4th of July 2009

Finally, pictures of our Award Winning Tee's!! A lady at the parade was so impressed and thought I should sell them next year. LOL!!! If only she knew how "easy" painting tee shirts can be with a baby, 3yo, 6yo, 7 yo, 9 yo and a 11 yo? We had friends over to "help." They brought over a baby, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, and two 10 yo's.

I don't think we'll be going into business anytime soon! LOL!!

Marching in our neighborhood parade,

the kids sang "You're a Grand Old Flag," "National Anthem,"

"America the Beautiful," and "Erie Canal."

Guess who won Most Patriotic??

*big wide grin*

The kids were a hit and had an encore at the park. They've also been booked for our neighborhood Winter Wonderland Festival. I guess I'm their agent now?

Painting Patriotic Tees

Big thank you to Charlotte for the timely advance notice. We finally got around to making our own 4th of July tees. Once they're dry I'll have the kids show them off. This has been a tradition I've been after for a while now. More pics to come, including some of our traditional flag cake that we've been doing for years now!!

Feast Day of St. Josemaria Escriva

Today is the feast day of one of my favorite saints, St. JoseMaria Escriva. Tonight we will be going to a special mass to celebrate his feast day.

To find a local mass celebrating St. Josemaria's feast day click here.

“Let's not deceive ourselves: in our life we will find vigor and victory and depression and defeat. This has always been true of the earthly pilgrimage of Christians, even of those we venerate on the altars. Do you remember Peter, Augustine, or Francis? I have never liked biographies of saints which naïvely — but also with a lack of sound doctrine — present their deeds as if they had been confirmed in grace from birth. No. The true life stories of Christian heroes resemble our own experience: they fought and won; they fought and lost. And then, repentant, they returned to the fray.”

-St. Josemaria Escriva

Great Swim Meet

I just got back from Austin an hour ago. Isabelle swam her best Long Course ever! She dropped 10 seconds on both her 100 freestyle and 50 backstroke. And she dropped 3.5 seconds on her 50 breast. WOOHOO!!

I am so happy for her. It was such a confident booster when she came out of the water to find she had dropped 10 seconds on her freestyle. That definitely set the tone for her attitude the rest of the day.

Craig is always telling her to get "Your head in the game!" Today I think she really felt great and feels better about herself. She's been feeling a little down lately that she's been unable to drop her times.

I went online and searched about a bit and found some great articles and power point presentations from ....... The Woodlands Swim Team!!!! LOL!! Isabelle says she did everything they said and she's convinced it made a difference. The biggest piece of advice that helped: "Eat to train, don't train to eat!!" I could take that to heart, too! ;-)

I also bought her some teen vitamins with iron. And have been keeping up with her asthma medicine. We tend to get lax when she's feeling better.

Yeah Isabelle!!! I'm so happy for you today!

How does Facebook work?

Anyone? Anyone? I'm clueless as to how to use it and why. And yet I see that everyone has a facebook page/website/account ... whatever. What is it? Why do you like it? Do you use it often? More than blogging? Or email?

I feel like such a dinosaur! I still remember when I had a problem with Yahoo groups. I was so resistant to join my homeschooling's Yahoo group back in "the woods." I finally had to because people were getting tired of calling me! LOL!!

Am I missing out on something by not doing Facebook? Please do share!

Random Thoughts

I know I've been quiet lately. Last week on Monday our air conditioner broke. Isabelle started complaining on Tuesday that the right side of her abdomen hurt. On Wednesday, after seeing our family doc, I took her to the ER. He couldn't rule out appendicitis without a CT scan.

Several hours later we headed home with the prognosis that she had a gastrointestinal virus. Personally, I was afraid she was maybe experiencing cramps of the feminine kind. I would have hated for this to have been how she would be introduced to her cycles. Craig was out of town and ready to hop on a flight home if they were going to operate.

As for Isabelle, she said she was hoping to have a few days in the hospital and would I please get her a private room. She also enjoyed the wheelchair ride. She did NOT like getting an i.v.

My diabetic father had a horrible foot infection. We were fearing the worst. So far the antibiotics are working. I vow to get all my excess weight off. Notice I haven't posted any weight loss. That's because there hasn't been any. *frustrating*

The last week and a half has been spent either at the pool or at my mom-in-laws. The downstairs was unbearable ..... until today. When we woke up I thought the house was freezing!! Its amazing how one's perception changes of what is and is not tolerable after doing without.

Anyways, all this to say I've missed blogging and reading blogs. But my time and my plans have not been my own.

Today at mass Father said that we need to become more pure of heart so that we can pray "Thy will be done." He said God always answers our prayers with a YES or a NO. And that we need to pray to be able to accept the NO's. That's somewhat hard for me to live. I mean, I'm all for accepting God's will as long as it doesn't hurt or make me sad ......... I obviously have a long way to go. ;-)

Last week our neighbor's wife died after a long battle with cancer. My heart goes out to him. He's now by himself in his big house. I think of him often when I feel like I'm going to go crazy from all the noise and chaos. I need to remember that I am thankful for 6 loud voices and toys/clothes/shoes/bags/books/magazines/swimsuits/towels scattered everywhere. I really am. I can't imagine his loneliness and keeping busy as I see him doing. He looks like he's fired his lawn service because he's out doing yard work everyday.

I spoke with him at the pool (for the first time) last week. I didn't know what I was going to say to him but I didn't want to ignore him, either. He ended up talking to me for over 20 mins.

I baked him some bread in my new convection oven but it turned out burnt. Either convection ovens are over-rated or I'm an idiot when it comes to operating fancy equipment. My Craig is the sweetest and bought me a stainless steel Electrolux double oven. I'm sure he was expecting better meals. So far I've cooked dried meatloaf, burnt bread, overcooked pizza and hard cookies.

I need more practice.

Last week and the beginning of this week were not what I had planned. Thy will be done.

The Napping House

Summer swimming is slowly becoming a family tradition. This is our 3rd year now. While Isabelle and Anna do year-round swimming, summer team involves the entire family. I HAVE to go down to the pool and sit in the sun while Kolbe & Sophia practice/play. Catherine enjoys wading in the sun and Baby Veronica naps or smiles for the entire 1 1/2 hours.

While I'm not an outdoors type mom, I really want my kids outside as much as possible., And so, I've learned to enjoy parks and hot summer days at the pool. But I'll let you in on a secret.

The reasons I like my kids to be outside are for the peace and quiet I get when their exhausted bodies need a rest!! Ulterior motives, I've always got some! ;-)

BTW, I don't make my kids take naps in their beds. I have a "take a nap wherever you collapse" policy that has worked well for us the past 6 years or so. The sofa seems to be most every one's favorite place ... except Catherine. She prefers the floor or the stairs. I stress alot less when I let them sleep wherever they want. If they do take a nap in bed, its usally mine!!

I know, I know. Kids need a regular nap schedule in their own beds. I didn't always used to be like this. But now that the kids are getting older and I'm getting busier, nap time has slowly evolved into an on-need basis without any help from me.

My kids are pretty happy and well rested. If only I could go back and tell the mommy from my young-er years to chill out over nap time. I never would have believed over 10 years ago that I would be so laissez-faire about naps. NEVER!!! LOL!!

1st Summer Swim Meet

This past Saturday was our first neighborhood swim meet. My personal swim team has grown and I can now boast of 4 little fish: Isabelle, Anna, Sophia and Kolbe.

Here is our "honorary" swim team member, Catherine, who daily readies herself for playing in the baby pool:

Here is my newest swimmer, Kolbe!!! The first picture is him sporting his new goggles. The second is of him "upset" that he has to wear a cap. LOL!!

Isabelle swimming the butterfly:

One of these swimmers is not like the others

One of these swimmers just doesn't belong

Can you tell which swimmer is not like the others

By the time I finish my song?

Top left: Kolbe swimming freestyle. Middle Right: Anna swimming freestyle.

Bottom Center: Sophia swimming freestyle

*Actually he does belong!!

Near the end

Our school year is almost done. All of us are ready to quit. There's no one here to stop us from stopping. We could just close our books and call today the last day. Soooooooooooo tempting!

Please pardon my absence. I'm trying to hold out for as long as possible. At least long enough to finish our assessments and testing.

It doesn't help that we took last Thursday off to go to the zoo AND yesterday to go to Sea World.

For me the hardest part of homeschooling is the last few weeks. Seeing the school kids finishing makes me wish we had a definite end time. But, alas, we've always finished after school kids and after we're done with our subjects. Some subjects (like math, science & history) are already done. Other subjects (like English, Latin, Spelling, and Geography) are not. Do you see a trend as to which subjects are our favorite and which we get behind?

In my defense, I've enjoyed all our field trips. But next year my school year resolution is to hit week 16 a full 2 weeks before Christmas. That means we would have to start by August 17th. And not miss one week at all! LOL!! I think I'll start next school year August 10th and be ecstatic if we reach week 14 before Christmas. That means we could still finish the school year (including a spring break) BEFORE the end of May!!!!!!!!!

LOL!! Every year I plan out this perfect year. And every year I reach June with school work still being done. *sigh*

Back to grading and tutoring and reading aloud and spelling tests and locating countries and translating ..................... The other week Isabelle translated as follows:

habitatis: you all live INSTEAD OF you (pl) live

LOL!! Only in Texas!

OK! Now I really am leaving to get back to work. Nice chatting with you!

May Crowning Cake

Tonight we celebrated a May Crowning with some families. We prayed the rosary and then enjoyed snacks. I volunteered to bring the cake and ... tada .... this is how it came out. At the last minute I ran over to my mom-in-laws and she made some roses for me. I've always wanted to do a rosary cake!! I finally got the chance! BTW, those are M&M's!!

* On a side note: I had a great time and really enjoyed myself with these ladies. I always do. Unfortunately, they don't live on my side of town but I'm not going to let that be such an obstacle anymore. Thank you so much for your supportive comments and heartfelt prayers!! I wish I could get together with all of you IRL!!! The private emails made me feel so loved. The reminder to lean heavily on my Lord was just what I needed to hear! Love you!!

Happy 9th Birthday, Anna!!

Anna celebrated her 9th birthday this past Friday. She had a slumber party with a few friends and had a grand time!! The girls enjoyed pizza, chocolate covered strawberries and mini-sodas. They watched Hotel for Dogs and The Apple Dumpling Gang. For their craft/party favor, they made Marian Grottos.

A great time was had by all!!!

Anna, you're an amazing girl! You're so sensitive and sweet and thoughtful. You have an easy smile and get along with everyone. May God continue to bless you on your journey. I love you, sweetie!!

*sigh*

Today was a wonderful day so why am I feeling like I need to start my day over?

Some days I wish I could just move back to be near my dear friends and join my old groups. I hate this business of trying to "get into" the "right" groups. I feel like I see people everyday but I'm somehow missing or walking past my best friend. Where are you? I've been here two years already? I need you to find me quick. I can't join anymore groups in search of you. I need you to love my family with mostly girls. I need you to be happy and laid back and fun. But most importantly, I need you now!!!

Too bad there isn't an Ave Maria for Mommies to find their best friend (well, second to my dh). I get the feeling that wherever she is, she's just as busy as I am and hasn't run into me yet.

I'm so tired. I just miss my friends that I can call at a moments notice. I miss those soft shoulders to cry on. I miss the late night chats and the laughing. I just miss my friends.

I feel like I'm in grade school again.

Anyways, off to another "meeting" in search of a kindred spirit.

*sigh*

Monday Update

Well, I kept some of my resolutions. I read to Catherine.

Kolbe and Sophia listened to Ferdinand before the telephone interrupted our reading. I forgot to go back and finish our pile of books. *sigh*

I'll share a funny Catherine story. After the rest of the kids had gone to bed, I sat to read to Catherine. She had spent the afternoon at my mom-in-law's and had taken a long, late nap so she was WIDE awake at bedtime.

I read her books that were probably above her level but she likes the pictures and sits still. I read Millions of Cats, Pretzel, The Gingerbread Boy and The Little Red Hen. I enjoy reading these over little board books.

Anyways, the last book was The Little Red Hen. When we got to the end she asked me why the dog was so sad .......

Catherine: Why is the dog so sad?
Me: Why is he?

Catherine: Why is he sad?
Me: Because the Little Red Hen wouldn't let him eat the cake.

Catherine (pausing): I'll give him cake. I'll give cake for the dog. Why does he want to be so mean? I'll give cake for the dog. Can I give him cake?

Obviously, Catherine didn't get the lesson the Little Red Hen was trying to teach!! I wonder if the dog, cat, and mouse got the lesson. I feel like the Little Red Hen might be my kindred spirit. ;-)

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Today was the first day of swim team for our neighborhood. Kolbe will be on the team for the 1st time this year. And Anna has said she wants to try some swim meets!! We'll see if she follows through on her own! I promise to resist the urge to push her off the block. LOL!!

My scale wasn't nice to me this morning. I'll blame it on traveling and not drinking enough water. I wonder if I can join swim team?

Happy Mother's Day!

Blessings to all you dear mothers!!

I had a wonderful day with my family. After mass we went to lunch and then to visit my mom-in-law and mom. Craig hung up pictures and fixed little things around the house. Little tasks that aren't important but meant alot to me (i.e., light bulb in pantry, fixed toilet paper holder, lowered pictures and mirrors, hung up new pictures, new hepa filter, etc.).

He also gave me much needed Mary Kay products. I am one that will go for months after I've run out. I had mentioned to my friend what I needed and she casually got in touch with Craig (or vice versa?? not sure) and today I am fully stocked with creams, makeup and new compacts.

The kids made me adorable cards. Craig had told them to mention a favorite memory. Anna mentioned she loved going to the Oil Ranch with me. That was over 3 years ago!! LOL!! Kolbe bought me some flowers. Craig said he was running through thse store yelling, "These are for my mommy!" Well, later when he got to my mom-in-law's he changed his mind and asked if he could give them to grandma instead. I smiled and said sure. Isabelle got angry and cried. She was arguing with him that they were mine. I think she was afraid my feelings would be hurt. I had to calm her down and tell her that it was okay. He's still little and I know he meanth them for me in the store. He just wanted to give something to his grandma, too. Besides, he promised to pick me some flowerrs when we got home (which he did). ;-)

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This past week was filled with traveling and visiting long time friends. We attended our Goddaughter's 1st communion in Dallas and caught up with our dear friends. We had a great time and didn't want to leave. I wish I could have all my friends near me all the time. I miss them terribly!

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I'm busy rearranging my furniture and book shelves. And I'm so thankful for my life. My resolution for this month is to be more careful with my words. I can be too critical and my kids and husbands deserve better.

Tomorrow starts a new week. I used to not look forward to Mondays. Mondays never went well. School was slow to start and Mondays just were not my favorite day. I'm glad to say that things are changing!! Mondays are getting much better.

For Lent, instead of giving up something I resolved to attend daily mass more often. Now that Lent is over I'm glad to see my kids have accepted mass as a daily habit (except for Tuesdays ... we have piano and speech therapy). Kids can get acclimated to just about anything quickly. I'm slowly becoming more of a morning person.

Tomorrow I'm going to read to Sophia, Kolbe & Catherine for a very long time. Reorganizing my books took me down memory lane. I used to spend hours reading to Isabelle. I'm sad to say my younger ones aren't as familiar with those same books.

And so, there's my rambling thoughts for tonight. Tomorrow I'm choosing my words carefully, smiling more, and reading to the kids.

Have a great Monday!!