New Favorite App for iPad

It is called iRosary. It is a virtual rosary and it leads the mysteries and the prayers. (Yes, I know how to pray the rosary, but I sometimes need help focusing-especially when I try and pray during the baby's nap time-I get a little sleepy!) Also, comes with the Chaplet of Divine Mercy-something I am just learning. Have to say I really like it!

HMMMM...

So I have been pretty absent of late. It is just the time of the year I suppose. In the past two weeks, I have finished up an emergency scoring project, scored teacher certification exams, and score the May SAT exams. It's been kind of crazy around here. Yesterday, I went back to teaching as all special projects are done.

We have had some sickness around here. Spring colds. I have it now, and complained to my hubby yesterday that mamas don't get sick days! Feeling a little better today. Drew ended up with a double ear infection because of it. Then, there is sweet Alex. She has the cold, too, but she is also getting 4 teeth at once! She is miserable, and not eating as much as normal. We have a regular schedule of ibuprofen for her. Pray they come quickly!

I am also struggling with ideas to write about. I am still musing on writing about my parents' battles with cancer, but I need to sit with that a bit yet. I have decided to question you all. What would you like to see more of? Family stuff? Faith ponderings? Cooking? Cake decorating? Ideas, people, I need direction!

Have a great day!

Akmost Wordless Wednesday

We are in the middle of Spring soccer, but it is colder than last Fall's season! Baby girl had on many layers, but it was a COLD morning! Thanks goodness the games were at the same time on fields next to each other!

Movies

We subscribed to Netflix last month, and I have to say I am really enjoying it. It is so nice to be able to throw on a movie for the kids or watch one with Andy in the evening. We bought the box for streaming it on our TV, but now they just added streaming on Wii. For around $9 a month, we are spending way less on movie rentals than we did before, and we are having more movie nights with the kids.

I also love the one DVD at a time mail service! On Sunday, Andy and I watched one of my favorites, Song of Bernadette. It is from 1943, and the woman who played Bernadette took the Oscar that year for this role (doubt that would happen now). I highly recommend you checking out this movie if you have not seen it yet.

Have you heard of 13th Day? It is the story of Fatima. I am kind of excited because it is next in our queue. It should arrive tomorrow which means we will watch it on Thursday, the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima! I love that we were able to time it like that! I will post my thoughts on it after we watch it. Catholic Icing had some great ideas for the feast on Thursday. I have not been great about coming up with ideas for these special days, but this may be a first!

8 Months Old!

I love to stand!!!

I love to eat!!!

And I love to smile!

Mother's Day!

Alex and I got to take a nap!

Notice my gift on the end of the couch?

I SO do not deserve that, but am loving playing with it!

Happy Mother's Day

I want to wish everyone a happy mother's day! May your day be filled with lots of laughter and love! Thank you all for being such an inspiration to me!

Sunshine Award

So this week, I was very fortunate to receive this award from two of my favorite bloggers, Nancy at Be Not Afraid and Sarah at With a Hopeful Heart! Ladies, you are the ones who fill my life with sunshine! Thanks so much! Love you!

Now, I get to spread the love (I have a feeling some of us are getting this a couple of time over!). Blogging is such a light in my life! I am so fortunate to be able to call you friends!

Here goes:

1. Sydney at Diapers and Deadlines

2. Evy at Yes, They are All Mine

3. Jamie at Lord, Make me a Saint

4. Sarah at Prayer 4 the Journey

5. Christine at Meet me at the Gates

6. Allison at A Broken Fortress

7. Amy at Escape into My Thoughts

8. Allison at Totus Tuus

9. Therese at Aussie Coffee Shop

10. Frizzy at Heaven's Gift

11. Kim at It's a Dog and Pony Show

12. Shawna at Airing Dirty Laundry

13. Karyn at CanDarBry Garden

In one way or another you have all touched my life, and I am so blessed to call you friends!

I want this!

This weekend

Andy's grandfather turned 90 over the weekend. We had a celebration with the entire family! Great-grandpa lives out of town, so this is the first time he met Alex. We had a great time and are so thankful and blessed to have him in our life. He and Great-grandma (who went home to Jesus 8 years ago) are both WWII veterans (she trained men-I have a lot of respect for that woman!), have raised 7 children and have many grand children and great grandchildren. Last year, Grandpa announced that he wanted a big party for his 90th! He is so youthful-it is hard to believe he is 90! He still travels quite often and is a man of great faith! Doesn't he look great for 90??? We love you Grandpa!

Baby Girl

My darling daughter, Alex, seems to be going through some separation anxiety-from her mama. When I lay her down for her nap, she cries and screams. While I would normally let her cry it out, the problem now coming into play is her standing and sitting. If she would lay and cry, she'd fall asleep.

Today, I laid her down this morning and she cried. I gave her the nuk. Then I sat by the side of the crib and eventually crawled out on my hands and knees. I can't do this every day. I also can't let her see me walk out.

This afternoon, she was having none of it. She cried and cried. I snuck out again. She got very quiet so I though she was asleep. The door was open as I can't close it when I sneak out. I went about my work. I walked past about 20 minutes later only to see Alex sitting, clutching the bars of her crib, nuk in and looking like a prisoner who had been abandoned. One look at me and she started to wail. Needless to say, there was no nap, and we had an exhausted Alex this evening (she also NEVER sleeps in the van!).

So, I am at a total loss...suggestions???

Cheerfulness

Michael was drawing pictures yesterday. He drew 4 faces-2 were smiling and 2 were frowning. I pointed to the smiling ones and asked who they were. Michael responded, "Peter and Drew." Pointing to the frownies, I asked about those. His response, "you and Daddy." Guess we need to work on some cheerfulness around here!

My Week

This has been a busy week for appointments for us. Drew had his follow-up with the asthma doctor on Tuesday. I think when I left the appointment last time, I was surprised a bit, but we got used to the additional inhalers and life went on. Over the weekend, Drew started his coughing fits again (usually a sign he is wheezing). I was thankful that we had this appointment set up. I was fairly certain that the trees blooming had something to do with it.

What I was not prepared for was the new action plan. Drew now has a peak flow meter. We have to test him twice a day to see how he is breathing and journal it. If he can't get it above his minimum (120), then the action plan goes into effect. If he is 75 or below, we have to go to the ER. Wednesday morning, his peak was 110. I should have started on the action plan, but I thought it was for below 100. I sent him to school.

Thankfully, he made it through the day, but when I got him home, it was low. So we started the rounds of extra inhalers. He rebounded quickly and was at a comfortable 220 this morning. That being said, I realized that I misread the instructions on the action plan and didn't give him enough of his albuterol yesterday. It is OK. I will get used to it. I am just feeling a tad overwhelmed by it all.

On the flip side, I had a lovely conversation with my godson yesterday who is a Type 1 Diabetic. He is 13 and I was telling him about all of this and likening it to how his Mom must have felt when he was first diagnosed with high blood sugars and making sure he had enough but not too much insulin. He responded that Drew would get the hang of this and be able to do it himself one day. It actually was a very reassuring thought. Right now, Drew is not always aware of when he is having breathing issues. I am thankful for the flow meter, but I am also thankful for my godson's reminder that Drew will learn to listen to his body.

I also had my appointment with the endocrinologist. It appears that my thyroid issue is auto-immune. What he can't tell is if it is post-partum or life-long. He is leaning toward not because of my history. In either case, I have started medicine for this. I have hope that I won't be so tired all of the time soon. He said I should be starting to feel a difference in 1-2 weeks. I will have more blood work in June and return to see him in August.

That is it from this neck of the woods...

Today

My daughter pulled herself up to standing in her crib. I watched her do it...She can't crawl, but she can stand...it's all over!

Saturday

On Saturday, Andy and I attended the funeral for dear little Ava. For such a horribly sad occasion, it was such a beautiful testimony to so many things-a beautiful little girl taken home to Jesus too soon, our Catholic faith, as well as the blessing of big families.

I love the parish we are at. We were blessed to get Fr. Dan last summer as our new pastor. He is such a wonderful priest! He handled the funeral beautifully. I know he spent a lot of time with the family over the past few days. He was so inspiring. In his homily, he spoke directly to the children. He told them that we will never know in this life why this happened. We are a blessed parish to have him leading us.

Looking at the family on Saturday, I was reminded of my family. I was reminded of what a blessing big families are. When things happen (both good and bad), it is so wonderful to have so many to lean on. You could see and feel the love in this family, supporting and holding each other up. It reminded me of when my parents' died. I don't know how I would have made it through without them.

As you make you way through the day today, please remember the family in your prayers. There will be difficult days ahead as they return to living, and they need our prayers to help them.

Sadness

Yesterday, my friend's niece was struck and killed while out for a walk with her mom, little brother and another aunt. The little girl was only 5. My heart is grieving for this family. It was a tragic accident. Her funeral Mass is on Saturday at my parish. Please keep this entire family in your prayers.

Wordless Wednesday

7 months old!

I love to roll over things!

Miss Jamie-I still LOVE my feet!



I sit up and play because I am a big girl!

My first trip to the water park!

Relief

So, I had my annual physical last Friday. Andy and I schedule them back to back so that we can swap the kids. It works out really well. We do the same with dental appointments as well. I am glad that I went, but I had much trepidation going in. I don't do the doctor well. I have a great internist who I completely trust, but due to a pediatrician that I had as a child who would tease the 3 of us who struggled with weight, I have a hard time going.

I was checked out, and all is well. I was nervous about my blood work coming back. We have a wonderful online system, and by the afternoon, Andy's was back, and mine was not. All weekend, I had images of the doctor not releasing them because something was really wrong. "Jesus, I trust in You" became my mantra this weekend.

Blood work was released today. Everything was stellar except for one area-my thyroid. I asked my doctor to include the test on a whim. My Mom began having issues in her early 40's and well, 40 is just a few months away. I am glad I asked. Same issue-hypothyroidism. It is a relief to know because it explains a lot-why I have such a hard time losing weight (it's taken me 2 months to lose about 5 pounds), I am cold all the time, and of course, fatigue (who knew it wasn't just the kids!). I have to go back in, but I am so glad everything is well and manageable!

Wordless Wednesday

Random musings

Recently, I discovered a comment on a blog that a former friend made that was directed at me. Long and short, she had made a choice that she was sure that a former Catholic friend would condemn her for. To be honest, what she was choosing to do was not a huge deal and not something I would have even said anything to her about. I saw it last week and I have been kind of sitting with it. Not in terms of responding as that friendship is long gone. I have been sitting with it and thinking, "Is that what people think of me?"

As you all know, I take my faith very seriously. I am far from perfect. I sin, and I go to Confession and ask for forgiveness. I try very hard to live by what the Catholic Church teaches and sometimes I mess up, and that is OK. As a child of God, I know I just need ask and I will be forgiven.

But the comment made me think of a couple of things. First of all about choices. We all make them and we all have to suffer the consequences of said choices both good and bad. When it comes to the teachings of the Church, however, I tend to be kind of a legalist (especially on the big things). I know there are many who say they are Catholic, but then pick and choose what they will follow in Church teaching. I often wonder about that. For me, to go against the teachings of the Church is putting my hope of eternal life in jeopardy. An example of this would be the many politicians who say they are Catholic and then vote for pro-abortion legislation. I guess what I am trying to figure out is why. Why risk your chance of Heaven?

Back to my original thought, the comment from the other blog. What does this say about me and how people view me? I don't want to be seen as judgmental or condemning. I just want to see those I love in Heaven for all of eternity.

Easter 2010

He is Risen!

Easter is here! May you and your families have a Blessed Easter for Jesus has risen!

And with this my blogging fast ends!

Looking forward to re-connecting with you all!

Happy Easter!

Daddy

11/27/1937-03/29/2006
Love you, Daddy!

Michael's Got a Feeling!

We added music to this video that Andy shot of Michael at swim class yesterday. Too cute!

Long Week

It has been a long week in our household as we try to adjust to a new normal. We have been having a hard time getting a hold on Drew's allergies this Spring. It started with the first warm-up. He was stuffy as usual, but he also had this cough that we could not seem to get rid of. I decided to skip the pediatrician and take him directly to the allergist. I am so glad I did!

When Drew went 18 months ago, they said he did not have many allergies, as the skin test showed. The doctor examined Drew this past Tuesday, and immediately said he was wheezing (could not hear it myself, but later found out that his coughing jags are when he is wheezing). They decided to to a lung test first. His capacity was at 74% (down from 96% 18 months ago). They gave him albuterol and retested. It only came up to 79%. Drew's diagnosis? Asthma.

The also repeated the scratch test for allergies and he lit up like a Christmas tree. His big ones are danders, trees, grass and mold. I really like this doctor and he came up with an action plan. They increased allergy meds, and added 2 inhalers. One is for daily use and the other is albuterol for before exercise and as a rescue. I need to take him back in a month.

So, the week has been spent adjusting to new med schedules, and coming to a new normal. The diagnosis did not surprise me, but at the same time was kind of unsettling. We'll get used to this. So far, Drew is doing brilliantly. Since the addition of the twice daily inhaler, he is breathing much better. Soccer season is starting again in a couple of weeks, and we'll do fine. God will help us through this!

6 months old!

OK, she's 6 1/2 months old, but I missed posting a picture! This was taken at my sister's tonight...love my baby girl's smile!

Fifth Sunday of Lent

Again, I miss you all. There is so much going on in the blogosphere, and I just feel disconnected. I am looking forward to reconnecting after Easter!!!

I had a beautiful day today. I had a great lunch with friends. I planned and pulled off a surprise birthday lunch for a dear lifelong friend who has a monumental birthday this week. It was so nice to sit back with friends and just talk! I can only imagine what it would be like if I could lunch with a number of you (we'd never get out of there!).

Then, we went to dinner at my sister's house tonight. It was great to have the kids play together, and be able to catch up with my sister. Everyone will be tired tomorrow as they were up late, but it was a great evening.

Then, I found out about the health care vote. I am so disheartened. I had hoped it wouldn't pass. My sister reminded me about Fr. Corapi's words about the horrible things that would befall our nation if Obama became President. Now these things are coming to fruition. We must pray! Pray for our nation, pray for the unborn, pray for each other. I will not despair! We must continue to pray!

I hope you all have a great week!

4th Sunday of Lent

Gosh, I feel disconnected from all of you! Like Nancy said earlier, I don't feel like I am having a fruitful Lent so far. Worries about a plethora of things as well as keeping the house in order and all that has really been consuming me. I wasn't even sure if I was going to post today because, well, I have been in a really foul mood today. I think it may be the happenings of the past week.

Most of you saw my post during the week about Sr. Rita. I will get to that in a moment. On Tuesday, I received a phone call from the company I worked for in college and graduate school. It was also the company my Dad worked for for about 47 years. They were calling to let me and my siblings know that the owner of the company had died unexpectedly over the weekend. He was only 64. I knew that I could not make the funeral mass on Saturday because my team had their last Forensics tournament. That meant that I had to take off from teaching and got to the wake.

On Thursday, Andy called to say his check engine light was on. I made the appointment for Friday. We dropped the car off, and I got a call a couple of hours later that the fix would be about $350! OUCH! We said to wait on it because we want to see if we can find someone to do it cheaper. I had to drive across town and get Andy from work, bring him back to our side of town to pick up the car, and I sped off to the funeral wake on yet again the other side of town.

My plan was to go from the funeral wake down to the sisters' convent chapel for a prayer vigil for Sr. Rita. We had word the she was very weak and could die at anytime. I arrived at the funeral home only to find I would have to stand in line for an hour and a half to pay my respects. I was glad I saw the family, and I also ran into many people I had worked with. It was just kind of draining. It made me miss my Dad.

Once I left, I sped to yet another side of town to the convent chapel to pray. I am so glad I did. Unfortunately, I missed the news that Sr. Rita had died at about 4:15 PM that day. A few of us still gathered to pray and remember. I found out that there are 270 sisters living there! How wonderful! Sr. Rita had been a part of that community for 61 years. She was also a part of the legacy that was my high school (it closed in 1991). God Bless her!

Many Prayers Needed Tonight!

I am breaking my Lenten fast from blogging for something very important. I believe that Jesus would want me to do this, so I am.

Please pray this evening for Sr. Rita Menke who was the principal of my all-girls high school. She is a wonderfully strong woman who has served the Church well through her vocation for many decades. She is in the final stages of cancer and is asking for prayers. If you have facebook, you can find her page under Sister Rita's Hotline. Sister Rita is trying (and I believe succeeding) in bringing people together through Lenten reflections. As of tonight, she has 800+ fans (feel free to join if you are on FB).

I have been very moved by all of this since I found out that Sister Rita was ill. I am not sure if it is because of my memories of high school or because she is dying from the same thing that my parents' did, but I have been very sad about this whole situation. Please pray for her that her journey into eternal life is peaceful. Thank you so much! I will update as I can. Sister Rita commented a few days ago that she thought this was the beginning of the end.

Sweet Alex!

Odds and Ends

It seems like there have been so many times this week that a blog post comes to mind, and I think that I will remember it for Sunday, and now, I don't! I will tell you that these days of Lent are flying by. I don't feel like I am getting enough done spiritually, but there is always room for improvement. I am hoping to post my review of the book I am reading for Catholic Company soon! It is a good one!

Baby girl is getting so big! She will be 6 months on Wednesday. I may have to break my blogging fast to post pictures. She is turning into such a big girl! I have been able to keep up with making all of her baby food. She loves sweet potatoes, squash, peaches and pears. This week, she had avocado for the first time! I read that it is a super food for babies, and she loves it! (With all that good healthy fat in them for brain development, we are trying to see if we can add to the rolls on her legs!). We also were very surprised to have her get her first 2 teeth! The boys were much older (9 and 11 months), so needless to say when I told Andy I though she was getting teeth, he dismissed it. At the dentist this week for cleanings, our hygienist checked out Alex and confirmed my suspicion. Two days later, one broke through. Yesterday, the second arrived.

I am continuing to work at becoming a better saver on just about everything. Andy made me a spreadsheet at the beginning of the year and I am tracking how much I am saving on food, clothing and just about everything you can think of. As of last week, I was at $957 in savings since the first of the year! It is kind of fun to see how much I can save.

We also made a huge change in our house. We purchased one of these. In about a week, we will be eliminating our land line and the cost associated with it. We also switched our cable to satellite and Internet to DSL. All told, our bill will be dropping from $145 per month to $80 per month, a savings of $65! I am so excited about this because I always felt like the cable company really had us, and now they don't! I also dropped the data plan from my cell, not being able to really justify it because of losing my team lead job late last year. That too was a savings of $25 per month. Anyway, bottom line is that I am having fun finding ways to save money!

I miss you all, and wish you a fruitful Lent!

The Contest that I don't want you to enter :)

My friend, Karyn is having a great giveaway. She's made all of these super cute shopping bags. You can check it out here!

Second Sunday of Lent

Just stopping by to say I miss you all!

I went through all of the posts in my reader-

totaling about 300, and left few comments.

I was overwhelmed.

I do miss you all!

Have a Blessed week!

Miss Alex!

First Sunday of Lent

Well, I have made it through the first 4 days of Lent. You know what? I miss you all! This fast during the week from blogging is going to be good for me, but I do miss my blogging friends.

The week went fast! Andy was gone all day yesterday at a conference, leaving me with the kids, but it was good. The boys had swim, and we had the first Lenten challenge for them (I had a babysitter for Alex). Normally they play their DS's while one of them is in class (the 3 have classes back to back, and it is 2 hours from start to finish). Yesterday, I told them to grab a book. They looked at me incredulously. They couldn't believe I was making them stick to what they had given up.

It went really well. Peter read for almost 2 hours straight-something I have always struggled to get him to do. He almost finished the book he was reading. He also proceeded to tell me the plot-which was good because it showed me he had truly been reading.

Drew didn't feel like reading, but he didn't become impatient while waiting. While Drew was in class, Michael climbed into my lap and let me read to him (a rare treat because Andy usually does the bedtime reading because I am teaching).

While Peter was in class, I wondered what I would do with the two younger boys. We walked the halls at the high school. I could smell food (power lifting was going on in the building), so we walked over to concessions where the boys shared a bag of popcorn. I ran into a friend I hadn't seen in ages-her daughter was doing power lifting! All in all it was a good time and the boys didn't complain a bit about the lack of DS's!

Today, we had family time. My in-laws stopped in for a bit, and my sister was here a good chuck of the afternoon while Andy set up her new laptop. Speaking of my sister-she is going back to work tomorrow after her leave from her open heart surgery! After her being ill for so long, it is so good to have my sister back with all of her energy and joy for life! Thank you all once again for all of the prayers for her while she recovered!

With that, I bid adieu until next Sunday! I miss you all, but know this is the right decision for me for Lent. I am working on a couple of books I will be reviewing for Catholic Company and Tiber River, and it is good to be able to read them during this time of preparation. God Bless!

Ash Wednesday!

And so it begins! I feel like we got off to a good start this morning by making it to Mass. Andy and I sat with Michael and Alex while our big boys sat with their classes. It was a beautiful Mass, and I feel like we are off to the start I wanted! As Mass ended I happily joined in on one of my favorite prayers:

"O Sacrament Most Holy, O Sacrament Divine, All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment thine! Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the altar, now and forever, Amen!"

So, what have I decided? I want to be able to spend more time focusing on my Faith and on my family this lent. I will be only posting on Sundays and checking through my google reader then as well. (We practice that Sundays are not Lent, so you can have what you have given up). If you need to get a hold of me, please email me (can't give up that one because of work!).

I love you all and pray we all have a fruitful Lent. Pray for me as I will pray for you!

Guess what's new?

Lent and other musings

Lent starts tomorrow, and I am really struggling with plans to make this a great Lent, not only for me, but also for my family. I am really struggling with what to do. Last year, I gave up games on facebook-but that didn't go so well. I really want this Lent to be about well, preparing for Easter. How many times have I thought about what to do to get by with the bare minimum? What if Jesus had done that? I also want my boys to really be involved this year as well.

I purchased this book as a daily reflection book for Andy and I. I am excited to have something to meditate on over Lent. The boys have come to the consensus that they are giving up computer time and video games for Lent. I am proud of them for doing this, and it will not be easy.

As for me, I am not sure what sacrifice I am making. I feel like there are so many things I could give up-diet coke (but it is my ONLY source of caffeine), facebook and/or blogging (but then I feel like I will be in this solitary abyss, and I will miss my friends). I am really struggling with the decision. I want to have a fruitful Lent. I am just not sure how to go about it.

I did post on FB yesterday that I was thinking about giving up FB for Lent. So many people said just limit it. That, for me, is not a sacrifice. I just don't know!

One thing I do know is that I need to rethink schedules and such. I have been feeling so overwhelmed lately. You would think it would have been when Alex was born, but that was the easy part. Now that she is scheduled, I feel like I have these little burst to get things done when she is napping. I just am feeling like I am running all the time in between bottles and feeding (she now is eating baby food 3 times per day!). Afternoons are awful! We get the boys from school, and it is a rush for snacks, bottle for Alex, homework, feed her baby food, get dinner going, and then Andy runs in the door, we have 30 minutes as a family and I run off to teach until 10. I don't want to be whiny. We have a great, blessed life with beautiful children. I am just running low on steam. I need to find time to pray more, read and craft. Sigh-don't know how I am going to do it!

I am going to figure this Lenten plan today. I'll let you know what I decide!

5 months old!

I love sitting in my high chair and watching Mama!

All ready to go out in the cold!

I really want to crawl!

Snow!

We are in the middle of a snowstorm, and it is about time if you ask me! It started last night and should go through about 3 AM tomorrow. We are supposed to get 10-14 inches. Our area has really been lacking this winter which is highly unusual for the midwest! The last snow day we had was December of 2008! No snow day here today, though. My hubby got the boys off to school safely-and early, as Peter served at 7:30 Mass. I am a tad concerned about driving to pick them up this afternoon with Michael and the baby in tow, but we'll leave early!

I am super motivated today! I baked bread this morning (my Mama always said to bake during snowstorms!) and the laundry about half done already! Later, I am going to make homemade sauce for pasta for supper and some banana bread. Not sure what has gotten into me, but this is going to be a great day!

How Alex Sleeps

This picture is actually for Jamie. Her Sweetie Pie has an infatuation with her feet. So does my Alex. I caught her this way the other night. She had worked her leg out of her sleeper so she had access to her foot. This was not the first time she's done this. When I checked on her last night, she was sound asleep with her feet in the air! Also notice that she puts her face up to the bumper and sucks her thumb or the heel of her hand. Too cute!

Women of Christ 2010

I have been trying to write about the conference I attended on Saturday, and am having the hardest time a) finding a block of time to write and b) having a coherent thought. I am teaching right now, and so far, I have students slowly filtering in. We'll see how much I get done while I am here.

I have to start out by saying that I had no plans to attend the conference. It was the second year that Women of Christ was being held in our Archdiocese. It wasn't that I wasn't interested, but life has been crazy (and still is), and I didn't think I could give up the day, particularly one when everyone was home. My dear friend, Lisa, emailed me around Christmas and basically told me that I needed this. She could see me spiralling more clearly than I could and knew I needed this day. I gave in-and I was glad I did!

The day had some really awesome speakers, including Vicki Thorn, the founder of Project Rachel. The theme for the day was the dignity of women (like the encyclical), but it was so much more. There was much talk about how as women we really need to be the voice for the unborn. One particularly poignant talk was given by Yvonne Florczak-Seeman who, herself, had 5 abortions before realizing the horror of what she had done. Her talk made us laugh and cry. It was truly an amazing day!

We also had the opportunity for Confession, Adoration, and we closed with a beautiful Mass. It was a fabulous day, and just what I needed!

Also, at one point, I hear this voice behind me, "Therese, do you feel like you are being stalked?" I turned around only to find it was my blogging friend, Anne. We knew we were from the same area but had never met. The day before, Anne told me she'd be looking for me. I thought we would never meet up because there were over 2,000 women there! Yet, there she was! I hope to meet up with her again soon!

So, I have to say thank you to Lisa, for knowing what I needed-can't wait for next year! Thank you all for all of your prayers! During the Eucharistic Procession and Mass, I prayed for each of you and your intentions! Love you all!

Almost Wordless Wednesday

Archbishop Jerome Listecki came to celebrate Catholic Schools Week with our parish on Sunday. We were honored and blessed to be able to meet him. He is new to our archdiocese, but we are excited to have him here. We were able to get a family picture with him right before he left!

Here is our archbishop with some of the school kids. Peter and Drew are in the red school shirts.

Peter also had science fair this weekend. We are so proud of him! He took third place! He also happened to be there when the Archbishop was looking at the projects and Peter spent a good five minutes explaining his project to him! For my shy son, this was a huge experience!

At Mass this morning, Father Dan told us that the last thing the Archbishop told him on Sunday was how impressed he was with the people of our parish, especially the children and how they are living out their faith. I am so blessed to be a part of such a wonderful community!

5 minutes

I just wanted five minutes. Michael hasn't napped in 2 years. Alex was down and I am really tired. I was up a lot last night with what I think was pink eye. At least, I think it was, but it is completely gone today! (Can it last only 24 hours?) So, again, just 5 minutes.

I was going to read this afternoon. I have book club tomorrow. I am not finished yet. I am trying, but I could not read last night because of said eye. So, I thought, maybe I will just rest for 15 minutes and then I will keep reading. I said, "Michael, let's get comfty (his word) and watch a show." Except I should know. Mama and Daddy's water bed is like an amusement park. Why did I keep trying for.an.hour.? Because I just wanted 5 minutes. And, as my dear sweet Michael hopped off and went to play, I thought, "Yes! Five minutes!" Alex woke up!

Off to pick up kids and then hopefully post something worthwhile here about my weekend!

Mommy Brain!

I was featured on Christy's blog today! You can check it out here!

I am hoping to post more later today about my awesome weekend, but baby girl is HUNGRY!

Wow!

Thank you for all of your wonderful comments! I really needed to be lifted up, and I definitely was! That is what I love about this beautiful blogging community-we are here for each other!

I am looking forward to Saturday, as one of my best friends talked me into attending our diocese's Women of Christ conference. I am looking forward to having some time for myself and time with Jesus. I believe in the schedule of the day there is besides a number of great talks, the opportunity for Confession, Adoration and it closes with Mass. I will take your intentions, spoken and unspoken with me and, of course, pray for each of you!

Broken

I remember years ago when my dear sister-in-law started referring to herself as broken. I think it was around 4 or 5 kids (she has 8). Some of you know this feeling. The exhausted, house is dirty, laundry not done and I just don't care feeling? Yeah, I am pretty much there right now.

The past few days, I have sat down to try and write a blog post. Millions of thoughts swirl through my head-including starting to write about my parents' illnesses. Guess what? Not a word was written. I am broken.

I am at that point in the winter where I feel beaten. And it hasn't even been that bad of a winter compared to the past couple. The sun peaked out for maybe 5 minutes yesterday, and I was ecstatic. I took my sunglasses instead of my regular ones. I love when the sun is out in the winter. I needed my other glasses shortly after leaving the house (left them at home). Drew came home with torn snow pants twice this week. Monday, he sported and 8 inch gash in them. I got out the sewing machine and stitched them up. Tuesday he came home with a similar gash right below where I'd sewn the first. I admitted defeat and took off my last hour of work so I could run to the store and find a new pair. I am broken.

Last week, while I was up at school coaching forensics (junior high public speaking competition), Michael had his first wetting accident in months. I had nothing there for him. He had to sit wet for 45 minutes. On the same day, Peter left his social studies project on the hard drive at school. It was due the next day. That afternoon, Drew commented that he and Alex were the only ones I hadn't raised my voice to. I am broken.

Yesterday, I asked the boys to quickly and quietly have their snack after school. I had to feed Alex, and just wanted a few quiet moments before homework, dinner and my rush to teach at my new earlier hour. The boys got louder and Michael's bowl of popcorn flew across the kitchen. I hung my head and thought to myself, I feel so broken.

I am trying to imitate Christy's example by thanking God for these moments, and MckMama's reminder that one day I am gonna miss this, but boy, some days it is so hard.

Almost Wordless Wednesday-Sleepytime Edition

I love my blankie on my face!

Sound Asleep!

Very sleepy!

Notice here that Michael has cramped himself into the top third of his bed-so sweet!

What a week!

I am so glad it is Saturday! This was a crazy week filled with LOTS of driving and business. My FIL's surgery went well, but it was day surgery, so he had to go back into the doctor every day this week. Andy drove back and forth to his parents' house every day this week (it's about an hour away). He was glad that I told him to take vacation this week. It really helped him to feel less stressed about the week, and he was able to spend time with his Dad.

I worked a lot of odd hours this week. I have to do some creative scheduling these days. They have hired back all of the laid-off teachers to assist with peak. What has happened as a result is that I am getting only the first hour of my availability, but not the other 2 (I normally teach 7-10 every night, but am only getting 7-8). As a result, I am having to add the 6 pm shift to my schedule, and try to add other hours as they come up. Last night, I taught 6-8 and 9-10. I hate having splits like that because it kind of ruins my momentum and I am exhausted for that last hour.

Next week, I teach at 6 PM every night. The downside of this is that Andy will literally walk in the door and I will have to go teach. I'll have dinner ready for him and the kids, and he'll feed the kids. I have to take advantage of this because late in the Spring, hours will fall off until Fall. What's the phrase? Make hay while the sun shines.

Speaking of which, Andy and I are really starting to realize how bright Michael is. I mean, we knew it, but he is putting together concepts without us talking about it. For example, this morning, I was telling the boys that much of the snow was going to melt today (40 degrees, lots of rain, YUCK!). He said to me, "Mom, then the sun will come out, and it will get warmer and the leaves will grow on the trees." Now, I know that isn't quite right in that we are in the North and we have a lot of winter still ahead, but I don't think that at 4 my older boys realized these things. I remember having to point out the seasons to them. He just kind of figures things out. I wish I could get in the brain of his!

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! The boys are at swim lessons right now, and I am going to take advantage of them being gone and the baby sleeping to pick up around here...After all, I need to make hay while the sun shines!

Almost Wordless Wednesday-First Cereal 1/9/10

Before:

During:

After:


Since these photos, she has moved onto carrots and sweet potatoes!
She loves to eat!

Legion

I had no idea what this movie was about, until I saw this on another blog. Do not see it!

For more information, click here.

H/T Padre Steve.

Michael

We went to Mass this morning as Peter was serving at the all-school Mass. Andy is out helping with his Dad which meant that I was on my own with Michael and Alex.

It started out well enough. Alex snuggled into me, taking her bottle. Then Michael started, "Mom, hold me!" Could be heard throughout the church. "Love, love, love!" was next from my dear sweet son!

Then we went up for Communion. Michael screamed as I walked up, "BUT I WANT ONE! I WANT ONE! I WANT ONE!" He was speaking of Eucharist. I quietly walked back to the pew. As we knelt for the Blessed Sacrament to be exposed (we have Perpetual Adoration), one last comment from the peanut gallery 4 year old, "Can we go home now?" I am sure many in church were thinking, "Yes, please GO!!!"

Swirling

As in swirling thoughts...I was musing about things to write this morning, and suddenly I was feeling inspired to write about the years of my parents' illnesses (yes, it was years!). I am still thinking about what I want to do. I have a lot to say. Not sure if I will just do some writing on my own or if I will share some of it here. Perhaps I will do both. I just feel like what I went through really developed me spiritually, and I feel like I need to write about it...we'll see...

A Goal for 2010

Notice that I didn't say resolution? I don't believe in those because well, I always seem to fail at those. Goals, though, I can get behind.

So, last year, in an effort to try and live more cheaply, ahem, frugally, I started trying to come up with a couponing routine. I did pretty well, for a while, but then I had this beautiful baby girl come along, and I fell off the wagon. I had the best of intentions, but it just was really hard to do. I decided to make 2010 my year for really getting this.

My friend, Becky, at one point last year, pointed out to me that I needed to be tracking my percentage saved. The more I thought about it, the more I realized she was right. Even though I love math, and I teach math, I must humbly admit that I am awful at percentages. So, what's a girl to do? Ask her tech-savvy husband to make her a spreadsheet. Now, when I get back from shopping, I can plug it all in and see how much I am saving!

Do you know what that has done? It has turned me into a raving lunatic savvy shopper! I am totally obsessed with seeing how much I can save! Last week, I did a run to Walgreens to stock up on Lubriderm. I never used to buy it, because it can be pricey. I have now stocked up on it and it pretty much will last me all year! I had great coupons, it was on sale, and I had a rebate! All this together meant that I saved 62%! On Saturday, I went grocery shopping. I saved 34%! I was excited about that but moreover, I was motivated to do even better next time!

I am off to Walgreens in a bit to stock up on Bayer Quick Release Crystals. The stuff is a dream for getting rid of headaches! This week if I buy 3 of the 20 packs (at $2.19 each-normally $8!), I get a register reward on a future purchase of $6! That is like getting it free! The key though is if you buy more than 3 to separate the purchases.

I am really getting into this! I love saving money, how about you? Any saving tips you'd like to share? Do you want me to share more of what I am learning as I learn it?

Busy week!

We are off to yet another busy week! I literally ran all weekend, and am utterly exhausted. Andy is on vacation this week, but there really is not going to be much rest going on. His Dad is having surgery tomorrow. Nothing major, but prayers are appreciated! So, Andy will be mostly out at his folks' house the next 2 days giving them a hand and leaving me to handle things here.

Peter has a science fair project due on the 29th. He did all of the data collection yesterday and now has to put things together. I'll post pictures when he is done.

I saw my niece, Clare's, play yesterday. She was in a production of Fahrenheit 451. I can't say it was an uplifting story, but she did a great job. I am hoping she is trying out for the Spring musical. They are doing Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and I think she'd be great!

Also had a great dinner out with friends last night. I so needed that! It has been a crazy beginning to 2010, and it was good to just sit and talk.

Hope every one is having a great week! I was way behind on my reading, I did go through every one's posts, just did not leave very many comments. Hoping to get into a routine this week!

Where's Waldo-I mean, Alex and Michael?

My laundry helpers!

Life

I feel like I have lots to say and not too much to say. It has been an incredibly draining week, and it is only Wednesday! I think the cold is getting to me (come on now-I am from the North, I should be used to this by now!). The sun is finally out today, though, so it helps!

Andy is on jury duty for the next 2 days (unless he gets picked for a trial). I have been called up twice, and both times I was picked. I told him he should have waited to shave his goatee off until after jury duty. he just looks like such a nice guy without it (I mean he is ALWAYS a nice guy, but he looks the part!). This is his first time doing jury duty. He is hoping that the fact that his brother-in-law is a lawyer, and that his cousin is sheriff in one of the neighboring counties will preclude him from being chosen. Like I said, I have been picked twice. I think he'll get picked! I drove him down this morning so we wouldn't have to pay parking. We'll see how the day goes.

Miss Alex turned 4 months over the weekend. She has started rice cereal, and after a couple of days seems to be getting it. I took her for her appointment on Monday. She weighs in at 13 pounds, 6 ounces and 24 3/4 inches. She is doing great! And we survived the second round of shots. I have some great pictures to post as soon as I get the camera hooked up!

Do any of you pierce ears? Andy has always wanted to do this if we had a baby girl. (he has images of this little Italian girl with little earrings...she definitely has the coloring for it! YAY, for Italian genes!) The pediatrician said we have to wait until 6 months. I do not relish the thought of taking her for it, but Andy has wanted this for a LONG time.

Teaching is OK. I work every night until 10 PM. While I am thankful for the work, some nights it is very tiring, especially when the students just aren't all that eager.

So, I was perusing a blog and someone mentioned they were going to Blissdom. I had never heard of it. I looked it up and saw it was a blogging conference. Cost? $300! I personally think it is a way for people to pay and learn how to turn their blog into a business. Now, if that is what someone wants, that's great. It's not why I blog. I have seen many a blogger either go this route and fail or go this route, and then they end up losing what I love about blogging-they lose themselves and why they wrote in the first place. Don't get me wrong, I often find these professional bloggers a great resource for money saving tips, couponing and recipes, etc., but for me, I started this blog as an outlet, and wound up making some really great friends whom I hope to carry with me for a long time!

I am hoping to get back into a routine soon on this blog!

Tonight

As a last minute decision, we decided to attend Mass tonight. We normally only do this when we have something like travelling on Sunday, but for whatever reason, we decided to go tonight. The older boys were ready as were Andy and I. Michael had been in a nice sweatsuit (I know, seriously? for Church? but it was Saturday night and it's very cold, and he is only 4, so I decided to be OK with it). I asked Peter to get Michael's shoes on while I got Alex together.

So, we run out to the van. As we are driving to Church, I realize that I forgot the diaper bag! I say a quick prayer that she would have no blowouts during Mass (Thankfully, she didn't). Then, I turn to look at Michael. He has his dress shoes on-with sweats. I sigh and let it go. As we are walking into Church, I look again. Not only is he in dress shoes, but they are two different shoes, two different sizes and both for the left foot! Next time I'll learn to either start getting ready earlier or insist we go on Sunday.

As an aside, even though it was my oldest Peter who caused this amazing fashion statement, his heart really is in the right place. Peter loves to draw, and as he sat making a map tonight, he scattered it with crosses. He explained to me that the crosses represented all of the Churches so that if someone wanted to go to Church there would always be one close by. "Isn't that a great idea, Mom?" Yes, Peter, it most certainly is! (He also recently told me that he thinks it is a great idea to go to Mass every day-I love this boy!).

One Word Comment

From Sarah-Kala: Leave a ONE word comment that you think best describes me. It can only be one word. No more than one word. Then copy & paste this post on your blog so I can leave a word about you.

Jump Around!

I'm a big girl in my jumper, don't you think?

Review: Bible Proofs for Catholic Truths

I have the distinct pleasure of reviewing Bible Proofs for Catholic Truths: A Source Book for Apologists and Inquirers by Dave Armstrong. I was drawn to this book for its use of the Bible to explain the teachings of the Church. So often, I have heard that the problem with Catholicism is that teachings are not based in Sacred Scripture. This book proves that claim totally false!

Bible Proofs is divided into 115 thematic headings with over 2000 biblical proofs to give truth to Catholic teaching. The book is very easy to read, as well as very easy to use when looking for an explanation of a specific topic. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to find this book as it will be a great source book in years to come!

This review was written as part of the Catholic book Reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Bible Proofs for Catholic Truths.

Exciting News!

My niece, Clare, just found out that she will be attending the March for Life in DC in a couple of weeks! She is very excited, as am I for her. I was able to attend as a junior in college and it was so wonderful!

I have asked her to do a guest post here after she comes back. I thought she'd like the opportunity to share her journey. Please keep Clare and her classmates in your prayers as these young women prepare for this incredible opportunity. (Clare attends an all-girl, Catholic high school, just like I did!)

Wordless Wednesday-Where Mama found me in my crib

Yes, that's the corner! (And her favorite place to sleep!)

On Pacifiers

Being the youngest of 5 children who became an aunt at 13, I did a lot of babysitting growing up. As a result, I had some very definite ideas about certain things involving raising children. Pacifiers (or nuks) were just one of these things. My sister-in-law's kids all used nuks. My sister's did not. There were a few times when I was left with my sister's youngest, nuk-free baby and I had no way of soothing said child. My babes, I promised, would all be nukie babies!

So, Peter was born and true to my word, he use a nuk. Loved it in fact! So much so, that I didn't take it away until he was 3 1/2 (my Mom and Dad were sick, there was a lot going on, I thought it would be mean to do it). Drew was exactly the same! He loved his nukie-although he gave his up a bit younger (3). I asked him about it yesterday, and he said he missed his nuk (sweet).

Then we had Michael. My dear, sweet, Michael whom, I have said before, brings out the best and the worst in Andy and I as parents. He refused any nuk-and we tried many. He was also my colicky child, and would have benefited from it, but no go!

Now, we turn to my baby girl, Alex. She seemed to be turning into a nukie baby-at first. Now, though, she seems to be going the way of Michael. She wants nothing to do with it-most of the time. And then, every once in a while, she takes it. Most of the time, though, she won't, and I can hear her slurping on the heel of her hand in her crib.

I feel like I am at a crossroads. I am not sure what to do. I really do believe in the power of the pacifier as a tool to calm down an infant. As a non-nurser, I've always felt like it was important. I remember telling my husband's sister, that you just need to work with them. All babies like nuks. HMMM...starting to re-think that. Thoughts?

Sisters in Faith

What a great way to start the new year! Thanks to Nancy who truly is a Sister in Faith! Please also check out Karinann, the originator of this award!

As Blog Awards go, you are supposed to pass them on to other bloggers who you feel represent the spirit of the award. In this case, the instructions are: 1. To pass this award on to sisters who have been blogging with me from almost the beginning, 2. Include at least one new Sister In Faith.

Here are my sisters:

1. Evy at Yes, They are All Mine!

2. Karyn at Candarbry Garden

3. Jillian at Homeschooling4Christ

4. Jamie at Lord, Make me a Saint!

5. Sara-Kala at So...this is the road I am traveling on

6. Aussie Therese at Aussie Coffee Shop

7. Sarah at With a Hopeful Heart

8. Allison at Totus Tuus Family...

9. Frizzy at Heaven's Gift

10. Kim at It's a dog and pony show

11. Nikki at Banana, Bear and Bophie

I know I could come up with more. Thanks to Nancy for the award! You all truly do lift me up, and I am so thankful for you all!