Saturday, February 14, 2009

Happy St. Valentine's Day

one little


two little


three little valentines!


reciting valentine poetry and songs at the nursing home


handing out their valentine creations


hanging out with old friends from high school
three little baby boys!


and a special delivery from daddy...
roses for all the girls!
SJ is holding mine :)


Hope you all have a very blessed Valentine's Day!

Little Babble boy

Friday, February 13, 2009

Ellie

"Mommy I'm hearing Jesus in my heart"
"Really, what is he saying?"
"I can't hear anything. I think he's asleep."


Ellie, the non-vegetable eater making mixed veggie ice cubes. She's a hoot.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Pictures

Some random shots from the past couple weeks

silly self-portrait


adorable aggie baby


what they do all afternoon


sweet sisters


what's in that cup?
rocks? dirt? acorns?


not sure what this ensemble was all about
fire hat, life jacket, knee pads
playing in the garage


playing at their favorite store,
pottery barn kids!


and mommy's newest books
the gift of faith, the harp and laurel wreath (poetry),
the charlotte mason companion (book club starts tonight!),
and first communion catechism (to start with MC)


oprah the odyssey has been back in the shop this week
she's finally home,
so we're freed! off to run errands....

Monday, February 09, 2009

Caught!

Steven and I both walked into the kitchen to find Ellie poking her head into the refrigerator in a secret sort of way. I opened the fridge door to find her holding a straw, and drinking out of the milk jug! Steven and I were laughing so hard we had to leave the room.

Sunday, February 08, 2009

Bless the Lord my soul, who heals the brokenhearted

Many of you know that I've been a member of the Catholic lay movement, Regnum Christi, for about 4 years. And many of you have probably heard or read about the terrible scandal regarding the founder of Regnum Christi and its priestly branch, the Legionaries of Christ. It has now been proven that the now-deceased Fr. Marcial Maciel led a double life, including a long-term relationship with a woman, fathering a child with her, and very likely the many allegations of the sexual abuse are true as well.

This news has come with many difficult emotions for those involved with Regnum Christi, and honestly I just haven't been sure how to write about this. My emotions are still raw, my heart is still hurting, and my soul is so so sorry for those who have been harmed and betrayed by Fr. Maciel's sins, both in the past and the present day. This includes the entire Church, who is hurt by this scandal.

There are many more eloquent people writing about this and new apologies and information coming out each day. I'm keeping abreast of new press releases through the American Papist blog. He has recently posted a link to the video of the two wonderful and well-known Legionary priests who appeared on EWTN on Friday. Please keep in your prayers all the Legionaries and Regnum Christi members as we seek healing and peace from Christ and as the future of these institutions is discerned and possibly reformed. And most of all, we pray for all those victims of sexual abuse who have been betrayed and harmed more deeply than I can imagine.

"The LORD rebuilds Jerusalem, gathers the dispersed of Israel,
Heals the brokenhearted, binds up their wounds,
Numbers all the stars, calls each of them by name.
Great is our Lord, vast in power, with wisdom beyond measure.
The LORD sustains the poor, but casts the wicked to the ground."
Psalm 147:2-6

Saturday, February 07, 2009

an early St. Valentine's Day

My camera wasn't working but thanks to a friend I at least got this big group shot of everyone at our homeschool group's St. Valentine's party yesterday! It was a busy morning, preparing for First Friday class and then a mad rush for me to put together their lollipop valentines before it was time to exchange them at the park. I didn't realize how crazy some of these parties and activities can be on the "mom" side of things! But the kids had a blast, the heart lollipops were enjoyed by the kids, and we enjoyed the beautiful afternoon at the park!
We love you, BOL friends!



(Mary Clare is towards the middle on her knees in a white shirt,
Stevie is sitting under her eating a cookie,
and Ellie is in a bright pink shirt near the front with her hand shading her eyes.)

Thursday, February 05, 2009

My new toy


Steven picked her up today.
I think she needs a name...ideas?
I decided on Kenmore, thanks for all your advice!
Now, I just need to stay on top of those clean laundry piles, so that the now-termed "folding room" can turn into my "sewing/craft room". I'll let you know how she works; it'll probably be a few days. We had a stomach bug infestation that now appears to be gone, but tomorrow is First Friday classes and the Valentine's Party...lots to do! Night night!


A joyful birthday


You can't go wrong with lunch at the Cheesecake Factory!

girls with NeNe


Me and SJ with PaPa


They came and sang to me :)


after blowing out my candle


Outside with NeNe


The kids with their grandparents


A fun afternoon! I went searching at 2 different stores for sewing machines. It's between a Kenmore and a Janome. I'm horrible at making decisions!

Tonight was a quiet family night. They baked me a cake and Steven took the girls to the store to buy me gifts. They brought their own money and each got me a spool of thread :)
I am so blessed. 31 years young!

Tuesday, February 03, 2009

Another diaper update

Today was a bright orange button. Mary Clare learned to sew yesterday and was sewing some buttons at her grandma's....Home Economics 101! Not only was Stevie eating buttons but was roaming the house with pizza crusts and apparently trying to stick them in light sockets. Lovely.

I lost the ebay auction for the sewing machine I really wanted. Boohoo. Some other really disturbing news was passed along to me today. Bummed about that. Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day. It'll be my birthday, after all ;-)

Sunday, February 01, 2009

Quick Q

I'm looking for sewing machine recommendations. Anyone have any advice for a sewing newbie?
Thanks!

25 Random Things About Me

Just posted this on facebook and thought I'd post it here too :)

1. I am double jointed in my fingers. I can't straighten them. I crack my knuckles and will probably have horrible arthritis when I'm old.
2. My friends can attest to the fact that as a child I was probably the pickiest eater you would ever meet. I survived on McDonald's hamburgers and Hartz Fried Chicken. My school lunches were popcorn, chips, and Oreos. I don't think I ate a fruit or vegetable till I was in college. Somehow I stayed healthy though! Now I sometimes think my parents and my husband are pickier eaters than me.
3. I grew up taking dance class, everything from British ballet with examinations to competitive tap and jazz, and finally drill team in high school. I loved to perform and still have a bit of that in me, even though my dancing consists of two-stepping in the kitchen with my hubby or spinning in the living room with my little girls to classical music. Now they take dance and I love to watch them!
4. Four is my favorite number. My birthday is February 4th (this week!), and I like all my numbers to be even. I didn't like getting married on the 21st. My husband's birthday is the 6th, and my kids' are the 2nd, 22nd, and 20th!
5. I love children and always wanted a dozen! We have 3 so far (and 2 little souls in heaven, miscarried in the early weeks of pregnancy), and hope to have at least 5 or 6.
6. I taught K and 1st before having kids.
7. My K class in a public school was chaotic and I even had a student suspended for kicking me!
8. My 1st grade class at the Catholic school was amazing and I asked my husband if I was in a dream after the first day.
9. Steven and I planned to homeschool before we were even married. Now my oldest is 6, so we're in the middle of kindergarten, and really loving the homeschool lifestyle!
10. I've had 3 labors that all made it to 10cm and all ended in c-sections! Hopefully next time (God-willing we're blessed with more) the c-section will be scheduled with no labor. That was the plan last time though...
11. I have adoption on my heart. My brother was adopted as a newborn, and Steven and I have always wanted to adopt one day. Today I was tearing up in Mass, thinking of all the children in the world who have no one to call "Mommy" or "Daddy", no one to nurse them, rock them, take them to church....I hope we can adopt at least one child in need.
12. I love my middle name, Elizabeth. Now I have my own little Elizabeth Ann Marie (we call her Ellie). I also love St. Elizabeth, the cousin of Mary in the Bible, as well as St. Elizabeth Ann Seton who was the 1st American born saint. She was a wife, mother of 5, widow, Catholic convert, teacher, and nun.
13. I was named Blair after a little girl my mom babysat when she was young. I like it and think it fits me, but prefer non-unisex names that aren't derived from last names, and are traditional saint names. Hence my children-Mary Clare, Elizabeth Ann Marie, and Steven Joseph Jr.
14. On my dad's side I'm distantly related to the makers of Luden's cough drops (the ones that taste like life-savers!)
15. I can flare my nostrils bigger than anyone I've ever seen. Not that I see people flare their nostrils that often.
16. I taught myself to play the guitar in college. I always wished I would've learned piano or another instrument. Hopefully I'll learn with my kids.
17. I was in a grocery store commercial as a child. I did some modeling, acting, and even some pageants when I was about 9 years old. It was fun, but I hated missing school and wasn't interested enough to continue. I'm glad.
18. I met my husband after daily mass in college. I fell in love with him right away because: a) he went to daily mass. b) he was tall and handsome. c) "Blair B" sounded awfully good to me. d) he played golf and wore a white baseball cap. e) he came from a big family and is the youngest of 7 kids.
19. We choose not to have a TV in the house. We spent way too much time on the computers though!
20. I love rainbows and have the picture I drew of the first rainbow I ever saw as a child. Now I think of them as that beautiful promise from God.
21. I love to write and enjoy blogging about my life as a wife and mom :)
22. I love reality TV. My favorites are John and Kate plus 8, the Duggars, House Hunters, A Baby Story, and really anything on Discovery Health or HGTV (I watch these on the internet or at my parents' b/c of #19!)
23. I'm hoping to get a sewing machine this week. I'd like to make some curtains, costumes, doll clothes, and mend clothes and bedding!
24. We met Pope John Paul II as newlyweds on January 2nd, 2002 on a pilgrimage to Rome with 3 other couples who are friends from college. It was one of the most memorable and beautiful moments of my life! Mary Clare was born exactly one year later on January 2nd, 2003!
25. I'm enjoying getting to know all the blogging friends from across the country! I recently started looking at my stats and seeing where everyone is viewing from...it's so fascinating!

Thanks for visiting and may your week be truly blessed!

Friday, January 30, 2009

coming soon...

she's 3 1/2 and almost there!
maybe a video tomorrow...


Thursday, January 29, 2009

fishing line

when fishing line gets left near the washer.
this is what happens

the entire spool!

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Home School blog

is linked right under my profile on the sidebar to the left. That way you can see when new posts appear! I've written two so far this week; we'll see if I can keep up with two blogs!

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

I've been waiting for this day




The girls were whining about wanting pancakes this morning. I was so tired I could hardly keep my eyes open and told them I was not going to make pancakes this morning. Mary Clare got out all the ingredients, measured them all out, and made the batter all by herself! I just helped her a little with telling her the amounts of the ingredients and with the pouring and flipping. What a great feeling! They are learning to take care of themselves! They were both so proud. There's a great math lesson for today!

All of you with lotsa little ones, realize that this time is short. Soon you will have big helpers who can even cook breakfast for themselves! Woohoo!

I wonder what we'll be eating for breakfast all week?


Monday, January 26, 2009

The Great Outdoors

at last week's Nature Club

maybe this mud isn't so tasty


to find the biggest stick


and dig the biggest hole


now this is a classroom!

Sunday, January 25, 2009

How to eat a carrot

by Mary Clare

"First you close your eyes, and make sure you don't smell it...Then you chew it up!"
(and this is from my "good" eater!)

Friday, January 23, 2009

More excuses...

why i can't do dishes with him around


and now the girls have taken it for their own uses


this is right where i need to stand to cook dinner!


and what am i supposed to cook with?


he has taken over my kitchen.
and my heart :)

have a fabulous friday!

Thursday, January 22, 2009

The best things in life

are FREE!

I've been talking about doing this post for awhile. Finally got around to it. After a fun trash-find last week, I've been needing to document just how many wonderful things we've gotten for FREE! We have many more in our house that were family or friend hand-me-downs (from clothes to dressers), or low-cost used items (from leather sofas to strollers). In fact I think the only furniture items in our entire home that we bought brand-new are 2 mattresses!

Here are some of the best free finds...


This sofa table


and this side table, along with another small circular table we use for our altar,
these were found from our online classified "giveaway" section. Great furniture, free price. A little touch-up paint and they are perfect!


Since I haven't posted enough about my Christmas tree...
This was found on craigslist last year. My parents went to pick it up for me and after telling the seller about my young family who wanted a nice pre-lit tree, the lady wouldn't let my parents pay for it. Nice tree, free price.


This is another one of those things that someone wouldn't let me pay for.
It was waiting to be sold at the garage sale for the school where I used to teach.
It's gotten many hours of good use. Cute kitchen, free price. The red-painted bookshelf behind it was also free from my grandparents' house.


From a sweet friend in the homeschool group whose son didn't like it.
They even delivered it to my house! I love it because it's so easy to clean.
I did buy the tray from IKEA a few months later which has made things easier.


Another online giveaway. Steven Joseph's dresser.
This was sitting in the trash pile so I had to have Steven run and get it
before someone else took it! Some touch up paint and clearance drawer pulls added.


Our most recent trash/treasure from the neighbors-
the bottom floor of this Barbie house got a little flooded during Ike,
but the kids don't care! Steven Joseph likes to crawl into the 2nd floor room!


Found this shelf in the trash pile about a year ago.
It was bare wood and I painted it. Finally added the photos and got Steven to hang it a couple weeks ago. Great find!


These last two are our most recent family gifts...
the deep freeze from my parents and the fridge (plus office chairs and desks) are from Steven's brother's old office. They are getting lots of use!


We are very blessed to have so many gifts from friends and family. The school table from the S family sits behind me right now as I type on the corner desk from my grandmother's home. I stare into the playroom with my childhood toy box and Steven's old bookshelf, along with the playhouse found by Santa online and the shelf I bought from an old man at a garage sale. Each furniture piece tells a story, and I love it that way! Just think of the thousands we've saved by accepting and seeking out used furniture! Last week I found a great trundle bed that we'll have to put together soon. I'm always on the lookout! Now it's for a piano and a sewing machine...anyone have one in your dumpster???


Why I'm not posting much other than pictures

What else is there to say? The pictures tell the story.

He does this all day. Climbs onto chairs and stools.
Finds any type of writing utensil to eat or draw on things.
Or make it look like he's going to fall and poke his eye out.
This is a ball point pen and a pen cap while standing on a school chair.


And anytime I try to cook he does this: scream at my legs.
I had raw chicken hands so all I could do was call Mary Clare to
please document why I have such a hard time preparing meals.


This stage won't last forever...

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Saying Goodbye

It's one of the hardest parts of life. At least for me. I hate saying goodbye to friends and family, whether for a day, for a year, or until eternity. There's just nothing easy about it. As a child, I lived in the same home through almost my entire schooling experience, and I just couldn't understand why in the world people would want to move. It saddened me so much to see friends move away. I remember in high school when my friend Karyn moved to Virginia and Veronica moved to Colorado; I think I cried more tears than they did! Of course I've seen many more friends come and go, and I've even come and gone a few times since high school. I miss the mommy friends I had back in the "college town" and am saddened that I don't see them as much as I'd hoped. I dearly miss my friends who have become religious Sisters who I can't talk to very often at all. As for my own family, I have gotten used to saying goodbye to Steven each morning but still hate to say goodbye when he goes out of town...even for the day. Saying goodbye to the kids for any length of time is painful.

But saying goodbye to Mary Clare on Saturday before her MRI really tore me up inside. She was scared, I was scared. Steven carried her off to the car, and I had to let go and TRUST that he would protect her and God would have his hand over the whole experience. But I just wanted the whole thing to be over. And now it is. Sort of. I haven't updated here but the results were that she has a problem with the cartilage in her knee, which will likely require surgery. I'm so glad to have a diagnosis and so glad it's nothing serious. For months I've had a fear in the back of my mind from the "lesion" they thought they saw in one of the earlier x-rays. Praise God that it was not there! And I'm a little more comfortable with surgery now that she has been through the hospital/anesthesia experience. But if we do go that route, it will still be very scary and another short goodbye I won't want to say.

In the last week and a half, I've had 2 good friends move out of the country. My dear friend K from the homeschool group has moved down the street from Veronica in Qatar, and my other friend M has moved to Argentina with her husband and daughter. It's always hard to say goodbye to friends, and especially to see them leave for long periods of time. I wish them all the best in their new journeys and pray that we might again be in the same city as our children get older. One thing for sure, we are blessed to have these blogs, email, Facebook, and phones to keep in touch with those who are away. And even to find friends from days gone by.

I'm not sure what I'd do without this internet. Get a lot more sleep, I'm sure ;-)

And so, farewell to the R family! We miss you already and promise to visit your sweet mother whenever we can!

In case you were wondering...

yesterday's crayon victim was green.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

New Blog!

No, I'm not abandoning this little place in cyberspace, but I've joined a group blog called Home Schoolin' Mamas! Kelly and Megan are amazing mamas, and I've enjoyed reading about their homeschooling adventures, so I'm honored to be a part of their blog. I'll be sharing about our own homeschooling journey and have just posted my introduction there today. So stay tuned for more fun posts, and make a visit over there to "meet" Kelly and Megan!

Home Schoolin' Mamas

Always fun

to figure out what color crayon was eaten yesterday when I change the morning diaper!

During breakfast

watching Stevie eating a host of cheerios:
"He sure eats a lot. I hope he doesn't end up on 'The Biggest Loser'."

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Playing with my blondies yesterday


showing some of his little sounds


playing in the train table

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