Hardtack

We pretended Blaise was going off to war to join the Union. He had to pack his rations and big sister Julia made him hardtack which was a main staple amongst soldiers. We added a bit of honey and jam to "wash" it down. We certainly learned the food back then was not as tasty as mom's cooking. Which isn't saying much for moms cooking let me tell you!

Gym Star Dad

I want to take a moment and praise my Tony. He has come a long way. Normally I am the one toting every one to all the activities and participating with the kids. These past few months Tony has really stepped out of his comfort zone and gotten involved. I did not need to nag, beg, or plead. I simply prayed for more involvement. Daughters need their daddies. They need to see them as stable, supportive, and involved. The dad needs to set the standard for future and I mean way way into the future...suitors. Tony is doing a bang up job. Tonight he is going to his first gymnastic lesson with the girls. Parent participation required, and it is for other homeschool families so he has opportunity to branch out and meet some dads. The girls are ecstatic. They are getting their sweats and gym shoes ready and they are wondering if daddy knows how to do the balance beam. They won't remember or even care if he made his goals at work, or if he got that coveted title or position...when they are older they will recall the night that daddy became a gym star!

Sibling Harmony

Julia had art class this afternoon and her art teacher provided the ultimate opportunity of learning how to draw bunnies! He appropriately titled the piece "sibling harmony" and went on to discuss how siblings relate to each other. He candidly discussed how siblings should behave to each other in a Godly manner. I was not at the class but Julia seemed affected by his lesson, as she immediately put into action ways she could be a better big sister. I think her little brothers and sister are so fortunate to have someone like her to look up to!

The Shield

Julia is on the peak of "that" age. You know the age where all of a sudden she goes from girl to young woman. Boys are not merely play pals but objects of interest. Her poor dad is not going for it at all. He still sees her as the three year old that screamed bloody loud at the Lions football game right after kickoff and he and her had to leave the entire game because the "scary" people kept talking about a lion!
Our Julia is an old soul I always have said that. She is not swayed by typical things that young girls waste their worries on. I thought it interesting on Tuesday night in catechism that they made shields of faith. A shield to protect them against sin. She put pictures of her family and love and kindness and health on her shield. I wish I had a shield sometimes. Even as a mother I feel the pressure to measure up against others. Julia told me her shield was symbolic of God protecting her and giving her things in her life to remind her if the right path. Thank you to her teacher for this idea.

Day in Life of Four Year Old

I just want to remember him like this! I asked him what he wanted to do most of all today and he said play legos, ride in Papa's firetruck, eat cake and play with my construction set in kitchen!

Birthday Boy

My boy is four years old today! I have a little confession to make. When I first heard I was having a boy after two girls I was petrified! I knew nothing about boys. I knew Tony was thrilled as all men what a boy to carry on the family name, play ball with, and do guy stuff. Blaise's delivery and labor was treacherous. I was so terrified and then to have this baby boy with boy parts handed to me I felt so insecure. Four years later, my guy is the joy of my life. Oh sure he is rough and tumbly, his dirty finger prints have graced every inch of the house and yet he is a little gentleman. He holds the door for his sisters and I shouting "ladies first", he is affectionate and sweet and has a true desire to make his mommy and daddy proud. He absolutely loves his baby brother and as of yet has not shown one single ounce of jealousy to the baby. I am so thankful for my boy. I can not believe he is a mini Tony already. He loves to do legos, play with cars, and read about trucks. Happy Birthday Blaise! You are turning into quite the gentleman and we are so proud to have you as our son! Love, Mommy and Daddy

Sweet Dreams

In the past Tony and I have done a "high and low" point of our day, but he sent this idea to me this morning and I think we will give it a try. Who needs to focus on the low points right?!? Over and done with!

"Each night before you go to bed think about the most positive thing that happened to you today... Share it with your spouse and ask them to share with you the most positive experience of their day."-mustard seeds

Frankly My Dear

When I was younger I loved the classics. Classic books and movies. I remember my aunt inviting my mother and I over one evening to watch Gone With the Wind. We ate popcorn and enjoyed the show. My cousin and I were five years or so apart but I idolized her and I recall feeling so grown up sitting there watching it with her. I dreamed of the time when I could snuggle up with my own daughter and watch the classics. Julia's study of the Civil War created the perfect excuse to do this. We popped our corn put the younger ones to bed and settled down to a blast from the past. Several hours later I realized Julia was looking at the ceiling?!? What is wrong I asked? Is it scary? Are you confused? No she replied just wondering what Rhett and Scarlett have to do with the Civil War?!?
Am I discouraged that she doesn't embrace the classics like I do? No not really because her passion lies in NatGeo and Animal Planet and I can respect that. It is funny how as a child I had these dreams and visions of how it would be when I had my own daughter and I am really learning that "frankly dear it doesn't turn out as we plan"!

Good Reasons

This morning we received not so good news about the van. I am a pessimist the glass is broken and can not be fixed. This year I resolved to be positive no matter what. Tony called this morning and said we are looking at a steep cost for fixing the drip coming out of van. Something about a rack and a pin? Who knows, my attitude went south immediately and I groaned. Not five minutes later Emerson came to read her lesson out loud to me..it is devotional stories and this is what she read...."nothing happens to us that God does not know about 'from all eternity'. Whatever He causes or allows, He uses for our good. Evil things still happen, but you know that He turns what is meant for evil into something good, something that will bring us closer to Him, and makes us fit for Heaven."
I am sitting here reflecting how quickly God has gently reprimanded my poor attitude and lifted my slumping heart. As I feel revived I received a verse from my hubby who obviously is in sticker shock himself:
So many people in the world do not know Jesus. Of those that do know Him, many know His name, few know His ways. -mustard seeds
I think Tony and I have the message, thank you God!

Mission Accomplished

I had this flaw when I was little. If I couldn't do something perfectly I wouldn't attempt it. It kept me from experiencing a lot of neat things growing up. I didn't want the girls to make same mistake so whenever we start something we always finish it. I don't think my family took me seriously when I said I wanted to learn to knit. There was a time issue, a supply issue, and to be frank...I was clueless how to knit. When my mom gave me my first lesson in Friday I had no idea how she would motivate me to finish the project. The girls have watched in awe as my ball of yarn becomes a scarf. They have encouraged me and inspite of the uneven rows of knitting and imperfect result I am so proud of myself that I finished it. Julia asked if she could keep my first project and Emerson has asked when can we go and buy some pink yarn to make her one. I am chuckling inside as I wonder why they seem so excited?!? But then I recall how special I felt when my mom gave me one of her first knitted items. It felt nice to wear something "made with love"

Presents

Oh Joy! Legos galore! Tony sat and helped Blaise build his sets. It only took two hours but the bonding will last forever! It is nice for a little boy and his dad to share that moment!

Birthday Cards

Blaise received two special birthday cards. One from his Grandma and Grandpa Connell and one from his Nana and Papa Koppela! Thank you for the generous gifts! The Lego Company thanks you as well!

Drip drip drip drip drip drip

Tony and I ventured out to treat the kids to hot fudge sundaes. It is our Saturday thing. We do treats once a week after dinner. As we loaded up the van I noticed what looked like a burnt sienna color of liquid sitting on our garage floor. I was perplexed and after some investigating and a call to my mechanic we sadly discovered old Bessy has a leak. I never wanted a van I always thought they were hideous and huge. Four kids later I don't know what my options would be besides Old Bessy. She isn't really that old but that is what the kids and I call her. We were advised not to drive her at all until she could be looked at so tomorrow morning we will take turns in the hamster mobile going to mass. We had planned on surprising Blaise and doing something special for his upcoming birthday on Wednesday, since Tony will have to work late. So in a scramble we quickly pulled together and got a cake, ice cream and his favorite foods. While he is snoozing Julia helped me blowup balloons and decorate the house. So in between shifts of going to mass we will also celebrate with him. I think he will enjoy the fact that we will just hang out and dote upon him. The Lego store isn't going anywhere and as soon as Old Bessy stops leaking we will go there. I am ashamed of myself when I think of how embarrassed I used to be over driving a minivan. As if I was too good or something, I love that thing and you don't know what you have until you "lose it".