Summer Birthday Bash

HAPPY BIRTHDAY COUSINS!

I don't know how you celebrate cousins' birthdays, but on one side of our family, we basically have tri- or semi-annual birthday bashes (depending on the busyness of families) It works well, especially when there are so many young kiddos lives to celebrate, and family spread over a few towns/states. 

Here is our photo recap:

 Some Baseball

Some Football

And other things:

Looks like she needs a sibling ;)

'Like Father, Like Son'

Teamwork!

And some Rest:

Great Grandma rocking my neice:

It was HOT!

 But the Grill Master Carried on

So we could eat:

I don't know how he got his food up there, but it looked cozy!

After the tanks were full, we sang Happy Birthday to each child before he/she opened presents.

This year, we sang 10 times.

That's a lot of Happy Birthday's!

Well, make that 11.  We had to sing when they blew out their candles together!
Once the kids are loaded up on sugar cake, it's time for:

 Pinata bursting!

I blame this child's grasp of the bat on her mother ;)

And that's all folks.  I'll spare you a photo of the minor Dr. visit.  Mostly because I don't have one, but also because it wouldn't be good for those of you susceptible to churning bellies.

Until Next Time...

Celebrating Catholic Schools

Well, it was this time last year that I wrote an email which became the 'beginning' of my blogging days.  It just took a little over a month to make it happen.  If you're interested, I decided to post it.  It is dated on the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul (in commeration) :)  The plan was to post it back then, but it's up and running now!


This year's kick off to Catholic School's Week has not been as exciting, but still notoriously filled with active children.  A 3 year old yelling across the alter, towards the choir members, in the silence following the Alleluia, "Hi Gabrielle!!" and waving, then saying, "I love you!"  Then looking at me as I'm trying to get her to stop and stating, "But I see Gabrielle and I love her!"  We then had to reposition her so she would not sneak out into the isle to dance during the songs. However, she wasn't the only child in our family that got repositioned!  


We also had a cry-er, due to big brother's strong hands not remaining to himself. And a stealthy 2 year old who managed to crawl under the pew and run out in the communion isle, not once, but 3 times.  At that moment, I was really wishing I could have sat closer to him, because sometimes, his Daddy just doesn't notice these things - obviously. 


Today was simply a typical Mass experience (more or less): corrections, smiles, tears, movement, peace, listening, speaking, singing and dancing - sounds like a typical family to me.  This evening, I'll be reading the readings again; somehow I missed them today.  But really, what would this celebration with God's family be like without the gift of children - probably less distracting, but also less meaningful!  


"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." -Matthew, Mark and Luke!

Daily Conversion

So, it has been a year since I wrote the following short story.  It was the story that made people ask if I was blogging.  After saying No, no, no, no, no...

You get the picture, I finally gave in and said Yes. I made a leap of faith and to this day, by the grace of God, continue to give it a try.  The best thing it has done for me is force me to write things down - and take pictures.  History in the making so to speak.  It's a glimpse of our life story.  I've been able to share what I'm working on in my vocation of marriage and motherhood: its joys, challenges, and random life lessons.  And I've been able to read other life stories.  You see, we are never alone, and I guess that's the point of this blog.

1-25-09

What a beautiful Sunday morning (until I got out of bed!)  Maybe that was the problem? Dad was out the door early to round at the hospital so he could meet us at church. I needed to get Kathryn, Gabrielle and Michael up to church early so they could help with the Catholic Schools Week Mass!  Kathryn, going on 14, forgot that she had to sing in the choir.  We woke her up to remind her, but then she forgot to get out of bed-yes, teenager!  Gabrielle came into our bathroom on Mom's orders so I could help her comb her hair. She is 11, but doesn't seem to think bed head is an issue when you go up to read in front of everyone at Mass.  She thought it would be a good time to come into the bathroom as I was puking in the sink, and exclaim, "Isn't there a toilet?"  Yes, there was, but it was sat upon by another child.  The particular scent is what quickly pushed me to the sink. 

I got myself together, did Gabrielle's hair, got the toilet occupant cleaned up, and yelled down at Kathryn, again. Hmm, no answer.  Gabrielle helped Gina get dressed, and I woke up the boys.  Michael was not so happy about it.  I removed Vincent's diaper, and was preparing to get him dressed.  The diaper was placed next to us.  I did not take the time to roll it up yet because he was poopy and I was still wiping the stinky guy.  My plan: keep the poopy mess all rolled up together for one trip outside! Michael however had a different plan.  He thought it was a good idea to toss it onto the floor.  Nonchalantly, I told him he was lucky it didn't spill out (maybe that was my mistake). Since he was able to get it to the floor, I told him he could now take it to the garbage for me.  Well, that literally backfired!  He took it into the other boys’ room and slammed it against the wall (near the garbage).  Maybe he thought it was a bank shot?  Shi+ was smeared everywhere!  I wasn't so happy, no, I'll be honest, I was madly out of control.  After a "little" beating, I continued to get the rest of the crew ready. (FYI, after the fact, Michael told Dad, "I threw it at the air and didn't think it would get all over." - yes, he threw it at the air!)

Now I'm sure some may know where this is going: the nice big Catholic family getting ready for Mass this morning was not so nice!  Kathryn got an earful on the way to church, with a bit of pedal to the metal driving.  “Responsibilities, being a part of a family, you name, it came out of my mouth.  Thanks, Michael, this needed to be done – but not in the fashion I took.  As I pulled up to church, I came to my senses a bit, remembering where we were going to be soon, "I love you!  See you shortly!"  Kathryn rolled her eyes. I don’t blame her, I wasn’t exactly the most loving person for that ~5 minute tank ride.  

I got back home, Luke evidently was playing smart and helped more than he ever has before. He continued to tell me all about it. (He better get on my good side, today ;) )  "Mom, I helped John get dressed, and got Daniel's clothes for him."  As Daniel was buttoning his shirt, he says, "Mom, something's wrong here."  I look at him, and immediately go to the closet to give him another shirt! (The one Luke gave him was hanging in the closet waiting for Vincent to wear it.)  The long sleeves fit Daniel like 3/4, and the shirt barely covered his belly button!)  Now if anyone was going to be dressed as the Incredible Hulk, I can guarantee you it was not him today!  Ok, the boys are almost finished getting ready -I've calmed down, and we are going to make it to church on time!  Ut oh, John can't find his shoes.  Everyone else says they have theirs on.  “Well, wear the tennis shoes, we don't have time to look anymore.  This is why we put our shoes back in the closet after church!”  We are loaded, and ready.  We climb into the pew all happy!  As everyone settled in their spots, I went to tie Daniel's shoes.  Guess what, he had on John's!  Evidently Daniel was the one I was supposed to inform of the proper location for his church shoes.  A big sigh! We're here God, if you want to vomit me out, I can understand!

Church went well!  Gina was singing, John was singing - together they were louder than everyone else.  Aren't we so cute?  After Mass we went down to a pancake breakfast put on by the 8th Grade class.  Yes, Kathryn DID remember she was in 8th grade, and was going to help with it!  Thank God, I was beginning to wonder if she had Alzheimer's at such an early age!  After we ate, Kathryn and I helped serve the next round, and Dad was to take the rest of the kids back home.  Ut oh, no Gina.  “Anyone seen Gina?  Go look for Gina.  Check the elevator.” (God, I hope she wasn't attending another Mass upstairs).  That prayer was answered the way I wanted!  Bob checked the bathrooms (which I didn't think she could open the door to).  Yep, Gina is in the girl’s bathroom!  Gabrielle went in to get her.  "No potty, just poop." Just POOP -on the back of her tights, and in the bathroom: on the floor, on the toilet, the walls...Ugh!  What is it with shi+ today?

Kathryn and I finally got home. Gabrielle was fighting with Luke.  Dad now understands how this can wear on a person.  Gabrielle has an amazing affect on people – she has the power to make you happy and the power to bring everyone down.  Why we give her this power, I don't know, but it happens.  I began to think about taking back what I said when I dropped her off at church.  A bit later in the day, she wanted to make cookies.  The first pan of peanut butter cookies came out very brown (to go with the “poop” theme of the day?).  As I told her she needs to pay attention to the recipe and how long she should cook them, she stated, “I’m sorry, I’m doing the best I can.”  My quick reply, “God Help Me, then!”  Yes, I said that to her precious face.  At first it was sarcastic, but a few seconds later it was a heartfelt prayer!  As she finished up, she decided she had enough dough to make one more cookie.  The last cookie was the size of a waffle!  She made it for Luke.  To tell him she was sorry – after fighting all day, she suddenly snapped out of it.  Ashamedly, this sounds a bit familiar for me, too.

So, dear family, what did you do to me?  As I reflect on the day, I think how ironic that today is the feast of the conversion of St. Paul.  Many of us reenacted it in our own home.  Today, you taught me about conversion!  From ravage, to mercy, to love.  I'm glad I got out of bed!  I'm glad I got to witness conversion of heart; both as an active witness and an eye witness. That is what life is all about: Constant conversion.  Every sin overcome, every new turn to God.  On any given day, someone is the forgiver AND someone is the forgiven – Yes, that someone is both!

Photo Shoot

Ok, Let's take a picture!

Daniel wasn't too thrilled!

GQ Daniel and Christopher blowing kisses?

watch the progression of the Michael getting center attention:

'Poke the Baby'

 "TIME OUT!"
Daniel is finally happy.

So, we decided to try one more time at home:

Maybe they really just wanted Mom and Dad in it, too!
or
They were happy not to be looking at our crazy faces anymore!

From our Home to Your's

Merry Christmas!

Sarcasm to one = reality to another!

Me to child guzzling pop, "Why don't you go ahead and drink it really fast to make sure you get as much as everyone else."  (a few others just had a refill)

Littlest child, a mere 22 months old, with the sweetest voice, "O Kaay."  Guzzle, Guzzle

Laughter fills the room.
I think my sarcasm backfired.  ;)

Family Food!

I think we are all on the mend from the flu bug, and one is still on prednisone, so this quote from a friend of mine couldn't have hit at a better time:

These kids are, "Eating me out of house and boob food."

Enough said...

Have a Blessed Day!

Store-ing up Treasures!

Welcome to the neighborhood SAMS club.

Now if you are shopping in this store, you should be used to BULK items.

Including the main display today: Mom's Pre-school Package: 4 children, 4 and under (at least for 4 more days ;) ).

We had fun in SAMS today.

It all started with another mother commenting on the display above and how great they were. Followed up with her commenting on the fact that she is not ready to bring her 4 young children to the store, and in awe that it can work. For me, it has to work. Somedays it is not always in good order, but it works. As conversation went on, I filled her in that these 4 were the bottom half of 9 children. She replies, "So, you've had practice." Yes, lots of practice: namely in prayer!

I think she was priming us for what was to come. The record breaking number of times I would hear, "You have your hands full!"

First: a confirming smile.

Second: a bit of conversation followed by an attitude of "I can't talk right now, the baby is starting to cry, and 2 walkers are getting into the fridges asking if we needed everything in them."

Third: After the record breaking statement mentioned above, to John, "How do you like being the oldest?" John informs her that he is not the oldest, and I reiterate, "Yes, we have 9." I find it funny when I have to repeat the amount of children we have.

Did she

a. not believe him

b. believe she did not hear correctly

c. have short term memory loss

d. all the above

I don't know for sure, but I always blame it on c. short term memory loss. I guess that comes from my years visiting nursing homes. Repeat, repeat, repeat. That lesson comes in handy!

Fourth: This was great! I still laugh when I picture this man's behavior. We turned right to walk down an isle. The man, behind us went straight. Then, stopped. Came toward us and stared for a few seconds. Evidently our display caught his eye? Then he continued on in the direction he was intending to go. A moment later, he came back to observe our moving display, and quoted the 'record statement of the day': "My, you have your hands full." He was genuinely amazed. And I chuckled at his amazement, and followed up with, "Yes, aren't they great! I wouldn't have it any other way." And his reply, "That's great!"

Fifth: another confirming smile. I was still stuck on the gentleman mentioned fourth!

And, It's still ringing in my ears,

"My, you have your hands full!"

Priceless!

I wouldn't have it any other way.

Can't keep my hands off you!

Christopher is 2 months old!

And look at all the help and love around him!

Children too are a gift from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children born in one's youth. Blessed are they whose quivers are full.

Psalm 127

Empty Box = Full Lesson

Maybe its because the kids are getting older...

Maybe its because they are too much like a parent before them...

Maybe its because if they didn't get to them first, they wouldn't get any...

Maybe its because they don't want to get caught...

In any case, I found an empty box of cookies in the cupboard, neatly placed so that it looks like it has never been touched and opened. Another empty box/container kept special in the cupboard to fill with childhood memories:

One Christmas, my dear mother baked cookies. Actually, she baked every Christmas, but this one fills the cookie box today. She kept the cookies in the deep freezer out in the garage. A perfect place for cookies to be kept until Christmas; that is, unless you have a dear husband and 7 kids looking for treats.

About 2 weeks before Christmas, my mom decided to pull out a container of cookies. My grandparents were coming to celebrate my brother and I's December birthdays. Well, she pulled the container out and opened it. The container was empty, so she pulled another. It was empty. And another, and another and another: all empty! All the sudden we heard an agonizing "NOOO!" come from the garage. Mom went through the cookie containers (11 or 12 of them) which were supposed to be full of cookies-all empty!

A little later, Mom shared the story the neighbor, who also had a big family. And the neighbor lady said she was getting together with her adult girls to make Christmas cookies. My mom wished us girls were old enough to do that, but that was not the case. So, she got busy baking again, and made a few more containers worth. This time, she marked them "For Christmas! Don't Eat!" In the meantime, the generous neighbor lady came over with about 5 dozen of their Christmas cookies to share. Thank God for neighbors!

So, today's lesson for me comes from my mom whom I love, a memory, and an empty box: We must give and keep giving even when there is nothing in it for ourselves. Yes, there's nothing in it for me. It's not about me, but Christ who lives in me, doing His work. And as we keep giving, he fills us with more! It's all about Him.

Our Lord to St. Catherine of Siena (youngest of ≈ 25 children)

Do you know My daughter who you are and who I am? You are she who is not, and I am Who Is.

I spread the grace of my Spirit where I will... Be brave and obedient when I send you out among people. Wherever you go I will not forsake you, I will be with you, as is my custom, and will guide you in all that you are to do.

kinda sounds a lot like John 14.

All for the Glory of God!

Note:

1. Now just so you know, freezer cookies are different from fresh cookies or treats left out on the counter. When we got into those, we NEVER took the last one! It was then that we were working on our sharing hearts. ;)

2. Even to this day, (my dad is the only one home) she puts a note on the special containers: "For _____, Do Not Eat!" It is understood, and everything else is free for all! (Her notes remind me of Adam and Eve, and the forbidden fruit ;) )

Deep thoughts

By Daniel:

"Everyone in our family has a "p" in their name!"

He continues to name us all off...

"Mom, Dad, Daniel, (notice he is not going to forget himself) Gabrielle, Luke, Kathryn, Michael, John, Vincent, Gina, the baby. Huh, did you know we have almost 11 people in our family?!"

With a look of shock, "That's a lot!"

Back to the serious look, "But not if God gives us 10 more kids, then it would be 20. That's maybe enough. But I don't think we should have a thousand, that would be way too many. We would get way squashed in our house and no way would we fit in one room."

What I wanted to say...

Yesterday, I got to check up on how the little 27 week old babe is doing. Yes, I went to the Dr, listened to the heart beat, shared some adult conversation without children this time. (A friend had called as I was preparing to walk out the door and offered to have the youngsters play at her home- thank you!)

I even had a book to read which Kathryn had recommended. I didn't get very far, but in the introduction and single chapter I got through, it is worth the read! I shared it with my nurse who seemed genuinely interested- maybe this is part of the reason why I didn't come with kids in tow today.

Next up, the scale: Baby is growing! A lot! On second thoughts, maybe I should start exercising! A lot! ;)

I get seated in my room and await the dr's arrival. This doctor is new to me. Yes, Baby #9 has a new doctor. Yes, we have been in the same town for the last 4 babies. Different stories for each, and I only ran one doc out of town j/k. (This dr. did leave town, but I was sad at the departure-I think it went both ways.)

Dr arrives, and starts off with the question, "So when are you going to have the TV crews in your home? Oh, I guess you're only half way to 18. chuckle."

I respond, "I really don't want a TV crew in my house - or maybe I should - I could put them to real work, chuckle."

The dr. went on to say how some people are cut out to deal with children, and he didn't think he was one of them. He went on to say how he really struggled being a parent to his 3 children, and wondered how I do it, parenting almost 9. I felt bad for him, I was trying to figure out if he was showing remorse for not being the best he could, or if he gave his best and felt like it wasn't good enough. I waited a moment, and chimed in with my experience, "Well, if it means anything to you, I struggled with 1, 2, 3 and I'm sure I'll still struggle with 9. Whether you have 1 or 9 kiddos running around, you're always going to have good days and bad days. That is a constant!" He continued to thank me for that comment.

We completed the appointment, and I ventured out to set up the next appointment. My nurse stopped me again to ask about and glance at the book. The dr. followed up with a comment about getting the book finished in all my free time. Then, he said I should write my own book - I joked back, "Yes, in all my free time. It may never get done."

Overall, a good appointment. I like this Doc. Something about him challenges me. I was driving home in my silent van thinking about our conversations. They were good, but could I have said anything different?

What I wanted to say was these kids are beautiful. I wouldn't trade them for anything. They are worth every ounce of struggle. Each struggle is a step in love. Yes, they teach me to love - more than I would ever love on my own. They keep me humble, and make me realize how much I need mercy. Together, our family learns about love and mercy: "love covers a multitude of sins" 1 Peter 4:8. And with each addition to our family, Love grows!

I always get the comment, "I don't know how you do it." Usually I follow up with, "Neither do I!" But I do know. It is by the grace of God, in cooperation with prayer. Surrendering my weaknesses. Remembering that I can't do anything on my own, and asking God to take over: to Love when I don't feel like loving; to Guide when I don't know what to do; to sustain me when I feel like giving up. As St. Paul tells us, "when we are weak, it is truly then that we are strong." Power reaches perfection as we surrender our weaknesses, because we no longer are living, but Christ is living in us. His Perfect Love pours out if we open the canal!

Isn't that what we are called to do? Love! We learn from Mark 12: 30-31 about the greatest commandments: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul,with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself." And all over in John, but specifically chapters 13 and 15, "Love one another as I have loved you." If you do a keyword search on bible gateway, you will find a multitude of references under the keywords 'command love'.

I thank God for teaching me how to love. Love is sacrificial. Love is obedient. Love is a choice. Love can not be done alone - it comes from uniting ourselves to Jesus.

I pray that I may love more, and leave you with what I am working on:

1 Corinthians 13

If I speak in the tongues of men and angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

And now these remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

In other words: Love bears all things, believes in all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.