Pocket Watch

The first year we were married Tony and I decided to give each other one special gift to each other on our first Christmas. I remembering fretting for days over what I could give Tony that would be meaningful. He seemed to have everything a young gentleman required. A girlfriend recommended a local jewelry store for some ideas. I remember walking in so nervous. I did not frequent places like this and I did not know what to say to the young man glaring at me. I bumbled out I was a newlywed and looking for something for my husband. He inquired about Tony's profession and when I said banker he showed me the most beautiful gold pocketwatch. I immediately said that was the gift and I am so thankful he suggested I get it engraved. Tony used it for awhile but now it sits in the stand on our dresser. I know it will go to his firstborn son. Many say what about Benedict and to that I reply...that is for another blog.....

Babysitter for Hire

I am a creature of habit. Every morning I get up at the same time, make the kids breakfast, vacuum house, get beds made and then shower for school. I have always managed to do this on time. With the addition of Benedict I have altered my schedule a little but not really. The girls have always been eager to entertain or watch the little guy while I showered. Recently Blaise has fallen into this role. The girls are busy cleaning the bunnies or putting away breakfast dishes so naturally Blaise is wandering around aimlessly. He discovered watching baby means extra play time and the wise little lad has fallen into the role joyfully. This morning when I called for him to read a story to Benedict his air of eagerness was mixed with a bit of opportunity. When asked why the odd look on his face he replied "I will do it this last time but I am just wondering when I get paid?"
Oops guess even a 3 year old has a price!

The story behind the dress

Every little girl loves to hear the story of how their mother fell in love with their daddy and how they got married. After our day of dress up I was bombarded with question after question of these past memories. Emerson assumed Tony and I had grown up together and just lived in this house until one day four kids came along. Julia knew a bit more facts but some were skewed. We sat together and I told them the whole story like a bedtime story. It was sweet and nostalgic and I really tried to make them see how God had brought us together and how we were patient, respectful, and loving to one another. There were giggles at the idea that daddy lived once all by himself in an apt. With only an air mattress and I lived at nana and papa's house. They could not imagine us never being together. They loved the part of when daddy proposed on one knee in his apartment floor and then we raced up north to share the news with grandma Jan and John. What they found most exciting was when I talked about the dress. I told them how I went to Jacobsons with my bridesmaids merely to look at maid of honor dresses and when I walked in my dress was just hanging there. As if to say here I am pick me! I had always dreamed of a Cinderella ball gown. But somehow that did not suit me and I was lost in a ball of white fluff. I was sure that is what I wanted but my friends saw how excited this simple elegant dress made me feel. I was not a demanding bridezilla shouting out orders and making people feel they had to look or act a certain way. In fact I experienced no stress at all thru out the entire process. My heart was in the right place and I always kept my sight on the truth behind the sacrament of marriage. I just knew when I put that dress on...well Emerson put it best "the dress was made for my day". They don't see me dressed up ever like that so they found it fascinating to watch and hear the story behind the dress.

The Wedding Dress

Dear girls,
Someday you will choose a vocation. It will be marriage, single life or serving God. I pray daily for your path and know you will make the right wise choice. We played dress up today in Mommy's wedding dress and veil and as we did I shared with you the memories of my own courtship with your daddy and how fortunate I am to have him. We talked a lot about respect and what true love is. When you both asked me if you looked beautiful I told you yes but reminded you that your heart and inward beauty were far more important. For outward beauty fades but truth and conviction lasts forever. I know your own marriages are many moons away but for a moment I could catch a glimpse of the woman you each will become. I will remember this day when you are grown and possibly walking down the aisle in your own dress. I will recall the sweet little girl smiling in her Mommy's dress and I will wish we had played dress up just a bit longer.
"These are my daughters, I suppose. But where in the world did the children vanish?" -Phyllis McGinley

Sidenote: the girls loved doing this but both agreed that they would want their very own dress to pick out if they chose marriage. Emerson fell in love with my veil and didn't want to take it off. I told her she could wear it at her communion. Julia surprised me as she dislikes dressing up but she did have fun and seemed to transform into an angel before my eyes. I don't know yet what I plan to do with the actual dress. It has been sitting in that sealed box for almost 15 years. I know a dress makes not a wedding, and it was merely a symbol of my pure love for my Tony. It did make for a great conversation starter with the girls. I do not know God's plan for my daughters. I pray for guidance in their walk and I pray that they always keep their heart open to His voice. Yes, I must confess I tried on the dress too and after four kids and almost 15 years later it slipped right on like a miracle. I have been told that could change in my 40's though.

Sneak Peak

The girls and I did something super fun on Friday afternoon...I don't want to spoil it as they are waiting until Monday to see the final result. I got the idea from Jan and I think she got it from another blog or site. I was not the one that came up with this idea but I think it is one of the neatest ideas for making a lasting memory.

Meat Lovers Unite

Well I did it! They loved it! Benedict and I watched on! Maybe he will be a vegetable like me! The table feels a little lonely!

Pot Roast

Alright in an effort to make do on my resolutions I went out and bought the fixings for my pot roast dinner. Jan sent me several good ideas for recipes...thank you, and now this vegetarian is going to try to make a pot roast! I have been a vegetarian as far back as I can recall. I remember visiting my grandma and grandpa in Florida and they would take me to their Country Club and I would order these huge salads. The staff would be astonished that a kid wanted salad instead of a burger and fries. So far I am still the only "vegetable" in my family. Julia was vegan for 8.5 years until her dad introduced her to the bagel bacon sandwiches at Tim Hortons. She realized she wanted to sample all meats and decide which ones she may like to eat. So far she likes bacon, pepperoni, and BBQ wings! Was I disappointed? Maybe a tad. It was nice to have one vegan in the house, but I don't believe in forcing kids into eating a certain way. I tell her everything in moderation is fine. I wonder if she will like the pot roast? We shall see.

Dinner

I was not sure what was going on. They placed me in the high chair but this time secured a wide piece of cloth around my neck. Almost like what my daddy wears to work. They all lined up with these eager faces and I didn't know what to expect. Daddy began waving something in my face and everyone had their mouth opened saying ahhhh. What was going to happen?

New Sweater

I love my new sweater on my half birthday!

Six Months Old

Today I am devoting to my Benedict. Half a year old and already he has won all of our hearts over.

Cooking up Trouble

Tomorrow Benedict is 6months old! He has been here for half a year! I can not believe it. At 6 mos. I introduce solids and it is a BIG deal! I always let Tony give the first taste of real food since he misses out on a lot of the feeding fun the first six months. Kids and I will stock up on fresh veggies as I do the greenies first before any sweet fruits. It is a process but nothing but the best for my growing baby boy! I know once he gets the taste of his first donut or sip of pop my efforts of healthy organic fruits and veggies will have some competition but for now it is all about healthy choices. Side note: the cookbook used in his picture was given to me by my mother and I was going to set him in the pot but he wouldn't fit. Too big!