My brother Joe told me that I needed to get back into blogging. 
My husband told me I should be blogging.

And they are very right.

I miss coming here, dumping some photos, some news, and even some ramblings of my thoughts get put down.  To be honest, I miss a lot of things this year.  And you, dear reader, can keep reading to see some of my (mostly internal) struggles.

In the summertime, my trainer/friend/caterer decided that she was no longer going to offer exercise classes at her studio anymore.  Her family was moving to a new home, and moving into busier times with her (DELICIOUS) catering business.  She has even asked me to work with her at events and I really enjoy the time (the money AND good food).  But, when she stopped classes, I didn't realize how much I would not be motivated to exercise on my own.  I HATE making decisions.  I hate big gyms, strangers, and I am not confident enough to find a place and set myself in the middle of everyone and not feel super uncomfortable.  I miss my friends.  I have retreated into my self-absorbed shell (or introvert cocoon, take your pick) and I have not come out yet.  It is VERY difficult for me to send a text (and calling is out of the question!) to invite anyone, or even plan something.  And the less I do it, the less I feel the need to keep doing it.  Especially if I get a negative response.  I feel like I am forgotten since I am not seen, and it makes me wonder.  Was I really such a good friend?  Did they really enjoy time with me?  So, you see, I am still here.

We are in the throes of teenagers in the house.  I feel so inadequate to this task.  And in confession, I am very often told that I need to get rid of some of my stress.  Sometimes, they say, I may find that teens can be "delightful."  Well.  Maybe by the next few kids.  (Y'all.  Pray for me)

Y'all know I have to talk about my brother.  His story is not mine to tell, but I do want to put down some of the things that I feel I want to remember. 

Joe and I grew up together. Being just 2 years apart, we had lots of fun growing up, and we homeschooled together for many years.  Some days we never even did any school.  But, Joe has always been the one that I would look up to.  He could charm a room of people at no bigger than 2 feet high.  He would go around the room and find the person who needed that smile, hug, or cheering up and he would make that happen.  Always giving.  And right now, as we see him going through this incredibly awful disease, he is still giving.  Still thinking of others.  And this selfish big sister has no words.  Not the right words to say, not enough hands, not enough hours, and not even an ounce of that joy, that giving to share, with anyone, but most especially with him. 

I'm going to admit that I was not prepared for the amount of leaking that comes from my eyes.  All.the.time.  Like I don't even realize it is happening until my vision gets blurry (Mass is a really big one).  My friend described it as "the gift of tears" but I am not so sure I would call this a gift.  And, since my skin screams at me when I cry too much (vanity, thy name is Fuzzy), it is quite a frustrating gift.  Some days I would like to return it.  Then I think of the beautiful gift that my brother has been given, and I cry more since I see my shortcomings.  Maybe I should just say that if you see me, I won't be offended if you offer me some Kleenex.  I usually need it. 

So I will admit, I have lots to work through in my head, and I am sure this won't be the last post about what is near and dear to my heart: family.    I do apologize that this seems to be a Debbie downer post, but I will add some goodness and some cute kids.  Promise.  Please keep praying for us all!

Walking with Purpose

"Whatever you do, do from the heart, as for the Lord and not for others."
                                                                                   
                                                                                          ~ Colossians 3:23

I have to make a confession.  I am not good about reading the Bible.  I love that you will hear the whole Bible on a 3 year cycle at Mass, but I have not been able to get to Mass on a regular enough basis to hear all of it since I was a child.  And I have not made the time to actually sit and read it.  It doesn't read like a book and it takes a lot to focus for me, lately. It is very humbling to admit this, and I wish I was better.   

But I have taken the plunge and joined a Bible study at a nearby parish. I decided at the start of the new year that I needed some help getting my prayer life in order, and I knew this group had begun in the fall, so I was a bit late.  But determined.  I found the "Walking With Purpose" Bible study for women.  And I LOVE it.  I love that it takes a beautiful perspective, sending you to some Bible verses, and it includes the teaching from the Catechism of the Catholic Church.  I have found so many things to hold in my heart and help me in my struggles (though some days the struggle is to actually get to the study, but I know that even without attending the group study, I am getting so much with the short "lessons" during the week). It is a great group of encouraging women and prayerful atmosphere, so as long as Lucy will go to the nursery and let me pray, I appreciate the time. 

I am not the most self-motivated person when it comes to things (just look around my house, or at my round mid-section), so knowing that about myself should tell me that I need to find outside encouragement.  This has done that very well.  (Though the introvert side of me screams when I need to talk.)

Next step is to find some good books for Lenten reading.  Any suggestions?  I am not great when they are heavy.  Or for smart people.

7 QT Notes From the Infirmary

Oh June.  You have not been kind to us in the health department.  I think I need a refund, a do over!

7QT

1). I am going to preface this with a statement. 
I vaccinate.  I have done them all (except that teenager one), but I do them at a little slower pace.  The pediatrician is very sweet and understanding.  I don't like to do too many at one time, but I do them.  I send my kids to school, and I will be sure they are all ready to go. 

So, when my William and James came to me with VERY suspicious looking spots, similar to chicken pox, I was concerned.  This was early June. 

A visit to the doctor where we were "quarantined" in a room, and the doctor says, well, looks like chicken pox.  Though the boys have had their shots (one child has had both doses, the other just one), and maybe we should do a blood test.  Okay.  That, by itself was not fun either.

(For my own remembering: the lesions were just on the trunk, and were not clear filled.  They were more like pus filled.  And not itchy either.  William had a lot more than James.) 

Then, there was the waiting.  Waiting to see what the tests say.  The doctor calls to say that yes, the boys have chicken pox. And "atypical" chicken pox. Treat it as such.  Now, when you look up this disease, it throws these numbers and words at you like "incubation is 2-3 weeks" "contagious 3 days before the spots come out" "not contagious until all the lesions crust over" or even some very conflicting numbers. 

oh-Kaaay.

2).  William stayed home for more than a week, as it took that long for this atypical rash to crust over.  Thankfully, it wasn't too bad.  But, as it would happen, we had family members coming into town.  The difficulty was that we were unsure what would happen.  Our kids (all but Lucy) have had the varicella shot(s).  But this is a mild case, will the others get it too?  Who is next?  how long do we have to wait this out?  The kids, bless their hearts, couldn't understand why we were not able to see any cousins any friends, or do certain things.  It was a cloud hanging over our family.  We felt like we needed a sign to say "unclean" so others would avoid us.

We had some VERY interesting reactions to our disease.  One lady said she was ready to send her daughter over to catch it.  One family said Tommy couldn't come over, as they were worried he (who has already had the chicken pox) was a carrier.  The school had to send out a letter to tell the class.  (Though, in typical William fashion, the kids played Chicken Pox tag the day he came back.  LOL  Love that kid)   It was quite interesting.  We had folks question what the doctor said, how I was handling it, how many days to do what, and it was exhausting and feeling a bit like

3). Fast forward 2-3 weeks later.  James has his birthday, and then a well-checkup.  This doctor is my favorite as he speaks my language, and has known our family for 13 years.  All my kids.  He is trying to figure out about this blood work thing, and if they had the virus.  He says:
"The blood work says they did not have chicken pox."  It showed they had no immunity to it, and showed they never had levels raised like they had the virus in them. 

?? um, what??

Should we be worried that there is some kind of immune disorder?  Is it just the shots?  Why didn't it show up after 2 shots?  My head is spinning.  The doctor says we need to do more research and need more appointments, etc.  Oh my. 

4). So, what did they have?  We are very unsure now.  And, really, I want those 2-3 weeks back!  It was so humbling, and so frustrating.  I was an emotional wreck all those days, and was very hurt by some of the treatment (because I am a highly sensitive person.  I try.  Really but it is VERY tough not to take things personally) we had. 

So.  NOT chicken pox. 

5). Last week, 4 children, over the course of 4 days, threw up at least once.  Sometimes my kids will do that with strep, but it all seemed to behave more like a stomach bug.  Tommy and Patrick had a camping trip to Gettysburg so I was home with 4 kids. 

I have never been invited to so many things in one weekend as I was this past one.  Kids were included, pools were involved, good friends, and family.  All had to be cancelled.  Yes, there is a bit of a pity party going on here about the weekend, but the kids were supposed to have fun too!!!  Another mystery illness.

6). If you have made it this far, thank you.
This week is Vacation Bible School. We are all involved.  James gets to attend with William.  Patrick and Emma get to volunteer with me.  It was supposed to be wonderful. 

I knew things would be different when I had to move from the music station to be a group leader with Patrick as my helper.  Who was Awesome, by the way.  It was a neat day to have a different perspective.  And I think things will go back to normal the rest of the week. 

(Really?  Who am I kidding.  We are already on #6.  I'm done for.) 

Nope.  Tuesday night, James comes down with fever.  I stay home the next day.  Wednesday gets William going to bed at 5, which means he (we) are home again.  We even take James for a strep test, which turns out negative (though I was going to have all 5 checked out right then and there if it was positive).  Anyone else keeping track of the mystery illnesses we have had?  Yeah, me neither.

7).  I think I would like a do over.  I know.  I know.  I am not in charge.  My priority is my children.  To take care of them, and my home.  But I am not doing well in the housekeeping area (21 month old who gets into everything and eats all.day.long will make everything harder) and I am worried that I am not caring for them well as they have been sick all month, or so it seems.  It just has been really stressful.  I am trying to see what (besides getting me to Heaven) He has planned for us for the rest of the summer.  I have become gun shy about accepting any invitations!  Or planning anything anymore.  I can't see how we will do that all summer! 

We have played many games, watched many movies and read many books.  Already.  The kids seemed to have their summer start sooner than it was supposed to, without all the fun that is to go with it. 

Please let July be a little better!  Otherwise, I am going to join Lucy

Take me away!

Join Kelly for more QT.

What We Are Doing Wednesday

Christmas is away, midterms for Patrick are over, and school is almost back in the groove again.  I am grateful!  Some mornings, I was dropping off kids at 3 different times, at 3 different places.  I am glad to be back in the sort of routine that we were in.  I haven't done an update on our home and who is doing what, so today is a What are we Doing Wednesday.

 

Lucy is just so cute.  She walks all over the house, making a mess, learning words, and just being as sweet as possible.  She says lots of words, including one that sounds awfully like "Stinky" when I ask her if she is!  She has a different relationship with each child, and usually will only go to Emma from my arms.  I love the sweet voice she has, and the love and excitement she has each day.  It is truly a light in the day to be with her!  Some days, Tommy will take her to his workout class with him, just so the people there can enjoy her too!  I would love for her to say "Mommy" at least once, but I do LOVE the "Daddy!" when she hears the garage open, and he comes in the door.  If you make kissing noises, she will lean her head in so you can kiss her.  She blows kisses, says "Jesus" and waves "Da-die!"  Her words are "HI!", "Uh-oh" "this?" "eeese!" We are trying to get her to sign "more" and "all done" but we can only get the "more." 

Right before Thanksgiving, James began an atrium class, level 1.  I was so thrilled that he is able to enjoy this at his age.  This is such a calm, beautiful environment and I know that he would really benefit from doing something away from mommy, bringing him closer to Jesus, and learning.  He has just blossomed in his writing skills, and loves to write, draw, and is constantly asking me, "Mommy, how do you spell....?"  He has already brought home some projects home, using scissors and glue! 

William is going to receive his first Reconciliation very soon!  I am hoping we are going to enjoy the fruits of another person receiving graces!  He is a Wolf Scout this year, and may even get to go to Camp this summer with other cub scouts.  He is definitely growing up, in attitude and perspective.  I know if I can point his passion in the right direction, he will go towards Heaven and Jesus always.  He has to want to do it, and I am still learning how to help him stay on track.

Emma had a birthday over the vacation, and had some sweet girls over to do nails (have you heard of Jamberry??) and cake.  It was small, as we had 2 girls unable to come, and I am not the most exciting game planner.  Each girl had a very sweet gift for my girl, geared towards her love of reading, chap stick, drawing, and writing.  It was very sweet!  She is part of the Squire Roses, Schola and battle of the books at school.  She is tall, and no, not taller than me.  She has started borrowing my scarves, and even wanted to copy an outfit I was wearing!  I know there will come a time when she does NOT want to do that, but it tickled me. 

Patrick is doing incredible at school.  He just finished up a Sea Perch competition for Junior High and his group came in 10th overall.  Super proud of him!  Sea Perch is an underwater robot that the boys build and work on together.  He just finished his first set of Mid Terms at school, and though I freaked out each day, I think he probably did very well.  I always stressed about those, but that is not in his nature.  Part of the joys of being a mother, I guess.  I do the worrying enough for everyone.  Boy Scouts will be a big year, as he was voted in to be the Assistant senior patrol leader.  In other words, he is the guy helping the guy in charge.  It is really important that a lot of this is boy led, (though sometimes I wonder if they want to be led by the boy who forgets his sleeping bag when he goes on a camping trip!?).  He went camping this past weekend, and juuuust missed the incredibly cold temperatures we began having this week, as our countdown to some snowfall that they are measuring in FEET comes down.

 

I know this is silly, but I just got excited as I went to write a blog post.  It just told me that my readers in Europe need to know something about cookies.

*Squeee!!!*

I realized I should know what it is telling me about cookies, or something, but I couldn't get past the phrase "readers in Europe."  I have readers.  In Europe.  No. Way!  I am not one for checking out my stats, or where they are from.  But, I sure did when it told me I had readers across the pond!

Waving!!!  Thank you for visiting! 

Answer Me This: Last of the Summer Fun

So, I came to the game late, and am so disappointed that this is the last "Answer Me This" of summer.  I think we can forgive our sweet Kendra at Catholic All Year. She just had her baby: number 8!  And it is a beautiful girl!

In this edition, we will learn how little I listen to the radio, and how often I get to the store.  (HA!)

1. What's your favorite grocery store splurge?

Oh, the grocery store.  I still have young children, so the grocery store is a tough trip.  Very often, it's a quick trip for all the things Tommy doesn't buy at Costco.  The ULTIMATE store for him.  He loves that place, and though I know it can be dangerous (ask me about the time his brother went to BJ's and came home with a rented UHaul for all his purchases! it runs in the family), our family needs those bulk items, and I have come to depend on that stash of cereal, paper towels, and TP always in the garage. 

My husband loves to explore new stores, try new things.  Me?  I like familiarity.  We have so.many.grocery stores near us.  But, if I am not sure where things are, or if I will be able to find what I am looking for, it get a little anxious, and if I have kids with me (like, always) it makes it even harder for me.  I have yet to master the Peapod delivery, or the drive through pickup after ordering online.  Someday.  Maybe that's why I enjoyed the Blue Apron deliveries. 

But, I am distracted.  Splurge?  There's never one thing that I splurge on.  It usually is something that I see at the time (almost always involving chocolate).  Maybe cottonelle wipes?  I'm not sure what my splurges would be. Now, if you said Target, which I don't consider a grocery store, that would be a longer list.

 2. How's your penmanship?

I will never be hired to write anything.  I needs help.

 3. Do you have a "Summer Bucket List?"

Keep the kids alive.
Try to maintain peace in the home.
Stay safe.
Try not to stress about school.
Have the kids do their summer school work.

So, yes, if you look at that, it's a bucket list.  Important things to do during the summer.  Super exciting, huh?

 4. What's the best thing on the radio right now?

We try to listen to books in the car (we are working through the Narnia books, again) so we don't usually have the radio on.  I don't often put on music, and when I do it's at home with the CD's or Pandora.  If you call that the radio, the best ones are the stand-up comics like Jerry Seinfeld who make my kids laugh.  (It's Bill Cosby mostly, but Patrick gets the giggles at Seinfeld and his Olympic skit, or the one about Fat Albert's car engine.)

 5. Ice cream or frozen yogurt?

Yes, please. 

 

 

Hooray! Answer me this: Superhero Edition

 

It's BA-aaack!!  I love these!  Dear readers, bear with me.  I am so excited to have some other person help me with a topic and encourage me to blog more!

1. What's currently on your To Do list?

This question, as my first, makes me laugh.  A lot.  I very often have a list to do, but, I don't often write it down.  I have a long list of things I should be doing, and that I want to do.  I will just pick a couple to tell you.

I want to hang pictures, artwork, sconces......I want to make my walls seem like we live here.  I first of all want to put more of the kids on the walls, which means I need to pick pictures, and get frames, and then decide which wall to do.  I hung some family pictures, and the input from my sisters-in-law is to put the collage of the kids on that wall.  I have a neat saying that I want to put up as well, but wonder if it will make it up. 

Other to dos: new uniforms for Patrick's new school (!!).  Any extra ties that you would like to share with my boy, anyone?  He has this tie in his head with Yoda on it, that says, "Judge me by my tie, do you?" But I have yet to see it somewhere.

Master bed and bathroom could be painted.  There's always a list.

 2. Better type of superhero: magic/radioactive powers? Or trauma/gadgets/hard work?

I'm not sure I exactly understand this question, but I always think Elastigirl still has the coolest super powers.  As a mom, I am always forgetting something, and to be able to use my arms to get it, and not have to go up and down or even get out of bed, so cool.  I want to be able to stretch "without injuring yourself, Dah-ling" to make life of a mom easier.

I have a feeling I don't get this question really, but that's my input.


 3. Finding out if baby is a boy or a girl before birth: Good idea? Bad idea?

I am DREADFUL with decisions.  Names, especially.  And, I'm not always the best when it comes to surprises.  I don't hide my disappointment well either, so I am not sure how I would react in the delivery room if I didn't know. 

And, I like to be prepared.  I may not always prepare the best, but I do like to be prepared.

4. Have you ever appeared on a stadium jumbotron?

Nope.  If I did, I would turn beet red. 

 5. Are you more book smart or more street smart?

See, now, I don't think of myself as "smart" but when I asked my husband, he says  I am more book smart.  I think I can call myself street smart in that I know what street I live on. 

Now, when I think of my mom and my sisters, I know they are book smart.  They have the titles that go along with all my definitions: college, writing gigs, helping people like Scott Hahn write books...yeah, I don't think of myself like that.  But, I do know I can make myself smarter by more reading and learning.  Someday.

Worry, Worry. Too Much Worry.

Do you know the book "Wemberly Worried"?  My friend gave it to me when I had Lucy.  It was a book she said she reads to her kids, and she thought of it when I was chatting with her about all my worries.  It's not a great book, but it does kind of put worrying into perspective.  It doesn't do anything.

I used to tease my Grandma about being a "worrier."  She was always saying that she "worried" about this or that.  As a child, I never understood it.  As a grown-up, (though I don't feel I fit that description yet), I am TOTALLY getting it.  I am hitting a worry wall.  A huge, gargantuan worry wall.  I know this is a temptation for me, as a natural melancholic and a oh-this-is-the-bad-stuff-that-will-happen temperament, and this is my cue to take it to the Lord.  But, I am having a moment, and since this is my blog, I will get it out.

It's not ever going to stop.

Never. 

I have children, I am "only" 35, and there are a lot of years left in life.  I am so worried about these next steps for our children, and how we are going to afford this, or take care of that.  But I am seeing a longer road ahead - high school, college, marriage, kids, jobs, etc.  Maybe because the oldest grandchild in my family is graduating from High School, and the struggles he has had this year have been so real and tough.  I am looking ahead to my kids, and how close they are to high school (oh.my.goodness) and the next steps.  I was looking at a family with a brand new baby, and thinking about how the worry (and blessings) increase when your kids grow up and have kids of their own! 

Jesus, I TRUST in YOU!

I say that so many times in a day.  So many. 

I never feel good enough.  I don't feel up to the task of taking care of myself, let alone all these beautiful, sweet children.  When I freak out, I have to keep reminding myself that these are not my children.  They are His.  He chose me as his weak instrument to raise them and bring them to Him.  I just need to follow His Will.  I must find it and follow it, but I also have to make the decisions here.  And, if you know me, I am dreadful at decisions.  Dreadful, I tell you.  But, I can do this.  I know I can.   
"I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me." 

I look at what I have been through, with these last 2 pregnancies, what our family has gone through and done with God's help.  I know the path He has for us is amazing, but there are some days that I just need a good cry and refocus my attention on Jesus and the Cross. 

This one is up in my kitchen, and I don't remember which saint it is from:
"Lord, teach me to be generous.
Teach me to serve you as you deserve;
to give and not count the cost,
to fight and not heed the wounds,
to toil and not to seek for rest,
to labor and not to ask for reward
save that of knowing that I do your will." 
(emphasis mine)

Okay.  I'm done.  I bawled a bit, snorted, and my eyes are all puffy and done for a while.  Thanks for the prayers. 

Popping In

Can you believe April has gone by us?  I am not ready for the crazy month of May.  No matter what I try to do, every year that month just goes haywire.  I am glad it's the last full month of school for the kids (!!), but we have to start planning summer, potential camps, etc.  Goodness, I am not ready.

Though I am sure none of you are eagerly checking my blog every day, I feel I must do a little apology (because that's what I am good at doing.).  I have dug myself in a hole, and a little like an ostrich, have put my head in.  I don't get out much, I don't see many people, except my kids, and I have become a little overwhelmed with some things.  It's nothing in particular, but it just seems like I am still going so slowly through things.  I want so much to blog, but sometimes it has been easier to post a quick IG photo and short blip and move on.  (Bloggers, if I was to add an IG badge or slide show to my blog, how would I do that??)  It's not like we don't have anything going on, on the contrary.  Did I mention that my sweet husband is now the Scout Master in our Boy Scout troop, and recently welcomed over 15 new scouts??  The troop has doubled in size, and my heart is so happy when these parents tell me they came to the troop BECAUSE my Tommy is there.  :)  Wow.  But, he not only gets the great kids, the parents are ready to help and they are uh-mazing.  It makes camping and activities just so much more fun.  (No, I am not camping.  I won't use the word "never," but it will take quite a bit to get me going to sleep, hang out and cook in the great outdoors)

But, anwho, we are here.  Potty-training (!), starting solid foods, and trying to feel like we are a family unit, and dealing with some pre-teens in the house.  Oh yes, I said PLURAL.  Sigh.  We could use some encouraging prayers and words. 

On a positive note, James has discovered his independence in some areas.  I love to see how quickly it happened.  He now wants to dress himself, because he can, do his own teeth, pick his own outfits, and do those fun things I have been trying to have him do for a while.  With the independence of the potty, he has opened a new door.  He just put on his shoes by himself the other day! I love watching this. 

And, I have to itch to decorate.  We still have blank walls, and are still slow on hanging things, but I have this urge to hang.  Not that I will do it anytime soon, but it needs to be done.  I found some straggling pictures in the basement and realized we need more interest on the walls.  Anyone got a really tall ladder for my 2 level family room walls??  Got a fan that needs dusting too.

Someday, we will feel very settled. 

No, I Haven't Forgotten How To Blog

But my computer, well, let's just say it has forgotten who is boss around here, and it apparently is not me. It is sick. Oh very sick. The internet is not working!!  And I am just trying this whole blogging on my new tablet thingy today. Not sure I like it so much, but I miss blogging and sharing my photos of my super cute kids.   But I can share some of the super cute things they say.

James is so excited to tell me what time it is, but he isn't quite sure how to read the clock face.
''It's five o'clock somewhere!''

From the playroom, playing superheroes, ''I'm Flash Drive!"  (William)
"Hey!  You can't copy my powers!" (Patrick)

We are almost done with our very first science fair with Patrick. I have not heard the word "dense/density" and the like so much!!  It is quite stressful, on my part, and I wish I was as calm as he is, but it has been going on since October!  They walk him through all the steps, but it just seems like so much!  Here's hoping he will do a good job.  We are also trying to decide what we will be doing for school for him and high school!! so we would love some prayers. We know God is taking care of us, and we just want to follow His will.

I have a new little joy right now called Jamberry. Have you heard of it?  I am hosting a party right now for my friend who is a new consultant (and considering it myself) and I am so enjoying this! Look at how pretty!

Care to join in?  The party closes on Saturday, January 31! 

 

Ta-DA!!! Thanks to the generosity and amazing sweet Father-in-Law, we have a NEW, NEW laptop!  I am able to finish this post with a real keyboard, and on the internet.  Our poor laptop is officially done for, as it may cost more to repair.  Sigh.  On the plus side, we can let the kids write papers and whatnot without the fear of the internet being a distraction.  Until they need to look something up.  Well, not everything is perfect.

 

But, I am hoping I am back up and running.  Promise for more blog and sweet baby pictures to come very soon.   

 

Roundup of Events

Sometimes I forget what life is like with a newborn in the house, with the holding, loving, changing, and busyness in the house.  And then it happens, and I think, "Oh yes.  NOW I remember!"  When there is a moment to spare, the laundry, dishes, and dirty floors call my name.  Now, I don't always answer them, as you can PLAINLY see in my house, but I do know they call me.  But, I have a moment, and two hands, so let's see if I can give you a quick review of life in the last few weeks, with an update from all the pictures on my phone.

• Thanksgiving was spent with Tommy's family in the Warrenton area.  It felt a little odd not hosting this year, but we hosted so much last year that I think they can give us a little break.  And, we can play the "newborn" card a little longer, I think.  
  
   I am not often artistic, or even creative, but I am good at imitating other people's good ideas!  As usual, there was too much food, lots of fun games, and one called "Do you like your neighbors?"  It involved lots of laughter, silly ideas ("I do, but I don't like anyone wearing glasses!" and those people have to switch seats), and a little like musical chairs with someone always left out.  Even the kids could play, which makes it even better.
  
• We have lots of coos, smiles and sweet noises coming from Lucy, and the little boys in the house are especially sweet with her.  She always has a smile for them, and they are usually in her general area (of! her! face!) of where she is and smother her with kisses.
  
  
  
  
  
• Our season of Advent began, and I was excited that I got the candles and wreath out before it started, as well as our manger for good deeds for the kids to get motivated. 
  
  My plan is to be better about planning meals for the family, and it has been a struggle some days to get to the store, or just think ahead, but it has been a good goal for me in my home life.  It was especially tricky the first week of advent because our van sprung a leak and had to be towed away.  It was the coolant line, and the tune of over $800 was repaired.  Sigh.  Yep, my ability to get around with the kids is my gift under the tree.
  
  
• St. Nicholas day came and we decided to make cookies on his feast day. We usually make them before his day, but I was exhausted as was Tommy.  It was fun to make it with yet another older child, and to have everyone home to help, so it was different than last year.  We are still working on our family traditions and celebrations.  I feel like a terrible mom since I didn't have anything to put in their shoes at all.  I even was at the store and totally forgot.  The kids were super sweet about it, and maybe I can make up for it and they will forget once Christmas rolls around.
  
  
   James could have played with the flour all day, and William was eating all the dough (no eggs, so no worries) and Patrick was eating all the cookies on the racks cooling.  Emma was an expert roller, as well as Tommy, and I was able to man the oven and trays for them.  We made a good team!
  
  
  
  
  
   
• On Thanksgiving, I was looking at my (large) family during Mass, and thinking about when the kids are bigger, going off to college and coming home for holidays.  Growing up, my mom was the one to take care of the holidays with the kids, and my sisters would bring friends, boyfriends, girlfriends and anyone else was welcome.  I don't remember going to a cousin's house, especially as the siblings got older.  I wondered about how our future will look with my kids, when will it turn to my job to host all the grown up kids, and when the family unit is just us.  Oh yes, it made me very weepy and prayerful.  Feelings of inadequacy are creeping up so quickly lately, and I just want to know that we are doing well, that my kids are on the right track and we are helping them get to their ultimate goal the best way we can.  Yeah, it was an emotional day.
  
  
  
• Scouts are still in full swing in the house, with more activities with both boys.  We had a fire station visit with William, and a boy scout Christmas party complete with games picked by Tommy.  Patrick and his friends had a competition to create something Christmas related and the boys had a blast. 
  
  
  
  

• I have been doing a lot of internet shopping for Christmas, and I forgot what it is like to take the kids out to the stores to walk the aisles.  We do it with some kids, and I get frustrated that they are constantly asking for something, and it's usually not super bad, but I am focused and trying to stay to my list.  But, I am taking James and Lucy with me most places, and that carrier fits in the cart so James is walking (I need to bring my ergo carrier!) and talking with me about what we are buying.  The conversation goes like this: "I want that!  Can we buy that?"  "No, James, we can't, we are waiting for Christmas/buying for someone else."  "Okay."  "Can we buy that?"  "No, we can't." "Okay."  That boy is the most understandingly sweet child!  I turn to mush when I realize how good he is in the stores, and he usually ends up with a liiiittle something extra in the cart.  I know.  It's terrible, but he is so sweet! 
• A very special friend of our family offered to take photos for us (YAY!) that we used on our Christmas cards.  They all looked really good, and then it came down to choosing for the card.  Hmm.  I realized that I am all about options.  Choices.  Not that I am able to make any at any time, or quickly, but I always have trouble picking the best family shot, and I want everyone to look good, or to have a good option.  So I usually put a lot of pictures in. It's so hard to choose, and I am having Christmas card remorse.  I don't think I did the best layout, or picked the "best" one for the family.  Can't do anything about it NOW, but I can fret a little, right?  Maybe I'll do better next year.  LOL  "Tomorrow is another day."  Yes, Scarlet, we know.
• On a quick personal level, I am back to exercising!  It feels SOO good to be back with such supportive ladies and my good friends and to feel strong again! I have never had such a quick rebound after pregnancy, and I know the workouts helped.  I am super blessed to be able to continue, and it is such a good kick to get me going! 



Monday Mumblings

• James was talking about his friend named Jack.  "He always says hi to me.  He has polka dots on his face."  Best name for freckles ever!
• Emma was unloading the dryer with all the baby clothes in it, and it took her about 10 minutes, because each piece had to be examined with, "Aww, look!  It's so little!  It's so cute!"  "Look!  The lint trap is PINK!"  She is so sweet!

• James has moved to a big boy bed ALL ON HIS OWN!  My nephew babysat one night, and when I came up to check on him, I was stunned to see the crib empty!  There is a toddler bed already in his room which looks like a fire truck, and he was sound asleep!  I never thought he would do it without me, and each time we have tried to let him, he won't stay in the bed.  He has done it every night since.  He has been telling me that the baby will sleep in his crib, but I didn't think he would do it on his own!  What a sweetheart!

• James came to me with those Velcro catching toys, but no ball.  He says, "let's play catch!"  And I waited to see what he meant.  He threw a "ball" to me and I caught it.  We played catch in the house with a pretend ball.  He even would miss and say "it rolled over there."  So funny.
• William is very busy in his 1st grade class, and when I ask about things, sometimes it's really tough to get information from him.  He always says "the teacher says" this or that, but never uses her name.  He did that last year too.  It's always interesting to try to tell him how to do something, because he gets all frustrated because I don't do it the way "the teacher told me to!"

• Patrick is definitely an 11 year old boy, with all the silliness and goofiness and a bit of absent-mindedness that goes with it.  This article makes me wonder when my son read this as his manual.  SPOT on!  We had an episode where we had to send him back to the shower because when we asked him, he forgot to use soap.  Palm, meet face. 

• And, because I have some, here is a 36 week belly shot with my beautiful Mom.

  

Answer Me This: Don't look at my hair now, singing, and my favorite cup.

It's Sunday!!!  Time for some random questions to get to know me (oh yes, of course you want to know all this about ME!).  

 1. How did you get your name?

I am so glad this question is up first!  This is the MOST asked question about me.  Everywhere.

My name is Frances, named after Saint Francis for my sweet mother who is a 3rd Order Franciscan.
 
That is the easy story.

The longer story comes with my nickname, Fuzzy.  When I was a baby, I had fuzzy hair (short answer).  Being #6 of 7 kids, my older siblings called me "Fuzzy" and it kind of stuck.  I would hear the song "Fuzzy Wuzzy was a bear, Fuzzy Wuzzy had no hair...."  As I got older and went into school, some of my teachers wouldn't use the nickname so I thought maybe it would go away after a while.  Then I got to middle school and high school (Seton School, where my siblings went and my Mom was the choir director) and the teachers knew me by Fuzzy already.  So it continued.  I used to debate (read: panic!) how to introduce myself when I would meet new people, and now it just comes naturally.  LOL  I have an odd voice, am short and somehow I think the name works.  (I tried to find a photo of the infamous hair, but I can't seem to right now.  I will keep looking.)

The funny thing about this?  NONE of my kids have nicknames.  My husband has a whole family with them, and I have a very unique one, and yet not one of my kids get their names shortened or any kind of nicknames.

2. Do you have a set time for prayer in your day?

 

To be very truthful, I do not.  I try to do it, and many times it comes to me as I am in the shower.  As a mom, I need to set the example and I need to do it.  It's just one more thing that I feel that I fail.  We do try to pray the rosary as a family as often as we can!  We know the power of prayer, especially when Our Lady is involved!  (Beautiful Rosary image from my friend Ruth's Loreto Rosary Shop.)

 

3. Did your mom work or stay home (or both)?

 

My mother was a stay-at-home mom for the majority of my life.  As I mentioned before, she was a choir director at the school where we all went to help with tuition, so she worked but not for money to bring home.  My mother has a beautiful voice and has always given her gift back to God by singing at Mass.

By studying the Church documents and Sacred Music as well as the Liturgy, my mother was very qualified to lead the choir and teach us in Sacred Music in our home as well as school.  Latin (at least 2 years) was required for school so we often sang hymns in Latin (I think I could sing most of them for you still!  I can't tell you what Ave Verum Corpus does to me during Lent.  Chills, I tell you.) and parts of the Mass.

4. Do you vote?

 

YES!  Though, when I was in school and found out that my vote "doesn't really count" it annoyed me.  I always take my kids with me when I vote and we have a little lesson on the candidates since they read all the names. (um, in the car to and from voting is my hope, but we have had some very loud "We AREN'T voting for OBAMA!" and the like at voting places.  Ah, the joys of motherhood.)

 

5. What's your favorite drink?

 

Hands down, an iced Coke in a plastic cup.  I love these cups I found at TJMaxx!  It has an old-fashioned feel to it, and the fleur de lis just makes it perfect.  And, I love that it is plastic! I do realize that this has water in it, but pregnant momma has to keep it real.

 

6. How are your photography skills?

I like to think that my skills are okay.  I enjoy taking photos, and I have an awesome DSLR camera, but I am not well-versed in it yet.  I am still learning.  I have a pretty good eye for pictures, I think, and unfortunately, am very critical.  Especially when I am in the pictures!  I have to say that I am happiest when my kids are smiling and they are looking at the camera, but I am getting better at the life photos, you know, with people moving.  I have a much faster shutter speed on my new camera so I am happier to take "action" shots!

See?  This just makes me happy!  

Answer Me This: Maybe I do, and I didn't.

Joining up at Catholic All Year

1. What’s something you intended to do today, but didn't?

Do I only get to choose one thing?  Every.single.day I don't do everything that I mean to do.  To just pick one......now that would be difficult.  I needed to shop for end of the year gifts for the class I am room liaison.  Figuring out how to divide and spend the money among the kids....oh man.  Overwhelming.

Laundry, clean, dishes, and make my husband happy by joining him in some scouting events to name a few others.  I can't stay on this question too long or I may get depressed.  Move along, nothing to see here....

 2. What's your favorite grilling recipe?

Um, the ones my husband makes?  LOL  I don't grill, EVER, on the outside grill.  Inside, yes.  I have a grill pan that is great when you have a small fire or something in the grill outside and you have to finish the meal inside.  My favorite recipe for Tommy that I "grill" for him is Blackened Fish Tacos.  Delicious.

 3. What movie did you see most recently?

Emma and I watched a Hitchcock's Rebecca together.  I loved that book, and anything Hitchcock is so worth watching.  Even though it is in *gasp* black and white, my Emma sat through the whole thing.

4. Would you say your tendency is to over or under react to medical situations?

My initial thought when I read this question was "oh yes, I TOTALLY overreact to medical situations.  I overreact to EVERYTHING!"  And then, I did some more thinking.  I sometimes prefer NOT to know all the details.  LOL  Well, as with most things, I am a bit indecisive.  I think I sometimes do better NOT knowing all the details, because then I freak out, but it is important to have all the details so I can know how to treat the problem and make it better. 

5. Do you squeeze the toothpaste tube or roll it?

Squeeze.  Rolling is just weird.


6. What are you doing for Father's Day?

Not too much.  We will be celebrating a little with my Dad, and hopefully relaxing a bit with my Tommy.  He is the most amazing Daddy and husband.  He works so hard for all of us, and keeps me sane and feeling loved.  He is always so happy and ready with a joke to lighten the mood, or to make things better.  We love you, Daddy, and are so grateful to have you!