Hello Ike!

It looks like we may be getting a bit of rain and wind in the next 24 hours or so. Please keep the Texas Gulf Coast in your prayers. This is a pretty serious storm, one the likes that I have yet to "weather" since moving to Houston 20 years ago. Alicia hit 25 years ago, and I was still a Yankee.

I don't normally get worried about storms, rather, I try to enjoy them, but the idea of winds hitting 85 - 110 miles an hour is a tad unnerving. Exactly how does one secure a trampoline anyway?

I expect we will lose power for a few days if not more. If that is the case, we will probably head out on our family retreat a few days early. We are scheduled to head to Colorado next Friday. We may get a bit of a head start on that!

I pray that all of my friends are safe and that the only damage that happens is directed at the abortion facilities (just the building, not the people) in Houston, especially the largest one that is currently being "renovated".

Happy "Labor" Day!

Seven years ago this day, I was in truly in Labor, bringing forth this sweet little face!




Time flies! Especially when you're a fish!

Happy Birthday my sweet little Fish! We love you so much! Your ability to make us laugh with your faces, dance moves, and impressions is amazing. We call you our Drama Boy! One day, that skill will serve you well!


Here is Fish enjoying some of his birthday spoils! Foo is "helping" him build the new space ship!

School's In!

I wasn't sure I was going to be able to get it all done in time, but with a little perseverance, I did get the school stuff together, the bookshelves organized and cleaned, and ready to go for a Monday morning start!

The day went smooth, with the exception of one broken cabinet door. Poor Boo! He opened the door and pushed it a bit to far... SNAP! Our beautiful custom door... broken. The expression on his face was priceless! I'm not sure if he was thinking... "Uh, oh... I'm in BIG trouble" or "What the heck kind of door was that?!!"

No worries, with some snazzy fix-anything type of glue, Mark had it put back together in no time. We'll see if it holds up.

This is a big year in our house. Bean is a senior, complete with all of the anxieties of college=hunting. She'll also be getting her driver's license soon. I don't know if I can take all of this growing up at once!

Fish is making his First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion this year. He'll be 7 in a week! I swear he grew 3 or 4 inches over night.

We are readying for our family retreat in a few weeks. I am looking forward to some restful down time with the kids and Mark. I have a pretty hectic fall schedule shaping up, mostly because of running, this time of quiet reflection is just what my body and soul need right now.

Adjusting myself and the family to my new role as mom, homeschooler, business owner, and working mom, has not been easy. I get frustrated easily when I see things not running as smoothly as I think they should. Mark and the kids are amazing. They help out so much and have such high levels of patience that I am embarrassed at how silly my frustrations really are.

I suffer from lots of Mommy-guilt, inflicted all on my own. Between the busy-ness of the day and my running, I often find myself falling short of my own glory.

Then I hear a little voice... Boo's voice... "Mommy, seat down, seat down!" I told Mark it is though I hear the voice of God speaking to me in that moment. He is trying to tell me to slow down, enjoy the moment. Let the other things wait. Sometimes I can, sometimes I can't. And when I can't it haunts me. When I can, I feel total peace. Almost like when sitting before the blessed sacrament.

Boo doesn't want anything other than for me to sit with him. To watch Blue's Clue's or Oswald with him. To hold him. How could I ever pass that up? I remember doing this with all of the kids. And not many of them want me to hold them quite that way anymore, though they still want me to be with them. The time has passed so quickly. And I know it will continue to do so. I see why people long for grandchildren. So that they can embrace these precious, God-given moments with those we love.

I usually try to have goals such as building a better prayer life, attending Mass during the week, reading more spiritual things, etc. While these are wonderful things and I believe very important, I believe right now, God is calling me to live in the moment. Enjoy the blessings that surround me. Truly enjoy them. Drink them in. Understand that this is all from Him. Sometimes I need big reminders, and sometimes they come in gentle little 2 year old voices...

"Mommy, seat down, seat down!"

Long Over Due Pictorial

The kids are growing so fast this summer, and I've hardly had a moment to sit back and chronicle the days. I had big plans to get some things organized around the house, and while we did tackle the garage (which was 15 years in the making), I haven't quite completed my master closet (another 15 years in the making).

Why we tend to hold onto stuff, I'll never understand. My new motto, if it isn't blessing our life, then it needs to go bless someone else.

I let my dining room table that I have loved for over 20 years go this month. My neighbor didn't have one and I had mine in the garage since November. It made me cry to think it wasn't blessing someone else, but I could not find anyone who wanted it. It was in beautiful condition, and I know it will bring enjoyment to the new owners.

Here is a small sampling of some of what the kids have been up to. Unfortunately, I haven't taken many pictures.

In June, the big highlights were my nephew, Seb, coming to visit

and Bean turning 17...


Three of my favorite guys in the world were at the party, Foo, Uncle Ryan, and Uncle Deo.


Fish decided that perhaps modeling is in his future...




Boo enjoyed his cake and ice cream...


And lest you think his palate is not being properly groomed...


Our sweet little 2nd degree black belt agreed to try something a bit girlie this week. She is enrolled in a friend's ballet camp this week and is going to be in a small production of Peter and the Wolf. Ok, she's still a tomboy at heart, she was cast in the role of Peter...


Hopefully, I'll have more picture to share later. I need to remember to bring the camera!

This Face

What a cute little guy! Hans is doing well, but as always needs our continued prayers. I had to post one of his latest photos because he is just so beautiful!

Comforting Words

One of my current favorite Christian Artists is Aaron Shust. His music,and especially his lyrics, really move me.

I was running this morning and played his album. These words, ones I've heard many times before, really touched me today.


I was lost and I was blind
I was begging for a sign
that someone
Somewhere heard me

As You whispered in the wind
And You shouted in the waves
That You heard me
That You loved me
And I could finally
Stop resisting

You’re Everything I ever wanted
And never knew I needed

You’re Everywhere I ever go

I can’t hide from Your Love anymore

I begin to drop my guard
Faithful as the Morning Star
You show me tender mercy

I’m surrounded by Your beauty
I get lost in Heaven’s
Symphony

It never changes
Never ending
Unrelenting
Why would I want to?
I don’t want to.

The Strength of a Mother

Today was a day that a precious life was celebrated. Hayden O'Brien, just 17 years of age, has left his earthly life and gone on to his eternal one.

The funeral Mass was so beautiful. It was held at the family's parish, St. Mary's. The church is an old country church, originally erected by German immigrants. The inside of the church was so wonderful to see. Special paintings and stencilings throughout the church have been carefully restored to capture the devotion and love of the people who built this church.

The church is very small and might hold 150 - 200 people. There had to be 3 times that many that attended the funeral. Most of us stayed outside for the Mass, some had seats but many of us stood among the Marian gardens that adorned the parish grounds.

It was hot. It was humid. But God provided enough shade and just a slight breeze that made it possible for us to feel comfortable. He is always so good to us.

When I heard of Hayden's death, I found myself asking, "Why?" Why, if God can do anything, why would He let this unspeakable tragedy happen? Why does He let any child, any person suffer? Why does He take babies from their mothers? Mothers and fathers from their young children? Why can't we understand?

I attended the Mass partly looking for an answer perhaps, to some of these questions. I know that there isn't one. I know that we can not possibly understand all of God's plan. And then came Father's homily.

During the eulogy, Father noted that the end of our life on earth is not the end of our life. Our life has changed. We move from our earthly life to our eternal one. Sometimes this happens before we are ready for it to and we feel that we still have so much to say to them, so much to ask them.

After pondering this for awhile, something hit me. If our lives do not end, they merely change, then our relationship with those who die doesn't end; it also changes. It goes from a relationship of the human form to a relationship of the spirit. I suppose it would be similar to when I carried each of my children. I couldn't really speak to them or touch them, though I could feel them moving inside of me. But I could pray with them. I could speak through my heart, without words or even with words, directly to them. There were no interruptions when I spoke with them then. Just as there are now no interruptions when I speak with my mom now. There are no voicemails left for her to answer. I just call on her, I feel her presence, and I begin to share with her in our changed relationship.

I don't ever wish the death of a loved one upon another, because in our humanity, we yearn for a person's touch, their scent, their smile to fill our days, I do find great comfort in this reflection. Life does not end, it changes. Relationships do not end, they change.

After the funeral Mass, Hayden's casket was carried out by several Boy Scouts. It was a very moving scene to witness. They placed his beautiful casket, with images of the twelve apostles at the last supper and the Pieta adorning it, onto a hand-drawn cart which was pulled by the Scouts to the cemetery. We followed behind as we said our final goodbyes to this wonderful young man.

A home-schooled boy. He touched so many lives. I attended the Mass with some home-schooling friends, as this is how we came to know Hayden and his family. As I turned around, I saw a former neighbor that had moved 40 miles away more than 10 years ago and discovered that they knew him through Scouting. Inside the fellowship hall, I saw a running friend whom also knew him through Scouting. Hayden touched many lives. Many that he probably never knew he touched.

As we stood listening to Mass, I overheard some of the folks from the hospital where Hayden's dad works comment that they had grown up Catholic but hadn't been to Church in years, especially not a Catholic one. I witnessed them fall into the comforting traditions that accompany us at each and every Mass, from the sign of the Cross, the the sign of Peace, to the reception of Communion. I saw others who obviously had a very hard time being in any church, and put their feelings aside to be there for their friend during his time of grief.

Afterwards, I had an opportunity to speak with Hayden's mother and she was glowing. While I realize that she hasn't even begun to process what has happened just yet, her faith is amazing. She is trusting in God's plan and though I went to offer my support to her and her family, I found that I am the one that received that support through her faith.

She is an amazing woman and she has the strength of a mother. A very special mother, similar to that of the Blessed Mother. She was comforting those who had come to comfort her. She was mothering those that were coming to mother her.

She spoke of her son with such pride and admiration. I fell in love with him through her, the way that we come to know Christ through His Mother.

I ask you to continue to keep the O'Brien family in your daily prayers as they move through their grief and sorrow.

Trusting in His plan and His mercy!

Sometimes life just doesn't make sense. Why do things happen as they do? This weekend, a truly wonderful family in our homeschooling group lost their eldest son in a drowning accident.

I can't imagine the pain that they are suffering, but I know that God knows this pain. He lost His Son too.

Please pray that this family feels the comfort of our prayers for them. And may Hayden be resting at the feet of Jesus in eternal bliss!

Random Boo-ness

There are so many things that Boo says and does that I hope I never forget, but as history has proven, I know I will.

So in no special order, I will jot down random items of note. Maybe if I was better about blogging, I'd have a better record of these things.



Nose again!


please ignore the awful picture of me and only gaze over the adorable two-year old on my lap!

(Boo gets frequent bloody noses and they used to freak him out. Mark helps to stop the bloody nose with a tp torpedo that is placed in the nostril to absorb the blood. Sounds weird. Looks even weirder! But one time Boo caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror and started cracking up! Now, when ever he gets a bloody nose, instead of crying and screaming, he starts laughing and announces, "Nose Again!" and proceeds to get some tp for daddy.

BADOODOO!
Boo knows all of his letters and numbers by sight and in order when recited. I don't know how or why he happens to have this information, but it is adorable to be at the pool and have him get out, run to the "No Diving" sign and spell it out. The lifeguards are in awe, as am I. He says them all properly with the exception of one letter, "W". He pronounces it "Ba-Doo-doo". I know he'll need to out grow this, but it is so sweet to hear him say that...

When trying to put him to bed, we have to turn around all of the clocks in the room because he reads the numbers of the digital clocks. He'll announce the time over and over again until the time changes and then he'll start all over again. Often he will announce the time backwards. For instance, if it is 9:05, he will say, "5-0-9". So, being the dyslexia freak that I am, I will insist that he say it properly. Instead he argues with me telling me that it is indeed "5-0-9!" I will continue to say, "No, it's 9:05", and then I'll hear, "No, mommy, it's 9:06!" Smarty pants!

The other thing he does with letters and numbers is that he turns them around to make other letters. For instance, "M" becomes "W"; "A" becomes "V". An "E" can become a "3", a "p" can become a "b" or a "q" or a "9". Now this might not be a big deal for most people, but when I recall that he is only 2 years old, it really blows my mind.

One day, Boo and Fish were doing a letter puzzle. Fish announced that Boo knew his letters better than he did! Fish is 6. I am sure this was the catalyst to his sudden interest in learning to read.

I think Boo is considering potty-training. Often he will announce, "PANTS!" when he needs to be changed.

His newest passion is to have his ears cleaned as he is falling asleep. He gets nice and comfy and then as I begin to clean his ears, he drops off to a deep sleep and is out for the night.

Well, since he is currently attempting to hijack the keyboard, I am going to sign off for now.

iord4te5w3ww

Happy Birthday, Bean!

Another year has come and gone and I am starting to feel that bittersweet feeling of watching my daughter grow into a young woman who will be leaving our nest sooner rather than later.

This is what we, as parents, strive for. To raise godly children that desire to go out into the world to serve Him, to serve others, and to be an asset to society.

Bean is all of this and I couldn't be any prouder of her than I am this day.

Happy Birthday my sweet little Bean!

The ABCs- Boo Style

Here is Boo giving a lesson in the ABCs

If you can listen closely, the older children begin quizzing him on other letters using their fingers. See if you can pick up how he says the sound for /W/.

It was Daddy's birthday that we were celebrating!

Happy 13th Birthday!

It seems like just yesterday that we were snuggling on the couch reading books about Pooh and watching sweet videos of Little Bear. Now he's taller than me, makes me (and his little brothers) feel safe and well-taken care of.

Love you, Foo! Happy, happy birthday!

One of my inspirations

Our First Information Night!

Thank you to Homewood Christian Association for allowing us to have a table for The Woodlands Learning Center at their information night last night.

We had a wonderful time meeting many people, most of them homeschoolers or homeschoolers-to-be.

Lazy day with the ducks

Hans is Free and Clear!!

For those of you who have been praying for Hans... I just had to share his news!

The strength of the human spirit never ceases to amaze me. Not only has this family had to deal with a very aggressive and rare form of childhood cancer, they have raised money for the cause! Bake sales and fund raisers. Just when I think my plate can't get any fuller, I read about these types of folks and almost get embarrassed at my own weaknesses.

Hans is so special to me. I've never met him in person. They live in my community. We run in some of the same circles. But the prayers and support that we have offered still help. He was the reason for my first 5K. I still think of him when I run. He is an inspiration to us all...

Another First

As Boo grows older, the "firsts" of his life grow fewer, but the other day, he drew his first real picture. I stood in amazement as this blessing from God drew "BobJoe" aka Bob and Larry, with Larry as Little Joe. (Veggie Tales)











Next he drew a Choo Choo Train!



More precious than ever...

Recent Fishisms

I was enjoying my new perfume and actually put some on for no good reason. When I came downstairs Fish asked...

"Mommy, are you going to church?"

I replied, "No..."

"You smell like you are!"



Today, we were talking about what he read about Ben Franklin with his dad. He began to tell me about all kinds of things that Mr. Franklin was known for. At one point he mentioned that he was a printer. He narrated that he worked for his brother who was very mean to him and then Ben Franklin printed his own things and they were the best! I asked him if he could remember Ben's "printing name."

Fish responded, "No, I can't remember."
Trying to give him a clue I said, "Poor..."
Fish: "printer?"
Me: "no"
Fish: "ben?"
Me: "no"
Fish: "poor...celin??"

I didn't know Mr. Franklin was so closely connected with the commode!

I honestly don't know where he comes up with this stuff!

To My Favorite Decade

Happy Birthday, Lem! We can't believe that you are 10 years old this day!
You are so beautiful, inside and out! We are blessed that you have been loaned to us by God. Don't ever forget how precious you are to us and to all who know you.

Lent Begins

The season of Lent holds great meaning for me. I love this time of repentance and sacrifice. While I realize that we are called to live this way all of the time, being human in nature,(most of the time), I find it comforting that God helps us to recall our baptismal call through the season of Lent. How merciful He is to give us this concentrated time of sacrifice and repentance.

As we begin this time in our Liturgical Year, I pray that each of you hear what He is calling you to. I also ask that you remember sweet baby K. She is the angel that I recently asked you to pray for.

K was born on Jan 30th. She was about to be discharged to go home when the doctors discovered something was not quite right with her heart. K has a condition called Tetralogy of Fallot. She also has an additional problem with her pulmonary artery. Currently she is in a wonderful Children's Hospital where they are doing everything they can to help her. I firmly believe that K will be just fine, but I will continue to ask for your prayers for her, for her doctors, for her family, including her twin brothers, her mother, and her father. I especially ask for your prayers for Dad as he is struggling with the "whys" and feeling of powerlessness, as well as issues of faith. I know that God is calling him into a closer relationship with Him. I pray that Dad can hear the call and find the comfort of His love, peace, and mercy that He has for him.

Reading for Ash Wednesday can be found here.