Orange, Pink, and Green

Valentine Boxes - R2Q2 & Paper Roses

2012-02-10T15:27:00.003-06:00

We finished our Valentine boxes.
I think they turned out
pretty -  darn - cute!

Maybe the cutest ones on the block,
if there was a contest or something.

Here is Evan's R2Q2 (from Star Wars)

All things Star Wars for that boy.

It is not perfect nor "accurate".

We my husband bought the wrong kind of paint!

We made it from a plastic trash can.

The lid opening/rotating is just too much fun to drop

Valentines in!

He is a keeper though!

We plan to use him next year.

Evan wants to add the legs for next year too!

Then we have a some roses.

Lydia and I spent all afternoon making these puppies.

They are time consuming,

but we were determined.

We glued them on her valentine mailbox.

Lydia is 5 1/2.

She did pretty well making these crepe paper streamer roses.

I origianlly saw them here - which I want to do for Lydia's room!

(I also made a tree form for Valentines day, to put on our mantel

but ran out of red crepe to finish it!!! ugh...)

Happy Valentines Day!!

Picture Valentine Cards

2012-02-05T22:28:00.009-06:00

In the past I have helped the kids

write their name and their friends name on the

teeny tiniest cards that you buy for the kids school exchanges.

(Could they make those cards any smaller?)

Well, this year I decided to skip those

teeny tiny cards!

Tried my skills in Photoshop Elements.

I am not good.

In fact, I am down right pathetic.

I am just hoping none of the other childrens parents are

graphic designers...eek!

(We will glue a treat on it - if we don't eat them all)

Lydia's ~

It is hard to see without a border.

I would have put a border around it,

but I got tired of messing with it...

2 down - 1 more to go (for the preschooler!)

We have got one valentine box finished.
Still need to make a R2Q2 Valentine box.

Little update:
Here is our Cy Guys!

7 Quick Takes Friday

2012-02-03T01:00:00.009-06:00

1) I am almost finished reading The Boy who met Jesus - Segatashya of Kibeho by Immaculee Ilibagiza. Honestly there are some parts that scare me in the book when Jesus speaks of the end of days. I know Segatashya's apparitions have not been "approved" by the church and even if they would be I know I am not "required" to believe, but I do believe this young man - too many circumstances for it to not be true, there is no way this boy could have made this stuff up, just no way.

2) I finally am catching up with the rest of the techy world. My husband bought me an iphone 4s - I have not tried Siri yet - I read a review that she thinks everything is related to restaurants - we will see. Technology is not my strong suit.

3) My baby could probably win the naughtiest baby contest at church - It was down right embarrasing last Sunday - I cannot even describe it.

4) Speaking of naughty baby - she managed to do this!

Seriously this cantaloupe was on mock speed ripening steroids because it was not ripe when I bought it 2 days prior. Seriously. And I failed to snap a picture of unwrapped foil wrappers from her moving a chair to get to the chocolate on top of a hutch. I was thankful she has learned to unwrap the foil. But I am down right tired of her moving chairs!! How am I supposed to hide all my chairs?!

5) Continuing with the baby theme. This video cracks me up! I know it is old news, but I just saw it on my new phone and all, and I have waisted much time watching it too many times!

6) We "had" to buy a new dryer this week as ours went out. There are so many pretty washer and dryers on the market. I almost wanted to buy for "looks" - you know the sleek and modern looking ones and not the one that was shoved over to the side of the show room floor that looked like it was made (style wise) 25 years ago. Almost. I did not. And I could not be happier!! I wanted to post a picture, but only our Speed Queen dryer came, we are still waiting on the washer. Speed Queen. Such a funny name. Old School to the max. But, these babies are American made and in just about every laudromat around. Comes with a 3 year warranty. Stainless steel inside. No computer. Washer uses lots of water. Oh, I know that is so not enviromental of me, but I have kids. They get dirty. I need water to clean our clothes! (note- our water where we live is "free"! -it is well water but "free")

7) I am out of stuff... Unless anyone reads this can tell me how to put the "safety" feature on my youtube app on my new iphone? I do not see anywhere when I scroll down to the bottom to do that like there is on the full screen "computer" version.

More fun this week over at Betty Beguiles!

Someone's Story I Do Not Want To Forget

2012-02-02T14:36:00.004-06:00

I was listening to Catholic radio - a rerun of Mother Angelica show. Sometimes she is slow to listen to and I almost flipped the station, but I am glad I did not. This is just a wee simple story, but powerful to me.

So Mother Angelica is telling us there was a man, who fell off a roof, on his head. The man was in the hospital hooked up to every machine you could think of. The doctors said the man is "gone", there is nothing that could ever be done to help him. (Basically Mother Angelica's point was that the doctors were ready to "pull the plug".)

Mother A asks if she can go in the man's room. The doctors/nurses, say he is really "gone". Mother asks again and the doctor said yes. She went in the man's room. She whispered prayers in his ear and said a prayer for the dying. She continued to whisper in the man's ear telling him to tell Jesus he is sorry for all his sins of his whole life and to ask Jesus for mercy for all his sins. The man opened one eye and had the biggest tear Mother A had ever seen roll down his cheek. Then the man died - on his own - in God's timing - no plugs pulled.

I don't want to forget that story - I did not tell it as well as Mother Angelica told it - but none the less it is told for me to remember...

Pink Ribbon - I will not cringe anymore everytime I see you!

2012-02-01T14:55:00.000-06:00

So, happy to here from One Million Moms (love their work/mission) that the Susan G. Komen for the Cure is going to discontinue funding to Planned Parenthood. YAY!!! Now I can freely buy the yogurt I like and the box of Hamburger Helper I feed my family and not feel guilty that my pennies are indirectly going to the biggest abortion provider in America.

I am not sure what sparked the Susan G. Komen's change, maybe word was getting out and people were speaking up. Whatever the case, it was a life changing decision - literally!

7 Quick Takes Friday

2012-01-27T13:00:00.012-06:00

1) I have never posted one of these -feeling slightly intimidated as everyone's blogs are so fancy schmancy - lots of buttons and lists/links

2) I took a mens mulitivitamin this morning (I only had 2 left in my 'womans' bottle and when I looked in I saw a hair, eww!! - I had to throw them out)- hope I do not turn into a man or anything.

3) Cleaned under the coach this morning - found some stuff.

4) Thinking how I feed my kids pizza waaay too often.

5) I have buttons on my mind. Not the html code buttons. Just sewing buttons, wanting to craft with them. So, I have been searching ebay for buttons. I want to make my girls "names" out of wood letters and decorate them with buttons. I can't wait to get started!

6) I love how kiddos use words in ways grown ups do not. This was my conversation with my 3 year old.

Cyrus - "Mom, can I have a dessert"

Me - "Ok, what do you want?"

Cyrus - "How 'bout chocate"

Me - "Ok"

Cyrus - "I want the shiny chocate"

7) Finally, I just got a little book in the mail from Covenant House. You know those free gifts they send in the mail when you make a donation (which is a whole nother topic). Anyway, I started reading some of it written by Sister Mary Rose McGeady, sad, sad, sad. So, I know I must Pray, Pray, Pray!!!

You can check out others over here!

Wordless Wednesday - Time to tidy up a bit?

2012-01-25T22:06:00.005-06:00

posting

this

to motivate me.

Notice the can of Carnation Evap. milk?

there is a reasonable explanation.

It is expired.

I thought I would look up a recipe to make so as to not waste.

But, I could not determine if 10/05/11 was too scary to use

at this point and so it stayed...

linked from My Organized Chaos

Have Fun!

March for Life 2012

2012-01-24T12:33:00.017-06:00

So, the annual March for Life was yesterday.

I hope they did good!

I just read this article on Obama.

Why do pro-abortion supporters say as President Obama does

"we must stay united in our determination"

"reduce the need for abortion"?

If one is in favor of abortion "rights" because they are a "good thing" for women -

then why would they want to try to reduce it?

(I just love Mary Engelbriet's pictures!)

This & That & Netflix

2012-01-23T15:03:00.025-06:00

Today is the kids 100th day of school

the k-ers had to take something to represent

100 days of school.

Lydia wanted to take suckers

so we made this beauty.

Yesterday we signed up for our free trial of Netflix. Already I am not too impressed. There are movies I would like to see, but they simply do not have them or they do not have them "instantly". (I realize my movie selection is a bit different in that I am one of those who wants some "quality"- is that too much to ask?!) Anyway, some of the movies I would like to see are on DVD that have to be mailed.

Listen to me whine ~I need it "instantly"! Really I want convenience too!

I wanted to watch this version of Heidi (we just read a shortened/junior version of the book). All Netflix had was the movie with Shirley Temple as Heidi - which was fine. We were watching it and I thought it seemed strange it was in BLACK & WHITE still. I thought someone would have put some color in it by now...

Well sure enough there is a colored version out there - Netflix just does not have it. Geeez, Netflix...

I wish Lydia could have seen it in color. At one point while we were watching the BLACK & WHITE version, I turned down all the lights, and it helped see the movie better and Lydia said,

"Oh yeah mom, turn off the lights, maybe that will put color in it."

Anyway, Netflix carries a lot of trash. There is some good stuff, but you have to look. I wanted to see this movie too, but it looks like I will have to wait for the DVD to be mailed! Am I becoming part of this instant gratification culture? Sadly, I admit yes...

Our Lady of Altagracia

2012-01-21T22:38:00.022-06:00

Since our children go to public school, I try to incorporate several feast days at home when we are able to. Our Lady of Altagracia happened to fall on a Saturday this year (Jan 21) so we were able to do a few things. I had never heard of Our Lady of Altagracia before until of course I saw her over at Catholic Cuisine. So, we read A Gift of Gracias: The legend of Altagracia. It is a lovely book.

"Everyone"

Evan is being naughty!

Our "craft"

We painted orange trees.

We used big plastic bubble wrap to dip in paint to paint the oranges.

(Once the green was dry)

If you read the book it makes sense why we stuck Mary in the tree!

Lydia added those orange butterflies

and one of the trees never got the Our Lady of Altagracia in it....

Small Town Dinosaur Museum & House of Mirrors

2012-01-18T15:26:00.010-06:00

We went to a little Dinosaur Museum. The kind that just has mostly replicas of the Dinosaurs. Not actual bones or fossils? I know almost nothing about dinosaurs. As a younger person I had no interest in taking the time to read the "little signs" in museums, but now if I could, I would. So, I could at least know something about these creatures that walked on the same earth as me. But, then again if I read the little signs, I would probably forget it in about half a second as retaining scientific knowledge is not my "thing". So, I guess I am not really complainig about not being able to read the signs - chasing my kids is fun and seeing them "see"!

Like Aliza here. I think, this dinosaur is actually 4 real (vs. a replica -I did not get to read the sign). She kept wanting to tickle him. She kept saying "ticka, ticka, ticka". It was precious, I should have got it on video. darn.

I did not take good pictures. I am not good at taking pictures inside anyway. I have to have a pretty backdrop, to get excited about really trying to get good pictures. In a dino museum, that is not happening.

I told the kids to stick their head in,

she was the only one brave enough!

This is all Evan, who is 7 would do.

He is such a chicken!!!

(I can say that since I am his mom!)

But,

the most fun we had

was in the house of mirrors!

It was pretty big.

We were the only ones in it.

Cyrus kept running into the glass -

I thought he was going to break the mirrors.

Here is no flash.

bumped up the ISO all the way

and still had to lighten in photoshop elements.

Of course, the flash kept doing this.

I so wish I could have got better pics, oh well.

Why didn't I take pics of where there was no glass? dah!

I did not think, I was in a rush trying to keep up with my family!

I have never been in such a big house of mirrors before!

(The ones in the truck at the county fairs as a kid, were the extent of my house of mirror experiences)

Oh Be Careful Little Ears What You Hear

2012-01-11T23:42:00.007-06:00

I am not completely nieve, maybe a little. And I know I am counter-cultural. But, in a recent conversation I had with another mom made me realize not only am I fighting what the media portrays as "fine", but many, many parents who are careless or use terrible judgement - I am "fighting" them too.

I was talking with another mother who told me when her son, who, at the time was 6 years old, asked her what (s) (*) (x) was, she told him "exactly" what it was and that it is beautiful for a husband and wife - at least she put that in there. She said she wants to be the one to explain it to her children. Well of course! But, why not baby steps? Her 4 year old son was present as well- "so he would know too." She wanted to make sure they did not think it was dirty. The conversation kept getting worse. She seemed to not be bothered that this talk was going on (at school) for her boys to hear. She said her boys know what a bj was too. And this is a church going mom. It bothers me that she is not bothered! Oh, bother...

I am thankful my children have not asked me these things (yet). At the same time I fear what their little ears hear, that I am not aware of. I would have taken such a different approach and it makes me sooooo mad the way this mother handled the situation. As far as I am concerned she added more fuel to the fire. Will her children keep this information to themselves, probably not. Do the elementary children who speak of these things get taught, that this is not "appropriate" subject matter, nope - do not even know who "they" are. And do you suppose if we asked her own children, (now 5 and 7) what they thought of "it", would they really think of "it" as "beautiful"? No, they will think it is gross.

And so, as I send my children out the door,

I pray to God to protect their little ears from the ways of the world.

We Have Twins!

2012-01-05T23:55:00.003-06:00

Evan pointed out the other day:

"Mom, Aliza is twins with her monkey"

That is what she is

our

little

monkey

CONSTANTLY CLIMBING!

I am sure there was supposed to be a bowl,

but it is so much more fun to spread your Fruity Cheerios out -

and have them stick to your jam bams...

Moving on,

I snapped a pic of what maybe the best deal

have

ever

gotten ~

So exciting,

know

So pretty,

I placed her at my sink

then

over here -

I realize this is strange

moving a plant around my bathroom

taking its picture...

Anywho

$2.50

(plus tax)

at Lowes -

Apparently Lowes does know!

Really that table is not as dirty as it looks!

windows/glass + my camera = smudge magnified

At least that is what I tell myself.

Made These

2011-12-27T14:02:00.006-06:00

Lydia made

these

beauties

I saw a lady making them

in Michael's

I knew my Lydia would be all over

making ~~one~~ three.

Next year we will sparkle our magazine Christmas Trees up with paint and glitter.

(Since we did not get to making ours until after Christmas.)

Here are Martha's

Me & My Kiddos

2011-12-26T14:24:00.008-06:00

Ahh, the family love

My kids love posing for a picture so we can

remember these times.

Oh, not so much.

Can you see me trying to squeeze Cyrus in the picture...

He was mad because he wanted to take the picture

as I let Evan take a picture earlier.

I do not like letting him touch my camera, let alone hold it by himself!

His 3 year old finger prints

all over the lens...ugh

Merry Christmas 2011

2011-12-25T21:18:00.002-06:00

Merry Christmas

Many Blessings to All!

Our Family Advent Wreath 2011

2011-12-13T21:09:00.000-06:00

I saw Sarah's post ~ so I thought I would share.

This is the "Stonelook Celtic Advent Wreath"

I know they are supposed to be evergreen

but I just like this one too much!

I bought some very sweet Holy Cards from ebay

for our kindergarten Religious Ed Class to decorated candles.

We glued the cards and some gems on Dollar Tree candles.

This one is minus the "gems".

We will light it on Christmas Day.

Saint Lucia Feast Day - December 13

2011-12-13T10:16:00.001-06:00

So, we have been celebrating some more feast days around here. The kids love it! There is so much to learn from our Saint Friends in Heaven. Their lives were so incredibly miraculous - it amazes me! I know there are many "legends", but still many not!

Our Lucy Bride
(We had a hard time coming up with her red sash -
we made do with a cape and some thin ribbon!)

Good Morning!

I think the candles (on her crown) are supposed to be white,

but Lydia wanted them red for Jesus' blood.

(She is getting ahead of herself for Lent!) So,

she made them red. She can make anything out of paper -

if we do not have it, she can create a paper version!

She is happy as ever to do it too!

(the red sash was nearly going to be paper!)

our little Liza

crazy morning hair!

So, after school we made candle lights

that you can even eat for a treat!

Still using up that Halloween candy corn...

He is sooo goofy

We read our Lucia book a few days earlier,

it is on the long side for almost all my kids,

so I did not attempt it tonight.

Turns our it was a perfect day to speak of light

as it was a very dark cloudy day around here!

Christmas Books

2011-12-12T14:59:00.002-06:00

These are some of our favorite books at Christmas. I saw different family blogs where they would wrap the books and the children got to unwrap a book each day of Advent. So, we have been doing that around here. (Some books are new and some "old", but it is still fun for the kids to unwrap them!)

Humphrey's First Christmas

This is hands down my FAVORITE book this year!

It is so cute! It is funny and Holy at the same time.

Illustrations are wonderful!

And it is NOT long.

(My 7 year old boy is the only one who can listen to the "long" books.)

S is for Snowman - God's Wintertime Alphabet

Another book with great illustrations for the kiddos.

It is simple and sweet and does not forget about God's wonders.

I snapped a few pages of this book...

The Miracle of Saint Nicholas

This is a fictional story - but I just love it.

I love Russian things and this book is set in Russia.

It is informative in a simple way. (Catholic traditions/art)

The pictures are fairly simple, but suit the book very well.

If you Take a Mouse to the Movies

Ok, so this one is Cyrus' favorite - the 3 year old.

I must admit all my kids love this series.

It is just a fun read!

Saint Nicholas

2011-12-05T17:02:00.003-06:00

Saint Nicholas made a quick stop

bringing sweet treats

and gifts of faith

The coin idea is from Shower of Roses - she amazes me with what she does!

Stationery card

2011-12-05T08:58:00.001-06:00

Tree Of Memories Christmas Card

Send Christmas cards personalized with your favorite photos.

View the entire collection of cards.

2011-11-06T22:46:00.001-06:00

This is straight out of the camera or if you live in Australia or England "straight away" out of the camera. I love how they say that.

I just have photoshop elements.

I love how it is all glowy now.

Of course it takes me too long as I am painfully slow.

And the Pink Ribbon Fades

2011-11-04T23:49:00.006-05:00

With October over I am so glad to see all the pink ribbon stuff fade away. Oh what people do not realize about that cute little pink ribbon! But hopefully word is getting out what the Susan G. Komen Foundation is about. It does not take a genius to do a little research to figure out the Komen foundation is ACTUALLY CONTRIBUTING TO THE POSSIBILITY OF BREAST CANCER DEVELOPING IN WOMEN. Of course the Komen Foundation denies the CLEAR-CUT facts.
Abby Johnson posted about Komen's contribution to Planned-Parenthood here.

As for me
this is
the kind
of pink
I like to see!

and especially this

I think she is Friends

with her

We love Pinkalicious around here!

Up and Away

2011-11-03T14:13:00.000-05:00

I was trying to get a group shot of my kiddos, which always, always makes me more irritated than anything! Have I ever mentioned that! It is a near impossible task. Then super cranky baby gets distracted by something. Can you guess?

By the time I got the correct exposion going on with my camera

it got a bit far away,

but initially this giant balloon was practically

sitting on top of our roof!

All Hallows Eve - Angel Pumpkin!

2011-10-31T23:12:00.004-05:00

So, I ~~searched and searched~~ googled & googled to find an ANGEL PUMPKIN STENCIL with not much luck. So, I made my very own! I can barely draw stick people, but with the help of some angel coloring pages I found, I think I pulled it off! The dress part was a very last second thought/fix as I was going to cut out the whole dress. But then I remembered as I had been pondering in my head for a few days how the heck I was going to pull my angel off how I had wanted to keep a portion of the dress. I had already made some cuts but I was still able to "save" it and keep the middle MOSTLY intact! (I painted it white to try to cover up a line.) But still I love it! I totally think my Guardian Angel helped me out on this one!

My k-er drew and cut out

her cross - just a little help from mom!

Here are our ghosts!

Dad keeps having to make another one each year!

Evan's ghostly pumpkin!

3 out of 4 children

Darth Vader - Friendly Witch - Optimus Prime

Ladybug

is on the fly...always

My real live ladybug

constantly on the move

this one

and this one

were as good as I could get of the little Ladybug's face!

And she LOVED wearing this costume!

She was so excited to put it on!

Lydia's Cross Pumpkin ~

We have a Holy Ghost now!

I have never actually bought those little pumpkin carving "tools" until this year. And now I am saying why oh why did I not dish out the 5 bucks on a few tools?! I thought knives were just as good, but how wrong I was! I never would have been able to pull off my Angel & Cy's Bat without those little tiny tools!

2nd year for this costume -

he knows what he likes and he is sticking to it!

How cute is this particular Optimus Prime!

He looked so cute with the little padding under it!

My little "muscle" optimus prime guy.

Don't all witches have GAP hoodies?!!

More ~~Scary~~ Holy Ghosts!

Growing Pumpkins

2011-10-27T15:19:00.004-05:00

Man, I fail miserably to post!
We have the best down home pumpkin patch in our backyard practically. It truely is one of the nation's best actually - in the top 10 of pumpkin patches. I am not sure who keeps that list?!
I did not even get great pics this year. But I thought I would throw these up as our pumpkins are growing!

This man is 7 now!

So he is Evan, and 7 and (usually!) a slice of Heaven!

I usually get a way better smile than this!

Oh, don't even get me started on that tongue!

I don't know why he started doing this lately for pictures!

And this wee one!

This is the best I could do - as we all know

17 month olds do not stay put!

Than my camera battery died shortly after...

Anyway, we were here for some festive fall cheer!

The String Beans Concert

2011-08-16T22:39:00.012-05:00

We went to a little concert.

The String Beans.

They are fun for kids. I got a kick out of it too.

They had bubbles, can you see?

I may buy a CD.

Can you tell she loved it too!!!

She did not know what to think!

After we got home we watched this video some times.

Evan kept cracking up about the buffalo.

Enjoy!

Ferry to Washington Island - Wisconsin

2011-08-07T22:18:00.003-05:00

We traveled north this summer. To Wisconsin, in Door County. We got there and went further yet, to Washington island.

She was ready to set sail

She was ready too

We had a lot of space to ourselves on the upper deck!

(The boys were too scared to be on the top...Evan says he has a fear of heights...he is just my Mr Safety Boy)

So, I snapped my usual star of my photos!

Did I mention we took our car

Dad tried to venture out for a bit.

The little brother sees the older brother apprehensive

and of course little brother becomes apprehensive.

(He otherwise would not be)

May the wind be at your back and the sun shine upon your face

as you travel by ferry with your car

and then get in the car

and drive

"Seriously people, get out of my way"

I am pretty sure that is what she was thinking

Our Lady of Good Help Shrine

2011-08-06T22:12:00.000-05:00

We traveled to Wisconsin this summer and this special shrine was right in our path. I did not really "plan" to make a special trip there, rather God planned it for me. So, we stopped on our way to our "real destination".

When we arrived, the gift shop had just closed. But we got to go inside the Chapel and under the Chapel where the apparition is said to have taken place. Although at the time of the apparition that spot was a forest as Our Lady appeared to Sister Adele in the forest. I took a few pictures here and there, but I always feel so strange taking pictures inside churches.

So outside here are Lydia & Cy with Our Lady of Fatima

Outside with Jesus.

I am not sure if that was "appropriate" to let our 3 year old ride the lamb....

They had nice grounds and it was quite peaceful.

Our Lady of Good Help definately heard my prayers this day as I have been praying for 2 years and now since my visit to this special place my prayers are being answered, nothing less than a miracle!

Our Lady of Good Help, pray for us!

My Purplicious Girls

2011-07-31T19:01:00.000-05:00

I snapped a couple pics of the girls in purple

I am lazy anymore and not even crop...

nice drain pipe in the background...

I love this flower from our balloon flowers.

Fred Flintstone

2011-07-06T18:39:00.002-05:00

This poor guy.

Grass all about his face

Just try'in to get from here to there

But there is just a

wee

bit

of a problem

Even Fred Flintstone got to have equal sides of wheels...

4th of July

2011-07-05T12:08:00.001-05:00

We made these festive kabobs

(don't mind the ones with grapes!)

We also made these pretty popsickles.

Although, next time we must scale them down a bit.

Slightly huge

They were the only size cups I had!

Aliza supporting festive attire

The kids club house has the best lighting,

but she just ~~runs~~ crawls crazy up there!

The whole gang.

Minus 2 kids almost exploding from a firework gone astray

into our garage, we had a nice day. It was such a close call, like about a 14 inch call, thank Heaven no one was hurt!

A Family Trip to San Diego

2011-06-26T22:22:00.003-05:00

I love the beach. Someday I tease Evan that he is going to build me a cottage (just a little one) on the beach. I wonder if people who live near the beach take it for granted - if it becomes an old hat for them.
We had a very nice vacation/business trip. I have so many pictures, I am looking forward and at the same time dreading putting them together on Shutterfly in an album.

He loves the water & sand

He was not so sure the first day

I think she enjoyed her 1st trip to the beach.

We had a picnic one day and fed a squirrel a cheeto.

This squirrel would have sat on our picnic blanket had we let him!

worn out kiddo

She is my "easiest" to snap a picture of

who is that girl?

Happy kiddo

I love these simple moment pics - nothing fancy, not even looking at the camera

He was having fun

please do not eat it

please!

I do not even have words for this one,

except for melt my heart

She turned 5 on me on our vacation....boo hoo!

While dad was doing business at the coin show in Long Beach,

we went to a local park for awhile

then headed over to the Aquarium of the Pacific,

which was very neato indeed!

And I may add we timed it perfect as all the school field trips (school was still in session for them)

were leaving and the summer crowds had not begun!

touched some stingrays

posed

Evan not happy to be posing

played

"I Spy"

I love this guy.

so pretty

pink is my favorite color.

we had a small melt down at one point.

But did become happy especially when we bought him his "souvenir"

happy as can be on the longish walk back to the car ~

but I got free parking!

We went to the Mission in San Juan Capistrano

we have read Song of the Swallows

so I wanted to take the kids there.

went to a stinky beach - Cy did not like the smell

it actually was not that bad and I have a sensative nose myself

stroller worked well on this beach

Evan always-always lingering...

We played at the park at this beach as it was cooler and evening was setting in.

Aliza loved the slide - just ask her dad how much...

97-98 times??

Skipper

They got to turn some thingy ma jig

How confusing is this?

Can you spy the workers?

"Straw Hair" at the Corvette Cafe -

cute place, the staff sing & dance

and there is a balloon guy

that makes lightsabers (and other things)

If he is not lingering,

he is frolicking

we took our umbrella,

next time I want to remember our little tent.

I think that would be fun.

I love Cyrus behind Evan

really enjoying the warm sand and sun!

And this wee one kept doing this!

I already want to plan another beach trip!

Birthdays, Soccer, Tooth, & Mary!

2011-06-15T22:41:00.005-05:00

I slack, again, on my online journal of life. And I have had some moments I have been wanting to document! For example, this Wee One has turned 1. She may appear all sweetie and cuteness and innocent. But really we have to keep her locked up ~

in jail

'cause she is so naughty.

I told her she could have one phone call.

We love her though!

I guess we can keep her!

Happy 1 year Sweet Babes!

This girl has also had a birthday that has come and gone!

She is now 5.

Where does the time go?

(How many times has that phrase been said? - but is such a real question)

There are so many changes in the first 5 years of life.

5 years to an adult is not a big thing. I feel like I have not changed (much) in the last 5 years of my life,

but not so with little ones.

4 years ago she was this

and now she is this.

Happy 5 years Lydia.

We love you!

We have actually been in San Diego

hanging out!

I only have 454 pictures of our vacation....yikes!

I did not even know my camera would hold that many.

No worries, I will not post all of them.

But before I post those ~

Here are a few May moments I never did document.

We wrapped up soccer

lost a tooth

(at soccer)

(his 1st one - he is a late bloomer for that)

We made sun lemon cupcakes,

(for Our Lady of Fatima)

which no one really liked- they were from a box, those are always good.

My first "box" experience we did not like!

And the kids had fun making their miracle of the sun fruit platter

as we celebrated Our Lady of Fatima

(sorry I did not bother to crop pic - but I do love those Ikea cups)

The kids love "making candy"

So we made Mary and a few Immaculate Hearts!

We attempted our first May Alter, but I am not sharing a pic.

With a baby and placing a cloth on little table for an alter, just was a bad idea,

so I ended up putting our "alter" (bench) on top of another table,

so baby could not reach it and it was less than ideal shall we say.

Speaking of little tables I found this pic I snapped

because I think it is it a little funny.

Lydia always wants to make stuff - always.

Her creations are very real and wonderful to her.

Like this table.

If I toss it and she would see that I threw it away, she would say,

"Mom, that is my table" -

as in why would you throw away a perfectly, "usable" item?...

Because in her little mind it is perfectly functional!!!

I guess I will stop there. Oh, we did have a bird in the house the other day. Ewwww.

It pooped (not on anything cloth - thank goodness) and we got it out the door.

Lydia was the only one in the house when it happened. She was scared.

She keeps telling everyone about it.

OK, I will sound off with one more pic of SAN!

more to come!

Last Day of Kindergarten

2011-05-25T23:40:00.001-05:00

This was the last day of kindergarten for Evan. He did a super job all year ~ I could not be more proud! Never once did his "Kelso Stick" go down to the "oops" cup or for that matter the "super sad" cup. I think he was the only one in his class who was able to do that! Now if he could just do that at home!!!

But, sadly I have been noticing he is starting to immitate some of the things he has learned from the "other kids" at school. The obnoxious stuff. He may not be able to define the word sarcasm, but knows how to talk that way. This morning he told his little brother "oh nice job" when he was quite annoyed with him for wrecking something. I think back a year ago and he never would have expressed himself that way. Sure, he would have spoke his mind but not sacastically. And I know it is pretty normal for many of us (including myself) to speak that way. But, I also look at my almost 5 year old Lydia who would never think to say anything sarcastic. She is so pure and innocent. I have swallowed somethings that have happened to Evan his 1st year of kindergarten and try to remind myself it is part of life, but, I cannot help but think about Lydia next year having to lose some of her innocence that comes from being exposed to the "other kids"....

But for now we will enjoy our summer bubble of time.

He thought it was funny to hold his lunch box up ~ so did I!

The Holy Family Shrine

2011-05-17T14:10:00.003-05:00

We went here yesterday

to the glass church.

(that is my brother, holding a non smiley baby!)

Lydia sketched away in her book.

We are doing a local "Let's Go Play" booklet where you "go play", get the clue/rubbing to show you have been there or draw your own picture as she is doing for this one

and when we have 20 "adventures" as I call it, we will be eligable for a drawing/prize!

I am hoping we win a boat!! ha, ha!

this guy just had fun dancing on the rocks

Really, he thought it was great!

I love how it is so easy to please young children

they truely find joy in the simplest things!

This is the back of the church.

It sits on a hill where if you are driving along I-80 you definately see it.

This is the entrance.

Wish those cones would have not been there!

And I did not take any pics inside as people were busy keeping God's House clean.

Bless them.

(the buckets and mops would not look so pretty in pictures)

You can visit their website here.

Caterpillar

2011-05-10T12:48:00.008-05:00

Late last summer we found a caterpillar.
It was huge, deep bright blue and orange and polka dotty and fat, I mean it was the chubbiest little caterpillar you ever did see!
I so wish I would have taken a picture.
We put it in our bug box with the intention of taking it to preschool to show the children
and then let it go. However, the little thing spun its chrysalis in a day!
So, we thought we would check on it and it get to see it emerge in a couple weeks or so.
Well, the done thing never did!
I did not bother empting out the contents of the container before I just stuck it in the garage (all winter long).
And what do you know?

Today, I happen to glance at it, then look away, and then say,
hey, that looked like a wing!
My thought was, poor thing finally emerges and was stuck in a cage!

But

it was

ALIVE!

This is quite the happy situation as I was going to be excited to share our baby birds in our yard. The mama bird built her nest in part of our swingset. I carefully instructed the children they may peak but not to touch. I only got to snap a couple of over exposed, not good pics with the intention of grabbing a different lens the next morning. Well, Lydia and Cyrus that morning thought they would be so helpful and put leaves and grass in the nest to help keep them warm......

Well, sadly these little creatures are no longer.

Though I am not a bird fan, I did feel horrible!

Poor little things, next time I guess I will have to be quite specific in my instructions.

RIP

God's little creatures.

Happy Tulips

2011-05-08T09:44:00.002-05:00

These are from our yard

I just love them.

Happy Mothers Day!

Swinging in the Park

2011-05-07T13:24:00.004-05:00

This sweet babe

really does

like to swing

it makes her so happy

it makes her hair crazy

a bit A Flock of Seagull ish hair!

The youngest & oldest

Yes, that swing has seen better days.

We were a bit off the beaten path.

This kiddo does not like the camera these days

I kept getting shoes

but as it turns out I think they were cool shots.

And this one I just love.

And although these are out of focus

I think it adds to the interest of the shot.

I kind of forgot how much I love taking pictures outside!

Happy Spring!

Rice Krispies Hearts for Divine Mercy

2011-05-01T22:13:00.009-05:00

For Divine Mercy Sunday

we made these little gems.

I just love how they turned out!

We will definately plan on these for years to come
on this wonderful Feast Day!

Saint Faustina was a mystic from not so long ago who Our Lord chose to be a special apostle of the Divine Mercy Message. One little part of her story I chuckle at a bit is how she thought Jesus wanted her to paint the Divine Mercy image herself, but then later figured out someone else could do the painting!
However, we know even as Saint Faustina was dying she was never really pleased with the images the artists had come up with but, we know it is the message that the image portrays is what really matters. Jesus I trust in You!

Baby after Bath

2011-04-29T21:51:00.000-05:00

She had a bath tonight and I wanted to get some cute shots

however, she did not want to stay still

so another time, but this one I thought was cute!

Chocolate Teddy Grahams

2011-04-27T21:55:00.001-05:00

I am not sure who would give their 11 month old Chocolate Teddy Grahams...

Easter

2011-04-24T21:02:00.003-05:00

So I try for a group shot

this is how it goes

ever so natural.

Again so natural.

He had a good time

he is still a little top heavy

he would not look at my camera very focused on the goods

happiness

silliness

haning out with grandma

and I think this is 1 of maybe 4 pictures of Aliza and me.

Happy Birthday Cyrus!

2011-04-08T21:44:00.002-05:00

This little guy in the hospital

and then at home

all scrutchy and new

soon grows (and rides)

and hangs out

and then goes and turns 3 on ME!

He is a bit shy ~

I am not sure why.

It seems he lives for these now adays!

Well, it did not take long

to put a smile on!

Good Times

I just hope the fascination ends before he's sixteen!

(if you know what I mean!)

My Little Artist

2011-03-23T19:52:00.001-05:00

So, we were hanging out at the library

and there happen to be a drawing in the reading

zone corner, a drawing that is borderline "unwholesome".

Well, soon I look over to see what my Lydia was doing...

Can you tell which one is the 4 1/2 year olds?!?!...

Something was Hilarious

2011-03-20T20:00:00.001-05:00

Hanging Out...

I am not even sure what was so funny!

Saint Patricks Day

2011-03-17T22:16:00.001-05:00

Everyone dressed in green

so we could celebrate the festivities

We took these to church

to share

for the big St. Patrick's Day Hooley

Where this guy

drove out the snakes!

I just liked this picture of Aliza before we headed out!

Sisters...

That hair is growing!

(Still fuzzy!)

Salt Dough Crown of Thorns ~ Ash Wednesday

2011-03-09T21:56:00.004-06:00

We made a Crown of Thorns out of a Salt Dough Recipe

It was pretty easy, except we rolled out ropes

to braid a wee bit long initially,

the kids laughed about how Jesus

would have to have been a giant to have worn it!

But with a bit of water added, we I redid our ropes for a more appropriate size!

Turned out pretty cool!

Materials:

4 c. flour
1 c. salt
Water
Toothpicks

Directions:
Mix flour and salt. Mix enough water to make a stiff clay. (A little warmth helps dissolve the salt.) Knead until smooth to remove any air bubbles. Roll three long ropes and loosely braid them. Form braid into a circle and stick toothpicks loosely throughout the entire crown. Bake at 350° F for an hour or until it is dry and light brown.

Fat Tuesday

2011-03-08T21:25:00.057-06:00

In an effort to have my kiddos begin to learn

and live out the liturgical year

we made these

I do not think they really understood
the Mardi Gras mask idea.

However, this girl had fun making them!

~Miss Queen of Crafts~

Always fun trying to capture the gang

in the same picture....

We also made King Cake from this recipe.

(that is Baby Jesus that Evan painted

incase you did not recognize Him)

Since He is wooden we did not bake Him inside!

Again, trying to get a "good one" of everyone

in the same picture is easier said than done!

This is about as good as it gets!

Thirsty

2011-03-07T20:23:00.001-06:00

A Special Treat

Same backdrop - diffent day

2011-03-06T22:36:00.006-06:00

I have been getting tired of taking pictures inside our house,

with the same old backdrop.

Like here practicing letters

Taking turns practicing letters

or making gak or gunk or whatever this stuff was

but they were quite entertained.

She mostly called it chubby -

a lot

"Oh mom, its so chubby"

and made jewelry

and he played like this

and this

But anyway back to my thought of same old back drop -

it is not that I think places like this

are great backdrops ~ but they are diffent.

So this particular evening

I was ready to click away!

Be camera happy!

And what do you know?

my battery died!

This was all I got - no girl pics, just the boys.

Smiley Baby

2011-02-18T21:32:00.002-06:00

This baby
and

That tongue!

We should proably call her

Fuzzy Wuzzy

She enjoys her fingers...

and that tongue...

How quickly she can go from this

to this

and back to this.

And even to this.

Her sister makes her laugh.

My Preschooler

2011-02-15T14:35:00.002-06:00

I cannot take credit for this photo

but needless to say it is among my favorites.

Sometimes I wish I could freeze time,
have I said that before...probably.

Valentines Day Craft - Snowfake Heart Garland

2011-02-13T16:16:00.001-06:00

We made Valentine crafts for our "Craft Room" a few days ago.

Heart Snowflake Garland

using coffee filters.

They were pretty easy to make!

We also added a heart wreath for fun!

Happy St. Valentines Day!

Our Lady of Lourdes Rice Krispie Grotto

2011-02-12T14:14:00.002-06:00

Yesterday we made a Rice Krispie Grotto in honor of our Lady of Lourdes.

I saw the idea at Catholic Icing.

Of course we just kind of "slapped" ours together, not quite so fancy.

We also watched the story of Saint Bernadette

available here.

An interesting fact about Saint Bernadette is that her body never corrupted after death. She is one of the incorruptible Saints of the Catholic Church.

I find that just amazing! Anybody that has anything agaist the Catholic Church or think that is is soo "off" how would you explain that?

You can check out Saint Bernadette here.

The Secret Trick to Cutting Onions!

2011-02-09T21:50:00.000-06:00

Do your eyes water like crazy when you chop onions? Mine sure do.

Thankfully my loving husband chops most of the onions around here!

However, I know the secret now!

Breathe through your MOUTH

and not your nose

and you will have no more tears!

It really works!

Presentation of Jesus in the Temple - Candlemas

2011-02-01T20:46:00.002-06:00

Tomorrow Feb. 2 is the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, also known as Candlemas.

So, we got a jump start today as we did not have school!

We made edible candles.

Ours are a bit sloppy,

as I had 2 children ~~crying~~ calling for me so we were rushing.

This book has some great ideas.

He really was exciting to eat this -

He was waiting patiently for me to snap a photo!

This kiddo enjoyed his edible candle too.

They were fun to eat!

Candy Popcorn - White Chocolate & Peppermint!

2011-01-31T23:11:00.004-06:00

We made popcorn.

I must admit I was a bit apprehensive.

Peppermint popcorn?

But-

If you have any of these left over

This is a good recipe for Valentine's Day

White Chocolate and Peppermint Popcorn:

~ 2 packages white chocolate baking morsels (or 16 oz almond bark)

~ 1 cup finely crushed (like sand) peppermints (about 10-12 candy canes or 40 mints). I recommend using a blender or food processor. (Note: mints will scratch plastic if you do not have glass.)

~ 2-3 bags microwave popcorn or (4 quarts popped popcorn)

Slowly melt white chocolate or almond bark in the microwave. Stir often to keep chocolate from burning. Stir 1/2 cup crushed peppermints into the white chocolate. Place popped corn into a large bowl. Pour melted white chocolate and peppermint mixture over the popcorn. Gently stir to coat popcorn while sprinkling remaining crushed peppermints over the popcorn.

Pour onto parchment paper and let coating harden!

I used

See my big chunks of candy cane.

This pic is BEFORE I got wise and used my blender!

At first I was easy on the candycanes -

(I did not know what it would taste like)

So I only put a few candy canes in a plastic bag and used a rolling pin -

Not fun - lots of holes in the plastic bag, candy pieces flying everywhere!

(So I do recommend a blender - just drag it out, it is worth it)

I did discover

the mintier the better too!

It was really yummy!

This is where I saw the post -

she has better pics! Seems like her candy canes had more red - prettier that way!

And just for fun!

They have the Valentine Spirit already!

Who needs organization - I say it is simply overrated

2011-01-24T23:12:00.001-06:00

This guy is quite a helper!

I am not going to complain that our utensil flatware drawer

looks

like this!

He is a hard worker

and gets the job done!

Would you like him to unload your dishwasher?

He is available in the am as

naptime takes precedence in the afternoon!

Snow Fun - Snow on Your Tongue!

2011-01-19T21:43:00.003-06:00

Making the perfect snowball

Takes much concentration.

I love how she is always willing to stop

and smile for my camera!

And she of course

enjoys a good snow snack too!

Every year

snow is still so new to a child.

Have you let a snowflake

fall on your tongue lately?

"Stop and condsider God's wonders"

The Book of Job

Do you want to look like a rooster?

2011-01-08T16:05:00.000-06:00

After bathtime it is fun to give this guy a mohawk.

He does not care so much that

it is one of the silliest do's you could do.

One line from a movie that I always remember laughing at

in National Lampoon's European Vacation:

Rusty Griswold says - "That's it! That's what I want my hair to look like dad!" (pointing to a punk mohawk)

Clark says every so casually-

"Ah Rusty you don't want to look like a rooster do you?"

Cy does not seem to mind so much!

The Catholicism Project

2011-01-05T20:37:00.002-06:00

I enjoy listening to Fr. Robert Barron. This looks like an amazing journey!

Gingerbread House

2010-12-21T20:59:00.000-06:00

Our first Gingerbread House

Little hands get in the way of picture taking.

Doesn't he know I am photographing a masterpiece!

Eye Candy - literally!

They made them at preschool today.

I am just happy they did it "there" and not "here".

Although, our house looks as if we have been making Gingerbread houses...ugh...

We are looking forward to our Christmas break.

We are making cookies tomorrow, Lord grant me patience!

Saint Nicholas Feast Day a New Tradition in our Home

2010-12-05T22:50:00.001-06:00

We are starting a new tradition in our home. In an effort to teach our children the real Saint Nick we are celebrating his feast day! This man of faith was very generous and loved children. Indeed he is the real deal.

(verses the jolly old elf guy!)

Saint Nicholas has stopped by our home this evening,

filling our shoes with Christ's love!

(which of course includes candy & treats)

Note the pair of sandals Lydia chose to leave out...that girl cannot get it through her head summer is OVER!!! And since Aliza is only 6 mos. we borrowed a pair of Lydia's shoes.

Some more Holy items have been included

Like prayer cards

They are so pretty

I gave them each a different one.

And ornaments

these are Wally World specials...ugh

I think next year I will find a bit more special ornaments.

I think it would be nice to find angels for the girls every year and crosses for the boys.

Hopefully as the years go by our kids will think of the real Saint Nick. We will still have Santa stop in of course on Jesus Birthday, but I am excited for our kids to really learn about the true meaning of Christmas in which our secular society so easily forgets.

I saw this statement from SaintNicholasCenter.org

"When we honor saint Nicholas, following his example of selfless giving, we honor the Christ Child who selflessly gave the greatest gift of all—himself."

Finger Chewing Because it is Fun

2010-11-22T20:38:00.000-06:00

I have been slacking on my blog again...
This Baby is growing.

And chewing on her finger

She will not take a pacifer

She just really likes her hand

A lot!

But we think she is sweet from head to toe!

This one is my favorite

Black & White may be even better!

May the force be with you

2010-11-01T21:02:00.003-05:00

This was a few days ago
(hence the shirt)

This 2 1/2 year old boy in my living room -

Fighting the force

These are all his moves

He was rolling & fighting someone

not really sure who...

I think he won

This face looks like it anyway!

Hmm, not sure what this is...

And I am really sure I do not know what he is doing, maybe praying! Good for him - my sweet boy! He is quite the entertainer around here!

My First Rose from St. Therese Child of Jesus

2010-10-25T22:06:00.005-05:00

I began my 1st EVER Novena to St Therese, of the child Jesus. She has kept her promise for as a sign of her intercession she has sent me a rose, actually she has showered me with roses!

It is such an amazing feeling to know she is in heaven listening to ME, pleading my cause before our Lord!

Thank you St. Therese in "your little" way you are a Huge comfort!

If anyone actually reads this (besides my loving husband!) if you are curious I will tell you one of the roses I recieved was on day 4 of my novena. Which is today. My husband is a coin dealer and buys scrap gold/silver as well. Every once in awhile he will ask me if I want something he buys in the shop. In the past he has brought home some saint metals. Today, my husband asked me if I wanted a rose necklace a lady had brought in. In ALL the jewelry he has bought, he has never bought a rose pendant until today, of course!!!

Simple Thoughts

2010-10-19T23:21:00.003-05:00

Here I am.

I have been enjoying baby wearing.

I have had this sling since baby 1

but use it most with baby 4.

She likes it and I like it.

It is the Maya Wrap - simple & light make it quite handy dandy!

Simple Thoughts

2010-10-09T00:33:00.003-05:00

Fall,

Why oh why

must you come

& go so quickly?

Happy Birthday Evan!

2010-10-07T22:20:00.004-05:00

It was not too long ago

when this guy was our babe ~

our only babe infact!

But time goes on, as God intended

and they grow...

Into Silly Kiddos

And Sweet boys

Cute boy!

Cowboy

(with a t-shirt)

Well tonight,

he has been waiting

very patiently

for his gift

What could it be?

Actually this gift he knew!

But this one,

Hmmm...

What could the surprise be?

Underwear! Of course!

And now -

May the force be with you!

Happy 6th Birthday Evan!

Brothers

2010-09-20T14:58:00.000-05:00

Hanging out

One of these brothers has discovered dad's Droid

He would be a game junkie if I let him!

2010-09-14T23:10:00.001-05:00

This hot (check out that sweat!), cotton candy eating boy will soon be turning 6 years old.

He is such a sweet little boy.

Recently there has been a bit of talk of a Wii, we do not own one, but he knows some kids that do. He does not whine or expect one right now, he has just asked if he could get one when he turns 7 for his birthday (which will be next fall). I found that quite sweet. He has always been sooooo awesome when we pick out a b-day gift for another child at a store about not whining to get something too.

However, I am starting to dread the "parent pressure" of keeping up with the OTHER parents when they are all saying yes, to so much.......ugh....

NOTE: I am not saying Wii's are bad or anything, just trying to avoid one for as long as possible for various reasons!

For now he does get to watch movies when we go on "long trips" - like the Stanton County Fair we went to in August - hence the heat in the above pics!

Soccer Girl

2010-08-30T21:47:00.001-05:00

This young lady was looking pretty cute today!

Pay no attention

to the disgusting glass -

apparently I don't!

Tonight

she is on her way...

To her very 1st soccer game

Pink shorts and all.

I did try to put on big brother's black shorts,

but ultimately she thought maybe people

would think she was a boy,

so we stuck with the pink to be safe!

All Wet!

2010-08-25T21:54:00.000-05:00

He started with a drink...

Ooops...

What would a 2 year old say

in a situation like this?

His little voice says, "All wet?"

Oh well

It's fun!

1st Day of School

2010-08-19T20:24:00.001-05:00

Today was the 1st day of kindergarten.

I was so bummed I did not get a nice picture...

And this picture...

This was the best of like 27...errrr.

I wanted them to sit close together - all cuddley and cute - but that was not going to happen.

This was actually the night before.

I love this picture -true excitement

(he does not do well with posed pics)

Sounds like he had a pretty good day. I asked him if he wanted to go back tomorrow or stay home with me. I guess it would have been a bit difficult if he had answered the latter! And so he must go and grow up on me!