Just an update to share just how crazy this day has been.
I went up to take a nap and found that my daughters weren't napping. In order to allow the younger one the opportunity to fall asleep, I took her noisier big sister out of the room to lay down in bed with me. Then Luke woke up.
So, we three go downstairs and catch part of Little House on the Prairie. Kassia seems interested in doing an activity again, so I give her a goofy worksheet to do and stress that it's not a big deal and she doesn't have to be perfect at it; that's why we are practicing. She's still too tired (or something) to really get into it, so I help her finish so that she can have a sense of accomplishment and then I let her pick out a sticker for trying.
Luke and Kassia are, naturally, famished, so I give them bowls of cottage cheese (cheese of any kind is a big hit in this house). Luke also snacks on the remaining French Fried Onions I have too little of to use in any recipe. Now a master at walking around with a cup of water and drinking all by himself, he comes to me for two refills. Because he's saying, "Wa..Pee" (water, please), I get him those refills, not thinking about how full his tummy might be. Finishing his third cup, he coughs a little and throws up into the cup and a bit on the floor.
No big deal - it's just one of those days. I smile a little and grab a handy burp cloth to start cleanup and the little boy runs around and hugs me from behind. It's cute, until he upchucks the rest of his stomach contents onto my back. Feeling a little goofy from the whole day, even though it's only 3pm, I snicker while my daughter looks horrified at the scene.
Good news: my hair and pants were not casualties of the spewing - all I need was to change my top after washing off my back, of course.
My husband comes home while I am upstairs in the bathroom taking two Tylenol for the headache I'm dealing with, mostly on account of crying in between episodes of the average life at home with young kids. He gets to work in the office and I lay on the couch, thankful for my amazing friends who have called me and helped me deal with the day that I am having. (Holly, Krissy - you rock!) I am also thankful for my husband to be home, but I dare not dream that he can save the day - he still has work to do.
Finally, my husband is done with work and his workout, the kids are freshly bathed (YES - score one for mommy!) and fed, and my unsuspecting husband asks if I need to cuddle on the couch. I do, and settle in next to him and then begin to overwhelm him with my overwhelmedness (the work end of it, anyway)- poor guy! He does a great job of reassuring me that we both have the same ideal of what my role in the home should be and tries his best to help think of a way to improve things. We wrap things up in time for him to go to a local congressman's public "listening session" on the health care bill, I put the kids to bed, and here I am, at the computer, back at work and back to the blog.
You know what? I have a great life - puke and all, and so it does make it harder for me to deal with days when things don't go well. My natural instinct is to feel guilty for feeling sorry for myself when I really don't have anything substantial to feel sorry about. But, at the same time, loving my life doesn't mean that I don't have ups and downs, too, and it's probably good practice for me to just go ahead and embrace the "downs." After all, they're what makes the "ups" so darn good.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Mad Monday
Not mad as in "angry" - mad as in "crazy!"
Day 1 of homeschooling. It was going really well, Kassia was really focused and interested, and then when it came time to write a few lowercase "a's," she fell apart. She is probably just overtired, as she hasn't had naps for a number of days in a row, but it sure did seem to come out of left field. And it kind of hit me harder than it should have.
So, there I am, not making a big deal out of her frustration, but inside these thoughts are racing: What did I do wrong? Am I crazy to think I can homeschool? What if she hates it right after the first day? How can I make this better? Will I ever figure out how to help my younger kids be entertained so that I can give Kassia the personal school time she needs? Why does her joyful learning have to be interrupted by the whining of one or both of her siblings? HELP!
A dear friend of mine who is not homeschooling then comes over for a visit. We are chatting and she asks about homeschooling and we talk about her daughter's kindergarten that starts tomorrow. She mentions that her daughter is looking forward to music class and I am once again reminded of all the things that I am not equipped to do that an actual school offers: music class, other languages, field trips without having to consider time and diapers needed for younger siblings, enough kids to play games with, cute art activities with small decorative pieces that could be ingested by younger siblings, recess time during which the teacher gets a break, etc.
Homeschooling and the visit from our friends (which was nice, by the way) both done with, I check my work email only to learn that a new publication is being added to the list of responsibilities of one of the people I am currently overseeing. This particular publication will be added to the next upcoming deadline (in two weeks), this is my first notice of this, and the person who is technically in charge of this is someone whom I have been having to "babysit" in terms of getting all the work done and doing all the tasks up-to-par. I call my husband to figure out if this is real, and to ask why I wasn't told about it - but the decision was actually made last Friday. So I can't blame him for not telling me, because who wants to talk about work over the weekend? And he didn't realize that I was still managing this person who now has more responsibilities, thus increasing mine, so he of course didn't know that it affected me.
So I feel that I am done. What do you do when it seems like you are indispensible but you can't do it anymore? My vocation means that my energy and dedication has to go toward my family, the care and education of my kids, the management of my home - not work! It hurts to think that I may look back on these years and be aware that I gave more of myself to the family business and less to my family. But what to do?
This business is something that I have been involved with since the beginning. I don't mind at all stepping down from ALL of those responsibilities, although I know that it probably won't ever happen that I am completely uninvolved - but at the same time, I feel a responsibility to making sure that our publications are as good as they can be. Right now, unless I am involved, I feel certain that some will not be professional enough. And there are responsibilities that I have that cannot be lightly given to a newly hired person. And the owners don't have time to find replacement people - they are too busy trying find more people to do the extra jobs they find themselves doing.
Here's what I want: I want to be a full-time stay-at-home mom. I want to educate my children with the very best materials, opportunities, and the very best of me. I want to make a home-cooked meal for my family at least 5 times a week. I want to have personal time actually carved out instead of squeezed in to our family's schedule. I want some expert to come down and tell me exactly what curriculum to use for educating my daughter so that I can be confident that I am doing what is absolutely best for her. I want to have plans for educating and playing with and loving all my children on a daily basis so that they all get what they need from me every day.
I know it's not too much to ask...but it is too much to expect. Still, I find some solace in the words of St. Francis de Sales, as noted by Judy at BENMAKESTEN - "God does not ask from us anymore than we are able to give..." I am slightly reassured and my common sense kicks in - all will be better tomorrow, after I have had rest, my Kassia will do fine with homeschooling and frustration over letters is normal, I am the best teacher for my children as God has designed and because I have the future of their souls in mind, and someday my role will not include working for the business.
Anyway, just wanted to get that all out. I'm not sure that I entirely feel better, but at least I've shared and that always helps me. Now, since all my beautiful children are napping (oh, I love them so much!!!), I will try to take a nap, too, so that they have a better, happier mom when they wake up.
Day 1 of homeschooling. It was going really well, Kassia was really focused and interested, and then when it came time to write a few lowercase "a's," she fell apart. She is probably just overtired, as she hasn't had naps for a number of days in a row, but it sure did seem to come out of left field. And it kind of hit me harder than it should have.
So, there I am, not making a big deal out of her frustration, but inside these thoughts are racing: What did I do wrong? Am I crazy to think I can homeschool? What if she hates it right after the first day? How can I make this better? Will I ever figure out how to help my younger kids be entertained so that I can give Kassia the personal school time she needs? Why does her joyful learning have to be interrupted by the whining of one or both of her siblings? HELP!
A dear friend of mine who is not homeschooling then comes over for a visit. We are chatting and she asks about homeschooling and we talk about her daughter's kindergarten that starts tomorrow. She mentions that her daughter is looking forward to music class and I am once again reminded of all the things that I am not equipped to do that an actual school offers: music class, other languages, field trips without having to consider time and diapers needed for younger siblings, enough kids to play games with, cute art activities with small decorative pieces that could be ingested by younger siblings, recess time during which the teacher gets a break, etc.
Homeschooling and the visit from our friends (which was nice, by the way) both done with, I check my work email only to learn that a new publication is being added to the list of responsibilities of one of the people I am currently overseeing. This particular publication will be added to the next upcoming deadline (in two weeks), this is my first notice of this, and the person who is technically in charge of this is someone whom I have been having to "babysit" in terms of getting all the work done and doing all the tasks up-to-par. I call my husband to figure out if this is real, and to ask why I wasn't told about it - but the decision was actually made last Friday. So I can't blame him for not telling me, because who wants to talk about work over the weekend? And he didn't realize that I was still managing this person who now has more responsibilities, thus increasing mine, so he of course didn't know that it affected me.
So I feel that I am done. What do you do when it seems like you are indispensible but you can't do it anymore? My vocation means that my energy and dedication has to go toward my family, the care and education of my kids, the management of my home - not work! It hurts to think that I may look back on these years and be aware that I gave more of myself to the family business and less to my family. But what to do?
This business is something that I have been involved with since the beginning. I don't mind at all stepping down from ALL of those responsibilities, although I know that it probably won't ever happen that I am completely uninvolved - but at the same time, I feel a responsibility to making sure that our publications are as good as they can be. Right now, unless I am involved, I feel certain that some will not be professional enough. And there are responsibilities that I have that cannot be lightly given to a newly hired person. And the owners don't have time to find replacement people - they are too busy trying find more people to do the extra jobs they find themselves doing.
Here's what I want: I want to be a full-time stay-at-home mom. I want to educate my children with the very best materials, opportunities, and the very best of me. I want to make a home-cooked meal for my family at least 5 times a week. I want to have personal time actually carved out instead of squeezed in to our family's schedule. I want some expert to come down and tell me exactly what curriculum to use for educating my daughter so that I can be confident that I am doing what is absolutely best for her. I want to have plans for educating and playing with and loving all my children on a daily basis so that they all get what they need from me every day.
I know it's not too much to ask...but it is too much to expect. Still, I find some solace in the words of St. Francis de Sales, as noted by Judy at BENMAKESTEN - "God does not ask from us anymore than we are able to give..." I am slightly reassured and my common sense kicks in - all will be better tomorrow, after I have had rest, my Kassia will do fine with homeschooling and frustration over letters is normal, I am the best teacher for my children as God has designed and because I have the future of their souls in mind, and someday my role will not include working for the business.
Anyway, just wanted to get that all out. I'm not sure that I entirely feel better, but at least I've shared and that always helps me. Now, since all my beautiful children are napping (oh, I love them so much!!!), I will try to take a nap, too, so that they have a better, happier mom when they wake up.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Pardon my dust
I'm pretending that I have time to revamp the look of my blog...so it may be getting some new looks throughout the weekend (or however long it takes!).
Have a blessed Friday!
Katie
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Loyal Friend Award
Special thanks to Lara at Holy Mothering for blessing me with this award and, more importantly, blessing me with her friendship and support. Blogging has opened up a new world for me - a world of shared faith beyond physical location, embraces of love and joy and shoulders there to cry on - even though not via the traditional way, and support that flies through the blogosphere to me exactly when I am in need of it.
Thank you to all of my friends, followers, and readers, who bless me regularly with the gift of their love, support, prayers, and friendship. You are all in my prayers of thankfulness!
His Green Looks Red to Me
Pamela at CatholicNFPMom had a post awhile back that resounded with great clarity. I would like to add my own insights to her notice that Green is actually Red in a letter to Mr. Obama.
Dear Mr. Obama,
Going "green" is in right now, but you haven' t been completely on board with it. Instead of recycling cars, many which would be perfect for low-income people who simply need a working vehicle (whose jobs/further education may depend on it!), you have decided to waste taxpayer money on a program that doesn't recycle cars, but destroys and wastes them.
If I take things the way that you appear to, people are commodities, and babies could be objectified in that way, too. Pretending this is reasonable, why aren't you "recycling" babies, giving these precious souls to people who are aching with desire for a child? Instead of seeing the enormous potential these little unborn souls have, you have decided to turn away from your "green" path and have washed the road with the red of their blood, throwing them away even more casually than those usable "clunkers." And again, you've chosen to waste taxpayer money on what you call a "right." I'm sorry if I don't follow that it is "right" to be wasteful of people - whether they are old and unable to "contribute" to society as you may see fit, or young and helpless and not able to even express what they could do to improve this country.
Your "Red" Socialist ideals are far from the "Green" you have been trying to pass them off as. I don't buy it, but you are making us all pay anyway.
As do all of us, you have much to answer for. I pray that you use the time you have to remedy these gross errors and instead do what is truly right and good.
Having difficulty doing it, but praying for you anyway,
Katie
Dear Mr. Obama,
Going "green" is in right now, but you haven' t been completely on board with it. Instead of recycling cars, many which would be perfect for low-income people who simply need a working vehicle (whose jobs/further education may depend on it!), you have decided to waste taxpayer money on a program that doesn't recycle cars, but destroys and wastes them.
If I take things the way that you appear to, people are commodities, and babies could be objectified in that way, too. Pretending this is reasonable, why aren't you "recycling" babies, giving these precious souls to people who are aching with desire for a child? Instead of seeing the enormous potential these little unborn souls have, you have decided to turn away from your "green" path and have washed the road with the red of their blood, throwing them away even more casually than those usable "clunkers." And again, you've chosen to waste taxpayer money on what you call a "right." I'm sorry if I don't follow that it is "right" to be wasteful of people - whether they are old and unable to "contribute" to society as you may see fit, or young and helpless and not able to even express what they could do to improve this country.
Your "Red" Socialist ideals are far from the "Green" you have been trying to pass them off as. I don't buy it, but you are making us all pay anyway.
As do all of us, you have much to answer for. I pray that you use the time you have to remedy these gross errors and instead do what is truly right and good.
Having difficulty doing it, but praying for you anyway,
Katie
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Recent Projects to Share
While I haven't been really active on-line this week, I have gotten a few neat things done. I wanted to share some of my latest sewing projects with you as I am not an expert sewer and, frankly, I want to share these small accomplishments!
I have almost completed my 3 year old's chapel veil holder (it just needs the use of my friend's snap-press, and my sewing on of the final flowery applique that will go over one of the snaps). Here is a photo of the almost-finished product. I am so very proud of this because it was done all by myself!
I have almost completed my 3 year old's chapel veil holder (it just needs the use of my friend's snap-press, and my sewing on of the final flowery applique that will go over one of the snaps). Here is a photo of the almost-finished product. I am so very proud of this because it was done all by myself!
I also transformed a spaghetti-strap kids' shirt (yeah, real modest, right?) into a skirt. Since I'm not a fan of adorning my innocent children in spaghetti straps, no matter how "cute" it may be, I removed the straps and attached them to the main part of the fabric to make a tie for what is now a skirt. Both girls have tried it on, and it fits the oldest the best. I may have to sew some elastic on the inside so that it fits more securely, and then the tie will just be more for looks than anything. I think it looks pretty cute this way, don't you?
Finally, I had ironed on some letters on some of my girls' plain shirts and, naturally, they were beginning to peel off. So, with "A stitch in time saves nine" in mind, I sewed the letters down and they are good to go!
Maybe in a few months I will have more creative sewing or other projects to post - but don't hold your breath! :-)
Finally, I had ironed on some letters on some of my girls' plain shirts and, naturally, they were beginning to peel off. So, with "A stitch in time saves nine" in mind, I sewed the letters down and they are good to go!
Maybe in a few months I will have more creative sewing or other projects to post - but don't hold your breath! :-)
Signs I Do Not Have On My Back
...although there are those who think otherwise.
- Complaining invigorates me.
- Stating the obvious is a welcome treasure.
- Ask here for free problem-solving.
- If you drop it, I will pick it up.
- If you dirty it, I will clean it - no questions asked!
- As far as I'm concerned, any time is Whine Time.
- I love to interpret these languages: Waaaa, Squeaky-squawk, Self-pity mumble-jumble, and Gobbledygook Body Language.
- I can create something out of nothing.
- My rules don't apply to you if you don't like them.
- If I look busy, please assume I am bored and looking for something to manage, fix, or create.
MIA
I've been MIA for a bit. Not much to explain it really, just busy with work, kids, life. The usual. But do I have posts planned! At least, I've been writing them in my head as I fall asleep at night. My creative juices seem to be really flowing at that time, but the unfortunate truth is that I almost never retain that creativity when trying to recall all I was intending to say after I wake up the next morning.
I had to split up this post because I had too many photos to share and I didn't want to deal with reducing photo sizes, so this post is dedicated to the big change that took place this week: I gave our son a haircut.
Let me preface this by noting that his father and I disagree about what Luke's ideal hairstyle would be. Paul thinks Luke would be cutest in the bowl-cut that Paul had growing up. (Fortunately, his mom joins me in the "Well, that was style when you were a kid - not so today" fact.) I haven't decided what I think would highlight Luke's cuteness/handsomeness the most - only because I haven't had sufficient chance to experiment with his look.
Well, for most of the summer, Luke has been sporting a style pretty close to the "bowl" cut - what I call the "shaggy mop-head." Because I was ready to give him a new look (and I think the impetus with this is my being pregnant and suddenly needing to give things "new" and updated looks), I took out my husband's clipper set and started buzzing.
Luke before:
This second set of photos is after I buzzed the longer section to match the rest of the top. Suddenly, Paul now thinks it's really cute, and I am a little less thrilled, but it is growing on me.
Which do you prefer?
I had to split up this post because I had too many photos to share and I didn't want to deal with reducing photo sizes, so this post is dedicated to the big change that took place this week: I gave our son a haircut.
Let me preface this by noting that his father and I disagree about what Luke's ideal hairstyle would be. Paul thinks Luke would be cutest in the bowl-cut that Paul had growing up. (Fortunately, his mom joins me in the "Well, that was style when you were a kid - not so today" fact.) I haven't decided what I think would highlight Luke's cuteness/handsomeness the most - only because I haven't had sufficient chance to experiment with his look.
Well, for most of the summer, Luke has been sporting a style pretty close to the "bowl" cut - what I call the "shaggy mop-head." Because I was ready to give him a new look (and I think the impetus with this is my being pregnant and suddenly needing to give things "new" and updated looks), I took out my husband's clipper set and started buzzing.
Luke before:
This first set of photos is of the initial finished haircut. It was still longer on the top, which I liked, but my husband didn't. It's a bit uneven, but I didn't go to school for cosmetology.
This second set of photos is after I buzzed the longer section to match the rest of the top. Suddenly, Paul now thinks it's really cute, and I am a little less thrilled, but it is growing on me.
Which do you prefer?Incidentally, Paul and I have had many discussions about our kids and their haircuts. As head of this part of the household, I have always assumed that it was my place to make decisions about their hairstyles and, after getting Paul's thoughts, to go ahead and just do what I thought best. What became evident is that Paul still wanted to retain his full 50% of decision-making in this process, too. So, when it comes time for haircuts (according to me), I have some thinking to do.
How did I resolve the dilemma this time? Read on:
How did I resolve the dilemma this time? Read on:
me: (To Paul, who is coming home from a workout and is about to learn that I cut his son's hair without any prior warning) I just wanted to let you know that Luke's hair was getting really long and since he had a bowl-cut most of the summer, I went ahead and cut it shorter.
Paul: Well, did you think about asking me about it first?
me: Um, yeah...I thought about it...
Paul: (with a slight smile on his face and a twinkle in his eyes - a good sign for me!) But you decided that it was easier to ask for forgiveness than permission?
me: (with a relieved smile) Yeah, pretty much.
Thank God for my forgiving and loving husband! (And for kids who would look cute no matter what!)
So, that's where I've been this last week. Oh, yes, and did I mention that I just had an epiphany: It actually is NOT possible for me to regularly visit and comment on all the blogs I love to follow. Not surprisingly, I was having a superwoman spell. After now following four more blogs as of this afternoon, I've been brought back down to earth! :-)
Thank God for my forgiving and loving husband! (And for kids who would look cute no matter what!)
So, that's where I've been this last week. Oh, yes, and did I mention that I just had an epiphany: It actually is NOT possible for me to regularly visit and comment on all the blogs I love to follow. Not surprisingly, I was having a superwoman spell. After now following four more blogs as of this afternoon, I've been brought back down to earth! :-)
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Where I'm at with Homeschool Prep
In writing an email to a fellow homeschooler who asked me about my plans, I realized that I needed to post my email text in order to get some feedback from others as well as to remind myself of where I am at in the preparation process. There are just a few weeks until I want to officially start our first homeschool year and that seems like plenty of time and not nearly enough time to get things set! At any rate, here is where I am at - what are your thoughts? What am I missing?
As far as curriculum, I haven't officially decided. For Kindergarten, which is what we are starting, I think I am going to go with certain books from different curricula that I have found to be highly recommended. I will be using the New St. Joseph Baltimore Catechism First Communion as part of our catechism curriculum, and it was recommended to use that along with something that emphasized Reconciliation. I've heard that CHC is great as is the Faith and Life series.
For the reading section, we are using Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons and will likely follow that up with the Sound Beginnings program as Kassia gets older (it has great organization of teaching phonics rules).
For math, I am thinking about just winging it based on goals that I need to research and write out - my focus will be writing numbers, counting to 100, skip counting, basic addition/subtraction, and so on. I think Kassia's got patterns and categorizing and such down already. Kassia also has an interest in telling time, and I have been given the advice that it is very helpful if she can skip count by 5s before really getting into that. We'll see how it goes.
For science, I don't have any plans; we are just going to go with what inspires us. We both are interested in how things grow and change and observing and learning about nature.
Finally, I want to continue to have Kassia practice writing her letters, and that and spelling will go along with the learning as she learns to read on her own.
It sounds so daunting sometimes! but it is exciting, too. I may have left something out, but I think that those were my "plans" so far for this year. I also have the big process of figuring out some great activities for the 3 year old to do while Kassia and I are working together...that should be interesting!!!
As far as curriculum, I haven't officially decided. For Kindergarten, which is what we are starting, I think I am going to go with certain books from different curricula that I have found to be highly recommended. I will be using the New St. Joseph Baltimore Catechism First Communion as part of our catechism curriculum, and it was recommended to use that along with something that emphasized Reconciliation. I've heard that CHC is great as is the Faith and Life series.
For the reading section, we are using Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons and will likely follow that up with the Sound Beginnings program as Kassia gets older (it has great organization of teaching phonics rules).
For math, I am thinking about just winging it based on goals that I need to research and write out - my focus will be writing numbers, counting to 100, skip counting, basic addition/subtraction, and so on. I think Kassia's got patterns and categorizing and such down already. Kassia also has an interest in telling time, and I have been given the advice that it is very helpful if she can skip count by 5s before really getting into that. We'll see how it goes.
For science, I don't have any plans; we are just going to go with what inspires us. We both are interested in how things grow and change and observing and learning about nature.
Finally, I want to continue to have Kassia practice writing her letters, and that and spelling will go along with the learning as she learns to read on her own.
It sounds so daunting sometimes! but it is exciting, too. I may have left something out, but I think that those were my "plans" so far for this year. I also have the big process of figuring out some great activities for the 3 year old to do while Kassia and I are working together...that should be interesting!!!
Monday, August 17, 2009
A Day in the Life
So I'm on the phone with a colleague from work, discussing work, when I get the notice from Nadia that she needs to go "poop on the potty."
With a quick confirmation that I got her message, I quickly tell her, "Ok, go ahead and go potty then; I will be up in a minute to help you."
"MOM," calls Kassia from the upstairs bathroom, "Nadia has poop in her panties!"
My phone call for work takes 2-3 minutes longer than I expect. "Well, I'll let you go," I say into the phone, smiling as I sprint up the steps, "Apparently I have some poopy panties to take care of!"
"Wait, wait, WAIT!" says Kassia standing at the stairwell landing, hands up in the air as if she were a police officer halting traffic. "I took care of it!" she tells me proudly, matter-of-factly shaking her head back and forth with a knowing smile that seems to communicate "Oh, Mom of little faith, of course I can take care of this simple task!"
I stop in time to avoid plowing into her (I had some momentum going up those stairs) and she continues, "I washed out the panties, it's all taken care of, and Mom (keep in mind I am still on the phone here) - Nadia's poop was GREEN!"
I manage to end the phone call with much laughter coming from the receiver into my ear and go to investigate. Sure enough, all is well, the panties have been cleaned of the supposed green poop, Nadia is freshly wiped clean and the toilet has been flushed.
As I take the damp underwear down to the laundry, Kassia follows and asks, "Can I have a sticker?"
"ABSOLUTELY!" I reply.
"Can Nadia have one, too?" she asks. "She waited for me very patiently."
"Of course," I say, "You can ALL have stickers!"
5 minutes later: Nadia poops a bit in her panties again. It is green.
With a quick confirmation that I got her message, I quickly tell her, "Ok, go ahead and go potty then; I will be up in a minute to help you."
"MOM," calls Kassia from the upstairs bathroom, "Nadia has poop in her panties!"
My phone call for work takes 2-3 minutes longer than I expect. "Well, I'll let you go," I say into the phone, smiling as I sprint up the steps, "Apparently I have some poopy panties to take care of!"
"Wait, wait, WAIT!" says Kassia standing at the stairwell landing, hands up in the air as if she were a police officer halting traffic. "I took care of it!" she tells me proudly, matter-of-factly shaking her head back and forth with a knowing smile that seems to communicate "Oh, Mom of little faith, of course I can take care of this simple task!"
I stop in time to avoid plowing into her (I had some momentum going up those stairs) and she continues, "I washed out the panties, it's all taken care of, and Mom (keep in mind I am still on the phone here) - Nadia's poop was GREEN!"
I manage to end the phone call with much laughter coming from the receiver into my ear and go to investigate. Sure enough, all is well, the panties have been cleaned of the supposed green poop, Nadia is freshly wiped clean and the toilet has been flushed.
As I take the damp underwear down to the laundry, Kassia follows and asks, "Can I have a sticker?"
"ABSOLUTELY!" I reply.
"Can Nadia have one, too?" she asks. "She waited for me very patiently."
"Of course," I say, "You can ALL have stickers!"
5 minutes later: Nadia poops a bit in her panties again. It is green.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Kids' Thanks
My daughters are thankful for some beautiful things. Here are some that are sweet, funny, and inspiring:
*"I like that your legs are nice and smooth now, Mommy. Thank you for taking a shower and shaving your legs. You know I just wanted you to do that."
*"Thank you, God, for Mommy working so hard."
*"Thank you Jesus for making my owie all better."
*"Thank you, God, for no fire and no sirens."
*"Clean panties! Thank you, Mommy!!"
*"I like that your legs are nice and smooth now, Mommy. Thank you for taking a shower and shaving your legs. You know I just wanted you to do that."
*"Thank you, God, for Mommy working so hard."
*"Thank you Jesus for making my owie all better."
*"Thank you, God, for no fire and no sirens."
*"Clean panties! Thank you, Mommy!!"
Overheard
Overheard just moments ago at my house...
Me: "You don't take cookies without asking, honey. It's Nadia, naughty."
(I meant, "It's naughty, Nadia.")
Me: "You don't take cookies without asking, honey. It's Nadia, naughty."
(I meant, "It's naughty, Nadia.")
Monday, August 10, 2009
Happy Monday!
Here's why:
- Finally got the laundry put away.
- My sweet husband let me sleep in.
- My kids watched PBS for 2 1/2 hours and I do NOT feel guilty (this was while I fed them breakfast, went back to bed, and after I woke and it took me awhile to feel ready to jump into another day).
- My kids got baths.
- My very sweet husband offered to go to the gas station for anything that I might be craving...and he was fine with letting me think about it and get back to him (I still haven't decided).
- I have job-related work to do, but nothing that I can't put off for a day.
- I have emails to respond to, calls to make to friends, and letters and thank-yous to write - I can't believe I have so many people whom I love and who love me!
- My husband still thinks I'm beautiful even though I am pretty sure I have gained an unrelated-to-baby's growth inch around my waist.
- Our video camera is fixed!
- I'll start homeschooling in a few weeks and I am actually NOT freaking out about it!
Friday, August 7, 2009
Blessed Day
My Blessed Day included these gifts:
A long car ride with my family (Paul to a day of work, me to a visit with friends) that allowed my to have some great time and conversation with my husband.
My sucessful driving in the big city without use of the GPS - God is SO GOOD!
Fettucine Alfredo! One of my most favorite meals, which I have avoided making around here because my husband is being super-good and watching what he eats. So, I made it at my friend's place...yum, yum!
Girl time with two dear friends - talks of this, that, nothing-at-all, and everything in the world, hopes, dreams, etc.
Play time - the kids, that is! They all played together beautifully, which allowed the Moms to get in our girl time.
A nap in the car (for me)!
A visit with Fr. Tom. On our way home, we stopped by a parish where our former parish priest is now assigned. Fr. Tom married us and has a special place in our hearts. He has blessed all of our children before they were born, and today blessed our 4th child.
Impromptu chinese food. Fr. Tom recommended a great place on our way home and my husband made the call to get some takeout just for the grown-ups. ALWAYS a treat!
A long car ride with my family (Paul to a day of work, me to a visit with friends) that allowed my to have some great time and conversation with my husband.
My sucessful driving in the big city without use of the GPS - God is SO GOOD!
Fettucine Alfredo! One of my most favorite meals, which I have avoided making around here because my husband is being super-good and watching what he eats. So, I made it at my friend's place...yum, yum!
Girl time with two dear friends - talks of this, that, nothing-at-all, and everything in the world, hopes, dreams, etc.
Play time - the kids, that is! They all played together beautifully, which allowed the Moms to get in our girl time.
A nap in the car (for me)!
A visit with Fr. Tom. On our way home, we stopped by a parish where our former parish priest is now assigned. Fr. Tom married us and has a special place in our hearts. He has blessed all of our children before they were born, and today blessed our 4th child.
Impromptu chinese food. Fr. Tom recommended a great place on our way home and my husband made the call to get some takeout just for the grown-ups. ALWAYS a treat!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
My thoughts in an email...
I thought I'd share these thoughts as I wrote them in an email to a very dear friend. They basically describe the kind of day I've had and my general feelings on the reality of my vocation - which I dearly love and appreciate (although I need to work on showing that better). Just a little glimpse for you all into a small part of my very complicated inner sanctum:
"...A silent retreat sounds very intriguing. I think I would like to try one sometime - I can especially see the need for it after I officially start the homeschooling. Kassia was interested in homeschooling more since we got more supplies and I have been doing some work with her on occasion when she asks. We did some stuff this afternoon, and boy, let me tell you, it is tiring to be a soft-spoken, lovingly-instructing, patient teacher! Wow! I think it took a lot out of me, just trying to make sure that I didn't stumble to my in my directions to her. One of the hardest things about teaching (and I struggled with this initially when I was teaching and in school for education) is keeping transitions and instruction smooth and flowing. This is definitely something that comes with experience, but for now, it's a bit tiring! :-) But, I must admit, I am very happy with how things are going so far. I am even thinking about starting to schedule a few subjects in the next few weeks to ease into the full time schedule (2-3 hours/day) starting in Sept.
I totally could have used a run today - I found myself so irritated with being overtired and whined at all day long that I was about to go nuts! I probably would have done great at a kickboxing class! But, the opportunity wasn't there - at the time that I really needed to get out of the house, I had food cooking in the oven and couldn't leave! Ah! If only I had thought to offer all that up BEFORE it happened! I can imagine Mary laughing at my moment of insanity, saddened at my obvious and unloving frustration, and sighing at the expectations of perfection that I put on myself. It makes me smile thinking of all that. I need to work on thinking of her reactions to my actions/reactions more often - I think it will result in some needed growth in my spirituality and mothering. I think I may have to post something regarding this on my blog. Lots of ideas, but so little time!..."
"...A silent retreat sounds very intriguing. I think I would like to try one sometime - I can especially see the need for it after I officially start the homeschooling. Kassia was interested in homeschooling more since we got more supplies and I have been doing some work with her on occasion when she asks. We did some stuff this afternoon, and boy, let me tell you, it is tiring to be a soft-spoken, lovingly-instructing, patient teacher! Wow! I think it took a lot out of me, just trying to make sure that I didn't stumble to my in my directions to her. One of the hardest things about teaching (and I struggled with this initially when I was teaching and in school for education) is keeping transitions and instruction smooth and flowing. This is definitely something that comes with experience, but for now, it's a bit tiring! :-) But, I must admit, I am very happy with how things are going so far. I am even thinking about starting to schedule a few subjects in the next few weeks to ease into the full time schedule (2-3 hours/day) starting in Sept.
I totally could have used a run today - I found myself so irritated with being overtired and whined at all day long that I was about to go nuts! I probably would have done great at a kickboxing class! But, the opportunity wasn't there - at the time that I really needed to get out of the house, I had food cooking in the oven and couldn't leave! Ah! If only I had thought to offer all that up BEFORE it happened! I can imagine Mary laughing at my moment of insanity, saddened at my obvious and unloving frustration, and sighing at the expectations of perfection that I put on myself. It makes me smile thinking of all that. I need to work on thinking of her reactions to my actions/reactions more often - I think it will result in some needed growth in my spirituality and mothering. I think I may have to post something regarding this on my blog. Lots of ideas, but so little time!..."
Blessings,
Katie
Magnum Mom, P.I.
Mystery:
I come to find the bathroom toilet seat lid up, with droplets of water splashed on the left side of the seat and over the side. We always leave our toilet seat down (for the kids and the cat), and I am left imagining the many ways water could have splashed out of the toilet at some point.
Solved:
The next day I enter the bathroom to find my 3 year old, newly completely independent in the potty process (she now can get on and off the seat and flush by herself!), using the toilet plunger after having just used the potty. Apparently she thought that the plunger was for use anytime following using the toilet...
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
A Doctor's Wisdom
The following came from Pamela at Catholic NFP Mom. It is so powerful and true that I had to share:
A DOCTOR'S WISDOM
A worried woman went to her gynecologist and said: 'Doctor, I have a serious problem and desperately need your help! My baby is not even 1 yr. old and I'm pregnant again. I don't want kids so close together.'
So the doctor said: 'Ok, and what do you want me to do?'
She said: 'I want you to end my pregnancy, and I'm counting on your help with this.'
The doctor thought for a little while, and after some silence he said to the lady: 'I think I have a better solution for your problem. It's less dangerous for you too.'
She smiled, thinking that the doctor was going to accept her request.
Then he continued: 'You see, in order for you not to have to take care of two babies at the same time, let's kill the one in your arms. That way, you could rest some before the other one is born. If we're going to kill one of them, it doesn't matter which one it is. There would be no risk for your body if you chose the one in your arms.'
The lady was horrified and said: 'No doctor! How terrible! It's a crime to kill a child!
'I agree', the doctor replied. 'But you seemed to be ok with it, so I thought maybe that was the best solution.
The doctor smiled, realizing that he had made his point. He convinced the mom that there is no difference in killing a child that's already been born and one that's still in the womb. The crime is the same!
A DOCTOR'S WISDOM
A worried woman went to her gynecologist and said: 'Doctor, I have a serious problem and desperately need your help! My baby is not even 1 yr. old and I'm pregnant again. I don't want kids so close together.'
So the doctor said: 'Ok, and what do you want me to do?'
She said: 'I want you to end my pregnancy, and I'm counting on your help with this.'
The doctor thought for a little while, and after some silence he said to the lady: 'I think I have a better solution for your problem. It's less dangerous for you too.'
She smiled, thinking that the doctor was going to accept her request.
Then he continued: 'You see, in order for you not to have to take care of two babies at the same time, let's kill the one in your arms. That way, you could rest some before the other one is born. If we're going to kill one of them, it doesn't matter which one it is. There would be no risk for your body if you chose the one in your arms.'
The lady was horrified and said: 'No doctor! How terrible! It's a crime to kill a child!
'I agree', the doctor replied. 'But you seemed to be ok with it, so I thought maybe that was the best solution.
The doctor smiled, realizing that he had made his point. He convinced the mom that there is no difference in killing a child that's already been born and one that's still in the womb. The crime is the same!
My prayerful kiddos
Last night Paul and I woke up to the sound of sirens wailing. The sirens seemed to go on for much longer than normal, and we wondered about the kind of accident or event that would require that much emergency assistance or the continuation of the siren wail.
Today Kassia said to me, "Mom, we heard the sirens last night and Nadia and I prayed. We said a 'Hail Mary' and then sang 'Jesus Loves Me.' I sang the words and Nadia copied me." She smiled as she reported this to me, proud of herself and even more proud of her sister, who sang along with her.
I am so touched by the tenderness of my children that they would awaken to the frightening sounds of an emergency and respond with such thoughtfulness and love.
Blogging Help!
Can anyone help me with finding a free 3 column template that I can use (in conjunction with a separate background)?
Thanks much!
Good Question
While explaining to my oldest that she couldn't come with me to my first prenatal visit, I encountered many, many questions. Most revolved around her inability to understand why I wasn't letting her come with me :-). She tried telling me that she would be very patient and wouldn't interrupt, and also noted that it would be good for her homeschooling.
Finally, she seemed to grasp that, no matter her thoughts, she wasn't coming along with me this time, she began a different line of questions based on the times she had come to basic checkups with me. Here's one that I thought was quite clever: "Mom, are they going to put jam on your belly?"
Our baby is 10 weeks, and has a strong, healthy heartbeat! Already we are 1/4 of the way through the pregnancy!
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Busy Week Update
This week, as many others in the last few years, has been busy, busy, busy. But, I have much to be thankful for: slightly improving energy levels, happy kids, a growing garden, visits from friends, and my loving husband who gave me the gift of sleeping in this morning.
Keeping up with work has taken up much of my time lately, so that is what I have been spending the time that I have when the kids are content and I am not so tired that I am laying on the couch. One particular person whom I have been training and working with the last few months is a real blessing - she has taken up extra duties that fall on my shoulders as there currently is no one else to do those tasks. I have hope that finding someone to do those tasks on a permanent basis will happen soon. I believe it has to, for reasons of my sanity as this initial homeschooling year is almost upon us (yikes!) and I still have much prep work to do. But, if it doesn't go the way I plan, I have faith that God will provide what is needed when it is needed.
Lately, my children have all been obviously going through growth spurts. It's strange for me, as someone who sees them daily, to notice that they are taller and older-looking. Of course, the constant requests for more food is another indicator. Most days I have found myself searching the cupboards and refrigerator for a food that they haven't already eaten that particular day. :-)
Today, my wonderful husband has been steadily crossing items of his "honey-do" list. Before this post is done, he will have hung a framed prayer, installed a pencil sharpener, put up the "No Whining Zone" sign I created for our playroom, and cleaned out the dryer. He also watered the garden (mostly his job, as I have enough jobs to do inside the home), and planned the route for the family bike ride we took today. Did I mention that he also rubbed my shoulders twice? He is SUCH a blessing to me.
My oldest has been particularly cute lately. After a visit to the bathroom, she yelled downstairs to me in a matter-of-fact voice and said, "Um, quite by accident, I got my shorts a little wet." It was pretty cute. Also, since our recent shopping trip for school supplies, she has been very interested in homeschooling lately and requests activities to work on. (YES!) This past week, she has voluntarily practiced writing letters and we explored the different regions of the world on her new little globe. I also assembled the new art easel and she has already created one work of art - a finger painting (I was a little hesitant to get out the paintbrush just yet, and the other two kids are so enjoying stacking and playing with the paint containers that I don't want to fill them with paint just yet).
My friend Krissy came for the day and gifted us with lunch (teaching me how to make quesadillas - so easy, and a new family favorite) and t-shirts for the kids. We worked on appliques and just had a good time. Kudos to Krissy for all that AND for only leaving behind two items that are unessential to caring for her three little blessings. When you drive two hours to get somewhere, it always seems a miracle to me to get back home without leaving more than five items.
Well, my children are encouraging me to witness the amazing act of cleaning out a dryer, so off to the basement I go. Hope you enjoyed the update and I pray that you are aware of the many gifts in your life, especially during busy days and weeks!
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