Today I took the kids to the YMCA nursery and the lady was giving me grief about bringing a baby saying "technically I have room, but we are busy and if he is fussy I just don't have enough people to coddle him....yada, yada." I said, "he is the happiest baby and if he gets one minute of fussy you call me."
Fast forward 45 minutes when I go to pick him up.
The lady goes ON and ON- "your baby is the sweetest baby ever- he is just...well...perfect! Oh, if I could only clone him and all babies were this sweet."
Charlie charm works its magic again. You can't resist Mr. Sweetyface and his big two-toothed grin!
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Sissy and her toy...
When Marc was leaving for work this morning he heard laughing in the front room and walked around and saw this- "Daddy- look Charlie is sitting up!"
Then she said, "Watch him do patty cake!"
Charlie, you are a blessed little boy- your big sister sure does love you! We all do!
Then she said, "Watch him do patty cake!"
Charlie, you are a blessed little boy- your big sister sure does love you! We all do!
Monday, February 27, 2012
Little Flowers February- Obedience
Julia had her Little Flowers group over today. We had a nice time learning all about St. Joan of Arc and the virtue of obedience. Our flower was the carnation.
We began with the girls coloring a beautiful picture of St. Joan of Arc that came from Fenestrae Fidei.
As they colored I paraphrased this book as we looked at the illustrations-
We talked about obedience and how St. Joan of Arc was obedient to God even when it meant her death. To obey she had to first listen to God. We talked about the people who God wants us to obey and how we can listen to them and obey them with a cheerful spirit. We talked about how St. Joan of Arc's obedience was a blessing to the whole country of France and many other Chrstians through the centuries and how her disobdience could have led to more suffering.
We talked about how even Christ, who was God Himself, obeyed his earthly parents and learned our memory verse- Luke 5:21-
Then it was time to work on our "obedience" notebook pages-
Then for snack we had Fleur-de-lis cookies! We talked about how Joan of Arc carried a white banner that showed God blessing the French royal emblem, the fleur-de-lis, when she led French troops to victory over the English in support of the Dauphin, Charles VII, in his quest for the French throne. The Roman Catholic Church ascribed the lily as the special emblem of the Virgin Mary, and due to its three "petals," the fleur-de-lis has also been used to represent the Holy Trinity.
A superfun day with these supersweet little flowers-
We began with the girls coloring a beautiful picture of St. Joan of Arc that came from Fenestrae Fidei.
As they colored I paraphrased this book as we looked at the illustrations-
We talked about obedience and how St. Joan of Arc was obedient to God even when it meant her death. To obey she had to first listen to God. We talked about the people who God wants us to obey and how we can listen to them and obey them with a cheerful spirit. We talked about how St. Joan of Arc's obedience was a blessing to the whole country of France and many other Chrstians through the centuries and how her disobdience could have led to more suffering.
We talked about how even Christ, who was God Himself, obeyed his earthly parents and learned our memory verse- Luke 5:21-
Then it was time to work on our "obedience" notebook pages-
Then for snack we had Fleur-de-lis cookies! We talked about how Joan of Arc carried a white banner that showed God blessing the French royal emblem, the fleur-de-lis, when she led French troops to victory over the English in support of the Dauphin, Charles VII, in his quest for the French throne. The Roman Catholic Church ascribed the lily as the special emblem of the Virgin Mary, and due to its three "petals," the fleur-de-lis has also been used to represent the Holy Trinity.
A superfun day with these supersweet little flowers-
Out on the farm
Why am I slowing the blogging? Because all weekend we moved BB and Poppy into their NEW house! It's a little farm on a lake with a little fishing pier and a big red barn with horse stalls. A perfect little getaway for the kids and I and it's 30 minutes from our house.
I'm sore all over from the unpacking- I feel like I ran a marathon! And if I feel so tired imagine how BB and Poppy feel! We are so happy they are here- it's surreal to think I have no reason to go "home" to Mobile anymore. THANK YOU BB and POPPY!
In other news that I don't want to forget- I took the kids to see "The Little Engine that Could" at the children's theatre three weeks ago. The next week Marc took Marky to see "Sacagawea" at the main stage theater. This past Friday we took a field trip to the Southern Museum of Flight- it was so worth it to get the tour. They asked questions and Marky knews lots of answers- like "how long was the first flight?" Marky: 12 seconds. "What industry were the Wright brothers in before planes?" Marky: bicycles "What do you call a plane with two wings on each side?" Marky: a biplane.
I just looked at him in wonder (like I do most days) and said, "how in the world do you know all of that?" And he said, "I read it somewhere." And that is that I guess. If only I could remember all the things I read somewhere. :)
I'm sore all over from the unpacking- I feel like I ran a marathon! And if I feel so tired imagine how BB and Poppy feel! We are so happy they are here- it's surreal to think I have no reason to go "home" to Mobile anymore. THANK YOU BB and POPPY!
In other news that I don't want to forget- I took the kids to see "The Little Engine that Could" at the children's theatre three weeks ago. The next week Marc took Marky to see "Sacagawea" at the main stage theater. This past Friday we took a field trip to the Southern Museum of Flight- it was so worth it to get the tour. They asked questions and Marky knews lots of answers- like "how long was the first flight?" Marky: 12 seconds. "What industry were the Wright brothers in before planes?" Marky: bicycles "What do you call a plane with two wings on each side?" Marky: a biplane.
I just looked at him in wonder (like I do most days) and said, "how in the world do you know all of that?" And he said, "I read it somewhere." And that is that I guess. If only I could remember all the things I read somewhere. :)
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Lent Begins
Everyone in the house has crosses of ash on their forheads- we know Lent is here. I REALLY long to make this one count. Really, really change for the better- spring cleaning for the soul. We got our stuff done today that we do every year- Marky insisted on me making him his road map to Easter-
I tried to make two road maps, but Julia really wanted her lamb like the last two years- so here's her little lamb calendar-
And we have our crown of thorns out- we will take out a thorn and lay it at the foot of the cross for every sacrifice made for Jesus these next 40 days-
I loved today's first reading at mass from Joel 2:12-14-
12 Yet even now, says the LORD, return to Me with your whole heart, with fasting, and weeping, and mourning; 13 Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the LORD, your God. For gracious and merciful is He, slow to anger, rich in kindness, and relenting in punishment. 14 Perhaps He will again relent and leave behind Him a blessing...
As the priest put the ashes on my forehead today he said, "Turn from your sin and believe the Gospel."
Amen and amen.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Ash Wednesday
O Sacred Head, surrounded by crown of piercing thorn!
O bleeding Head, so wounded,reviled and put to scorn!
Our sins have marred the glory of Thy most Holy Face,
yet angel hosts adore Thee and tremble as they gaze.
I see Thy strength and vigor all fading in the strife,
and death with cruel rigor, bereaving Thee of life;
O agony and dying! O love to sinners free!
Jesus, all grace supplying,O turn Thy face on me.
In this Thy bitter passion,Good Shepherd, think of me
with Thy most sweet compassion,unworthy though I be:
beneath Thy cross abiding for ever would I rest,
in Thy dear love confiding,and with Thy presence blest.
But death too is my ending; In that dread hour of need,
My friendless cause befriending, Lord, to my rescue speed:
Thyself, O Jesus, trace me,Right passage to the grave,
And from Thy cross embrace me,With arms outstretched to save.
From text written by St. Bernard of Clairvaux (1091-1153), translated by Henry Williams Baker in 1861.
O bleeding Head, so wounded,reviled and put to scorn!
Our sins have marred the glory of Thy most Holy Face,
yet angel hosts adore Thee and tremble as they gaze.
I see Thy strength and vigor all fading in the strife,
and death with cruel rigor, bereaving Thee of life;
O agony and dying! O love to sinners free!
Jesus, all grace supplying,O turn Thy face on me.
In this Thy bitter passion,Good Shepherd, think of me
with Thy most sweet compassion,unworthy though I be:
beneath Thy cross abiding for ever would I rest,
in Thy dear love confiding,and with Thy presence blest.
But death too is my ending; In that dread hour of need,
My friendless cause befriending, Lord, to my rescue speed:
Thyself, O Jesus, trace me,Right passage to the grave,
And from Thy cross embrace me,With arms outstretched to save.
From text written by St. Bernard of Clairvaux (1091-1153), translated by Henry Williams Baker in 1861.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Baby Sissybug
We've been saving our pics from our old computer to our new one, and I've SO ENJOYED remembering sweet Juliabug's baby years- she was such a precious dollbaby with the biggest, roundest, happiest sunshine face!
Friday, February 17, 2012
Extra Cuddles
We all are happy to have BB living here- especially little Charliehorse who gets double the hugs and kisses everyday!
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Valentine's Love
Love is in the air.....
I left Charlie in his play area the other day and when I went back he was gone. I heard laughing from my bedroom and heard these two laughing and snoring- (I'm still getting used to the idea of having kids big enough to pick up a baby and carry him around)-
Is that a happy baby or what?!
For Valentine's Day I got each of the big kids a new book, which they enjoyed.
We read a stories on the life of St. Valentine and colored a picture of him. We made chocolate chip bread for our homebound neighbor and gave them Julia's picture of St. Valentine. Daddy brought Julia a rose home from work. She was so excited- Mommy got many roses (and a spa day!), but Sissybug was so happy to have her one rose and put it in her room. Sweet girl with a sweet Daddy.
Today we worked on Valentine treats for their Valentine party at art tomorrow (yes, it's a late party). Marky made chocolate covered pretzels for his valentines- we just dipped the pretzels in chocolate and then sprinkles- easy peazy.
Sissy did the same thing for hers- but she used Oreos and dipped them in white almond bark- YUM!
Then for the snack for the class we made Valentine Dots. You just put the oven on 200 and melt Hershey Kisses on small pretzels and once they are soft (5-10 min)- you push an M&M on top. So cute and very delicious! (I've seen these done with Rolos and pecans to make them fancier!) Here's Sissy after she put the chocolate kisses on-
Ta-Dah!
Today also happened to be the day we celebrate Tucker's initation into the Church by baptism! He alone got a special cupcake at dinner and we sang Happy Baptism Day to you. :)
Super sweet week over here at A Academy. Weight Watchers- I'm taking this week off. :)
I left Charlie in his play area the other day and when I went back he was gone. I heard laughing from my bedroom and heard these two laughing and snoring- (I'm still getting used to the idea of having kids big enough to pick up a baby and carry him around)-
Is that a happy baby or what?!
For Valentine's Day I got each of the big kids a new book, which they enjoyed.
We read a stories on the life of St. Valentine and colored a picture of him. We made chocolate chip bread for our homebound neighbor and gave them Julia's picture of St. Valentine. Daddy brought Julia a rose home from work. She was so excited- Mommy got many roses (and a spa day!), but Sissybug was so happy to have her one rose and put it in her room. Sweet girl with a sweet Daddy.
Today we worked on Valentine treats for their Valentine party at art tomorrow (yes, it's a late party). Marky made chocolate covered pretzels for his valentines- we just dipped the pretzels in chocolate and then sprinkles- easy peazy.
Sissy did the same thing for hers- but she used Oreos and dipped them in white almond bark- YUM!
Then for the snack for the class we made Valentine Dots. You just put the oven on 200 and melt Hershey Kisses on small pretzels and once they are soft (5-10 min)- you push an M&M on top. So cute and very delicious! (I've seen these done with Rolos and pecans to make them fancier!) Here's Sissy after she put the chocolate kisses on-
Ta-Dah!
Today also happened to be the day we celebrate Tucker's initation into the Church by baptism! He alone got a special cupcake at dinner and we sang Happy Baptism Day to you. :)
Super sweet week over here at A Academy. Weight Watchers- I'm taking this week off. :)
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Song Lyrics
Marc and I debate about song lyrics all the time. I have had a good track record, but lately I have REALLY been off. Two examples:
"How Can We Be Lovers if We Can't Be Friends?" by (the man, the legend, the mullet) Michael Bolton
Real Lyrics- how can we be lovers if we can't be friends, how can we start over when the fighting never ends, how can we make love when we can't make amends, baby, how can we be lovers if we CAN'T BE, CAN'T BE FRIENDS.....
Donna's lyrics ".....how can we make love when we can't make amends, baby, how can we be lovers if we CAN'T BE HAPPY FRIENDS.
We were in the car and Marc said, "did you just say "can't be happy friends?" and I was indignant that I was correct. Then tonight....
"Arthur's Theme" by Christopher Cross
Real Lyrics- "When you get caught between the MOON and New York City....I know it's crazy, but it's true....When you get caught between the moon and New York City...the best that you can do is fall in love.
Donna's lyrics- "When you get caught between the ROAD and New York City...."
On this one I explained how the songwriter was a road musician and was always on the road and how obvious that was from the context.... I was just SURE. I got served some humble pie when we googled the lyrics.
This whole situation happened in reverse last month with Marc saying the lyrics wrong, but of course tonight nobody can remember the specific song. The thing is usually Marc doesn't know what the lyrics are or what they mean, and I can't enjoy a song unless I know what it means. For instance, our girl Whitney Houston's song "Saving All My Love for You" is about an adultress- so I can't get behind it even if it's pretty. And couples who dance to "I will always love you" at their wedding- you know that is a breakup song right? I remember going to a 10th grade dance that was themed "Set the Night to Music" and they played the song several times during the night. That song is about one thing- and it isn't about 10th grade. A sample lyric, "Find a rhythm all our own, melt into it nice and slow." Alrighty. And then there's the infamous, summertime easy listening "Into the Night" that we hear every year that begins, "She's just 16 years old, leave her alone they say......". Yes, leave her alone. All I'm saying is that you don't always know what the lyrics are about. And, apparently, neither do I. :)
"How Can We Be Lovers if We Can't Be Friends?" by (the man, the legend, the mullet) Michael Bolton
Real Lyrics- how can we be lovers if we can't be friends, how can we start over when the fighting never ends, how can we make love when we can't make amends, baby, how can we be lovers if we CAN'T BE, CAN'T BE FRIENDS.....
Donna's lyrics ".....how can we make love when we can't make amends, baby, how can we be lovers if we CAN'T BE HAPPY FRIENDS.
We were in the car and Marc said, "did you just say "can't be happy friends?" and I was indignant that I was correct. Then tonight....
"Arthur's Theme" by Christopher Cross
Real Lyrics- "When you get caught between the MOON and New York City....I know it's crazy, but it's true....When you get caught between the moon and New York City...the best that you can do is fall in love.
Donna's lyrics- "When you get caught between the ROAD and New York City...."
On this one I explained how the songwriter was a road musician and was always on the road and how obvious that was from the context.... I was just SURE. I got served some humble pie when we googled the lyrics.
This whole situation happened in reverse last month with Marc saying the lyrics wrong, but of course tonight nobody can remember the specific song. The thing is usually Marc doesn't know what the lyrics are or what they mean, and I can't enjoy a song unless I know what it means. For instance, our girl Whitney Houston's song "Saving All My Love for You" is about an adultress- so I can't get behind it even if it's pretty. And couples who dance to "I will always love you" at their wedding- you know that is a breakup song right? I remember going to a 10th grade dance that was themed "Set the Night to Music" and they played the song several times during the night. That song is about one thing- and it isn't about 10th grade. A sample lyric, "Find a rhythm all our own, melt into it nice and slow." Alrighty. And then there's the infamous, summertime easy listening "Into the Night" that we hear every year that begins, "She's just 16 years old, leave her alone they say......". Yes, leave her alone. All I'm saying is that you don't always know what the lyrics are about. And, apparently, neither do I. :)
Monday, February 13, 2012
Weekly Update :)
Just realized I didn't blog much this past week. It's probably because BB and Poppy moved up here Tuesday! We are so excited to have them in town! Charlie had his 6 month check up on Friday he is OFF the chart for length and head size and in the 90% for weight. He is Marc Jr. all over again. Marc found this scene the other day- Tucker had brought his bathroom stool in so he could have a good chat with Charlie-
In other news, Marc started a little boys club (like Julia's Little Flowers) that focuses on virtues- it's called the Blue Knights and its run by all the dads-
Marc had his final basketball game on Saturday and BB and Poppy were here to watch- he got the first goal for his team- we were so excited!
We've now moved on from basketball to lacrosse- we don't know anything about it- but when Marky saw the helmet and pads he was in!
Although- his little brother kind of harasses him at practice- this pic shows how little Tucker is by Marc- it's so cute-
So that's about it for us- I leave you with Sunday pics (the blurry edition)! :)
In other news, Marc started a little boys club (like Julia's Little Flowers) that focuses on virtues- it's called the Blue Knights and its run by all the dads-
Marc had his final basketball game on Saturday and BB and Poppy were here to watch- he got the first goal for his team- we were so excited!
We've now moved on from basketball to lacrosse- we don't know anything about it- but when Marky saw the helmet and pads he was in!
Although- his little brother kind of harasses him at practice- this pic shows how little Tucker is by Marc- it's so cute-
So that's about it for us- I leave you with Sunday pics (the blurry edition)! :)
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Almost crawling....and so it begins.....
Little buddy turned 6 months last week and he's already doing the froggy hop accross the floor. The strategy: he gets up on his knees- rocks- then hop! He's pretty proud of himself!
"Hey Mommy- why did you move my toy?"
"I gotta go get it! First- up on my haunches" Rock, rock- Hop!
Ha, ha, ha! I did it- I'm getting closer!
Up on my haunches again! Here I come!
Victory is mine! I have you now wittle toy!
Time to chomp.
"Hey Mommy- why did you move my toy?"
"I gotta go get it! First- up on my haunches" Rock, rock- Hop!
Ha, ha, ha! I did it- I'm getting closer!
Up on my haunches again! Here I come!
Victory is mine! I have you now wittle toy!
Time to chomp.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Pray for Noah!
Noah has taken a terrible turn for the worst. Watching your sister and brother-in-law endure this long, extended suffering is horrible. Watching your nephew have his happy childhood turned into years of awful treatments only to get worse is horrible. Lord, have mercy on this precious family. From Amber:
My Angels bad cells are growing and spreading throughout his brain – spread a lot since December. My heart and soul are breaking, but our Heavenly Father is keeping me strong. This has been a very hard month, because this is the first time that Noah has taken me aside and said “Mom, I think this tumor is back.” He looked so scared. For the first time. Numerous times. Took my breath away… but I held him and said “No…It’s not, but we are still fighting the bad cells and they are bad, but you are a Jedi.” He also talks about Heaven almost every night. “Mom, what direction is Heaven?” (Thank goodness he still ends with “Are you going to miss me when you are in Heaven?” Praise the Lord!
...
Noah says every night “I love that we are going to be together FOREVER. And you know Mom, hell seems like a really ugly place.” I believe it is baby. God Bless You Noah.
Thank you for your love and prayers. We need them more than ever. Thank you God for holding us up. (Even if I want to fall.) There are no guarantees in life that we will not have pain, but we do have the unconditional guarantee of love, strength, guidance, and more strength. Thank You Lord. My baby.
He is going to start a five-drug intensive treatment to buy time until the Houston experimental treatment is ready to go. Please, please pray for them as they walk through the valley of the shadow of death.
Friday, February 3, 2012
This, That and the Other
This week has been pretty tame. The biggest news of the week- BB and Poppy sold their house (in 3 weeks no less!)! As in- they don't own it any more- they closed on it yesterday. Mobile's loss is our gain. What selfless parents I have to uproot their whole life to start over where we are! We are beyond excited and thrilled! Thank you BB and Poppy!
We are homeschooling still- even though I don't mention it that much. We've had some exciting feast days recently. Last Wednesday was the "Conversion of St. Paul". The kids loved learning about Saul becoming Paul and how God used him to reach the Gentiles.
Then yesterday we had the Feast of the Purification of Mary (or Candelmas) where she and Joseph took Jesus to the temple 40 days after His birth to offer a sacrifice to the Lord and came upon Simeon and Anna-
Marc has started cursive writing and is great at it- it looks better than his print and he loves to do it. "Can I please do some more cursive writing, Mommy?" "Um...I guess so...if you are good." :)
Julia is doing great in math and adding and subtracting now as well as counting money. She surprises me every day with how much she can comprehend. This year has been her big turning point from baby girl to little girl.
Here's a favorite Julia quote from the week-
"Mommy, when Charlie grows big I want you to have another baby. I love having a baby in our house. It's a blessing." (my kids love babies!)
And one from Tuck Tuck-
Mommy driving car: Tucker can you say the days of the week?
Tucker smiling big says loudly: THE DAYS OF THE WEEK!
As for Charliehorse, he is feeling a big better, although the poor thing can barely breathe. We're doing all we can to keep him comfy. BB discovered while babysitting that Marky is strong enough to carry Charlie around the house. I don't know why I hadn't thought of it. He gets him out of his crib and takes him to the playroom when he wakes up. They are buddies!
And you can see he looks a lot better. Even though he's still wheezy- he can smile when Mommy gets his tickly chins!
We are homeschooling still- even though I don't mention it that much. We've had some exciting feast days recently. Last Wednesday was the "Conversion of St. Paul". The kids loved learning about Saul becoming Paul and how God used him to reach the Gentiles.
Then yesterday we had the Feast of the Purification of Mary (or Candelmas) where she and Joseph took Jesus to the temple 40 days after His birth to offer a sacrifice to the Lord and came upon Simeon and Anna-
Marc has started cursive writing and is great at it- it looks better than his print and he loves to do it. "Can I please do some more cursive writing, Mommy?" "Um...I guess so...if you are good." :)
Julia is doing great in math and adding and subtracting now as well as counting money. She surprises me every day with how much she can comprehend. This year has been her big turning point from baby girl to little girl.
Here's a favorite Julia quote from the week-
"Mommy, when Charlie grows big I want you to have another baby. I love having a baby in our house. It's a blessing." (my kids love babies!)
And one from Tuck Tuck-
Mommy driving car: Tucker can you say the days of the week?
Tucker smiling big says loudly: THE DAYS OF THE WEEK!
As for Charliehorse, he is feeling a big better, although the poor thing can barely breathe. We're doing all we can to keep him comfy. BB discovered while babysitting that Marky is strong enough to carry Charlie around the house. I don't know why I hadn't thought of it. He gets him out of his crib and takes him to the playroom when he wakes up. They are buddies!
And you can see he looks a lot better. Even though he's still wheezy- he can smile when Mommy gets his tickly chins!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
