Category Archives: Parenting

Mother’s Day Wrap-up

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Happy Mother’s Day to my mom, and all moms out there.  We’re having a nice day here so far….I woke up with a headache/migraine-starter, 50% chance of rain expected for the afternoon BUUUUUUUUT……I have Excedrin on board, with coffee, Hubby is making breakfast, our youngest couldn’t wait to give me her present (which promptly made me cry) and she promised to smile this year for our picture.  Here’s hoping for the best!

Today though, I realize that it hasn’t always been such a super day for me and it isn’t such a super day for everyone else.  In fact, today can be a painful reminder for many women.  Today I’ll remember my cousins who buried their mom a few weeks ago and other friends whose moms have passed away over the years.  I’ll remember friends who are estranged from their mothers and struggle and doubt their own motherhood and parenting (which, BTW is phenomenal!!) .  I’ll remember friends who’ve never had a chance to be a mother due to infertility.   I’ll remember friends who have lost children.  I’ll remember friends who  care for special needs children.  I’ll remember friends who are single mothers.  I’ll remember friends who are struggling with prodigal children.  I’ll remember friends  who might be let down by the commercialism and in-your-face-ness of the perfect Mother’s Day.

This morning and this day I cried a few times, tears of joy and love, from a heart filled with gratitude toward my husband who is setting a beautiful example for our children through our marriage and his parenting, for children who test me, teach me, love me, forgive me, make me laugh and make each day better just by being part of our family.

 

Blast from the past!

Blast from the past!

Me, my Mom and my sister

Me, my Mom and my sister

Last year. Just keepin' it real. Truly a favorite picture!!

Last year. Just keepin’ it real. Truly a favorite picture!!

Mom's photo after Mass, my awesome necklace, cake and card.

Mom’s photo after Mass, my awesome necklace, cake and card.

And so the kid photo is a little blurry…Hubby is no fan of the iPhone camera and gave me full permission (demanded) I get my real camera fixed….beautiful necklace of which you can design your own HERE, the Publix cake and sweet girl’s card/letter to me.  And just think, my birthday is only 4 days away and we can do this AGAIN!!!!

Flashback Friday..QuickTakes Style!

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Phew.  Friday.  Thank you, God!!!

For a wrap up of the week I’m hanging with Jen and the peeps all sharing about our week..go visit, bring coffee…and a donut…or if you are eating clean, maybe some hardboiled eggs.

As for me, I’ve got a few flashback moments of kiddos…I guess all these graduations are making me a little nostalgic!

— 1 —

The dangers of going commando.  Our youngest son, in 3rd grade, learned a difficult lesson in the importance of wearing underpants.  A classmate decided that “pantsing people” (you know, randomly yanking down pants of unsuspecting or suspecting people and running away) on the playground would be fun.  Our son and some friends thought it funny and the 6 of them just chased each other around (our son had a belt on and felt invincible) until the mastermind of the game had the tables turned, our son pantsed him and much to everyone’s surprise….the kid was commando.  Game over.  All 6 boys were suspended for the day, our son got a 2 day suspension (since he was the ill-fated puller-downer-of-the no undies boy–don’t even get me started).  He doesn’t “pants” anymore and I sure hope the kid who was “exposed” learned to put on some underpants.  Funny now.  Not so funny then.

— 2 —

Our oldest girl has begun the braces.  3rd child.    If only thumb-sucking wasn’t so cute in little kids…..she has her spacers in and impressions taken and next week we go for the next step.  It brought back memories of our oldest when he had his braces and expander and HEADGEAR at night.  Oh the crazy of the hair in the a.m.  Good times.  Goooood times.

— 3 —

Our youngest sweet pea was a real stinker when she was little.  She still gives us a run for our sanity, but when she was about 2 she would stand at the top of the stairs in the middle of the night at the gate and bang on the wall for me yelling at the top of her lungs…”Mama….I talking to you”.  A bullhorn would have been less intrusive to sleep….

— 4 —

Another time, I put her on the balcony for a time out and she banged on the side of the house so loud the back neighbors came running because they thought it was a gun shot.  True words.  Last time I picked that spot for a time out…..epic parenting fail.

— 5 —

When I had my first knee surgery, our oldest daughter was being sweet and figured she’d share a Warhead candy with me.  I was in bed, propped up, immobile.  And apparently a sucker…..Have you ever had one?  No?  Well, go to your local convenience store, grab your video, open the wrapper and let the YouTube viral hits begin.  My mouth still salivates and tingles just hearing the word “Warhead” and my daughter tries to repeat the episode from time to time….uh uh…ain’t gonna happen.  But you go ahead….

— 6 —

The time our youngest son—-hoo wee…this kid’s got a bunch of ’em—-decided at about 6 years old to make a slingshot in the backyard/woods out of 2 young saplings (still attached to the tree).  He was successful for about a few turns, until that ONE rock backfired and busted him in the mouth…cracking 2 teeth and bloodying his EVERYWHERE….oh….the….blood…In the end, he didn’t lose any teeth, there was a fracture but the root was spared and there was a slight gap and two front teeth chipped.  He’s 13 now and since he’s finished with braces we finally got the teeth bonded.  He didn’t want to do it since it was such a part of his history…but it made Mama feel better.  And we all know that when Mama’s happy….it’s allllllllll good.

— 7 —

Mother’s day is upon us….Happy Mother’s Day to all the Mamas out there….babies, fur babies and spiritual babies, May God Bless your mothering spirit!!

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

Friday. Parenting. Blogging. Procrastination.

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My morning prayer with the kids on Fridays as we drive to school ALWAYS includes a prayer of thanksgiving for “Friday, mama’s favorite day of the week“.  True story.

Today I’m joining in with Jen and friends with 7 Quick Takes….today, mine are super quick, because a) I have to wake up kiddos and b) I’m trying a timed experiment on myself…let’s see how it goes, K?  K.

  1. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about parenting this week….and blogging…..and continuing Ed points (or my procrastination in obtaining them EVERY year and I thought I’d share a few points with you.
  2. Blogging.  I’ve been feeling my blog is about to go in a different direction.  I also feel I might have to take some time off to figure out WHAT direction that is.  So….just get ready.  It’s coming.
  3. My state license is up for renewal at the end of April.  I have ZERO CEUs.  ZERO.    I have all my periodicals out and have been reading and taking tests.  Why do I have to perform so well under pressure?  It’s a curse I tell you.
  4. Parenting advice I’ve received and taken to heart over the years.  (This might not work for YOUR family, but these are things that have worked for OURS).  On the birth of our first child….oldest son….still in shock from labor, resting in the hospital a friend said, “Quickly, hurry up and have 3 more.”  I told her she was crazy.  And then I did.  Best.  Advice.  Ever.  Big families are crazy and loud and so very worth it.
  5. One of my dearest friends always sends her children away with “Angels watch over you”….I loved the blessing, but didn’t want to copy  her COMPLETELY, so I incorporated a “Sign of the cross” on their foreheads.  If we are in a hurry, often the kids will say, “Moooooom, my blessing???”  Send your kids out with a blessing.
  6. One year we had a project due and I needed a poster board STAT, my girlfriend said, “Oh, come out to my car, I have some in my trunk.”  From that day forward, we have had a STOCKED school supply area.  Be prepared.  You never know when you’ll need that poster board—for us it’s usually Sunday night.
  7. Put your marriage first.  It takes constant effort, tweaking and pruning.  The fruit of your efforts is a strong, communicative, partnership, friendship and example for your children.  Children that will pick your nursing home one day.
  8. Lastly, and having FAILED at my time experiment and counting as this is now 8 Quick Takes…….PRAY, PRAY, PRAY always over and for your children and take EVERY bit of parenting advice with a grain of salt.  Some things you can use.  Some you won’t.

Blessings and enjoy the weekend and my favorite day of the week!!!

 

Seven Quick Takes (a day late….)

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A day late to the party, but the kids have hijacked the computer this week and I’ve been coughing so much I haven’t cared to be on it anyway….however…..bright and early Saturday morning and I’m feeling fine-ish and they are sleeping so it’s MINE.  ALL.  MINE.  And I’m joining in with Jen and her weekly Quick Takes…she says she might go last first…hmmmmm, that might bode well for me  😉   without further adieu….

  1. I’m working on a “Day in the Life” post.  Riveting.  I’m sure you can’t wait to see how my day shapes up compared to yours.  Funny thing is, it’s a little tedious accounting for one’s day AND trying to make it funny.  Clearly I have nothing mind-blowing to talk about if THAT’S my big project, eh?
  2. One week post-flu and I THINK (Oh, please, please, please, please let me not jinx myself here) we are relatively healthy.  Except for this nagging cough/sinus infection I’ve had all week.  I’ve been eating cough drops by the bagful and have had several nights on the couch trying to breathe/sleep/not wake Hubby all night.  I finally broke down and my doctor called me in some antibiotics and cough syrup…hence the early wake up–slept like a baby.
  3. Week 2 of my fitness Groupon and each workout KILLS.  Amazing how hard you can work in a 35 minute period doing just a few exercises and opposing muscle groups.  Super excited to see how I’ll be at the end of the 6 weeks.
  4. This week our boys had a WWF session in the backyard.  By boys I mean including Hubby.  Let me say, I HATE wrestling.  Someone always gets hurt.  It’s loud.  It’s annoying.  And yet…..so necessary.  Hubby had me read (and I probably need to REread) John Eldredge‘s book Wild at Heart and it helped me to understand and appreciate the male “need” to be a male, so I accept it a wee bit more.  Wee bit.  In the end, Dad still won (he’s still hanging on…).  Big brother still won (barely).  And the only blood drawn was on Dad’s chin by a stray long nail. boys
  5. I scored some AWESOME dishes at our church thrift store this week.  Service for 12.  TWELVE I tell you!  12 dinner dishes.  12 small dishes.  12 bowls.  A serving bowl and lid and salt and pepper shaker.  $50.  Except they weren’t.  They were half OFF…..yes, that’s right, $25.  S.C.O.R.E.  Super cute.  AND I saw some fantastic coffee cups that will complement this set from Pier One.  Now when we have company….we’ve got enough dishes!  So come on over!!!rooster
  6. I have the day off Monday to take our youngest athlete to the County wide Fitness Festival.  Little stinker made it to 4 events.  Sit and reach.  Standing long jump.  Shuttle run.  50 yard dash.  Should be great weather.  I’m sure there will be pictures to follow.  And blogging.  Especially since I have the DAY OFF!
  7. We’ve been in the refinancing dance for our house and got a sweet low-interest rate with no closing costs and no re-appraisal.  It takes a while, as you may or may not know, and yesterday we got the call from the title company….because we were late to our closing….that no one ever told us we HAD.  We jockeyed around lunches (fortunately Hubby was working from home that day!) and traffic—-because Bike Week starts this week….but…..it’s done.  We celebrated with a Friday night fire pit and marshmallows after our fish and chips dinner.  ‘Twas a good day, nice end to the week.  fire

Happy Weekend, Y’all!

To flu vaccinate or no….

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An interesting debate to be sure and I’m curious to see why YOU have to say about this.  Of course, this won’t be all serious, I do have some funny-ish stuff to report as well 😉

So, a few months back I heard Mac and Katherine on Catholic in a Small Town podcast discussing Katherine’s preference NOT to get the flu vaccine….#203, you can check it out on iTunes…and it got me thinking about the flu vaccine and WHY do I bother each year?  Is it worth it?  What am I subjecting myself to?  It opened up an internal can o’ worms for certain.

CSTitunes

Anyhoooo…I work in the medical field, my employer provides the vaccine to me at no cost each year and so, I get the vaccine.  I’ve not had the flu in 10 years and quite frankly, would  prefer to not have it again.  However….due to the controversial issues on the flu vaccine for our kids…I’ve not had them get a flu shot.  Ever.  That I remember, anyway.    Questionable ingredients, 62%ish effectiveness rate, roll of the dice on which strain we’ll actually come in contact with, ACK…it’s too much, so we’ve opted out.  However…..things ’bout to change in these parts!

Our 15 yo son came down with Flu B last weekend.  I already blogged on all THAT fun here if you missed it the first time around and the kid ended up missing a WHOLE FLIPPIN’ WEEK OF SCHOOL!!!  yes, High School.  Good times.  The kicker is that I actually started getting sick at the end of the week last week, sucked it up for a couple of days (chalking it up to allergies and pollen), however, by Saturday afternoon–after an ENTIRE day of solo and ensemble stuff with our 13 yo and tag-along 9 yo daughter, I came home and went to bed and got up yesterday.  Monday.  Ugh.  Fever’s gone and I was back to work today, but still…..ain’t.  quite.  right.  And I WAS vaccinated!!!  WTH??!?!?  So when I brought the 15yo BACK to the doc yesterday for additional antibiotics for “possible” pneumonia still not resolved as a result of his flu….I decided next year EVERYONE gets the vaccine.  Mine didn’t last as long as his, certainly wasn’t as brutal and you know “Ain’t NOBODY got time for that” to be staying home with sick kids, for kids to be missing a week of schoolwork (the stuff the teachers didn’t email…) and we ALL know Mama don’t have time to be sick..even though Daddy is a pretty fantastic taker-carer.

So, what’s your take?  Flu vaccine or no?

On the upside…..I got a TON of reading in.  Finished Screwtape letters, almost finished A year of biblical womanhood, completely caught up on my Daily Catechism readings—(I MAY have been 3 weeks behind).  Mailed a long overdue encouragement card and ordered The Power of Positive Thinking to go with said card.  Slept so much my back ached.  Lost a few pounds.  Woke up from a nap to find Hubby and 75% of the kids playing Monopoly….WITHOUT blood shed.  True.  No joke.  Prayed.  (It was a good few days to be on my heart…you are so covered it’s ridiculous).  Continue to play with PicMonkey and learn a little more.

Phew.  It’s been a long couple days.