Art party

Today Julia got to go to a little birthday party for one of her friends. They did little paintings as the activity and it was so cute. Julia has made such strides in her fine motor skills this year- it's been so hard for me to teach her how to write because she is left handed (like BB), but we are on our way now. :) See the paint on her shirt, hands, pants....that's typical Sissybug.

We don't go anywhere without the crew- which now includes this little chunky monkey-

And Mr. T who wanted to paint-

And the leader of the pack who was thrilled to have big boys to play with-
See- Charlie's is only four weeks old and I am able to get to birthday parties (and afterwards ballet class)- this mom-of-four thing is going to work. :)

Mr. Manners in the house

Daddy came home early today because he traveled this weekend and wanted some time with us. We had manners school for about an hour where we learned about how to answer grown-ups questions and how to sit and how to shake hands (and more importantly- how NOT to). We've done these from time to time and I really think they help. (they help the kids learn how to act- but mostly they help me not to be embarassed (as often) in public which is paramount).



Julia kept getting the giggles while doing it and covering her mouth and laughing with squinty eyes and all I could see was little Donna (how many times have I gotten the giggles at the wrong time? More than I can count.) The more she tried not to laugh the more her body would start shaking and she laughed harder. It made me cover my mouth and laugh with squinty eyes at her. :)

Here's Marky reading aloud from his reader with his audience. Not sure why she does this- it drives him crazy. "I can hear you breathing..." And she'll say, "no- I'm not breathing!" :)

What Charlie doesn't know...

Oh Charlie, today I'm thinking about how you don't know yet how blessed you are to have the most amazing biggest brother. Marc is the best, most patient loving big brother to his other siblings and he will be to you too. If I had had a big brother I would have wanted him to be just like Marc- a gentle giant. He is an extra big strong boy who is going to wrestle you, throw you around, read to you, hug you, and love you. You have the best role model sweet boy- I can't wait until you know it.

Four is MORE!

In case you ever think I've got it together- I will say this. I kind of was together. Not totally- never 100%, but I was certainly not overwhelmed every day and I was still keeping on keeping on at some capacity.

Somebody hit the brakes on my life when my last bit of help left last Saturday. This week of me being home with all four all day every day with no where to go has been tough. Stir crazy kids tend to fight over toys which makes me crazy. And since they are convinced it's too hot to play outside we are on top of each other.

And while I used to keep running errands and going on adventures with the threesome, with four it seems like a lot more work. Yes we need milk, but do I really want to get all four dressed with SHOES (where are your shoes!!!) and in the car and out of the car and back in the car and back out of the car just for milk? Drink water. :)

And while BB and Zaza were here to help hold Charlie and fold clothes the house was almost spotless. We worked together to keep the kitchen clean and the beds made. Well, that too has taken a hit this week. I have figured out this week that a mom of four can't "figure out dinner" or "figure out the day" on a whim. I need planning and strategy and take on the day and not have the day take on me.

That said, I am not overwhelmed or sad or anything like that. In fact, I am very happy. Just more "aware" I guess of the big change in my life. Marc happens to be the busiest he's ever been at work which is why we looked at each other last night and said, "This is a tough time isn't it?"

But God gave me this challenge because He knew it could be done. He has so much to teach me in dying to myself day after day and learning patience and service (an aside- when people hear I homeschool they always say, "I don't have the patience for that- you must be so patient"- not hardly- my mom is probably laughing at that- and Shana would laugh and tell you how I handle poor customer service- I'm not proud of it- we are all a work in progress). I am grateful for this opprortunity to grow- unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies it remains but a single grain- if it dies it produces much fruit. I want that fruit in my home- I want to see my family flourish because their mother is a servant. Lord, teach me how!

P.S. My friend Christy dropped off cookies tonight and I answered the door in my pajamas and there was a bag of birdseed, a broken sprinkler head, and a torn-up kite in the foyer. I said, "do not fear- I'm perfectly in control. The kids are fine...wherever they are!" :)

I have called you by name...you are Mine

Today was the most important day in sweet Charles' life- the day he was washed in the saving waters of baptism and initiated into Christ's Holy Church. Here is our precious man in his white gown reminding us that he is the bride of Christ.
This child, a gift from God, the source of life Who now wishes to bestow His own life on this little one.

Fr. Booth and our angelbaby-

Charlie's family came to support him- I pray they will always support each other,

Charles Augustine, the Christian community welcomes you with great joy. In its name I claim you for Christ our Savior by the sign of his cross. I now trace the cross on your forehead, and invite your parents to do the same.

My dear brothers and sisters, let us ask our Lord Jesus Christ to look lovingly on this child who is to be baptized, on his parents and godparents, and on all the baptized. By the mystery of Your death and resurrection, bathe this child in light, give him the new life of baptism and welcome him into Your holy Church. Through baptism and confirmation, make him Your faithful follower and a witness to Your gospel. Lead him by a holy life to the joys of God's kingdom.

All holy men and women, pray for us.

Almighty and ever-living God, you sent your only Son into the world to cast out the power of Satan, spirit of evil, to rescue man from the kingdom of darkness, and bring him into the splendor of your kingdom of light. We pray for this child: set him free from original sin, make him a temple of your glory, and send your Holy Spirit to dwell with him. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Charles Augustine, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.




God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has freed you from sin, given you a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and welcomed you into his holy people. He now anoints you with the chrism of salvation. As Christ was anointed Priest, Prophet, and King, so may you live always as a member of his body, sharing everlasting life.
(As I type Charlie is in my lap and still smells of this divine chrism oil- I call it the smell of salvation)


Charles Augustine, you have become a new creation, and have clothed yourself in Christ. See in this white garment the outward sign of your Christian dignity. With your family and friends to help you by word and example, bring that dignity unstained into the everlasting life of heaven. Amen.


Parents and godparents, this light is entrusted to you to be kept burning brightly. This child of yours has been enlightened by Christ. He is to walk always as a child of the light. May he keep the flame of faith alive in his heart. When the Lord comes, may he go out to meet Him with all the saints in the heavenly kingdom.
Amen and Amen!!
Fr. lights Charles' candle from the Paschal candle and says, "Charles, receive the light of Christ."


The Lord Jesus made the deaf hear and the dumb speak. May He soon touch your ears to receive His word, and your mouth to proclaim His faith, to the praise and glory of God the Father.



You have put on Christ, in Him you have been baptized. Alleluia, alleluia!

Charlie with his family and Godparents-


They also had their precious baby, Mary Claire, baptized at the same time- what a precious celebration!








May we always keep ourselves at the foot of the cross-




We had a small reception afterwards at the Godparents' home-


Dearly beloved, this child has been reborn in baptism. He is now called the child of God, for so indeed he is. In confirmation he will receive the fullness of God's Spirit. In holy communion he will share the banquet of Christ's sacrifice, calling God his Father in the midst of the Church.

In His goodness, God poured out His blessing on our precious son. May He make him always, wherever he may be, a faithful member of His holy people and give him peace. Amen and Thanks be to God!


Thank you to our precious witness and friend, Fashionista Holly, who single handedly took still pictures and videoed the event at the same time- she was a two-fisted photographer.

My Guy...

My daily view-


He'll be four weeks old tomorrow- look at those open eyes!




"Listen Lady- you gotta stop doing this all day..."

Not a chance, Buddy! If you didn't want a million kisses you should not be so dad-gum-adorable!

P.S. "My guy" is the song I sing to Charlie every night- it's "his" song!

Charles in Charge....

...of our days and our NIGHTS-

Me and little man doing our nightly visits (this one at 1 a.m.). To be such a big baby, he still isn't doing the long 5 or 6 hour stretches I'd hoped he'd be doing at night, but he's sweet and eats and goes right back down so I can't complain. Besides, I'm so busy during the day- I don't blame him for wanting more snuggling at nighttime. (I started laughing when I realized Marc was taking a picture- I was falling asleep sitting up).

P.S. I saw "The Help" tonight- great movie with great acting!

Les Miserables

If anyone saw Les Mis on PBS tonight you will probably feel as I do that casting NICK JONAS as Marius was ridiculous! And I LOVE Les Miserables- my aunt bought me the sheet music and cassette for it when I was in 8th grade and I played it almost every day and know every word and have seen it twice in person.

Onto Nick- Sure, he is cute and can sing just fine- but when we are doing the 25 year anniversary show- bring out the best vocalist you can find. There was a total lack of passion. And I know because I've watched the "Dream Cast" version a million times on VHS and Michael Ball has the voice and passion to pull off a Marius perfectly- even when he was techincally too old to be playing such a young upstart and was working with a very dull Cosette (and yes he could be a little TOO sappy at times- but at least the man can sing). And there will never be a Jean Valjeam as REAL as Colm Wilkinson, but Alfie Boe tonight was amazing and very, very good- and his death scene was a tear jerker: "forgive me of my trespasses and take me to Your glory...".

And I'm not alone in thinking old Nicky Jonas left something to be desired- this journalist says-

Apologies to any Jonas Brothers fans, but pity poor Nick Jonas. He's a
painful weak link in the otherwise sensational casting. He just doesn't have
the vocal range or strength. This is the only "Les Miz" I've seen where I
wished Marius was left for dead. Kudos to the charming Katie Hall as
Cosette. She shows no signs of embarrassment singing opposite him.

What can I say- I can't believe how producers will sell-out and get a Miley Cyrus type character to front what should be an epic, amazing show just to ensure the Mickey Mouse fanbase shows up. It broke my heart. Did anyone else see this? Nick Jonas- are you serious? Yes he can sing fine- but let's make the show the best it can be not just "good enough". Artistic integrity R.I.P.

Wanna popsicle?

Everytime Tucker sees Charlie he does this high-pitched baby voice and says "hey Charlie- wanna popsicle?". Every.time.he.sees.him. Tonight while I unloaded groceries in the kitchen I heard Tucker in the foyer doing his high-pitched baby talk to Charlie saying "wanna play ball? You like dis ball Charlie?" and this is what I found...



Just wait a year or so Tuck Tuck- I know brother will love to play with you and have a popsicle too!

And yes I realize Charlie is wearing one of Sissy's pink bibs- what can I say- he's the fourth.

Zaza and Grandpa's visit

So Zaza and Grandpa were in town all week to meet Punkinface-


Zaza got lots of snuggle time-


And Grandpa, Marc and Marky spent a lot of time doing things boys love like fishing, shooting, archery, football and bowling. We didn't realize Marky had no memory of ever having gone fishing so Grandpa and Daddy walked down to the neighborhood lake and let him try fishing with worms-


Success!!!


Wouldn't be a visit with Grandpa without some shooting-


And bowling- did you know Marc and his dad used to bowl in father/son tournaments? Marc has his own bowling ball and shoes- yes, I'm being serious. :)

Sissy did well- she can read now so she was YELLING, "STRIKE!!!" or "SPARE"!!! or "GREAT JOB!!!"


Me and "T"- I lost to him- yes, I really did- we both used bumpers and I still lost to Tucker-


Speaking of Mr. T- here he is being adorable at Marky's football practice- he just sat in the grass and sang songs-


Zaza and Grandpa left this afternoon so we are back to reality. I feel like the babymoon is coming to an end as all my helpers have left and all the kids' activities are starting in earnest for fall. But it has been a wonderful three weeks of resting and snuggling and visiting.

We're still here....

So the blogging has slowed down a bit and there are two reasons why- 1- the obvious reason- I have a newborn and it's hard to type when you are doing this-



P.S. Last night he slept from 9 to 3:30 had a quick snack and then slept to 8:00- whoop whoop! Not even three weeks old yet! One of the perks of monster-sized babies- early sleeping!

The second reason- BB went home. :( I knew she wouldn't stay forever- and she was here almost three weeks- but we all cried a little the day BB drove away. I kept saying, "you see there are four children here- are you sure this is a good idea?" But she seemed to think I could handle it and off to see Poppy she went. :)

Meanwhile Marc's parents, Zaza and Grandpa arrived last night and we have new hands to help. We decided to go ahead and celebrate Zaza's birthday early with a surprise birthday dinner. I was going to make the cake myself, but the baby needed feeding so I sat and fed the baby and talked Marky through it and he did it all by himself- (shhh...the candles are in the numbers of her age-)


Happy Birthday dear Zaza....hooray!

Nothing like dosing your kids with a lot of chocolate before bedtime! :) Tucker ate half a birthday candle...


Grandpa and Charlie bonding...




Zaza brought us a wonderful family present- I LOVE IT!!!!


I love Willow Tree figures and have already placed this on our bookshelf-


And this one, which I think completely captures Julia's spirit, is called "Joyful"-