your brother.  Now, go in the corner and stay there till you are quiet and I tell you to come out!"
"Why are you waiting for me?  You can do this yourself."  
"Get inside and finish up your school work then you can play outside!"
and on and on and on.

I am so tired.  Maybe b/c my sleeping, or lack there of I guess, and just burnt out. 

The morale is low around here as the weather is getting warmer and nicer to stay outside and away from the books.

Earlier in the week I made a new chart for the countdown of our last days of school and the LAST DAY OF SCHOOL.  We all need a light at the end of this tunnel.  Our family does take some time off away from sit down and focus school work during the summer, but it does not last too long since my kids thrive on schedules.  But it sure is fun to just let go and bop around for a while.

My heart aches b/c I want to make the most of the days, with my focus on not having any regrets and doing God's will for our family.  Trying to make each moment count, and last.  But I also struggle to 'be in the moment' too and not an on-looker. 

But yet instead my thoughts are to get through this school subject so we can be over and done with it.  Get through that so that it will be done and we can do something fun, more enjoyable.  Get through this hour so we are closer to nap time so I can rest.  This survival mode is not my innermost desire to spend my days!!! 

Why, oh why can't I see the visible in front of me as these moments?  Why am I searching for clearer focus on finding these moments when they are RIGHT HERE?

So, I cry.  I tear up b/c my wants conflict with my reality of life.  But, maybe this reality is what I should want and truly what I need.  God is the One making my days and who am I to ridicule and be upset with how these days are turning out.  Sometimes I sound like a bit of a hypocrite as I say that I want to do God's Will and I strive to do it, yet I am not content with it.   For that, my friends, I am sorry.  Please forgive me.

I am a sinner and a work in progress....a saint in the making.  I am not in Heaven yet so I am going to keep trying at this.  I am not giving up.

God bless your day and your way of holiness!
Mary

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Windy days=Homemade kites!



All creativity due to my kidos!

I thought I took these pics just a week ago but as I look over the pics and see the trees are still bare, I guess it was ALOT longer than that!!!

How time flies!!! (and so do kites:P)
God bless,
Mary

Monday, April 9, 2012

Happy Easter 2012 and pics

COLORING EGGS ON HOLY SATURDAY

WE DID OUR USUAL EGG COLORING BUT THIS KIT ALSO HAD "EGG SPECKLING" IN IT...A BIT MESSY BUT THEY CAME OUT REALLY COOL, HUH?

HEY LOOKY HERE!  THE EASTER BUNNY STOPPED BY AND FILLED UP 7 BASKETS!

IT WASN'T THAT EARLY....IT WAS ABOUT 6:45AM BUT MY CAMERA FLASH WAS NOT WORKING

AFTER MASS LOOKING FOR EGGS (DON'T MIND THE MESS!  I HAVE A VERY SMALL AREA FOR SCHOOLING!)

I FOUND ONE IN THE ROSARY DRAWER!  DOESN'T EVERY CATHOLIC FAMILY HAVE A ROSARY DRAWER OR A ROSARY JAR??? HAA HAA

STILL LOOKING...

REAL MEN WEAR SUITS AND LOOK FOR EGGS! :P

SO PRETTY


EASTER SUNDAY COMPLETE WITH A BUNNY CAKE.  IT WAS FUN AND REALLY YUMMY TOO.

WHAT TO DO WHEN ALL ALONE ON EASTER SUNDAY WITHOUT extra FAMILY TO CELEBRATE WITH?.....GO TO A PARK AND PLAY SOME FOOTBALL!!!

I LOVE THIS PICTURE...HERE IS MY LIL' LADY THAT I CANNOT KEEP UP WITH.   GOOD THING SHE HAS LOTS OF DOTING SIBLINGS TO WATCH HER!

EASTER HIKE 2012.....WITH EASTER BASKETS IN TOW TOO!!!  JUST IN CASE WE FIND INTERESTING THINGS AND OF COURSE WE DID.  ON A NATURE HIKE, EVEN ROCKS ARE INTERESTING AND FUN TO COLLECT!

"HEY MOM, IF I HANG HERE LONG ENOUGH....MAYBE I'LL GROW A FEW MORE INCHES!"

ON THE GO WITH LIL' LADY....ISN'T SHE PRECIOUS?  YUP!




HOPE YOU ENJOYED THESE PICS....I HAD FUN UPLOADING THEM AND LOOKING AT THEM TOO....I CAN'T BELIEVE HOW FAST THE DAY WENT.  I even managed to make a nice dinner....a sweet delicious ham, mashed potatoes (real!), real sweet potato pie w/marshmallows, corn, TONS of applesauce (my kids LOVE LOVE LOVE applesauce!!!).

God bless your Easter week!!!
Keep celebrating!!! Jesus is Risen!
God bless,
Mary

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Happy Easter 2012!

He is Risen!!!
Rejoice!!!

As He said!!!

Risen Indeed!!!

May God bless your Easter.

God bless,
Mary

p.s.  Uploading pics and will post some soon! :)

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Ready and waiting

Less than 12 hours.

We are all getting ready...

clothes laid out ready for 8am Mass....

Eggs colored ready for the Bunny to hide them.....

Watching "Jesus of Nazareth"....

Ham bought, potatoes bought, all not yet peeled and ready to be put on tomorrow...

but that is OK.

We wait and wait.

40 days of waiting. 

And here we are.



Are you ready?

God bless,
Mary

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Forgiven, here have a scone.

This week always makes me think more deeply about how amazing God's love is for me. 

How true that He turns the nasty and gross into BEAUTIFUL. 
How He forgives and forgives over and over again.
He freely gives mercy to me, and to you, to all.
All we need to do is seek Him, ask Him, and let Him change our hearts, our wills, to make them more like His.

An ongoing issue with one of my kids is reacting with negativity, complaints, and anger outbursts.  We have been working on this for a while now.  We are all hoping for change for the better. 

We cry, we pray, we hope.

We are trying.

This morning, not to my surprise it happened again.  Over what?  A school assignment.  That's what.  Not surprising.  None of us really enjoy doing things we don't want to do.  But what does God call from us?  Obedience to His Will.  This is not easy.  Actually, it is usually the opposite.  It is hard work.  Continually hard.  Even for adults. 

A saint-in-the-making.  This child was not happy and let us all know that is was not on the plan for the school day for this child. 

Not acceptable, my child. 

"Now, you must double that work assignment." is how I responded.  (I'm so nice, huh?)

Imagine how this child responded once again. 

"Now, no snack." I said in reply.

Stomping off, this child went.  Head down, arms full of school books, breathing hard and finally exited the room.

My thoughts started up....
This is so not fun.  This is not how I envision schooling at home.  This is not what I want for my child of mine.  I love this child.  I don't want to make this child do school work, never mind double the work.  But I have no choice.  We all have things in life we don't want to do.  But we have to.  It is His Will for you.  Keep strong.  Don't give up.  Don't give in.

Who can do school work with an empty stomach?

It's time for forgiveness.
...And a hearty chocolate scone snack. 
It's time for mercy.
For love and hugs and sweet tender looks of "I understand".
I think this child will forgive me.

I think it sure is time for Confession.  For all of us.

God bless,
Mary

Monday, April 2, 2012

A hard habit to break

As I am laying my 3 yr old down for his daily nap, he says to me

 "Oh, I love to go to sleep.   And I love chocolate."

Now, that is a kid after my own heart!!!  Just like his Momma!!! He is SO MY SON! :P

So, yes, my 3 yr old still takes a nap every single day.  Sanity for this Momma, let me tell you.  He is the cutest 3 yr old twerp around but he is also the most strong willed 3 yr old I have ever met.  So, those daily naps are a must for me to be able to cool down to deal with him for the 2nd part of the day!

Yes, my 3 yr old still sleeps in a crib.  Why shall we spend $ on a twin size bed that takes up too much room in our small bedrooms anyway?  Did I mention that he is a twerp?  Why, yes he is and that is another super good reason that he sleeps in a crib still....b/c he can fit in it!

And that chocolate comment?   So what if I bribe my 3 yr old to take a nap by giving him some sort of chocolate.  What?  You wouldn't do that if you had a strong willed kido like mine?  Ha ha! :P

Talking about naps and chocolate...I could really go for some yummy chocolate but it is Holy Week and I already broke that "no sweets this Holy Week sacrifice" already-I snagged a Cadbury chocolate egg for me all the while I was getting one for my 3 yr old.  Oh, those human tendencies can be so cruel.

To those young inexperienced mommy's out there-do not think I have it all together b/c this was a learned by lots of mistakes and practice. 

You may be wondering how in the world do I get my 3 1/2 yr old to still nap (besides the chocolate bribe!?)?  The kido goes to bed a bit later than hubby and I hope for.  It is also b/c my oldest is getting a bit older (11 1/2), and he is just not ready to fall asleep and stay quiet (he's a chatterbox) till later, at least 9:30, which is not too late for many people but for us-we are ready to go to sleep by 8/8:30!HA!  Instead of fighting my 3 yr old to be quiet and get to sleep, I have embraced it by reading to him and his 2 big sisters and loving on him, without Lil' Lady around, b/c she goes to sleep around 8pm.  BTW, we realized that they do not sleep well and end up having a really restless sleep if we fight them to go to sleep and it was not worth getting them down earlier just for us to be up w/them in the night!  I do know if I did not give him that daily 1 hour nap, that he could probably get to bed earlier, my quiet time and sanity is much more worth it at this point!

So, as much as he is a super cutie, he is also a lot of hard work.  But well worth it and wouldn't trade it for anything.  And now that he is napping, I must go rest up to tackle the rest of my day!

God bless your day,
Mary

Sunday, April 1, 2012