Saturday, April 28, 2007
Busy month!
I just realized that I have living proof that April was a very busy month for us. My April photo folder has 500 pictures in it!!!!!!!!!!!
Friday, April 27, 2007
Happy Birthday, Foo!
12 years ago we were blessed with our first son. I thank God everyday for him. He is growing into such a wonderful young man!
This past year has seen him change from a little boy to a very adult-sounding man. After his tonsillectomy, his voice became very deep and he grew at least 6 inches. I sometimes mistake him for my husband!
We celebrated the day by continuing our hunt for dew berries and we were quite successful. I think we picked about 3 - 4 pounds today. We'll hunt for more tomorrow and Sunday.
Then we headed to our local Frisbee Golf park with some of Foo's friends and family. The weather was glorious and the company was even better!
We couldn't be more proud of our Foo. He is an amazing person that inspires me everyday to try be a better mom.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
The Truth Revisited
Things are much better around here this week. Boo seems to be feeling better now and believe me, when baby feels better, everyone feels better.
We were beginning to get concerned about his speech, or lack thereof, and actually had a speech eval scheduled for today. Speech delays are not uncommon in this house. My last three babies before Foo had them, and thankfully they are doing well now.
Nevertheless, we felt it might be prudent to explore exactly how delayed Boo is and if we could take measures to prevent further delay.
Well, this weekend, Boo surprised me by saying "No!" a few times. He also said wow, ball, poopie, and mama. He has only until this point said "light", "bye-bye", and mama when he is mad!
Today, he even pointed to his nose when asked where it was! Very cute, very sweet, but totally not able to be caught on the camera. You'll just have to take my word for it.... LOL
So with the kids a bit happier, mommy is a bit less-stressed. Foo was going to make a nice breakfast for me because he thought that might help my mood a bit. Just the thought of him worrying about me like that melted me heart.
All of the kids have really tried to pitch in and help with things around here. Honestly, I am so grateful for all that they do. They really are the best children and I am blessed to be their mother.
Along with great kids, and a wonderful husband who stands by me always, I've had great friends that have checked in on me, emailed me with supportive and encouraging words, and stayed out till way to late drinking coffee and making me laugh!
Thank you to all of you. I have heard His voice through your actions.
We were beginning to get concerned about his speech, or lack thereof, and actually had a speech eval scheduled for today. Speech delays are not uncommon in this house. My last three babies before Foo had them, and thankfully they are doing well now.
Nevertheless, we felt it might be prudent to explore exactly how delayed Boo is and if we could take measures to prevent further delay.
Well, this weekend, Boo surprised me by saying "No!" a few times. He also said wow, ball, poopie, and mama. He has only until this point said "light", "bye-bye", and mama when he is mad!
Today, he even pointed to his nose when asked where it was! Very cute, very sweet, but totally not able to be caught on the camera. You'll just have to take my word for it.... LOL
So with the kids a bit happier, mommy is a bit less-stressed. Foo was going to make a nice breakfast for me because he thought that might help my mood a bit. Just the thought of him worrying about me like that melted me heart.
All of the kids have really tried to pitch in and help with things around here. Honestly, I am so grateful for all that they do. They really are the best children and I am blessed to be their mother.
Along with great kids, and a wonderful husband who stands by me always, I've had great friends that have checked in on me, emailed me with supportive and encouraging words, and stayed out till way to late drinking coffee and making me laugh!
Thank you to all of you. I have heard His voice through your actions.
Proud Mom
The kids headed out this past weekend for a nearby tournament. They all did so well and I am so very proud of each of them!
Bean - 1st in Forms and made an awesome Judge!
Foo - 1st in Power breaking and also made an awesome Judge!
Lem - 1st in Speed kicking, 3rd in Forms, and 3rd in Power Breaking, not too mention she was a great time-keeper for sparring rounds.
Fish- brought home 3 medals for speed kicking and creative forms!
I was not able to attend so their wonderful father took some pictures for me... about 200 to be exact!
Here are a few pictures to enjoy from the day.
Fish, being Fish..
Foo helping with Judging
Lem, showing some of her form
Bean and some of her form ( Iwish we could capture more of the moves, but the camera can't keep up with the speed)
Here's Foo, receiving his medal for his Power breaking demonstration.
Bean - 1st in Forms and made an awesome Judge!
Foo - 1st in Power breaking and also made an awesome Judge!
Lem - 1st in Speed kicking, 3rd in Forms, and 3rd in Power Breaking, not too mention she was a great time-keeper for sparring rounds.
Fish- brought home 3 medals for speed kicking and creative forms!
I was not able to attend so their wonderful father took some pictures for me... about 200 to be exact!
Here are a few pictures to enjoy from the day.
Fish, being Fish..
Foo helping with Judging
Lem, showing some of her form
Bean and some of her form ( Iwish we could capture more of the moves, but the camera can't keep up with the speed)
Here's Foo, receiving his medal for his Power breaking demonstration.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Happy Birthdays!
To two of our favorite people, who just happen to be sisters!! We love you God Baby and Miss Iss!
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
The Truth
Ok, so remember a few days ago, when I posted a little post about how God sanctifies us through our children? Remember I told you to remind me about what I said? Well, today's the day!
The truth in our home this week. YUCK! Schooling is minimal at best. The baby hasn't been feeling well and therefore he has been quite irritable, cranky, and miserable... and this is the good side!
I took him in to the doctor today and he does not have any infections, so we get to just wait this one out. He was almost weaned, but now he wants to nurse more than I can handle. If I walk by, it's time to nurse. If he sees a picture of me, it's time to nurse. The problem is, after a few months of only nursing 2 times per day, I don't have much to offer on all of these other occasions.
Now, as a result of being up with a cranky baby, I'm quite cranky and starting to feel quite run down. Stuffy, runny nose, feverish, you know... generally yucky, but still not yucky enough to call in reinforcements.
Fish is in rare form these days, and obeying me is obviously an optional item. I try not to discipline too much when I feel this bad because it usually isn't a very just punishment. Tonight, he put himself in the corner. Even he is recognizing how bad he's being right now.
I know that these days will pass. I know that when they do, we'll be back to normal, whatever that is. I don't think I've ever seen a "normal" week around here.
In the meantime, remind me again... I am called to this life. I am called to sainthood. My children are my path to holiness... boy do I have some work to do.
The truth in our home this week. YUCK! Schooling is minimal at best. The baby hasn't been feeling well and therefore he has been quite irritable, cranky, and miserable... and this is the good side!
I took him in to the doctor today and he does not have any infections, so we get to just wait this one out. He was almost weaned, but now he wants to nurse more than I can handle. If I walk by, it's time to nurse. If he sees a picture of me, it's time to nurse. The problem is, after a few months of only nursing 2 times per day, I don't have much to offer on all of these other occasions.
Now, as a result of being up with a cranky baby, I'm quite cranky and starting to feel quite run down. Stuffy, runny nose, feverish, you know... generally yucky, but still not yucky enough to call in reinforcements.
Fish is in rare form these days, and obeying me is obviously an optional item. I try not to discipline too much when I feel this bad because it usually isn't a very just punishment. Tonight, he put himself in the corner. Even he is recognizing how bad he's being right now.
I know that these days will pass. I know that when they do, we'll be back to normal, whatever that is. I don't think I've ever seen a "normal" week around here.
In the meantime, remind me again... I am called to this life. I am called to sainthood. My children are my path to holiness... boy do I have some work to do.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Happy Half Birthday, Boo!
Today marks 18 months since you entered the world. What a mark you have made, little one!
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Are any of us "Qualified?"
Lillian had a wonderful post today that really gave me something to think about. I wrote this response to her and thought that perhaps I should post it here as well. Not for any other reason other than for a few moments today, I had a rational, somewhat spiritual thought inbetween leaky diapers, children who won't get ready for school, and a very full day that I am quite anxious about. Remind me about this post later, when I need it, OK??
You can read her post here.
God has called us to be mothers to our families. He has blessed us with the families that we have. Why? Not because we are qualified, but because He will qualify us to be their mothers. He will hand us the grace that we need as we need it. And sometimes, He watches us struggle because it is exactly what we need to grow.
A very wise lady once told me that the big secret in homeschooling is that sure, it is great for the kids, but truely, it is our path to sanctification! Every day we must die to ourselves, become "little Christs" to our families, and because we are human, we sometimes, or in my case, we often fall short of His glory.
Therein lies the beauty of our vocation. Our children, our husbands, see us as human. They see that we are not perfect and we sometimes lose our patience. Then they, as we have modeled towards them so many times, have the opportunity to forgive us as we humble ourselves and ask for their forgiveness. It is their opportunity to be "little Christs" to us.
#2 - Common sense can't be taught? I must tell you, it has to be! My children have learned much about common sense, sometimes the easy way, sometimes the hard. Fish, for example, had to learn that it is not good to eat glass. It is not good to pull down a cup of hot tea onto yourself. It is not good to go check out the fire ant's house... The older children have learned things like, make sure to ALWAYS watch the baby and DON'T let him near the stairs, always put your money in a wallet, don't buy junk, and even more difficult common sense lessons such as, don't drink, don't use drugs, don't have premarital sex, etc...
Common sense is learned. Sometimes through watching others, sometimes through personal experience. As the mothers of these precious souls, we try to teach them all that we can and then we must let go, trust in God and His angels, and PRAY, PRAY, PRAY. Free will exists even in the youngest of souls.
We are called to become saints, we are called to act as Christ, but we will usually mess up somewhere along the way. Only then can we grow in our path to holiness. Holiness doesn't come from always doing everything right. It comes from doing things wrong over and over, and gradually, over time, through many sessions of reconcilliation and constant prayer, do we begin to become more holy.
In the meantime, stock up on bandaids, fill the medicine cabinet with Benadryl, peroxide, gauze, owie creams, great friends and families phone numbers, and most importantly, prayers.
And remember, as I read on another blog somewhere along the way, to kiss the hands of our children each day. After all, these are the children who will open the gates of Heaven for us.
And I'm betting Kolbe won't try to catch bees ever again... One more thing, to all you moms out there this is just for the record... I yelled at my kids three times during the writing of this post, no one, including myself is dressed for the day nor have we started school work, and it is 9:40 am. Good thing there is confession on Saturday!!
You can read her post here.
God has called us to be mothers to our families. He has blessed us with the families that we have. Why? Not because we are qualified, but because He will qualify us to be their mothers. He will hand us the grace that we need as we need it. And sometimes, He watches us struggle because it is exactly what we need to grow.
A very wise lady once told me that the big secret in homeschooling is that sure, it is great for the kids, but truely, it is our path to sanctification! Every day we must die to ourselves, become "little Christs" to our families, and because we are human, we sometimes, or in my case, we often fall short of His glory.
Therein lies the beauty of our vocation. Our children, our husbands, see us as human. They see that we are not perfect and we sometimes lose our patience. Then they, as we have modeled towards them so many times, have the opportunity to forgive us as we humble ourselves and ask for their forgiveness. It is their opportunity to be "little Christs" to us.
#2 - Common sense can't be taught? I must tell you, it has to be! My children have learned much about common sense, sometimes the easy way, sometimes the hard. Fish, for example, had to learn that it is not good to eat glass. It is not good to pull down a cup of hot tea onto yourself. It is not good to go check out the fire ant's house... The older children have learned things like, make sure to ALWAYS watch the baby and DON'T let him near the stairs, always put your money in a wallet, don't buy junk, and even more difficult common sense lessons such as, don't drink, don't use drugs, don't have premarital sex, etc...
Common sense is learned. Sometimes through watching others, sometimes through personal experience. As the mothers of these precious souls, we try to teach them all that we can and then we must let go, trust in God and His angels, and PRAY, PRAY, PRAY. Free will exists even in the youngest of souls.
We are called to become saints, we are called to act as Christ, but we will usually mess up somewhere along the way. Only then can we grow in our path to holiness. Holiness doesn't come from always doing everything right. It comes from doing things wrong over and over, and gradually, over time, through many sessions of reconcilliation and constant prayer, do we begin to become more holy.
In the meantime, stock up on bandaids, fill the medicine cabinet with Benadryl, peroxide, gauze, owie creams, great friends and families phone numbers, and most importantly, prayers.
And remember, as I read on another blog somewhere along the way, to kiss the hands of our children each day. After all, these are the children who will open the gates of Heaven for us.
And I'm betting Kolbe won't try to catch bees ever again... One more thing, to all you moms out there this is just for the record... I yelled at my kids three times during the writing of this post, no one, including myself is dressed for the day nor have we started school work, and it is 9:40 am. Good thing there is confession on Saturday!!
Monday, April 09, 2007
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Easter 2007
Happy Easter to each and every one of you! May you feel the joy of Our Risen Lord today and every day!
What a glorious day it was, indeed. Some of us were concerned because the weather was looking pretty unpleasant, especially if you are interested in an egg hunt. But our prayers were answered this morning when we awoke to the beautiful sunshine, not a drop of rain to be had, and unseasonably cold temperatures. We loved the snap of cold in the air, though our Easter donnings were more appropriate for 80 degree weather. We still dressed for church and headed out with our winter coats in hand.
The Mass was beautiful. Fr. Jo-Jo was amazing. His homily was directly from his heart and as he told us, he was inspired to give his homily without writing it out. It was so beautiful, so heartfelt, and so genuine. He is such an amazing priest. I feel so blessed to have him at our parish. Honestly, all of our priests are very holy men and have such a great way of bringing the Good News of Christ to us in his unique style.
We were able to snap a few pictures at church while we were still dressed in "nice" clothes. It is so hard to get a picture now-a-days, with all of the kids together. Of course, Alicia wasn't with us, so technically, not ALL of the kids are in the pictures. I hope MC posts them soon!
Then we headed home to change and gather up the goods for our afternoon with family, family, and more family! We just love to be together!
The kids had a great time hunting eggs, and the adults had great fun hiding them. We enjoyed the fellowship of one another, each of us so grateful for the time we have with one another. Of course, many of us broke our Lenten penances and indulged in a variety of sweets, meats, and other yummy treats! I ate enough sugar to last me quite awhile! It was all so delicious, how could I say no? I think the thing I enjoyed most of all was having a cup of Calm tea with honey. I am sipping on it as I post this now. It is so warm, soothing, and sweet. I should sleep well tonight.
I am sure there must be a marathon Mah-Jong party going on right now! The adults need to earn money towards next year's eggs!
Here are a few shots from the day! I hope you enjoy them!
Fish and his BIG bunny!
Enjoying the morning
Dad and his son Foo
Giving Thanks to God
Foo and Alicia
Boo finding his first egg
Gotta love the godbaby! Her first Easter!
Yes, these are my daughters, no you can not have them!! LOL
Papa and his Bean
Mommy and her Boo
Sisterly Love
The best husband in the world
Our wonderful hosts for the day
Uncle Kev and baby Boo
What a glorious day it was, indeed. Some of us were concerned because the weather was looking pretty unpleasant, especially if you are interested in an egg hunt. But our prayers were answered this morning when we awoke to the beautiful sunshine, not a drop of rain to be had, and unseasonably cold temperatures. We loved the snap of cold in the air, though our Easter donnings were more appropriate for 80 degree weather. We still dressed for church and headed out with our winter coats in hand.
The Mass was beautiful. Fr. Jo-Jo was amazing. His homily was directly from his heart and as he told us, he was inspired to give his homily without writing it out. It was so beautiful, so heartfelt, and so genuine. He is such an amazing priest. I feel so blessed to have him at our parish. Honestly, all of our priests are very holy men and have such a great way of bringing the Good News of Christ to us in his unique style.
We were able to snap a few pictures at church while we were still dressed in "nice" clothes. It is so hard to get a picture now-a-days, with all of the kids together. Of course, Alicia wasn't with us, so technically, not ALL of the kids are in the pictures. I hope MC posts them soon!
Then we headed home to change and gather up the goods for our afternoon with family, family, and more family! We just love to be together!
The kids had a great time hunting eggs, and the adults had great fun hiding them. We enjoyed the fellowship of one another, each of us so grateful for the time we have with one another. Of course, many of us broke our Lenten penances and indulged in a variety of sweets, meats, and other yummy treats! I ate enough sugar to last me quite awhile! It was all so delicious, how could I say no? I think the thing I enjoyed most of all was having a cup of Calm tea with honey. I am sipping on it as I post this now. It is so warm, soothing, and sweet. I should sleep well tonight.
I am sure there must be a marathon Mah-Jong party going on right now! The adults need to earn money towards next year's eggs!
Here are a few shots from the day! I hope you enjoy them!
Fish and his BIG bunny!
Enjoying the morning
Dad and his son Foo
Giving Thanks to God
Foo and Alicia
Boo finding his first egg
Gotta love the godbaby! Her first Easter!
Yes, these are my daughters, no you can not have them!! LOL
Papa and his Bean
Mommy and her Boo
Sisterly Love
The best husband in the world
Our wonderful hosts for the day
Uncle Kev and baby Boo
Fish - A self-portrait
Tonight, I decided to upload the pictures from our wonderful family celebration of Our Resurrected Lord when I happened upon these treasures from our Fish...
I'm so glad he doesn't listen to me when I ask him not to touch my camera...
He is a cutie, and these were obviously taken before his hair cut!
I just have to wonder what exactly goes through his mind when he is doing this stuff...
I mean seriously... what is he thinking??
I guess this is his impression of the "angry eyebrows"...
Ok... maybe not so angry...
This one is totally out of focus, but I didn't feel I could leave the "artist's" message incomplete.
I'm so glad he doesn't listen to me when I ask him not to touch my camera...
He is a cutie, and these were obviously taken before his hair cut!
I just have to wonder what exactly goes through his mind when he is doing this stuff...
I mean seriously... what is he thinking??
I guess this is his impression of the "angry eyebrows"...
Ok... maybe not so angry...
This one is totally out of focus, but I didn't feel I could leave the "artist's" message incomplete.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Just for Aunt MC
Because I know how much you love frogs, these are for you... if you look very closely, you can see a mosquito hawk's leg sticking out of his mouth. It was dinner-time after all!
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Nature Study
**** Snail Update - the snails have been identified, thanks to Mamabear! See below***
We've had a few chance moments of nature study over the last few weeks. I love having the availability of the digital camera because usually the things we find don't stay still long enough for us to sketch them. Also, those of us with less than wonderful art skills really appreciate not having to humiliate ourselves...
One night, a tree frog paid us a visit. We had to take this picture. He was adorable. What was even more interesting was watching him catch his dinner and then watching him eat it!
Here, we thought we had the privilege of seeing a Peregrine Falcon's nest, but rather, it was a Mockingbird's nest with a Peregrine Falcon raiding the eggs! We were able to capture video of the Mockingbirds attacking the Falcon. It was really amazing. We aren't sure if any of the eggs survived...
A visitor to our home discovered this lovely site! I have never seen these types of snails here...
We just loved the way they were hugging each other! I know nothing about snails. If anyone could identify these for me, I would appreciate it!
Thanks to Mamabear, we now know that these are called "Rosy Wolf Snails." You can read more about them here.
I don't recommend reading about them during lunch...
On Sunday evening, I found this beautiful Luna Moth on our front door. Monday morning, he was sitting on our chair on the front porch. He eventually found his way into our home and his flapping wings were as loud as a bird's! Thankfully, we were able help him back outside without any injury.
We are looking forward to more adventures in our yard this year! Hopefully we may even get in a nature walk or two...
We've had a few chance moments of nature study over the last few weeks. I love having the availability of the digital camera because usually the things we find don't stay still long enough for us to sketch them. Also, those of us with less than wonderful art skills really appreciate not having to humiliate ourselves...
One night, a tree frog paid us a visit. We had to take this picture. He was adorable. What was even more interesting was watching him catch his dinner and then watching him eat it!
Here, we thought we had the privilege of seeing a Peregrine Falcon's nest, but rather, it was a Mockingbird's nest with a Peregrine Falcon raiding the eggs! We were able to capture video of the Mockingbirds attacking the Falcon. It was really amazing. We aren't sure if any of the eggs survived...
A visitor to our home discovered this lovely site! I have never seen these types of snails here...
We just loved the way they were hugging each other! I know nothing about snails. If anyone could identify these for me, I would appreciate it!
Thanks to Mamabear, we now know that these are called "Rosy Wolf Snails." You can read more about them here.
I don't recommend reading about them during lunch...
On Sunday evening, I found this beautiful Luna Moth on our front door. Monday morning, he was sitting on our chair on the front porch. He eventually found his way into our home and his flapping wings were as loud as a bird's! Thankfully, we were able help him back outside without any injury.
We are looking forward to more adventures in our yard this year! Hopefully we may even get in a nature walk or two...
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Latest Fishism
Upon flipping a dime into the air....
"Mom, do you want Human or fire trees??"
go ahead... go look at a dime...
"Mom, do you want Human or fire trees??"
go ahead... go look at a dime...
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