Sitting in the midst of the upcoming move in a few days and I am truly battling some negative thoughts that are overcoming me. I am having mixed feelings about this move. Maybe it is because it is a super big thing about to happen and that makes anyone feel uncertain right before it. I am sure I'll feel better once I am in it and settled. But, right now, I am a bit overwhelmed. I am trying to focus on "God will not test you beyond your strength. But also with that test, He will provide a way out so you may be able to bear it" passage-I did that from memory so it may not be perfectly on.
Anyway, my kids are going a bit nuts b/c we are basically living as though we are camping...but... we are not. So....lots of wide open space and lots of creative games of running around the house and kick ball, tag, soccer etc... We are hitting a bit of a plateau as in...it is not as fun as it was a few days ago!!!
I am about to pack up the rest of my food. Empty and clean out the refrigerator and freezer is on my list today. So much for yummy and nutritious food intake around here :) Oh well, that comes with moving I guess.
Bathrooms are last b/c who wants to deep clean a bathroom only for it to be messed up a few hours later? Surely not I! So...that is the last thing on my list to do.
Hubby painted 3 rooms these last few days and I wonder why we waited?!?! They look awesome! Now, my job is to make sure they are not scratched up or ruined or marked up with pens/crayons etc...
Thanks be to God for good neighbors. Everyone should have at least ONE good neighbor to depend on, right!?!? We sure will miss ours. They are a great Christian homeschooling family and I will truly miss my quick calls to see if they have an extra egg or tape or sugar or yeast or meat thermometer!!! :) Generosity is their top gig and they outdid us by letting us borrow their camping chairs, some folding chairs, folding table and even some toys to keep them kidos a tad bit occupied. I hope a new family that will take over this house will in turn bless them with such generosity.
My kids are all talking about what they will like the best and what they are looking forward to the most in our new house. The consent is that the long driveway is, BY FAR, the top of the list. They can't wait to get on their bikes and scooters and ride around freely. They can't wait to run and play outside anywhere they desire. The horse farm, which is our next door neighbors, is a big attraction too! Their excitement helps give much excitement in me, which is a good combatter for those negative thoughts rolling around my head.
I will continue to blog and hopefully add pics to keep you updated!
God bless your day,
Mary @ CHeerios
Showing posts with label how we do it. Show all posts
Showing posts with label how we do it. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Monday, August 20, 2012
Date nights
Do you have them with your spouse?
I'm talking the marriage date nights, not the single/dating kind of date nights :)
Oh boy, are we in need of them...big time!!!
It is a mix of reasons why....mostly money and finding the right babysitter that can sit for our bunch of kidos and what can work for both of us.
But, really...if it is not focus on it, it will probably not happen.
If we only wait for the perfect timing, it may not happen.
I know of a couple that picked a night long time ago, early on in their marriage, and really focused on that night as their date night dinner night together at home. They would watch a movie or play a game or even have a bottle of wine together. It was scheduled and that was that. The kids knew it and they knew it and it happened. They gave the kids some lame dinner but something that the kids loved, they were all happy! But, that time was the time blocked out for the couple and nothing came in the way.
Woohoo! What a great idea!!!
A few years ago---maybe just 3 or 4 years ago, that we made it a point to do something and go out as a couple almost weekly that turned into biweekly. It was wonderful! But now... it is just awful. We really want to put our marriage first and go out but instead, we have fallen into the craziness of putting the kids first too many times. Since we do not have a built in babysitter b/c our oldest is not quite ready and old enough yet, it costs some serious $! Some months are okay and we can do it, but some are just a tough time and so we need to hold off of the date night. It's been a long time since we went out and we are soooo due that date night! We try to get the kids down to bed early enough every night and if we are blessed to actually be awake, then we do try to talk and focus on each other. That, in its self, as easy as it is, has been a true blessing. We have had some great talking. We also have woken up early to talk and pray together. Again, a blessing.
As a couple, we need to remember that we are unified in this beautiful marriage sacrament and a team so that our children can see and depend on us.
So, right now, we are in the midst of realizing we are in desperate need of serious out date nights and trying to make it happen.
What about you? Are you lucky enough to get out and about with your hubby for date nights? How do you do it? Please tell me and anyone else who may actually read my blog !(haaa haaa)
God bless,
Mary @ Cheerios
I'm talking the marriage date nights, not the single/dating kind of date nights :)
Oh boy, are we in need of them...big time!!!
It is a mix of reasons why....mostly money and finding the right babysitter that can sit for our bunch of kidos and what can work for both of us.
But, really...if it is not focus on it, it will probably not happen.
If we only wait for the perfect timing, it may not happen.
I know of a couple that picked a night long time ago, early on in their marriage, and really focused on that night as their date night dinner night together at home. They would watch a movie or play a game or even have a bottle of wine together. It was scheduled and that was that. The kids knew it and they knew it and it happened. They gave the kids some lame dinner but something that the kids loved, they were all happy! But, that time was the time blocked out for the couple and nothing came in the way.
Woohoo! What a great idea!!!
A few years ago---maybe just 3 or 4 years ago, that we made it a point to do something and go out as a couple almost weekly that turned into biweekly. It was wonderful! But now... it is just awful. We really want to put our marriage first and go out but instead, we have fallen into the craziness of putting the kids first too many times. Since we do not have a built in babysitter b/c our oldest is not quite ready and old enough yet, it costs some serious $! Some months are okay and we can do it, but some are just a tough time and so we need to hold off of the date night. It's been a long time since we went out and we are soooo due that date night! We try to get the kids down to bed early enough every night and if we are blessed to actually be awake, then we do try to talk and focus on each other. That, in its self, as easy as it is, has been a true blessing. We have had some great talking. We also have woken up early to talk and pray together. Again, a blessing.
As a couple, we need to remember that we are unified in this beautiful marriage sacrament and a team so that our children can see and depend on us.
So, right now, we are in the midst of realizing we are in desperate need of serious out date nights and trying to make it happen.
What about you? Are you lucky enough to get out and about with your hubby for date nights? How do you do it? Please tell me and anyone else who may actually read my blog !(haaa haaa)
God bless,
Mary @ Cheerios
Friday, July 13, 2012
Huh? What did you say?
I really think that sometimes they make these things specifically for Mommas with lots of very rowdy kids.
Enough said.
God bless,
Mary
Enough said.
God bless,
Mary
Monday, June 4, 2012
Summer schedules and such
My posts will probably not be too regular during these summer months. Not that I was ever that regular of a blogger! haaa :)
Summer has begun and we are enjoying the not so high humidity for just a wee bit longer till it hits us hard, which is anytime now. I have to make up a new schedule for the family. Just as I imagined, life is a bit crazy when there are not limits and boundaries and set times for things. We all like to relax but with many little kids and the temperaments/personalities of them all, we do much better with some structure, even during the summertime. That being said, we also like down time and free time :) It is a fine balance that I am trying to figure out. At this point, I know a schedule will be helpful. It was last summer that we took the pluge for a real heavy duty schedule.
My hubby signed up for a marathon! I am so proud of him! Once again, he is going to train for one and we hope he will not get injured such as last time-3 weeks before the marathon! poor guy. His goal is to do one before he turns 4-0! He still has 2+ years so this will be great. It was a family decision for sure, with lots of prayer. It is a big family sacrifice for all of us.
That leads me to how I am trying to get back into the walking deal 3-4 times a week. I would like to turn that walk into a run possibly but not sure if I have it in me again! I have not run in over 12 years! It would be fun to sign up for some 5K's and get back into it b/c I did like it. I wonder if I would like it again? I am not very competitive but enjoy it to a certain degree-not to a marathon degree, though! haaa!!! :) You see, I have this gut. Not the pregnant kind of gut but that other gut! :P Running seems to do the trick to get that extra weight off for me. I have been asked multiple times by my children if I am pregnant and my hearts sinks. We would have been due with our baby just around this time (due early June) and my heart is just a little sad. Of course, we would love another baby and welcome one if God so chosen but for right now, we are not. This is the longest ever between children. My lil' lady is 16 1/2 months and is still such a love, but she sure does have a voice and wants to let her siblings know she wants to do things by herself! :) God knows that it is not good timing for His Will, that is for sure b/c we have some big decisions to make in the next 2 months.
Big as in ....buying a house. Where? Which one? When? The questions are endless. We have been praying so hard to figure out what is God's Will in this. Ultimately, we will ONLY be happy to do what HE wants, not what we want or think is best. So, we are yielding to His direction and praying hard. We are looking for His inspirations and guidance. There are many things that I do not like about this house (which I have posted about) and my greatest ultimate house would be a farm house on a big chunk of land filled with goats, chickens etc... Funny how life changes and interests change, huh? I NEVER would have wanted that years ago but here I am just dreaming about it. And that's all. Dreaming. Currently, we are in no way close to any farm land or much of any land at all, and in a town so full of cars and people. Trying hard to see God's hand in this comes hard at times. But then I think of all the good things I like about this house and there are some big ones such as a wooded back yard, cul-de-sac, good neighbors that home school too!
If you remember, please add this intention to your prayers that we are content and secure in God's will of where we should live no matter where it is. Thanks so much!
God bless,
Mary
Summer has begun and we are enjoying the not so high humidity for just a wee bit longer till it hits us hard, which is anytime now. I have to make up a new schedule for the family. Just as I imagined, life is a bit crazy when there are not limits and boundaries and set times for things. We all like to relax but with many little kids and the temperaments/personalities of them all, we do much better with some structure, even during the summertime. That being said, we also like down time and free time :) It is a fine balance that I am trying to figure out. At this point, I know a schedule will be helpful. It was last summer that we took the pluge for a real heavy duty schedule.
My hubby signed up for a marathon! I am so proud of him! Once again, he is going to train for one and we hope he will not get injured such as last time-3 weeks before the marathon! poor guy. His goal is to do one before he turns 4-0! He still has 2+ years so this will be great. It was a family decision for sure, with lots of prayer. It is a big family sacrifice for all of us.
That leads me to how I am trying to get back into the walking deal 3-4 times a week. I would like to turn that walk into a run possibly but not sure if I have it in me again! I have not run in over 12 years! It would be fun to sign up for some 5K's and get back into it b/c I did like it. I wonder if I would like it again? I am not very competitive but enjoy it to a certain degree-not to a marathon degree, though! haaa!!! :) You see, I have this gut. Not the pregnant kind of gut but that other gut! :P Running seems to do the trick to get that extra weight off for me. I have been asked multiple times by my children if I am pregnant and my hearts sinks. We would have been due with our baby just around this time (due early June) and my heart is just a little sad. Of course, we would love another baby and welcome one if God so chosen but for right now, we are not. This is the longest ever between children. My lil' lady is 16 1/2 months and is still such a love, but she sure does have a voice and wants to let her siblings know she wants to do things by herself! :) God knows that it is not good timing for His Will, that is for sure b/c we have some big decisions to make in the next 2 months.
Big as in ....buying a house. Where? Which one? When? The questions are endless. We have been praying so hard to figure out what is God's Will in this. Ultimately, we will ONLY be happy to do what HE wants, not what we want or think is best. So, we are yielding to His direction and praying hard. We are looking for His inspirations and guidance. There are many things that I do not like about this house (which I have posted about) and my greatest ultimate house would be a farm house on a big chunk of land filled with goats, chickens etc... Funny how life changes and interests change, huh? I NEVER would have wanted that years ago but here I am just dreaming about it. And that's all. Dreaming. Currently, we are in no way close to any farm land or much of any land at all, and in a town so full of cars and people. Trying hard to see God's hand in this comes hard at times. But then I think of all the good things I like about this house and there are some big ones such as a wooded back yard, cul-de-sac, good neighbors that home school too!
If you remember, please add this intention to your prayers that we are content and secure in God's will of where we should live no matter where it is. Thanks so much!
God bless,
Mary
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Let them sleep!
Everyone has a say in whether or not to let your children sleep in or wake them up to keep on schedule. For years, we have always woke them up to keep everyone together on schedule. Most days, most of them were already up anyway. But what we noticed is how much of a bad mood and cranky and whiny the kids were that we woke up. Not putting much into this, we just dealt with it.
Fast forward many years later, and we are letting them sleep.
Along with our switchover to all natural/organic foods (which by the way, we LOVE), this has made sleeping actually happen.
We have always had few good sleepers but I can say that sleep has always been a struggle for us. My heart would sink when I heard other moms tell me or overhear them say that they have good sleepers or that they have slept through the night ( a whole whopping 8 hours+!). Granted, there was usually a little baby around that would keep me up and that is not what I am talking about. I mean all the other kids ages 1+.
Our bedtime radically got later and later as the kids got second winds and my hubby and I were at our wits end. We never had time together to talk or read or just watch a little movie. It was at the moment the last kido fell asleep that our own bedroom light went off too. Then first thing in the morning, our early birds would be awake needing us. Where did we get to spend some 'we' time?
We implemented our family night prayer time by around 7:30ish and put our energy into getting them to sleep and in there beds by 8-8:15pm. All of them. That's it. They get to read till 8:30pm and then LIGHTS OUT for all kids. If they come out of their rooms or keep their bedroom buddy awake, the consequence is that they get cold yucky oatmeal. Seriously. Hey, I am feeding them at least!!! They decided it they want to eat it and if not, then go hungry. There is always snack time and lunch. And this also applies to waking up in the morning, if they wake up their siblings, they still get yucky cold oatmeal. We have stuck with this and so far, so good.
We decided that it was worth the sacrifices we'd make to put our marriage needs first. That's that.
With an earlier bedtime, they are sleeping in later. Weird concept, huh? My oldest still does not need a lot of sleep (never did!) and that is just his makeup. He is up early and has always done that, and no way can we change it. But now, we work with it.
I know it has been studied that kids under 12 need 12 hours of sleep at night. How many of our kids actually get it? Mine sure weren't and we were ALL paying the price.
Food and sleep are necessary to live and thrive and we wanted to live well, not just survive.
My oldest is 11 and I wish that I did this sooner, years sooner. My hope is that a young mom or a mom with youn ones will read this and see the hope :)
Kids need sleep. Did you hear me?--Kids need sleep! 12 hours is worth the sleep. Most have an average of only 9 hours of sleep. No wonder they were cranky and sassy. Oh my. I am not attributing all that crankiness to just sleeping but in my own experience, it has a lot to do with it. Of course, to everything-there is always exceptions but I would recommend always try to get the sleeping in order and then evaluate.
Hope you have a good nights sleep!
God bless,
Mary
Fast forward many years later, and we are letting them sleep.
Along with our switchover to all natural/organic foods (which by the way, we LOVE), this has made sleeping actually happen.
We have always had few good sleepers but I can say that sleep has always been a struggle for us. My heart would sink when I heard other moms tell me or overhear them say that they have good sleepers or that they have slept through the night ( a whole whopping 8 hours+!). Granted, there was usually a little baby around that would keep me up and that is not what I am talking about. I mean all the other kids ages 1+.
Our bedtime radically got later and later as the kids got second winds and my hubby and I were at our wits end. We never had time together to talk or read or just watch a little movie. It was at the moment the last kido fell asleep that our own bedroom light went off too. Then first thing in the morning, our early birds would be awake needing us. Where did we get to spend some 'we' time?
We implemented our family night prayer time by around 7:30ish and put our energy into getting them to sleep and in there beds by 8-8:15pm. All of them. That's it. They get to read till 8:30pm and then LIGHTS OUT for all kids. If they come out of their rooms or keep their bedroom buddy awake, the consequence is that they get cold yucky oatmeal. Seriously. Hey, I am feeding them at least!!! They decided it they want to eat it and if not, then go hungry. There is always snack time and lunch. And this also applies to waking up in the morning, if they wake up their siblings, they still get yucky cold oatmeal. We have stuck with this and so far, so good.
We decided that it was worth the sacrifices we'd make to put our marriage needs first. That's that.
With an earlier bedtime, they are sleeping in later. Weird concept, huh? My oldest still does not need a lot of sleep (never did!) and that is just his makeup. He is up early and has always done that, and no way can we change it. But now, we work with it.
I know it has been studied that kids under 12 need 12 hours of sleep at night. How many of our kids actually get it? Mine sure weren't and we were ALL paying the price.
Food and sleep are necessary to live and thrive and we wanted to live well, not just survive.
My oldest is 11 and I wish that I did this sooner, years sooner. My hope is that a young mom or a mom with youn ones will read this and see the hope :)
Kids need sleep. Did you hear me?--Kids need sleep! 12 hours is worth the sleep. Most have an average of only 9 hours of sleep. No wonder they were cranky and sassy. Oh my. I am not attributing all that crankiness to just sleeping but in my own experience, it has a lot to do with it. Of course, to everything-there is always exceptions but I would recommend always try to get the sleeping in order and then evaluate.
Hope you have a good nights sleep!
God bless,
Mary
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Quick Takes Memorial Wknd Edition
1. A bag full of cheesy old style non-Nerf guns for $1 goes a loooooooooooong way to make little people very giddy and happy!
2. Went for the 1st time to a Farmers Market and it was awesome! Why oh why have I not done this before? And I know our food will be depleted very soon....as in less than 3 or 4 days but oh well! This food is delicious- we can totally taste the difference.
3. My amazing hubby and boys are making some bird houses for me :) It was supposed to be more of a late mothers day gift and I am so thankful. So very blessed. Have I told you how much I love birds?
4. At that farmers market I bought my first tomato plant of the season. Should I have bought more? Not sure! :) So far, the kidos are liking it a lot and only pulled off ONE tomato. I told them HANDS OFF MY BOB!
5. Yes, I said Bob. I named my fellow plant, BOB. After Bob the Tomato from Veggie tales :)
6. Hand me down clothes are great. We waited a very very long time to get a few bags (as in almost over a year, I think) and in those bags was a Bob the Tomato red t-shirt for my 5 yr old teddy bear!!! He loves it and so do I. Reason why I named my plant Bob. Heee heee
7. I made eggplant Parmesan for dinner tonight and it smells soooooooooo good in here! My hubby came back from Home depot buying the wood and supplies needed for the bird houses and he was quite happy w/that smell too! I love to make my man happy with the food I make!!! A little joy for me b/c I love to cook and I made it and for him too b/c he gets to eat it!
8. Last year this time we were back in our old stomping grounds up North, spending time w/family and getting ready to run the 20 K for my hubby and my oldest ran the 4K while all my little kidos ran the kids run. They just don't have a lot of them down here. Bummmer.... In fact, my hubby was thinking of signing up for a marathon again (tried 3 yrs ago and was up to 22 miles in training w/3 weeks left and hurt both his knees ---poor guy). They were sold out! Can you imagine that?!?!? Only living down here with this population would a marathon sold out. gee wiz.
9. We finished those CAT TESTS!!!!! Yes! But I am such a mean mom...b/c I am still making them do school work. Low key school work and reading but still some to do! :) Lots of fun ways to learn-games, card games, board games, computer games- all w/ a style of learning and having gun while doing it. Lots of reading too. Lots of read alouds and I am going to make some type of a reading worm and have a little competition on who can read the most books in their age group!!! :)
10. Biggest goal of this summer: Learn how to SEW! Sewing machine SEW!!! I am pretty excited and pretty nervous! My dream would be to make a quilt with some clothes that my kids out grew that I am sentimental about. We'll see.
11. Not sure about joining the pool. So much immodesty there!!! But SO hot here!!! HUMID HOT!!! Praying on that one. Maybe I'll just buy a big ol TROUGH. Whatta think? ha! :) But I am pretty serious. Kinda. Yeah.
12. I gave my kids an end of the school year home school questionnaire and that was totally an inspiration from the Holy Spirit. It was SO cool!!! I thought that I knew what they would answer and I think for the most part, I was right on but it was awesome to find out some things that were so surprising! I loved this! I am so going to do this every year! :)
Best go now~!!!
God bless, Mary
2. Went for the 1st time to a Farmers Market and it was awesome! Why oh why have I not done this before? And I know our food will be depleted very soon....as in less than 3 or 4 days but oh well! This food is delicious- we can totally taste the difference.
3. My amazing hubby and boys are making some bird houses for me :) It was supposed to be more of a late mothers day gift and I am so thankful. So very blessed. Have I told you how much I love birds?
4. At that farmers market I bought my first tomato plant of the season. Should I have bought more? Not sure! :) So far, the kidos are liking it a lot and only pulled off ONE tomato. I told them HANDS OFF MY BOB!
5. Yes, I said Bob. I named my fellow plant, BOB. After Bob the Tomato from Veggie tales :)
6. Hand me down clothes are great. We waited a very very long time to get a few bags (as in almost over a year, I think) and in those bags was a Bob the Tomato red t-shirt for my 5 yr old teddy bear!!! He loves it and so do I. Reason why I named my plant Bob. Heee heee
7. I made eggplant Parmesan for dinner tonight and it smells soooooooooo good in here! My hubby came back from Home depot buying the wood and supplies needed for the bird houses and he was quite happy w/that smell too! I love to make my man happy with the food I make!!! A little joy for me b/c I love to cook and I made it and for him too b/c he gets to eat it!
8. Last year this time we were back in our old stomping grounds up North, spending time w/family and getting ready to run the 20 K for my hubby and my oldest ran the 4K while all my little kidos ran the kids run. They just don't have a lot of them down here. Bummmer.... In fact, my hubby was thinking of signing up for a marathon again (tried 3 yrs ago and was up to 22 miles in training w/3 weeks left and hurt both his knees ---poor guy). They were sold out! Can you imagine that?!?!? Only living down here with this population would a marathon sold out. gee wiz.
9. We finished those CAT TESTS!!!!! Yes! But I am such a mean mom...b/c I am still making them do school work. Low key school work and reading but still some to do! :) Lots of fun ways to learn-games, card games, board games, computer games- all w/ a style of learning and having gun while doing it. Lots of reading too. Lots of read alouds and I am going to make some type of a reading worm and have a little competition on who can read the most books in their age group!!! :)
10. Biggest goal of this summer: Learn how to SEW! Sewing machine SEW!!! I am pretty excited and pretty nervous! My dream would be to make a quilt with some clothes that my kids out grew that I am sentimental about. We'll see.
11. Not sure about joining the pool. So much immodesty there!!! But SO hot here!!! HUMID HOT!!! Praying on that one. Maybe I'll just buy a big ol TROUGH. Whatta think? ha! :) But I am pretty serious. Kinda. Yeah.
12. I gave my kids an end of the school year home school questionnaire and that was totally an inspiration from the Holy Spirit. It was SO cool!!! I thought that I knew what they would answer and I think for the most part, I was right on but it was awesome to find out some things that were so surprising! I loved this! I am so going to do this every year! :)
Best go now~!!!
God bless, Mary
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Is it me?
or...do people just not get together much anymore?
I have noticed over the past 4-5 years a decline in "play dates" and get togethers for not only mom and tots(which are the most popular) but also for arranging play dates for older kids too. I also do not mean just the drop off play dates but the "mom comes along too so mom can have some adult interaction and adult talk" play dates. It makes me wonder if the technology spree has taken over the relationships that people NEED. We all need people and relationships in our lives, outside of our own family. Especially the moms, right Moms? I am tending to think that the Internet, texting, emails, twitter, face book, blogs, forums, IPhones, IPad's and whatever else is out there that I don't know about has taken the place of real live people. I remember how weird it was when emails came about. I still would rather talk on the phone than email someone about something.
It saddens me that our society is okay with this and has let the real human relationship, the sense of community, go by the wayside.
We (my family and I) are living in a very populated area and there are many very valid reasons to why other moms and kidos don't want to venture out. Traffic, schooling, clubs/activities and certainly the stress, stress, stress that congestion brings. Besides the traffic, this would be applicable to any other part of our country too. Wouldn't you agree that if someone really wants to see another or get their kids together to play and moms to chat, that they would seek them out? But I wonder if that desire is being fulfilled electronically.
At times, I feel like I have the plague or something! I had this conversation with a dear friend that lives 8 hours away from me and she feels the same way. It has to be this electronic world we are living in and not so much the actual location/state we live in. I have noticed lots of moms feel this way, all in different parts of our country.
I am not so keen on how this society and world is evolving. It truly saddens me.
I don't mean to complain but it is something that has been heavy on my heart lately and wanted to share. I am not sure even how to deal with it or try to change it or if it is possible to change it. How do I go along with this and enjoy the ride when I feel like I missed the boat?
God bless,
Mary
I have noticed over the past 4-5 years a decline in "play dates" and get togethers for not only mom and tots(which are the most popular) but also for arranging play dates for older kids too. I also do not mean just the drop off play dates but the "mom comes along too so mom can have some adult interaction and adult talk" play dates. It makes me wonder if the technology spree has taken over the relationships that people NEED. We all need people and relationships in our lives, outside of our own family. Especially the moms, right Moms? I am tending to think that the Internet, texting, emails, twitter, face book, blogs, forums, IPhones, IPad's and whatever else is out there that I don't know about has taken the place of real live people. I remember how weird it was when emails came about. I still would rather talk on the phone than email someone about something.
It saddens me that our society is okay with this and has let the real human relationship, the sense of community, go by the wayside.
We (my family and I) are living in a very populated area and there are many very valid reasons to why other moms and kidos don't want to venture out. Traffic, schooling, clubs/activities and certainly the stress, stress, stress that congestion brings. Besides the traffic, this would be applicable to any other part of our country too. Wouldn't you agree that if someone really wants to see another or get their kids together to play and moms to chat, that they would seek them out? But I wonder if that desire is being fulfilled electronically.
At times, I feel like I have the plague or something! I had this conversation with a dear friend that lives 8 hours away from me and she feels the same way. It has to be this electronic world we are living in and not so much the actual location/state we live in. I have noticed lots of moms feel this way, all in different parts of our country.
I am not so keen on how this society and world is evolving. It truly saddens me.
I don't mean to complain but it is something that has been heavy on my heart lately and wanted to share. I am not sure even how to deal with it or try to change it or if it is possible to change it. How do I go along with this and enjoy the ride when I feel like I missed the boat?
God bless,
Mary
Friday, May 11, 2012
Next year plans
Just writing that title makes me feel a bit uneasy.
Well, it's that time of the year once again when I shutter to think about next year all the while not being done with this year. I need a break to rest my mind! But, I am forced to think about it-homeschool circles and friends are all talking about it and reading about it.
I need to seriously examine what worked this year and what did not.
I need to figure out if I am going to stay with my current curriculum/books that we used this year or change completely over to something different, something new.
All these questions and thoughts are not simple!
I could just say... "Well, my kids are passing their CAT tests each year and thats good so if it's not broken, why fix it?" I could say that, right? They are learning but I can't agree that is enough.
That is not being a proactive and pro-thinking teacher...right???
I not only want my children to learn but to LOVE LEARNING.
Each year is different. Each child is different. Each child is going into a different school year.
So, things ARE different so I have to adapt.
More to come on this.....
God bless, Mary
Well, it's that time of the year once again when I shutter to think about next year all the while not being done with this year. I need a break to rest my mind! But, I am forced to think about it-homeschool circles and friends are all talking about it and reading about it.
I need to seriously examine what worked this year and what did not.
I need to figure out if I am going to stay with my current curriculum/books that we used this year or change completely over to something different, something new.
All these questions and thoughts are not simple!
I could just say... "Well, my kids are passing their CAT tests each year and thats good so if it's not broken, why fix it?" I could say that, right? They are learning but I can't agree that is enough.
That is not being a proactive and pro-thinking teacher...right???
I not only want my children to learn but to LOVE LEARNING.
Each year is different. Each child is different. Each child is going into a different school year.
So, things ARE different so I have to adapt.
More to come on this.....
God bless, Mary
Thursday, May 10, 2012
I can never read this enough times
A
mortification in the morning
St.
JosemarÃa Escrivá, the Father and Founder of Opus Dei, tells us:
“The
heroic minute. It is the time fixed for getting up. Without hesitation: a
supernatural reflection and ... up! The heroic minute: here you have a
mortification that strengthens your will and does no harm to your body. If, with
God’s help, you conquer yourself, you will be well ahead for the rest of the
day. It’s so discouraging to find oneself beaten at the first skirmish.” (cf.
The Way 206)
Hope you all have a wonderful day glorifying God with your life!
God bless,
Mary
Mary
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
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
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
"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
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Dear young moms out there...
Take the time to really play with your kids. Show them all the fun games you can create with the smallest amount of items. Play with them outside. Teach them how to do an obstacle course. Have running races all around your yard. Show them how to play "Spud" and "Capture the Flag". Show them how to make believe with sticks, grass and leaves. Let them get dirty. (It's okay-they can take baths and you can wash their clothes-it's not the end of the world~ I promise you! :P )
Pull out their imagination and then sit back and watch it grow.
Bring out the blankets and have picnics on your front (or back) lawn. Let them mess up the room with the cushions and pillows and blankets. Let them create and learn and have tons of fun.
This type of learning is the best and the most worthwhile, I do believe.
I know it may seem difficult and you may think you do not have the time. BUt I challenge you to do it!
Because right now, I am reaping the benefits. I am letting this moment sink in. Right now, my older kids have been truly playing outside and doing all those things I took the time to teach them back when they were only 6 and younger. They are doing the EXACT same things I taught them but now with the little ones!!!
(I do believe this is one of those moments that those seasoned homeschooling big family mommas out there told me about. I have been waiting for this!!! THank You God!)
Oh what JOY my heart feels at this very moment and I give all the glory to God!
God bless,
Mary
Pull out their imagination and then sit back and watch it grow.
Bring out the blankets and have picnics on your front (or back) lawn. Let them mess up the room with the cushions and pillows and blankets. Let them create and learn and have tons of fun.
This type of learning is the best and the most worthwhile, I do believe.
I know it may seem difficult and you may think you do not have the time. BUt I challenge you to do it!
Because right now, I am reaping the benefits. I am letting this moment sink in. Right now, my older kids have been truly playing outside and doing all those things I took the time to teach them back when they were only 6 and younger. They are doing the EXACT same things I taught them but now with the little ones!!!
(I do believe this is one of those moments that those seasoned homeschooling big family mommas out there told me about. I have been waiting for this!!! THank You God!)
Oh what JOY my heart feels at this very moment and I give all the glory to God!
God bless,
Mary
Thursday, March 15, 2012
How do we do any activities w/a big family?
This is a certain question that any homeschooling momma of a big family asks herself very often.
I thought it might be helpful if I answered that question as to what we do/do not do. My way may not be your way. That is ok! My way may not be perfect-that is ok! But our way is our way and it works for now so it is perfect for us! :)
So....activities! haa haaa. well, not much goes on here but I am finally ok w/that.
It's easy to see other moms having kids in this or that club and going here/there and we're home. I used to think that I am not exposing them to a good education if they do not do this/that and go here/there. But reality is that being home is OK.
The $ is just not there to do all those things.
The TIME is just not there to do all those things. (Babies napping and too stressful for me to get everyone ready to go somewhere).
Sometimes the influences of certain other kids is not what we want for our kids to be exposed to.
Right now, my oldest is an altar server and serves every other weekend and we all go to the Mass he serves. If it something we can do as a whole family, then we try to do it. If it is just one or some kids, we have to evaluate if it is something we can manage, it is something that is consistent w/our goals as a family to get to Heaven...if it is a good use of time-something of value. We do not do soccer/or any sports anymore b/c it is just not feasible right now.
We have the kids in a weekly co-op w/our home school group and that takes up a chunk of time in one morning a week. We also get together weekly for a PE class-gym class that meets after school hours at a park. It is somewhat organized and just started back up for the Springtime. My kids love it and it is good for us b/c we are all out together for an hour or so and then home. It makes sense and it works right now. All my kids are in their age group except my Lil' Lady-where I run after her-that is my exercise, my PE!!! haaa haaaaa
With not doing so much, every day I am truly trying my best to turn my heart to my kids-to seek them and their interests.....and helping them get along w/each other. Seeing the reality and the potential of having their siblings as their best friends instead of seeking out other kids for them to be friends with.
Does this all make sense to you?
It took me a LONG time to understand and accept this.
It does help that where we live is extremely stressful to just go to a park (I am not kidding)-the traffic and stress is not worth it. A few weeks ago we went to a park---left it at 4:40pm so that i could get home to get dinner ready. It usually takes us 20 mins. We did not get home till 5:20-5:25pm. See? It's crazy around here---a city of people squished into a town setting.
There is not many play dates that take place in our home school group---the clubs/activities are what they use as getting together. Since we do not do many of those things (not even super organized sports!!!!!) then we are together at home a whole lot.
I am actively trying to embrace this lifestyle instead of fighting it. I fought it for so many years-too many. I have found some peace in doing this along w/lots of prayer and surrender. If Jesus was home for 30 years w/His Momma, then it can't be too bad!!!
Hope that helps out! :)
God bless, Mary
I thought it might be helpful if I answered that question as to what we do/do not do. My way may not be your way. That is ok! My way may not be perfect-that is ok! But our way is our way and it works for now so it is perfect for us! :)
So....activities! haa haaa. well, not much goes on here but I am finally ok w/that.
It's easy to see other moms having kids in this or that club and going here/there and we're home. I used to think that I am not exposing them to a good education if they do not do this/that and go here/there. But reality is that being home is OK.
The $ is just not there to do all those things.
The TIME is just not there to do all those things. (Babies napping and too stressful for me to get everyone ready to go somewhere).
Sometimes the influences of certain other kids is not what we want for our kids to be exposed to.
Right now, my oldest is an altar server and serves every other weekend and we all go to the Mass he serves. If it something we can do as a whole family, then we try to do it. If it is just one or some kids, we have to evaluate if it is something we can manage, it is something that is consistent w/our goals as a family to get to Heaven...if it is a good use of time-something of value. We do not do soccer/or any sports anymore b/c it is just not feasible right now.
We have the kids in a weekly co-op w/our home school group and that takes up a chunk of time in one morning a week. We also get together weekly for a PE class-gym class that meets after school hours at a park. It is somewhat organized and just started back up for the Springtime. My kids love it and it is good for us b/c we are all out together for an hour or so and then home. It makes sense and it works right now. All my kids are in their age group except my Lil' Lady-where I run after her-that is my exercise, my PE!!! haaa haaaaa
With not doing so much, every day I am truly trying my best to turn my heart to my kids-to seek them and their interests.....and helping them get along w/each other. Seeing the reality and the potential of having their siblings as their best friends instead of seeking out other kids for them to be friends with.
Does this all make sense to you?
It took me a LONG time to understand and accept this.
It does help that where we live is extremely stressful to just go to a park (I am not kidding)-the traffic and stress is not worth it. A few weeks ago we went to a park---left it at 4:40pm so that i could get home to get dinner ready. It usually takes us 20 mins. We did not get home till 5:20-5:25pm. See? It's crazy around here---a city of people squished into a town setting.
There is not many play dates that take place in our home school group---the clubs/activities are what they use as getting together. Since we do not do many of those things (not even super organized sports!!!!!) then we are together at home a whole lot.
I am actively trying to embrace this lifestyle instead of fighting it. I fought it for so many years-too many. I have found some peace in doing this along w/lots of prayer and surrender. If Jesus was home for 30 years w/His Momma, then it can't be too bad!!!
Hope that helps out! :)
God bless, Mary
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Dare not to compare
I have to confess, I steal a lot of ideas from other homeschooling momma blogs. I know, this is a real shock, isn't it? Ha! :) I bet you do too...right?!?! :) I surely do not have time to try to invent something and why would I reinvent the wheel when I do not have to?
Well, that peeking into others' homes and their lives is a two fold, for me. Interesting, amazing and beautiful things is what I find but I also find myself getting frustrated at my lack of ability, patience, creativity and even 'order' that I see in their homes. I have a dear friend who does not even attempt blogs b/c of this very reason. Albeit, a very good reason. It gets depressing!
I try to remind myself that I do not see their whole life, and many do not blog about the negative aspects and hardships of a homeschooling family life. So, all that others see is this super good part of their lives and we think it's like that all the time. Which, when really thought about, is SO not true! No one or no family can ever be perfect! I remind myself that many of these large families come from large families themselves...they are accustomed to the craziness and loudness and messiness that a large family brings. They know how to adapt much more quickly than others (ahem...) and we can start to compare ourselves and our families to others, esp. if we do not even really know them! How foolish.
God knows our hearts. God knows what He is doing. God sees my efforts to do the smallest task and He sees my love that I do it with, for Him, and He blesses me with such graces. I can only imagine that this would equal all those others immaculate homes, those super creative art projects, those darling matching outfits their kidos wear, and those other things. To God be the glory!
But what a trap this is, isn't it?
Now, it's time for me to get another cup of coffee and think about that some more all the while I teach my kidos! Rainy days ALWAYS summon another cup! ;)
May God bless your day,
Mary
Well, that peeking into others' homes and their lives is a two fold, for me. Interesting, amazing and beautiful things is what I find but I also find myself getting frustrated at my lack of ability, patience, creativity and even 'order' that I see in their homes. I have a dear friend who does not even attempt blogs b/c of this very reason. Albeit, a very good reason. It gets depressing!
I try to remind myself that I do not see their whole life, and many do not blog about the negative aspects and hardships of a homeschooling family life. So, all that others see is this super good part of their lives and we think it's like that all the time. Which, when really thought about, is SO not true! No one or no family can ever be perfect! I remind myself that many of these large families come from large families themselves...they are accustomed to the craziness and loudness and messiness that a large family brings. They know how to adapt much more quickly than others (ahem...) and we can start to compare ourselves and our families to others, esp. if we do not even really know them! How foolish.
God knows our hearts. God knows what He is doing. God sees my efforts to do the smallest task and He sees my love that I do it with, for Him, and He blesses me with such graces. I can only imagine that this would equal all those others immaculate homes, those super creative art projects, those darling matching outfits their kidos wear, and those other things. To God be the glory!
But what a trap this is, isn't it?
Now, it's time for me to get another cup of coffee and think about that some more all the while I teach my kidos! Rainy days ALWAYS summon another cup! ;)
May God bless your day,
Mary
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Sin-freeeeeeee
I am so happy and proud to announce that we have 2 very sparkling clean souls in our household!
2 of my bigger kids, kid #2 and kid #3, went to their First Confession last night. 200 children and 2 hours later-they are shining bright with holiness! Yes, that many children and that long, I am not kidding. This year I have both of these kidos in the same grade-2nd grade. The best decision I made-it is working SO well for all of us. A little bit of competition and peer pressure to get their work done goes a long way with these two! We realized that why push one child just to be a grade higher when clearly they are not ready for it. This is God's doing and how He made each child. I am just glad I figured it out and listened to Him early on and not when they were older. I have heard it is much harder when they get older to hold a child back a year.
Anyway, it is a 2 yr process of prep for their 1st Confession and 1st Holy Communion in our parish. We decided to not enroll them in the actual classes that the religious ed offers. They were totally okay with it-in fact, the RE director home schooled her own kids! What a blessing that homeschooling is so welcomed and encouraged around here. I am very thankful to God for this. We are using the Faith & Life series by Ignatius Press. We, as parents, find it awesome! The kids do too!!! IT is a great mix of learning and fun, coloring and writing. My children do not mind doing religion almost every day. Since we incorporate our Catholic Faith in ALL aspects of our life and our family, doing the religion 'book' is not that grueling for them :) I highly recommend this for all kids, even if they go to a CCD program. It is so easy and fun for parents to do with them, along with what they are learning in the classroom setting.
We have such an awesome diverse parish, with 31 countries represented (seriously!), that we were obviously the minority. We love our priests and parish and all the colors and beauty that is displayed. What a wonderful gift that my children get to see how 'universal' our Catholic Faith is!!! Growing up in a mainly white/Caucasian neighborhood, town and parish, I love that my own children get to see, early on, how widespread our Catholic Faith truly is.
We went as a whole family last night and I am glad we did. Even for 2 hours, I am glad we did. In fact, I sort of persisted with this decision with my husband-he thought the opposite. But, in the end, we are all SO glad we went. What a great learning experience and how awesome that my little children got to see what their big siblings got to do and what they have to look forward to. My kid #4 (age 6) and kid #6 (age 3) even asked us (ahem...begged us over and over) how they wanted to go to their own first confession THAT night! Now, that is a testimony to what a great decision it was to bring them all!
Now, onto a celebration party for my kids! We're all a little bit holier now!!!
God bless,
Mary
2 of my bigger kids, kid #2 and kid #3, went to their First Confession last night. 200 children and 2 hours later-they are shining bright with holiness! Yes, that many children and that long, I am not kidding. This year I have both of these kidos in the same grade-2nd grade. The best decision I made-it is working SO well for all of us. A little bit of competition and peer pressure to get their work done goes a long way with these two! We realized that why push one child just to be a grade higher when clearly they are not ready for it. This is God's doing and how He made each child. I am just glad I figured it out and listened to Him early on and not when they were older. I have heard it is much harder when they get older to hold a child back a year.
Anyway, it is a 2 yr process of prep for their 1st Confession and 1st Holy Communion in our parish. We decided to not enroll them in the actual classes that the religious ed offers. They were totally okay with it-in fact, the RE director home schooled her own kids! What a blessing that homeschooling is so welcomed and encouraged around here. I am very thankful to God for this. We are using the Faith & Life series by Ignatius Press. We, as parents, find it awesome! The kids do too!!! IT is a great mix of learning and fun, coloring and writing. My children do not mind doing religion almost every day. Since we incorporate our Catholic Faith in ALL aspects of our life and our family, doing the religion 'book' is not that grueling for them :) I highly recommend this for all kids, even if they go to a CCD program. It is so easy and fun for parents to do with them, along with what they are learning in the classroom setting.
We have such an awesome diverse parish, with 31 countries represented (seriously!), that we were obviously the minority. We love our priests and parish and all the colors and beauty that is displayed. What a wonderful gift that my children get to see how 'universal' our Catholic Faith is!!! Growing up in a mainly white/Caucasian neighborhood, town and parish, I love that my own children get to see, early on, how widespread our Catholic Faith truly is.
We went as a whole family last night and I am glad we did. Even for 2 hours, I am glad we did. In fact, I sort of persisted with this decision with my husband-he thought the opposite. But, in the end, we are all SO glad we went. What a great learning experience and how awesome that my little children got to see what their big siblings got to do and what they have to look forward to. My kid #4 (age 6) and kid #6 (age 3) even asked us (ahem...begged us over and over) how they wanted to go to their own first confession THAT night! Now, that is a testimony to what a great decision it was to bring them all!
Now, onto a celebration party for my kids! We're all a little bit holier now!!!
God bless,
Mary
Saturday, January 14, 2012
The love language of food
Guys love food, don't they?
Don't you love how they light up and get so pumped when they see the meal in front of them. Their eyes feasting on that food that the wife made. The way their whole demeanor changes, esp. if it is one of their ultra favorite meals!
We have a little rule, which is this:
Something so very symbolic...
The husbands' hard working hands holding the utensils grabbing onto the food that he worked so hard to earn the money. Our bodies being nourished by that food that the wife worked hard to prepare. We parents and our children sitting around the table of the blood, sweat and tears.
Living as a family, serving Jesus through one another, working together, and now all gathered around our table.
The table.
Reminds me of the Last Supper table, Jesus giving of His life. His blood, sweat and tears. Giving of His everything for us, as we gather around the altar table at Holy Mass ready to receive Him. How precious, how beautiful, how perfect.
Don't we all long for that perfect dinner time experience? You know the one I am talking about. Where everyone sits nicely with napkin on lap, everyone getting a chance to talk without interruptions, no yelling, crying or flip outs. Where the manners are at their best, none of the arm stretching over someones plate, instead with the "please pass the..." and the "thank you for passing the..." comments. Wouldn't that be something? I can dream, can't I? Maybe once the kids get older, things will change but for now, our dinner table time hardly resembles what I described. We have a long way to go but we are trying! :)
One thing is for sure for my husband and I and that is how much a family dinner, sitting down together means to us. I am always on the lookout for healthy and easy (let me stress EASY!) dinner recipes to make and I will share some of my favs with you in another post in the week b/c I found some great ones!!! :) There is no television in the background, just us together huddled around a not-so-big-as-I-wish-it -could-be-table. Together, praying and thanking God for our food, and just being together enjoying the food.
Some families never to do this and it truly saddens me. I guess they just don't know what they are missing.
So....what are you having for dinner tonight?
For us, it is homemade pizza being made by my oldest daughter and I!
(PSSST!....Practical idea is that each night I have a dinner helper-each one of my kidos has a specific night. Does it take longer? You betcha. But I wouldn't trade these experiences for doing it all by myself everynight. Ever.)
God bless,
Mary
Friday, December 9, 2011
Did I scare you off?
or are you still laughing after my LAST post?
Seriously, it is not always like that but it happens much more than I wish for.
This Advent God is really trying to reach me by helping me to realize how important patience is.
Patient in knowing and wanting to believe in even a deeper level than it is more important to give than to receive. To give to my family unconditionally. To give and knowing that there is a great gift waiting for me in Eternal Life. To give until it hurts, as Mother Teresa says. To give and to get get totally depleted b/c I know where to get filled back up again~Jesus~prayers, adoration, Mass, Confession. To give and knowing that my wonderful husband has my back. To give b/c there is nothing else more important than to give of myself to others, and who more important than my family? To give and let Jesus give back to me. To give and allow Jesus to love me. To give and depend on Jesus. Give and be patient.
God bless,
Mary
Seriously, it is not always like that but it happens much more than I wish for.
This Advent God is really trying to reach me by helping me to realize how important patience is.
- Patient in waiting for Christmas day.
- Patient in not hurrying my children out the door.
- Patient in teaching my children to read.
- Patient in letting my children 'clean' up their messes.
- Patient in trying to laugh more and cry less.
- Patient in listening to my children and all their questions that take a long time to get out.
- Patient in letting my children destroy...uh, I mean mess up (ha ha) our house with all their many hideouts and tents b/c what else is there to do when it is so cold outside that they only last a mere 10-15 mins?
- Patient in packing my husbands' lunch to take for work.
- Patient in not blurting out all the things I really really want to say at that moment.
- Patient in going to my baby's whims in the middle of the night...when not so long ago she was actually sleeping through the night!!! (argh!)
- Patient in guiding my children in what they want to say and how they need to explain more to get their point across. (No, I do not read minds! ha haaa)
- Patient in teaching my children for the 100th time that food is not allowed downstairs and then spend the following hour cleaning and vacuuming.
- Patient in walking a certain 3 yr old back to his room as a punishment (more times than I want!!! argh)
- Patient in listening to God speaking to me, even amongst the noise level.
Patient in knowing and wanting to believe in even a deeper level than it is more important to give than to receive. To give to my family unconditionally. To give and knowing that there is a great gift waiting for me in Eternal Life. To give until it hurts, as Mother Teresa says. To give and to get get totally depleted b/c I know where to get filled back up again~Jesus~prayers, adoration, Mass, Confession. To give and knowing that my wonderful husband has my back. To give b/c there is nothing else more important than to give of myself to others, and who more important than my family? To give and let Jesus give back to me. To give and allow Jesus to love me. To give and depend on Jesus. Give and be patient.
God bless,
Mary
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Think happy thoughts
It is so easy to get caught up in the discipline and punishments and re-do-overs with 3 years olds, huh? They are so very predictable but yet at the same time very unpredictable.
My certain 3 yr old has brought the 'terrible twos' and the 'trying threes' to a whole new level. This little guy is easily the most challenging child so far. He is all of my children COMBINED. Seriously.
I am not asking for a pity party (well....if you want to give me one, I'll take it!:) ha haaa) but this is the real deal. He is unbelievable. I cannot turn my back on him. I need to know exactly where he is at all times. I am not kiddin' you. You'd think I know a thing or 2 about parenting a strong willed child or one that is oh...a bit,uh...defiant. Yeah, well I thought I knew a thing or 2 too...before he came along! haaa haaa
I bet you can only imagine how trying our school year has been for a year or 2. Yeah, it has been interesting...oh yeah.
God sure has a sense of humor at times.
Anyway, Instead of mulling around on these negative "help me!" thoughts, I thought I'd pour out all the positive HAPPY THOUGHTS on this little 3 yr old guy of mine!
Here we go:
1. I love the way he says "Da-Momma" and I automatically answer him! :) (or when he says "Ma-Daddy" and Daddy answers him!
2. How he puts on his pants backwards and is so proud he did it himself
3. The way he answers that he did not do it...with the look of guilt on his face, wondering if he be believed.
4. I love what a shrimp he is. He saves us on buying him new clothes! He can still fit into some 18month and 2T clothes!
5. I love how his smallness makes him so deliciously cute and his siblings all agree
6. I love how he can win over his siblings by being so cute even when he messes up their stuff or wrecks their Lego creations (after a little while, that is...once the upsetness settles down!)
7. I love how talkative and articulate he is. He can converse with just about anyone
8. I love how he really REALLY tries to be nice to his baby sister, Lil' Lady. I know, as his Momma, that he truly is trying at times, even though others think otherwise.
9. I love how he holds his pencils, markers and colored pencils with the correct grip and acts so much like a little student at the table while his older siblings do their work (even if only for 3.5 minutes!)
10. I love how he forces his giggles and laughter that makes others laugh and smile
11. Lastly, I love how he still needs him Momma. I wonder in amazement how other parents can send their children off to daycare or school at this age thinking that it is time for them to go, when they are still SO much in need of motherly love that ONLY a mother can give.
NO ONE can replace a mother. No one can love as a mother loves. I am only saying this from my experience of having 7 kids and of my kids. I know that some parents have no choice or do what they think it best for their family but I still wonder if there was still another way before choosing daycare.
Anyway, this kid is a riot. He makes me laugh, he keeps me young, he keeps those pounds off since I am always up and about running after him or running for him! He keeps teaching me patience and creativity and teaching me how to love unconditionally. He is just right for our family. He is loved and he loves us....no matter how long this 2 or 3 yr old trying stage will last. (Please Lord, not much longer, please!)
God bless your days,
Mary
My certain 3 yr old has brought the 'terrible twos' and the 'trying threes' to a whole new level. This little guy is easily the most challenging child so far. He is all of my children COMBINED. Seriously.
I am not asking for a pity party (well....if you want to give me one, I'll take it!:) ha haaa) but this is the real deal. He is unbelievable. I cannot turn my back on him. I need to know exactly where he is at all times. I am not kiddin' you. You'd think I know a thing or 2 about parenting a strong willed child or one that is oh...a bit,uh...defiant. Yeah, well I thought I knew a thing or 2 too...before he came along! haaa haaa
I bet you can only imagine how trying our school year has been for a year or 2. Yeah, it has been interesting...oh yeah.
God sure has a sense of humor at times.
Anyway, Instead of mulling around on these negative "help me!" thoughts, I thought I'd pour out all the positive HAPPY THOUGHTS on this little 3 yr old guy of mine!
Here we go:
1. I love the way he says "Da-Momma" and I automatically answer him! :) (or when he says "Ma-Daddy" and Daddy answers him!
2. How he puts on his pants backwards and is so proud he did it himself
3. The way he answers that he did not do it...with the look of guilt on his face, wondering if he be believed.
4. I love what a shrimp he is. He saves us on buying him new clothes! He can still fit into some 18month and 2T clothes!
5. I love how his smallness makes him so deliciously cute and his siblings all agree
6. I love how he can win over his siblings by being so cute even when he messes up their stuff or wrecks their Lego creations (after a little while, that is...once the upsetness settles down!)
7. I love how talkative and articulate he is. He can converse with just about anyone
8. I love how he really REALLY tries to be nice to his baby sister, Lil' Lady. I know, as his Momma, that he truly is trying at times, even though others think otherwise.
9. I love how he holds his pencils, markers and colored pencils with the correct grip and acts so much like a little student at the table while his older siblings do their work (even if only for 3.5 minutes!)
10. I love how he forces his giggles and laughter that makes others laugh and smile
11. Lastly, I love how he still needs him Momma. I wonder in amazement how other parents can send their children off to daycare or school at this age thinking that it is time for them to go, when they are still SO much in need of motherly love that ONLY a mother can give.
NO ONE can replace a mother. No one can love as a mother loves. I am only saying this from my experience of having 7 kids and of my kids. I know that some parents have no choice or do what they think it best for their family but I still wonder if there was still another way before choosing daycare.
Anyway, this kid is a riot. He makes me laugh, he keeps me young, he keeps those pounds off since I am always up and about running after him or running for him! He keeps teaching me patience and creativity and teaching me how to love unconditionally. He is just right for our family. He is loved and he loves us....no matter how long this 2 or 3 yr old trying stage will last. (Please Lord, not much longer, please!)
God bless your days,
Mary
Monday, November 7, 2011
Miscarriage
I haven't been able to blog lately...not been able to focus on anything.
I don't even know what to say.
I am so sad.
I am crying and in a daze most of the days, while everyone around me keeps moving on.
I told God that I could not let go of this baby.
Then I told God that now I can, that I believe it is His Will.
I went through all those different feelings of doubt, anger, sadness, emptiness...and I am still visiting them frequently.
I have never had a miscarriage before and I wonder how women deal with this? How dare I not take it as seriously and be more compassionate to these dear families. I really just never knew.
But now I do.
I feel so pregnant, still.
I have the jelly belly still.
I feel morning sickness, rather, for me, it is after 12noon till I fall asleep at night.
How can I feel so pregnant but not be?
I have shown some signs that the baby will be released soon. This cramping is like a mini-labor but the end prize is not a happy one. I told God that I am ready to let go. But I am still waiting on Him. This is so sad to wait for this to happen. To know I am carrying a little one that I can never hold in my arms...but that God is allowing me to 'hold' a little longer till I am apart from her.
Yes, I said 'her'.
My children wanted to name her Therese Avila and so we did. We have our own little patron saint from our family praying for us. We have our own real flesh and blood in Heaven with God, Mary and all the Saints.
She is much happier now than I could ever give her.
St. Therese Avila, pray for us.
God bless,
Mary
I don't even know what to say.
I am so sad.
I am crying and in a daze most of the days, while everyone around me keeps moving on.
I told God that I could not let go of this baby.
Then I told God that now I can, that I believe it is His Will.
I went through all those different feelings of doubt, anger, sadness, emptiness...and I am still visiting them frequently.
I have never had a miscarriage before and I wonder how women deal with this? How dare I not take it as seriously and be more compassionate to these dear families. I really just never knew.
But now I do.
I feel so pregnant, still.
I have the jelly belly still.
I feel morning sickness, rather, for me, it is after 12noon till I fall asleep at night.
How can I feel so pregnant but not be?
I have shown some signs that the baby will be released soon. This cramping is like a mini-labor but the end prize is not a happy one. I told God that I am ready to let go. But I am still waiting on Him. This is so sad to wait for this to happen. To know I am carrying a little one that I can never hold in my arms...but that God is allowing me to 'hold' a little longer till I am apart from her.
Yes, I said 'her'.
My children wanted to name her Therese Avila and so we did. We have our own little patron saint from our family praying for us. We have our own real flesh and blood in Heaven with God, Mary and all the Saints.
She is much happier now than I could ever give her.
St. Therese Avila, pray for us.
God bless,
Mary
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Best advice ever!=NAPS
Everyday around 1 till about 3-give or take 30mins on either side is our 'Family quite time'.
This is time for the kids to try to settle down to rest-little ones take naps-sometimes if its a super great day, 4 of them nap at the same time~!!! wooohooo! Usually it is Lil' Lady , my 3 yr old adrenaline running boy, and 4 yr old 'too big for a daily nap but still needs a few naps a week" boy.
The others rest by looking at books, listening to books on CD, drawing, or they (try) to play quietly downstairs.
This is also my time to regroup and rest. I overlook the toys and clothes strewn throughout the house. I overlook the left out lunch on the counters and on the kitchen floor and the overflowing trash. I make time for me. I have to. This is my survival and thrival technique. I close my bedroom door over a little and just plop down exhausted, sometimes even in a big pile of clean laundry. I close my eyes in hopes to actually catch a few zzzz's if possible. Then if I can, with a cup of tea in hand, I try to catch up on emails, blogs, phone calls. Before the little ones wake, I begin to make dinner or at least have the idea of what I will make.
When I share this, many moms and others look at me in awe that I can do this.
For me, it has ALWAYS been this way. With my first child was almost one yrs old, another seasoned mom of 6 told me that I had to do this. For me to try not to give up his nap too early and if he did (which he as 2 when he did), to continue to put him in his room or crib with tons of books for quiet time. This was the BEST ADVICE that I ever got!!!
This nap time was crucial. And boy, is she right. It is~!
I really wonder how moms do it these days without down time. With a busy life, in order to keep an energy level at a decent (not always top notch!) level, this is so necessary for me.
This is not all the quiet beautiful time of rest everyday. Many times in a day, I may come out of my room or off the couch to remind them how and what "QUIET" is supposed to be like! Many days, they get so wrapped up in playing (since they are schooling most of the morning) that their level of quiet certainly is NOT the same as mine.
During this time, my oldest son, who is in 5th grade, has to be constantly reminded to do his school work and how much he can accomplish when the little ones are not around him, bothering him, or being loud. This quiet time is the best he has to get focused...yet, it is so tough for him. Poor kid. It's hard to see his younger siblings playing or reading or drawing-just what he really wants to do.
Anyway, long story short.... today after I got up after a little rest, I called for my oldest in which he did not respond. He was not in the extra room doing school work or doing his science lab experiment or his reading comprehension. Nope. His sisters told me he was in the backyard. When he came in, I ask him where he was and how he got out there, since he did not exit and re-enter through the deck door.
Head tilted and quietly, he glanced at me and said "Uh....through the basement bathroom window..."
"Why?" I questioned him.
"Uh....Because I am a boy?"
Best explanation. Good reason. But still....
God bless,
Mary
This is time for the kids to try to settle down to rest-little ones take naps-sometimes if its a super great day, 4 of them nap at the same time~!!! wooohooo! Usually it is Lil' Lady , my 3 yr old adrenaline running boy, and 4 yr old 'too big for a daily nap but still needs a few naps a week" boy.
The others rest by looking at books, listening to books on CD, drawing, or they (try) to play quietly downstairs.
This is also my time to regroup and rest. I overlook the toys and clothes strewn throughout the house. I overlook the left out lunch on the counters and on the kitchen floor and the overflowing trash. I make time for me. I have to. This is my survival and thrival technique. I close my bedroom door over a little and just plop down exhausted, sometimes even in a big pile of clean laundry. I close my eyes in hopes to actually catch a few zzzz's if possible. Then if I can, with a cup of tea in hand, I try to catch up on emails, blogs, phone calls. Before the little ones wake, I begin to make dinner or at least have the idea of what I will make.
When I share this, many moms and others look at me in awe that I can do this.
For me, it has ALWAYS been this way. With my first child was almost one yrs old, another seasoned mom of 6 told me that I had to do this. For me to try not to give up his nap too early and if he did (which he as 2 when he did), to continue to put him in his room or crib with tons of books for quiet time. This was the BEST ADVICE that I ever got!!!
This nap time was crucial. And boy, is she right. It is~!
I really wonder how moms do it these days without down time. With a busy life, in order to keep an energy level at a decent (not always top notch!) level, this is so necessary for me.
This is not all the quiet beautiful time of rest everyday. Many times in a day, I may come out of my room or off the couch to remind them how and what "QUIET" is supposed to be like! Many days, they get so wrapped up in playing (since they are schooling most of the morning) that their level of quiet certainly is NOT the same as mine.
During this time, my oldest son, who is in 5th grade, has to be constantly reminded to do his school work and how much he can accomplish when the little ones are not around him, bothering him, or being loud. This quiet time is the best he has to get focused...yet, it is so tough for him. Poor kid. It's hard to see his younger siblings playing or reading or drawing-just what he really wants to do.
Any advice: How do YOU get the point across to a kid
that he is older so ...he has more school work expected?
Anyway, long story short.... today after I got up after a little rest, I called for my oldest in which he did not respond. He was not in the extra room doing school work or doing his science lab experiment or his reading comprehension. Nope. His sisters told me he was in the backyard. When he came in, I ask him where he was and how he got out there, since he did not exit and re-enter through the deck door.
Head tilted and quietly, he glanced at me and said "Uh....through the basement bathroom window..."
"Why?" I questioned him.
"Uh....Because I am a boy?"
Best explanation. Good reason. But still....
God bless,
Mary
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)