Mother Hubbard

TGIF right?!? I woke up to snow! The kids are giddy with excitement at finally getting the sleds back out. I am drinking a cup of joy to make myself excited about grocery shopping. Our cupboards are bare and the fridge is screaming for food. I should have gone yesterday but what is the fun in that?!? I thought it would be neat to document what it is like to go to the store with my gang!?!? So buckle up it is going to be a bumpy ride.....

Play pals

Although many claim Benedict resembles Blaise and Emerson more in looks I have found that he is a clone of Julia's personality. When Julia was a baby we always said she came into this world alert and ready for a party. To this day she loves a crowd, is a sponge for anything new, and craves stimulation. She is my night owl as well. Lately Benedict has been a bump on a log in the morning but once the sun goes down...watch out! He is laughing, engaging, and mimicking all the sounds we throw his way! He is babbling ma ma ma ma and da da da but I am not sure if he is realizing that is who we are. I am exhausted by 7 pm as Blaise and Emerson have been up since 5 am so I appreciate my Julia bounding in my room at night begging to play with her baby brother. They sit their and play peek a boo and patty cake and I just sit by in a coma like state wondering where these two get their energy from? I love watching my kids interact and bond.

Package in the Mail

Kids love getting a package in the mail. Especially if it contains their birthday present. My aunt Sharon and Grandma Koppela sent Julia and Blaise their birthday presents yesterday. We came home from the library to two huge boxes sitting on our front porch. They couldn't wait to open them up. Here is the sweet part. Awhile back my aunt had mentioned my gram k. made these no sew blankets and she inquired about what colors and things the kids may like on their blankets. Emerson received a pink one on her birthday and Benedict got a Teddy bear one as a baby gift. Imagine Julia's surprise that someone gave her something that was her favorite colors! Blaise adored the cars and the blue and red made him smile. They quickly curled up on the couches reading books with their cozy new blankets! Just in time as it is going to get colder here soon! Thank you so much to Aunt Sharon, Uncle Tom and Gram Koppela!

Velvet Jewel Box

If I had a velvet jewel box,
Here's what I'd put inside:
the painted leaves of autumn
before their brown and dried,
the tangy nip of winter
that tries to bite my nose,
the white lace of a snowflake,
the wild wind as it blows,
the roaring rush of rivers
when ice melts in the spring,
the chirping songs of baby birds
learning how to sing.
So carefully I'd place the touch of pussy willow fur,
the rustle of the daffodils,
the prickle of a burr,
And sunshine sinking
oh so deep
right into my skin-
If I had a velvet jewel box
To put my treasures in.
By Bobbi Katz

This was poem we did in poetry today and it sparked an inspiring conversation about true treasures. When asked what they would want in their own treasure box I received the following answers
Julia: I would put all the colors of summer and look at them in winter, smell of rain, a rainbow, a baby's laughter, and mist from a river.
Blaise: I would put orange leaves in my box and throw them at daddy.
Emerson: a flower, my special rings, guardian angel medals and a piece of paper with a picture of my rabbit..

This led to great conversation about treasures. Each girl was given their own sacramental treasure chest to keep in their rooms. These were purchased years ago when they were small and every time they do a sacrament another silver coin will be given to them as a reminder.

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!