Good News/Bad News

Bad news: No Christmas tree today, as we are snowed in our home.

Good news: We are snowed in our home!

I have four delighted children out romping in the snow. Eating snow, snowballs, sledding.

Even better news: We can sled in our own front yard.

Best news: I went to the grocery store yesterday so we can bake and feast later today.

This is the first snow in my home since I left home in Cleveland all those long years ago. This is my childrens' first snow at their home. I cannot begin to describe the beauty of it. There is a winter wonderland outside. And warm, cuddly, snuggly feelings inside.

More "bestest" news: It will be melted and gone by tomorrow, I believe!

The card I meant to send

I find this particular week of advent difficult. We have been doing so much to prepare ourselves for the coming of our Savior for three whole weeks now. I must admit monotony is starting to set in. The advent candles don't always get lit at dinner, and by now, some little boys enjoy blowing them out as soon as they are lit. My morning prayer, that started off so well three weeks ago, was done at 10:30pm last night. Most of our advent books have been read multiple times. And all those narrations, summaries, and pictures that were supposed to follow those book reading moments, and then be integrated into our advent lap books. Most of those didn't happen, and the free sheets of papers that did get written are floating around my kitchen. But this blog is not one to describe our advent and our last few weeks of school (or not-school) depending on how you look at it. I hope to blog that tomorrow. This blog post is to let you know I'm trying to make advent holy. And I still have all the presents to wrap. And the dog really needs a bath, and a brush, and frankly a pair of scissors to cut out the tangles. And we need a Christmas tree this weekend. And I still need to write the Christmas cards. And now the problem. I took the picture. It was "good enough" for four kids and a battery-low light on the camera. I came home and ordered it via an online print shop. I chose some custom cropping option. BAD MOVE! The picture is the wrong way. Sarah is almost cut out of the picture. So is the right side of Luke's head. It is really, really bad. I have 70 copies. I don't have time or patience for retakes. It will be sent out. Wait until you see it. It is that bad. But next week will be a special, holy week in this house. I will try to get back on track with prayer and advent. The third week of advent is Gaudete week. The week of rejoicing for the Savior is coming. I am going to try to recapture that starting tomorrow. Next week will be snuggling, more baking, and more reading. Although I am dying to get back to science, and history, and geography. It will wait. All so my children will remember these times of joyful anticipation, even though the stress may be settling in for mom. And in years to come this picture will be my reminder of and advent spent trying to be holy. But this is the picture I meant to send out!

Success

This post is for my dear friend Mindy. Mindy, I haven't scrapbooked in a year. Yes, I know....it is horrible. But tonight my husband downloaded all the pictures from our laptop onto our new computer. I filed them on files. I downloaded them onto a gallery site. I ordered 160 pictures to be delivered to my home in 3-5 business days. After such date, I will hold all the pictures I need and an empty scrapbook. I may then actually document the last year of our life in pictures. Any guess on how long that will take? Another year????

Thanksgiving

It's almost Christmas, but here are our Thanksgiving pictures. We saw snow, and it lasted for less than a day. That is perfect in my book. We visited with family, went tobogganing, watched football and made pierogies! The kids did well in the car for the most part. Max has some residual angst when we currently put him in the car. I believe he fears another 10 hour road trip. Anyhow, we are now awaiting snow here in NC. We'll head up to the mountains to chop down a Christmas tree next week. We'll pack all our winter clothes and a few sleds and hope for snow up there.

I firmly resolve....

To try and blog more frequently in this coming year...including pictures of the kids. Scrapbooking is a whole other matter. Here are some pictures of our fall.

I am grateful for....

Big brothers. I am especially thankful for a big brother who is pleased to eat his dinner scooted as forward as possible in his chair so that his baby brother can stand on the chair behind him. And climb on the big brother's back. And tap the big brother on the head. And cover the big brother's eyes. All while the big brother eats his dinner and laughs at his baby brother. Yes, this would have never happened when Big Brother was small. He would have sat in his high chair calmly and eaten as well. But then again, he would have had a nap in the afternoon instead of following older siblings to all the afternoon events and errands. This is life in a family composed of many ages. And I am grateful for that as well!

Bath time

It was a harried evening without a husband. I was finishing up two loads of laundry. We had just finished dinner. I was bathing the baby because we had spaghetti. I was trying to sew on cub scout patches. We were getting ready to head-out to scouts...all of us. At bedtime. But this is life in a busy family that includes big kids and little kids. So, in order to finish up some chores I left Sarah in charge of Max who was in the tub. He was already bathed, but playing happily. Then I heard the famous, "Mooooommmmm!" And then I saw the tub. And the poop. Like all my kids, Max had his first bath with a poop. All the kids came running. All the kids thought it was hilarious! I attempted to drain the tub, clean the tub, rewash the baby, all before Max ingested too much water from the bath toys and washcloth. And then I hurried about the other chores and out the door.

When relaying the story to my laughing husband his first question was, "Did you get the movie camera?"

And that is why I am a mom and he is a dad.

Quote of the Day

Sean: "We're watching Max, so he won't...uhm...like, die."

The big kids took Max out on an outside adventure

eating with sean

Eating with Sean is an adventure because you never know what will come out of his mouth. Usually this means funny sayings and not chewed food. Today proved inspiring and funny yet again.

Sean: "Sarah look at how cool I am. I don't even have to hold my nose!"

(Yes, the roasted broccoli was not a complete success. Several small people had resorted to eating broccoli while holding their noses. At some point, Sean realized he was "above" that behavior and could manage to stomach it smell and all.)

Tired?

After a long day of playing inside, outside, school, dress-up, books....well a long day anyhow, we had dinner. During dinner clean-up Sean asked the following:

Sean: "Do I have to go to bed now?"
Mom: "Did Daddy tell you to go to bed now?"
Sean: "No."
Mom: "No then honey."
Sean: "Should I go to bed now?"
Mom "Stay up and read up and we'll play toys and read some."

Sean hung his head a bit and followed me into the laundry room....

Sean: "I'm too tired mom."
Mom: "Sean do you want to go to sleep now?"
Sean: "Yes, can you brush my teeth?"

Cool!

Sean: "Mom, am I cool?"

Mom: "Yes Sean, you are very cool."

Sean: Nodding, "I thought so...."

Question of the Day

Sean was in his own little world at dinner... eating, singing, chewing with his eyes closed. Not that unusual really. Until very quietly, he spat out a bit and looking at it, he asked himself, "What is that thing they put on my plate?" He didn't question us, he just wondered aloud to himself. And Patrick and I lost it in hysterics. That child keeps us and everyone he meets in stitches. And what was it? An artichoke heart.

Rise and Shine

Luke and Sarah have started making breakfast. I let them use my electric skillet and they have made delicious eggs and pancakes and other items. They are eager to be morning chefs and enjoy helping out. It makes for an easier morning for me as well, so we all benefit. Unless the child is too eager!! So eager he sets his alarm for 6:15am so he can have breakfast ready when everyone awakes at 7am. Only he comes into Mom and Dad's room at exactly 3:36 am. He is found to be fully awake, clothed, and teeth brushed, ready to cook! (As this is what happened last night.) When I showed him the clock confusion swept over him...."I guess maybe I dreamt my alarm went off," he stated. So we'll all be a bit tired today. I laughed so hard at 3:36 it took quite some time to get back to sleep. But now the feasting can begin as I smell belgian waffles.

Grandparents are great blessings

Mrs. Kelty was just here for a nice visit. It was great to have an extra set of hands around while I started the school year. And it was nicer to have someone else cook a meal and have a built in babysitter too! It was such a blessing for the kids to spend time with her. She taught them to play all kinds of card games. They worked the crossword puzzle together and read comics. Best of all, Grandma had a tea party with them. Now I do tea parties for the kids. Usually we have water or iced tea in our cups and cheerios or crackers as our cakes. Grandma made tea and delicious biscuits with her little helper, Sarah. Then they all had tea using their imaginary names. This is a constant with all of Grandma's visits. Grandma comes and brings "Mrs. Effenbottom" to tea, and we get a visit from "Princess Kelly and King Arthur" as well. Sean is figuring this all out this visit as he was a bit young on Grandma's last visit. After a few rounds of, "your name is Grandma, not Mrs. Effenbottom" he finally started to catch on. And the kids are still talking about the tea and cake.

Mountain People

Well, I was convinced we had beach babies. Our kids love the beach, including Max, who simply crawls in until the surf is nearly over his head. Then Mom rescues him to the dry sand, where he simply crawls right back in again. I didn't think the kids would like the mountain streams too much....too many bugs, possible snakes, freezing cold water, muddy-mucky bottoms, less sunshine (ok maybe it was me who had some angst). The kids proved me wrong yet again. They all went in the cold water, skipping rocks and catching crawdads. Then the rains came and they played some more while I tried not to get too wet under an umbrella for 45 minutes. Perhaps we are "mountain folk" after all.

He's got moves

Birthdays

August is a busy month for us. Three of the four favorite boys in my life celebrate special days. I'm a bit behind in posting pictures so here they are. Luke turned 9, which is so hard to believe. He is usually found reading a book or teaching someone something. He is a great help around the house (don't tell him), and he is looking forward to a year of cubscouts and sports (once I find out details). Max turned one and is nearly ready to walk. He is a man of action and is rarely quiet and docile. He loves to be entertained by his siblings and his one and only word, for quite some time, has been "uh-oh". And my dear husband turned another year older. I am appreciative for all his hard work providing us such wonderful things...not only material items like our picnic table, fire pit, and other "Patrick made specialties", but for the wonderful fathering, memory-making, and adventure he provides us with!

Homeschooling is life-changing

This is so true in so many ways. Some days are pure joy, others a bit more difficult and others in between, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I really enjoy learning with the kids and having them near me all day long. But some days are life changing. And Friday was one. It was a great school day and it was our first day of our new science curriculum. I really like all the hands-on-material. We opened a bag of plastic insects and spiders (think toys) and spent lots of time looking at all their body parts and what they are used for. I was in science teacher heaven. It was similar to when I taught high-school science. I was using words like cephalothorax and palps...It was great. And then we got to the common housefly which had never bothered me much before. Bees and wasps sting and hurt, flies...who cares. Then I read that flies vomit saliva on food and the food starts to break down. Then the flies suck it up and have a tasty meal. This has changed my life! I am so grossed out. I have so many flies in my house! I carry around a fly swatter and beg the children to quickly shut doors, never mind a fly ever landing on my food. Perhaps ignorance is bliss.

Before and After

We tried to wait until he was 1. Only I couldn't take it!

Thomas Team

The Thomas Team arrived and stayed for a fun-filled week. The kids played endlessly. We swam, went to the park, and messed around at the house. Mindy and I did a bit of decorating. Thank goodness for her sense of style! Scott played electrician with Patrick and got the stereo, tv, and computer up and running. Did I mention we played a lot? Oh yeah....we cooked a lot too! Luckily Patrick finished his handiwork, and his picnic table allowed us all to sit and eat together. My clothesline he constructed is working out great also. The highlight may have been roasting marshmallows over the firepit Patrick and Scott made and catching fireflies as this was new to all the kids. What great memories except for one of their little ones who fought off an illness...all week!

Cleveland

The festivities continued in Cleveland as we visited with relatives we so rarely see. The kids enjoyed swimming in Grammy and Grampy's pool, and special dates to the Indian's game and to see Mary Poppins at the theater.

Connecticut

What a blast! The kids played all day and into the night with their cousins and loved every minute of it. Bosco became an outside dog for the week. He loved to play with the kids and never left the yard except for his daily jog with Uncle Marty. We took the train into NYC, which was fun for us all. The trip was cut short when the kids realized they'd rather be back playing with their cousins. Perhaps we'll get to Central Park next time.

Goodbye and Godspeed

We said goodbye to our dear friends and neighbors, and to our tree in the front yard that was the scene of so many adventures, and to the beach, and to a wonderful city that I never wanted to move to, but am now thankful to God that He knew better!

The Road Trip

First we went to DC and visited my brother, his sweet wife, and their very sweet baby boy who is a few weeks older than Max. We enjoyed their company and the few sights we saw in the city. Luke has a master list of all the stops we'll see on our next trip.

Where have we been?

Just about everywhere. Let's see....we said goodbye to dear friends in Tampa, then we packed a house, then we moved a house, then we unpacked a house, then we went on a 3 week roadtrip visiting relatives, then we unpacked the new house some more, then our best friends and there 6 kids came to visit, then we had major fun except for one little one with a major mystery illness, then we ordered school books, then Patrick started work, then we celebrated birthdays....and here we are. Tired! I'll post some photos so you can get tired too.

Words to live by

Sean: I don't need to pull down my pants this time. I have a ziplet!

Berries

We went picking blueberries today since strawberry picking was such a success. We came home with 6 pounds and now are ready for muffins, pancakes, cobbler and pie. It was a bit more tedious since the berries are so small (it takes more effort by little people to pick a large quantity compared to strawberries). We went early to beat the heat, but by 10 am it was horribly hot. The berries look and taste delicious though.

Naturally

The very first words for the forth baby in the family should be: "Uh-oh"....and that is exactly how it has worked out.

I Wish

Poetry by Sarah:

Mom, I wish I were pink.
Daughter, then you'd be very hot.

Mom, I wish I were blue.
Daughter, then you'd be very cold.

School's Out

School is officially out and the packing must now begin. Learning never ends here though as we have swim lessons, safety town, and other fun adventures like horeseback riding we are pursuing. Once we get settled into the new house we plan on taking a long vacation and learning some history in Washington D.C., Williamsburg, and NYC. Life here is always and adventure in learning!

Is there a dentist in the house?

Sarah is in need of a few teeth. We have friends in Charleston who are dentists......wish they were here! Luckily for us, she flashes her toothless smile often and keeps us giggling. Unfortunately for her, her days of corn on the cob and whole apples are on hold until the new ones come in. I'm hoping that is before the new loose ones fall out.

He's Four!

I cannot believe Sean is now four years old. I remember the day he was born, and it seems like only yesterday. He is a very sweet boy who loves his siblings and is generous with them. He likes to do school with Sarah and play legos with Luke. And he loves to make baby Max laugh. Thankfully he is still a cuddle-bug with his Mama. But he is moving on to big kid things. He handed over his blanket upon awaking on his birthday, because he is a big kid now. And watch the video to see what else he can do. Patrick kept track. The learning lesson took 3 whole minutes!

Inventor?

Sarah: "Mom why do they call this a soup ladle?"

Mom: " I don't know, probably because it ladles soup."

Sarah: "Maybe I'll be the person to invent a popcorn fork!"

Time for a trim?

It seems wrong to cut hair before one year, but.....

Boys live here

Barbie would not approve. Especially at the request to paint the jeep camo colors. The request was seriously considered by the adult male in the house. If you look closely you'll note the variety of weapons in the vehicle. Sarah would desperately appreciate a sister, but until then she rides shotgun!

A boy and fire

Fire in any form is fun for my boys. Luke received an old cap gun from a neighbor and loved using it with caps. Until he realized the gun itself is overrated. One only needs a good rock and caps to enjoy sparks. He and Sean spent many hours playing caps.

A Day in the life of Max

Max is such a special boy. We all love him dearly and his days show it. He has siblings who love to spend time "playing" with him. And these are the pictures to prove it. Luckily his guardian angel works hard to keep him safe, and I try to be alert to what is happening around me. Sometimes I am outnumbered or "outnoised", but so far Max's life is rich in love and adventure. P.S. I was assured by the cameraman that the ping pong ball was quickly removed after the photo was shot.