Boys and new found respect

Oh boy.

And I mean OH BOY, or should I say OH BOYS!

I have been experiencing a whole new way of parenting of boys.

I have never had 2 boys in a row-wtih all our 6 children, it has always alternated...until the last 2.

Just imagine, if you do not have boys or do not have 2 BOYS in a close age relations...

Just imagine 2 young boisterious boys (is that spelled right? haaa!) that are 3 1/2 and just turned 2.  WOWEEE!!! I mean, wow.  I surely did not expect this, nor was I warned!  yikes.  I know boys are hyper and loud and their super high energy levels never cease.  I have 4 (at least right now...who knows what is next) so I thought I knew but noway did I know.  With every boy we have been blessed with (let me tell you...they are such a blessing-boys are great....and wild!) there has always been a girl to follow to interupt the constant flow of boys.    I know boys love to wrestle, to tease, to do tons of handstands and flips and whatever else to show off their 'testosterone stuff' to either their sibling or just to themselves.  I know boys are into competition-in just about EVERYTHING.  I know there will be tons of pirate stuff, cars, trucks, mud, dirt, ripped up books, and many broken items.  I know this is normal.  I know this is simply how boys are made and made to be.  I don't want to supress this, but I do ask God daily how to deal with it!!!  I know this all about boys. 

But what I did not know is times it by 2 and watch out!  wow. 

I guess this is my little explanation for yesterdays' post.

I know of a number of moms out there in person and on blogs that have boys in a row-even more than 2 boys in a row.  You are my heroes.  Seriously.  And if you have a minute, please do share any advice that you think would be helpful to this momma.  Thanks a bunch!!!

God bless,
Mary

Need Help! How do you co-sleepers do it?!?!

How do you co-sleepers do it?

Your feet are really cute, but they keep me up all night when they constantly kick me or wrap around my waist.
Your hands are really cute, but they get annoying when they grab at my shirt and hair and scratch my face.
Your noises are so cute, but not at 12am, 2am, 3am and so on.
Your eyes are a beautiful blue, but I’d rather not see them at 11pm or at 4am.
Your pacifier is a great help during the day, but it wakes me up when you fling it and make noises with it all night long.
What makes you think you own our bed?
How come you like to sleep horizontally and keep changing positions all night long?

I am not really into this co-sleeping deal but it is what is somewhat working for us! Ever since early February, I feel like we had to do it b/c of his horrible bout of high fevers for 6 straight days. Since then, we tried him in the crib-too many loud crying nights too many nights in a row. He was not happy, I was not happy. We have had some great nights where I think this is so worth it. He is super cuddly and lovable and I love him so much. This is so hard for me to do but now my family is beginning to suffer b/c of these baby filled-up- all- night-interrupted- 'sleep'.

We’re right back to these sleepless nights and drinking way too much coffee and too much of a loud mommy.

I know that this phase will too pass and it is short lived but going through it is another story!
I need some input on how you families do this co-sleeping thing!!!

SO....HOW DO YOU DO IT?!?

God bless, Mary

Persistence & Small Sucesses for the week

I have a son who just loves to talk. Really loves to talk. Really. About anything. Do you have one of these types of personalities in your family? Okay, enough said.

So, when he wanted to tell me something this morning, he would not let up on getting my attention. I was in the bathroom changing a diaper (oooh-nothing new here!), he was in the adjacent room unable to move so he called my name. Repeatedly. Many times. So many times, I began to count. I thought to myself...hum, I wonder how many times he will keep calling me until I respond.

So, I began to count and we're off...1, 2, 3, 4...8...12...16. Yes, 16 times he called my name! Man, is he persistent or what? I bet you are wondering why he needed me so much. I finally caved in at the 16th "Mom?" by quietly answering "Yes? What do you need?" (that is a big success for me not to have answered the way I was feeling at that moment!---Small Success #1)

The poor thing has a pulled chest muscle and has to put on a heating pad off/on throughout the day. He was sitting there reading a book "Around the World in 80 days" and he just had to tell me something about the story. Oh, these personalities are so bittersweet (but aren't we all?)- he loves to talk-I love to talk- and he is so likable and enjoyable to talk with and be around talking about stuff-all kinds of stuff....like why the clouds look like that; and is the squid actually a fish?; and can you really travel the world in 80 days?; and what kind of rifles did they use in the civil war? (do you get my drift yet?-he LOVES to talk!) I have been trying to channel his energy not only to talking but other things as well-boy energy! I have learned never to underestimate the energy of a boy-they will amaze us-and he did! (Small Success #2) A good idea that I will try to implement his love of talking is into writing-any other ideas anyone?

I wonder if anyone else had days and children that sound like this?

ANYWAY, our sweet baby is down for an early nap so I am going to get my prayers in and maybe even squeeze in 5 minutes of reading my new book that I am enjoying soooooo much :) Thank you, lovey, for surprising me with this book along with a new vacuum~! I have to say I don't know which one I love more! Yes! I absolutely do love to vacuum! Why, you wonder? B/c it is a small instant gratification in this life of formation in our house and it is one this I actually enjoy to do :) Laundry, on the other hand, well...anyone interested in helping me out? My awesome husband has been my life saver of folding laundry this week-thank you! (Finding out my strengths-"Know thyself" and asking for help for those weaknesses-this surely would be Small Success #3)

Folks, have a grand day. Oh, BTW, we're all feeling well now -thanks be to God :)

Go see more small successes (even if a day late!) here!

God bless u,
Mary

Holy Week thoughts

I can't believe that I have not yet mentioned what another blogger is doing with her family for Lent- the JesusTree for Lent. She has it all layed out and it is quite beautiful! She has the Bible reading with different activities for all ages. Great job Jessica! I wish we could have done it routinely for the whole Lent but I could not squeeze it in this year. I would like to make it a point to do for next year though!
Today, we are following her lead and we are doing this.... Thank you Jessica!

My friend Sam got me thinking of what to do so I am sifting through ideas for Holy Week next week. Because my time is not my own (as I've said so many times!!!) I'm learning to be flexible. We also try to keep it quite simple.
My husband usually goes to one mass- either Holy Thursday or Holy Saturday and I go to the other one. It is a treat for us to be alone with our Lord in a special way. We try and I mean TRY to keep it quiet and calm between 12noon and 3pm by reading, coloring, puzzles or if need be...an easter related theme movie.
We then attend Good Friday liturgy and kiss the cross.
On Holy Saturday, we color our Easter eggs and get our outfits layed out and make sure we have matching socks, clean underwear and undershirts!
Easter morning, we wake up early (thank you children!), check out our easter baskets and get to eat JUST A FEW jelly beans or chocolates then attend an early Mass together. Then we come back and find those hiding easter eggs that the easter bunny left us! So, what are your plans for Holy Week???
I am on the hunt for some EASY and QUICK ideas for the little ones! Thanks!
God bless,
Mary

Today is the day

I knew it was going to happen. I just knew it. But I thought I would have more time than this. But it happened anyway. Now what am I going to do?
What is it, you ask?

What is every Mother's fear that it will happen too soon with her (just!) 2 year old? Besides the #1 answer which is giving up the nap. Thank GOD that is NOT the case, but something that ties in with the nap.

You got it. The crib. My just turned 2- 2 year old- learned how to climb out of his crib this morning! Ahh! What is a mother to do?

This has only happened to one other child of mine-the first one. With that one, it was not a big deal b/c well, there was just not that many kids. At that time I also had a little baby girl who was only about 4-5 months old. So, it was not a big problem.

But, this time is way different...that hour he spends in his crib for down time is also Mommy's teaching time. It is the time where we can concenetrate heavily on certain subjects. The time where I can devote major attention to other little ones, to read a book, color with them or just snuggle.

So, any good ideas out there?
I am really interested in them!!!
I know we will get through this-as we do in all things... but I sure do appreciate any ideas.
Thanks!!!
God bless,
Mary