Christmas Adam

"True happiness consists not in the multitude of friends, but in their worth and choice."

A new tradition was started today.

My friend came over with her 2 children and we spent the whole day baking!

I didn't realize how much I love to bake and try new recipes.

We had a lot of fun - especially our children.

We decided to call this day

Christmas Adam

since it is the day before Christmas Eve.

So now we have several kinds of cookies, glazed almonds, and peanut brittle to share on Christmas day.

Only 2 days left until Christmas.

Tomorrow we will go to mass in the afternoon.

Two of our children will sing in the choir.

We will show our children the beautiful manger scene and take a family

picture up by the altar.

After, we will take our children out for dinner.

It is the one day a year we take them all out to a "nicer" restaurant.

It's nice because restaurants are not crowded on Christmas Eve.

Then we will come home and hang up our stockings, sprinkle reindeer food on our lawn, then go online to check where Santa is before heading to bed.



Small Vent

"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have."

First I will have a small vent.

The other night my husband and I watched the Best Commercials of 2011 on TBS.

We wanted to watch something with humor.

It was ok.

The last commercial was about cats with thumbs.

Our oldest came downstairs and caught the last commercial with us.

We enjoyed the cats because we have had (and still have) cats

with "thumbs."

Anyways, then the host came on and said "You know what's scarier than cats with thumbs? Cats with Tourettes." Then he started cussing (it was bleeped out of course.) But you could clearly tell the "f" word was being yelled.

That was a huge mood breaker.

Why do people think that is funny? It's not. Tourettes is real. Swearing is not always part of Tourettes, but it was with our oldest and it is with our 3rd son.

There is also a book on Amazon that is called Pets with Tourettes. It's a bunch of photos of animals cursing. How is that acceptable?

Ok. Done.

Our kiddos are on break from school for 2 weeks. Love it!

Today we are just taking it easy.

Everyone is playing nicely together while Cam and I hang out in my bed.

Cam didn't want to sleep last night. We were up until 2:00am, so this is nice.

I bought huge gingerbread men cookies and stuff to decorate them.

That is our only plans today.

Only 4 days until Christmas!

Cameron - 6mths

"Don't ever change yourself to impress someone, because they should be impressed that you don't change to please others."

Today was a good day.

It started out a little "painful." Someday I will figure out why I wake

up with headaches often. Thankfully it is Saturday so Tommy could help me out.

I was able to stay in bed until I felt better - not alone of course. I had at least 1 child with me at all times. At one point I had 6.

Tom ran out to take Ethan and Rachel to their Church Choir Christmas party and to do a quick errand.

But my oldest, Brandon, came up and checked on me and brought me hot tea.

He is very good to me.

Once I felt better, it was time to get our Family Room ready for our Christmas tree. We spent some time cleaning while we had Christmas music playing. We finally got our tree up late in the afternoon. 

Somehow our day got away from us and we decided not to go through all the boxes to find our ornaments tonight. We will decorate tomorrow.

Instead, we ordered pizza and watched a Christmas movie. We also made some hot apple cider and just relaxed.

Cameron is 6 months old today!

Time to try rice cereal!
Cam seemed to really enjoy having "real" food. He sat in his highchair and had an audience of siblings surrounding him. He did well.
Cameron also started clapping his hands today. So cute. 
And he was letting out  big laughs this evening. Sarah was running across the floor in front of him then jumping on a box. Cam thought that was the funniest thing. He was on his belly holding his head up to watch Sarah, then he'd just start giggling and rolling around on the floor.
Sarah loved being the "star" of Cam's show and making him laugh.
Cameron is working on sitting up on his own. Still needs a little support, but he does get around the room by rolling. And he grabs everything!
He is also a big talker. No words - though he says MaaaaMaaaa when he is whining. That kind of counts - but a lot of babbling.

Christmas is my favorite day of the year.
I can't wait! I love everything about it!
Church, family, lights, music,...
Tomorrow we are going to mass then to a nursing home to sing Christmas Carols. A few weeks ago we spent an afternoon at our church wrapping and filling up shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child. Our children really enjoyed helping others. I know they will love bringing joy to others tomorrow too.
This is what gets me into the spirit of Christmas.
Sharing God's blessings with others.


Cameron James' 1st Christmas

Our Family 2011

Kindness

"Treat everyone with kindness, even those who are rude to you - not because they are nice, but because you are."

One of the most important things I teach my children - to always be kind.

I tell them to be kind, but more importantly I show them to be kind.

There are people in this world that can hurt you.

There are people that will be rude to you.

I think it is very important to just continue to be yourself. Don't let another person change who you are.



Thoughts

"Children may not always seem to be listening, but they are almost always watching. Be kind."

So the other day Jacob points at my tummy and says "Baby."

Later that same day Sarah asks me when I'm having my next baby.

And to top it off, our dog kept following me around - which he does when I'm pregnant. (It's kind of sweet.)

But what does this mean? It certainly had me wondering about our family's future.

Tom and I have chosen to accept all children God has planned for us.

I know I have enough love and care.

And I am to the point where my faith is bigger than my fear -

fear of having enough space and money.

I truly feel our children are blessings.

Each one just feels "right." Like my heart has known them forever.

True. We are a big number.

We have had to accept that we aren't going to be included in some things.

We don't get invited to parties like we used to.

We can't afford to go out and do certain activities anymore.

I do catch myself feeling sad when I know we've been left out.

But our children are worth every penny.

Our children appreciate each other and have fun together.

Their bedrooms are crowded, but they are only for sleeping and keeping clothes in.

When they are laughing and playing, my soul just smiles.

I say "thank you" to God and I feel Him smile down on me - like He is saying "thank you" to me for taking care of His children.

He has given me a very important job. I am going to do it well.



November - Thankful

"Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving."

November.

A time to really think about what I am thankful for.

My birthday was this month.

I am thankful for another year.

And what a great year!

 Another little member of our family has joined us.

Last year on Thanksgiving is when we shared our pregnancy with everyone.

CJ is such a blessing. He is very happy. He loves to smile.

Waking up to a little smiling face with eyes sparkling at you is the best way to start a day. Holding CJ and having his arms reach for me and his little hands grab at me is the best feeling.

Even when my hair gets yanked.

And the smell of him.

I truly think that Heaven smells like a baby's head.

I am thankful for our messy home.

Toys on the floor, counters full of crumbs, a sink full of dirty dishes, coats and shoes on the floor, towels and laundry piled everywhere,...

Signs that:

1. We are a large family.

2. We are able to provide for our family what we need.

3. Our children like to have fun.

For these, I am thankful.

Chores are patient.

By the end of the day, they will get done.

(Or maybe the next day.)

I am thankful for family and friends...

especially those who know and accept that our home is messy. It is messy because our family lives here, not because we are lazy. And let's face it - more people means more stuff. Plus, there are just more important things to do sometimes.

For example,

Jacob and I have joined a parent-child play place. I used to take my younger children, but stopped going when life got a little too busy. Now I realize what is important. 

I found a photo of Brandon from about 14 years ago. He was almost 2. Jacob looks a lot like him.

It makes me realize how quickly time goes by.

Having Jacob and Cameron is like flashing back to when I only had Brandon and Ethan.

I want to really enjoy my husband and children.

Really enjoy my life.

I am thankful for the kindness of others.

I have been blessed by many who are close to me, but I have also been blessed by many strangers.

To those I can not thank in person, may they know that I am very touched by their kindness.

I plan to continue the kindness.

I plan to pass it on.

God has surrounded me and my family with so much goodness to be thankful for.

Halloween 2011

"When witches go riding, and black cats are seen, the moon laughs and whispers, 'tis near Halloween."

Halloween was a lot of fun again this year.

Our 3 girls were fairies and I was their Momma-Fairy.

Our oldest boys were Reapers.

Jakey was a bat and Cameron was a puppy.

The cutest part was when you'd ask Jakey what Cameron was, he would say "Baby a Woo Woo."

(Woo woo is doggy in Jakey language.)

Jacob got the hang of trick or treating very quickly. He loved running up to the doors and getting candy. The first couple of homes he let them hand him candy - after that, he would reach in and grab his own.

He did get really good at saying "Thank you!" by the end of the evening.

Jakey went for over 2 hours! He wanted to keep going, but it was getting late. Plus, it was dark out and he was running around in an all black outfit.

Good thing his shoes light up.

I was thankful that Tom got home in time to spend the last hour with us trick or treating. He was too.

Another fun night of trick or treating with our neighbors and friends.

Our children are off from school for half of this week. Parent-teacher conferences. Looks like I'll go alone, but so far I am very happy with how our children are doing this year.

Sarah enjoys preschool very much! She has the same teacher that Leah had. Leah learned so much in preschool - I am happy she has the same teacher. (She also has the same bus driver which is wonderful! She is the best driver and really starts Sarah's day off right! Plus, Jakey loves to go out and blow kisses to the driver and assistant on the bus.)

Leah loves kindergarten! And we've been blessed with the same teacher as Rachel and Noah had. She is wonderful! Love her! I got to go to Leah's class on her birthday and help celebrate their Fall party. Extra special day.

Rachel is enjoying school this year and I am learning that she has the best teacher this year! I was able to go spend time with Rachel on Halloween in her classroom for their Fall party. Rachel's teacher allows siblings which is great for our family! Jakey, Sarah, and Cam got to come with me. Her teacher is very sweet and kind. I think she is the perfect match for Rachel.

(Hopefully Leah will get her for 3rd grade.)

Noah has the same teacher Ethan had for 4th grade.

I am looking forward to meeting with her this week. Noah was just diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome and we know from Brandon that our child's school and teacher are very important during this time. So far it seems that Noah's teacher is very willing to help us. She communicates well with me and uses positive reinforcement with Noah. Noah really likes his teacher and he told me that he thinks he got the best 4th grade teacher.

Ethan and Brandon are doing well enough that we won't have conferences at their schools. I kind of wish we were - just because I like to know the face of the person I am emailing with. Plus, I only hear what my teenagers think of their teachers. I would like to meet them and decide for myself what they are like.

This morning I had to take my boys to the Orthodontist, but before that I was sitting in my room with my girls. They like to go through my old "dress up" jewelry. My 2 oldest girls had a little conversation that went like this...

Leah: Mommy has had 8 babies.

Does that mean she and Daddy have

gotten married

over and over again?

Rachel: No.That just means that

she has kissed Daddy over and over.

That's where babies come from.

But Mommy, how do the babies

get in your tummy?

Me: Ummm....

Leah: God puts them in there.

Me: That's right. Thank you Leah.

Leah Marie 6

"Daughters will melt your heart whenever they want to."

This week we celebrate the birth of our 5th child, Leah Marie.

She is the one my blog was named after. She is our blondie who loves to gather everything that she likes or loves.

Leah is going to be a little superstar someday. She is only 6, but she has a lot of self confidence. She loves to sing and act. I have a feeling we will see her on stage someday.

We did get to see our son Ethan on stage last week.

He was in his middle school's musical performance of Guys and Dolls.

He did great. I love that he has it in him to be on stage in front of an audience. I went to all 3 of the "public" performances. The students did a wonderful job!

While we were at the high school seeing the play, (That's where it was performed - bigger stage there.) we were able to see our oldest son's art work he did last year. It is a still-life drawing. They have it framed and hanging up. Brandon has such a talent for art. His drawings amaze me.

Tomorrow we are having a party for Leah. It is going to be a costume party. Tom has his yummy chili already cooking. I can't wait to eat it!

We will start the day with church. Ethan and Rachel will be singing in the choir. This will be our daughter Rachel's first time singing in choir during mass. She is very excited! And she loves that she is with Ethan.

Cameron is now rolling over back to tummy. Big boy!

And this will be his first Halloween.

It's cute when you ask Jacob what Cameron is going to be for Halloween. He says, "A woo woo."

Which is Jakey's way of saying "Dog."

Cameron is going to be dressed as a puppy, Jake is going to be a bat, our girls will be fairies, and our older boys are going to be Reapers. (I guess that would be the best way to describe their outfits. Just wearing all black.)

I have a fairy costume to match my girls.

Tom - I'm not sure. We'll do something with him. We try to do "matchy" outfits. We were thinking of some sort of "fairy catcher." Kind of like Gargomel (sp?) is to the Smurfs. I'm sure our girls would get a kick out of that.

I am just looking forward to spending a day with family and friends, celebrating one of our beautiful children.

Lights in the Dark

"Who is more foolish, the child afraid of the dark or the man afraid of the light?"

Today.

Today we took Noah to his annual appointment with his Neurologist. It went ok.

Noah opened up to us about the words he feels the need to say - not good words. He could hardly tell us through his tears. He felt so bad. But we explained to him that it's not his fault and we will do everything we can to get him through this. His physical tics have continued as well.

Noah has now been diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome.

Tonight.

Tonight our family went to our church.

Tom and I went to our Couple's Bible Study while our children went to the childcare rooms.

Cameron was with me and Tom. Cam started crying, so I left the room to walk around with him. I was singing to Cam, trying to calm him down. I sat down on a pew in the Narthex. I was thinking about how overwhelming things feel sometimes. I was looking through the windows into the church, staring at the altar. It was dark.

I was nursing Cam when I thought - it would be amazing if all of a sudden a light shined inside the church. Then I thought - it would be amazing, but also a little "scary." Would I be able to handle a sign like that?

After a very short moment, our priest (Monsignor) walked in the front door and walked by me in the Narthex. He was talking on his cell phone, but stopped for a second and said "Hi Chris." Then he opened the glass door and turned on the lights in the church.

I just sat there with Cam.

I stared at all the lights suddenly on in the church through the windows.

I whispered - "Whoa."

T is for Tooth

"What we remember from childhood, we remember forever."

Our daughter Leah is 5 and she is in Kindergarten.

This week she lost her first tooth!

She was a little scared last week when she realized her tooth was loose.

It was her bottom left tooth and eating was getting a little more difficult the other night. She kept crying that it hurt to eat with her loose tooth.

Then she went upstairs to brush her teeth. While brushing, she kept whining that her tooth hurt. Her whine suddenly turned to crying and a slight scream.

I ran upstairs to find Leah in the bathroom with Tom and a couple of siblings looking at Leah's tooth on the bathroom counter and a sink with a little bit of blood in it. Leah looked shocked and she was scared because of the blood. We told her it was fine and then we got a big smile from her as we reminded her that the Tooth Fairy would be visiting her for the first time!

The Tooth Fairy did come that night and left Leah some money and glitter for her tooth.

Which leads me to a little bit of "funny" from Leah...

Leah enjoys going to school.

Right now she is learning to read and is very excited about it.

The other day we were playing a game as part of her homework.

It was a board game. I showed her different letters and she had to find the object on the board that started with that letter.

I held up a "T" and asked Leah what the letter was.

She looked at it and knew it was a "T" but wasn't sure which picture on the board started with that letter.

The picture on the board for the letter "T" was a "Tooth."

I gave Leah a hint.

I said, "Leah. What did you just lose?"

Leah paused for just a quick moment then replied, "My mind?"

Ha! Ha! I got a huge kick out of that answer!

I don't know why she would even think of that as an answer :o) Hmmm.....

Respect Life Sunday

"The years teach much which the days never knew."

We went to mass yesterday at noon.

As we were leaving, I walked over to the Respect Life table.

My older boys were with me.

The lady who does the Youth Ministries stopped me to see if any members of my family would like to go paint pumpkins at the Nursing Home.

I said "Sure!" And asked Brandon and Ethan.

They were a little hesitant, but agreed to go. Then I was asked about Noah and Rachel. I said that they would probably love to go.

So our oldest 4 went to paint pumpkins.

I was told that Noah was a little gentleman. He sat and chatted with some of the ladies there - treating them like he's known them forever.

I love that about Noah. He is very social in a small setting.

Rachel gave out fashion advice to the ladies. She gave them ideas on their dress and their hairstyles. Rachel does love fashion.

Brandon and Ethan were very helpful and sweet. Ethan told me that every time he asked one of the ladies what she would like on her pumpkin she only replied "I don't know." Brandon said that one gentleman walked in and put his finger in the paint, drew a frown on one of the pumpkins, then walked out of the room. Brandon found this whole experience depressing.

I explained to him that that was why what he and his siblings did was so special. I'm sure many of the people who live there are sad and lonely.

I was very proud of all 4 of them for going. What a wonderful gift they were that day. Children are such a gift from God.

And what a great way to spend Respect Life Sunday.

Young and Old - all life is precious.

We are looking forward to going back in December to sing carols.

Miracle of Life

"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."

Today I was not feeling too well.

Little Sarah was "kind" enough to share her cold with her momma.

I really wanted to nap, but life goes on.

Finally this evening I had a chance to relax on our couch.

Tom had to leave - he was working at our town's Fall Fest.

And our children were all asleep.

I sat on our couch, put on a movie, and picked up little Cameron.

He was all snuggles.

His little head rested on my cheek.

His toes were curled up against my tummy.

His little hands grabbed onto my shoulder and my hair.

It was so peaceful.

I held Cameron a little tighter and closed my eyes and smiled.

I was so thankful for this moment.

Then I felt it.

His little heart was beating right against mine.

It was amazing.

I could feel his heart beating.

When he was only 5 weeks old inside me,

I saw his little heart beating during an ultrasound.

Incredible isn't it?

Our heart starts beating so early - and keeps going throughout our life.

I loved seeing his heart beating when he was so newly created,

 and I loved feeling that same heart beating now.

Life.

How can some people even question it?

Cameron aka CJ
3 months old

Two Teenagers

"When brothers agree, no fortress is so strong as their common life."

Today is our second child's birthday. He is now a teenager!

Ethan aka Eepy aka E.

We like to call him Creepy Eepy - and we know why.

Ethan is an awesome son, brother, and friend.

He is very responsible, very loving, and a lot of fun to be with.

He has been saving up his babysitting/lawn mowing/b-day money to get an Itouch. We surprised him with one this morning.

He is now a very very happy boy.

A little more expensive than our usual gifts, but 13 is a special year.

Plus, I don't have to pay to feed and entertain a group of people at a party. We just had a nice dinner as a family - at home - food I already had. Then Tom brought home ice cream and toppings to make special desserts.

It was a good night.

A good day.

I think one of my highlights was getting Ethan up this morning for school.

Brandon got up first, as usual, and was ready to go to catch the school bus.

He saw Ethan's gift on our desk being charged. He asked me if Ethan

knew about it yet. I said no and that I had to go wake him up.

Brandon ran into their bedroom and laid on Ethan's bed, gave him a hug and wished him a happy birthday.

There was a time when it was just the 2 of them - and at that moment, this mommy had a little flashback of it. In our old house there were two little toddler beds in one of our bedrooms. I used to tease that we should put a "B" and an "E" on their beds just like Bert and Ernie on Sesame Street had.

(But it would be for Brandon and Ethan.)

Brothers are special.

And now they are both teenagers. Whoa.

Time is speeding right along.

While Ethan was enjoying his morning of cottage cheese with a candle in it (he has a hard time eating anything for breakfast)

and staring at his new Itouch and Playstation game - he gave us money to go out and buy it for him - he said to me, "Thanks Mom. I love you."

I said, "You're welcome Ethan. I love you."

Then Jacob looked at Ethan and said, "I love you."

First time ever saying it where you could actually understand him.

What a special birthday gift from one brother to another.

Brothers are truly special.

10 Years

“Time is passing. Yet, for the United States of America, there will be no forgetting September the 11th. We will remember every rescuer who died in honor. We will remember every family that lives in grief. We will remember the fire and ash, the last phone calls, the funerals of the children. “

                      - President George W. Bush, November 11, 2001

God Bless America.

God Bless those who Help and Protect Us.

May there be Peace.

Difficult Week

"The soul would have no rainbow if the eyes had no tears."

It has been a very difficult first full week of school.

I've allowed myself different times to just cry and let all the frustration out.

Rachel's school called and told me they did a head check and they found lice. I had to come get her. I asked them to go ahead and get Noah ready to go too. They said they had checked him and didn't find anything, but I just wanted to get everyone home so I could do a full check. I called Leah's school and asked them to send her to the nurse to be checked and that I'd be right there to get her. She ended up having it too. All 3 of our girls did - and 1 boy. In fact, most of the homes on our street had it.

These little critters are a nightmare! I have been cleaning everything, bagging up their rooms, and combing out hair every day.

I took Rachel back after keeping her home an extra day. Her little face broke my heart as we were standing in the nurse's office. There were other children in the room on the "beds" and they were talking about lice. They actually surprised me in a good way. One girl said she had had it last year and the other girl sympathized with her saying it must have been annoying. Many people put such a stigma on having this problem. As soon as I found out we had it I was texting, emailing, and calling everyone I thought needed to know. (And that's really all who need to know!)

The nurse told me I could take Rachel into her restroom for privacy sake. She already had 2 other moms in her side room. But when I walked by I saw that the 2 mothers in there were my friends, so I said a "cheery" hello and the nurse said that we could go in there if we already knew each other. The nurses at the schools are very impressed with us moms this year.

We are supporting each other through this. No blame. No shame.

Rachel passed that day and was able to go back to class. So did my son. But Leah and Sarah did not. The next day Leah passed, but Sarah did not. Now we have a 3 day weekend and I am praying by Tuesday everyone is able to go back to school.

On another note, this week had some other negative news. A guy I went to school with chose to end his life. He was my age. I know life can be difficult, but I can't imagine thinking that is the answer. This is the 2nd person in the last few months from my graduating class who made this choice.

All of this has made this week a bit exhausting. I have been a bit sensitive.

I am ready for a fresh new week.

Sarah is 4

"Together is a wonderful place to be."

So our little peanut Sarah is 4 today!

She was so little when she was born. She weighed 4 lbs.

Now she is a beautiful, healthy, smart little lady.

She is loving Preschool. She comes home and first tells me what snack they had that day, then she tells me about her new friends.

Unfortunately, she didn't get to spend her birthday at school.

She was so excited to pass out treats to her new friends. But she had to stay home and get "treated." Yesterday I was called to come pick up Rachel from school. Lice. I have never dealt with this before. I went to pick up Rachel and asked them to have Noah ready too. Then I called Leah's school and told them I was coming to get her and could they please have the school nurse check her. Leah had it too.

The last 36 hours have been tough. I am exhausted! I have done everything I can to clean their hair, clean our home. I hope it is enough.

I have contacted everyone I can think of that needs to know.

Our street has many cases of it. The kids play together, ride the bus together,...We normally have many children at our bus stop. This morning there were four. I have a feeling this is a huge outbreak.

The girls will need to be checked by the school nurse before they can return to school. I just pray that other parents are honest and that they report to the school that their child has it and has them treated and checked. I don't want to go through all of this just to send our children back to school to get it again. Our little cul de sac has been communicating well since we first knew. We even sat outside today and checked each other's children and each other's heads. I'm pretty sure we started some odd conversations when our other neighbors drove or walked by and saw us picking at each other's hair.

This morning we put a candle in Sarah's waffle and sang Happy Birthday to her. Then the day was just busy and messy. I told her I owe her a "redo" when everything calms down again.

When Tom came home we had to take the Rug Dr. back, so we took Cameron, Jacob, and Sarah to the store with us. We let Sarah pick out a treat, some stickers to share with her classmates, and a Dora play phone. She was very happy! Then when we got back home, Tom surprised Sarah with 4 big beautiful pink roses. She had such a smile on her face! But then it was time to go to bed. Sarah didn't want to go to her bed, so I carried her then sat next to her. I told her all about the day she was born. I could tell she loved hearing about that day. And soon her little eyes couldn't stay opened anymore and she fell asleep. Her special day had a good beginning and a good ending. We will do something special to make up for the whole in-between.

Happy Birthday Sarah Christine. You are so very loved. 

A New School Year

"A journey begins with one step."

Brandon, Ethan, Noah, and Rachel all started school yesterday.

So far so good. Everyone is happy with their teachers and classes.

Today Leah started Kindergarten and Sarah started Preschool.

Tom stayed home to watch them get on the school bus.

Leah is on the same bus as Rachel and Noah. She hesitated a little, but got on and smiled out the window.

Sarah's bus came a few minutes later. She started to cry as we walked to the bus. Then she started to scream and cling to her Daddy. Tom had to get on the bus and help her get to her seat. She continued to scream and cry and reach for Tom.

I was holding Cameron, Tom was holding Jacob, and we were both very teary-eyed as we waved to Sarah on the bus.

Heartbreaking.

Even Jakey started to cry when we went into our home. I asked him if he missed Sarah and he said "Yea."

When Sarah's bus came back at the end of her morning, she got off with a smile on her face. She told me they had apple juice and bear crackers. She liked her teacher and had nice kids in her class.

She says she'll go back tomorrow.

Leah also had a great first day. I think she likes being on the bus with her siblings and her neighborhood friends. She likes her teacher and is making friends.

Girls are cute that way.

Rachel has two new friends in her class. I think it's sweet that she asks other girls if they want to be friends and they ask her.

Boys just kind of hang out together.

I think it is going to be a good year. The only thing that worries me is that Brandon gets his permit next week! He is in Drivers Ed this semester. He did bring home a form that our doctor has to fill out first. It's because Brandon has Tourette Syndrome. His tics aren't too bad so I don't think it will be a problem. I'm just waiting to hear back from the Doctor's Office.

I am praying that this year goes well.

Good grades, good choices, good friends, and good times.

School

"The secret to having it all - is believing you already do."

Summer break is over. 

Four of our children go back to school tomorrow. Two more will start the next day. We went to meet some of their teachers last night. So far I am very happy. Tomorrow morning we go to Preschool Open House. I pray Sarah goes without crying or screaming. She screamed all the way from the parking lot to Leah's school because she thought we were going to hers.

Tomorrow might not be fun.

I am going to miss having our children home during the day.

I enjoyed our summer. It went very fast. Of course, having a new baby usually makes time go by quickly. Cameron was born the same week summer break started - and now here we are starting a new school year. Amazing.

My plan is to get up around 5:00am, get myself ready with coffee, and spend a little quiet time with Cameron. I am hoping to have Cameron all comfy and fed by 5:30 / 6:00 so I can focus on getting breakfast made for the rest of our crew - including my Tommy.

I will have to get six children ready and out the door five days a week.

By 8:15 I should be able to sit down.

Hopefully Jacob and Cameron like that plan.

Jacob Edward 2

"Having a place to go is Home. Having someone to love is Family.

Having both is a Blessing."

Today we celebrated 2 little Shermies.

Jacob and Sarah.

Sarah will be 4 in a couple of weeks, but Jacob is 2 today.

We had a little party at our home for them. It was nice. It was loud.

I am used to the noise, and I actually love it. I hope it wasn't too overwhelming for our guests. God did give us a beautiful day, so some of us were able to enjoy being outside while others were inside.

Tom and I gave Jacob and Sarah a new sandbox.

Sarah spent a lot of time in it. I'm sure Jacob will tomorrow. I think it was a little too crowded for him.

We also gave Jacob a Mickey Mouse stuffed doll. He picked it out while I was at the store with him. He reached for it and didn't want to put it back. We gave Sarah a Dora shirt she can wear to preschool.

They were given other wonderful gifts from our friends and family.

They were definitely surrounded by people who love them today.

I love having parties like this and celebrating our children.

When the party was over, our children just started falling asleep anywhere and everywhere. Right now I have Cameron asleep in my arms. Our other children are asleep downstairs, except our 2 oldest boys. One is playing Monopoly with his friend from up the street and our other is playing video games with our nephew. We have a couple of extras tonight for a sleepover.

Sometimes I wish for a bigger house or better stuff,

but these are the moments when I realize how nice our home is.

It's not just a house - it's a home.

I love that we can have friends and family over and hopefully they all feel comfortable. Our home was filled with children having fun together and adults enjoying each other's conversations. And we fed everyone well too.

I am thankful for today. And may God give extra blessings to our children as we celebrate the days we were blessed with them.

Jacob is 2 years old today!

The Good News

"Being a mother is learning about strengths you didn't know you had,

and dealing with fears you didn't know existed."

Jacob has, I mean had, a broken collarbone.

Mother of the Year.

I know exactly when it happened, but I had no idea.

We thought we had checked him over completely after he fell off his little art desk. He likes to climb on it to look out the front window. Poor guy.

The good news:

Thankfully his collarbone healed itself - and healed well. The callus it formed is normal and will eventually go away.

Took Ethan to his school today to drop off all his supplies and to find his locker. 2nd year of Middle School - and play practice will be starting soon too. Ethan is going to be in Guys and Dolls this Fall.

Tonight at Tumbling class our little Rachel did 3 back flips in a row and got to ring the bell. I called Tom and he was so sad to have missed it. He was just pulling into the parking lot. He came in and soon we saw Miss Rachel do 4 black flips in a row. Tom got to see her ring the bell that time. What a great night at Tumbling!

Now Leah wants to work really hard at her kick overs so she can ring the bell for the first time. She'll get there.

Tomorrow we will have a 2 year old in the house.

Jacob will be 2 and we are celebrating with a little party.

We are also going to celebrate Tom's dad's birthday.

It's fair.

Jacob shares his birthday with one of his grandpa's and his name with his other grandpa.

Sarah's birthday is later this month so the party will be for her too.

Praying for a fun, wonderful day.

Big Boy Cam

"A mother's arms are made of tenderness and children sleep soundly in them."

I took Cameron to the doctor for his 2 month check-up today.

He was very chatty. Loved it.

Our little boy gained about 5 pounds since our last visit and grew about 2 inches. Big boy! He is 13 lbs 23 in.

He also got his 2 month shots. And right now he is still fussing.

Poor little guy screamed when he got the shots and has been a bit crabby since. All I want to do is comfort him.

Tomorrow I am taking Jacob to the doctor.

I found a bump on his collar bone a couple of days ago. At first, I got nervous. Then I read that if a child fractures this bone, they get a bump.

A few weeks ago Jakey fell off of the art desk we have in the playroom. He likes to get on it so he can look out the window. He slipped and fell with the chair. All day he was kind of fussy, but we couldn't figure out if or where he got hurt. He could move everything, but when he was picked up he would whine a little. We figured something was just sore from the fall. It was the weekend so we agreed to keep a close on eye on him and take him to the doctor on Monday if he was still whining. On Monday, he wasn't.

So now I am wondering if he had injured his collar bone that day. He did fall on the side where the bump is. I am pretty sure we'll end up getting an x-ray tomorrow and we'll find out.

I am praying that all is ok.

Another Zoo Day

"Life is a great big canvas. You should throw all the paint you can on it."

Spent Sunday at Brookfield Zoo.

Beautiful day.

Cameron's first time at the zoo - and we brought our neighbor for her first visit too. It was nice to have our 12 passenger van. First time in 2 years I didn't have to follow behind Tom to the zoo.

We had a great time. We got our annual family picture by the baboons.

On our way home we stopped at my favorite pizza place for dinner.

We usually stop there after the zoo.

Once seated, our waitress came in and said "Oh, you had your baby!"

I looked at her and said "You remember us?"

She said yes she tells everyone about us. So many kids, so well behaved.

Nice to be remembered like that.

I finally gave Jacob a little hair trim this weekend.

I just cut his bangs so he could see.

Our girls, especially Rachel, can't stop saying how cute he looks.

Jakey is a cutie.

Big beautiful eyes. Big beautiful smile.

Loves to sing. Loves to dance.

And such a personality.

He is talking a little more. Still calls dogs "Woo Woo Woo's."

He did say please for a nana this week.

Saying Mama and Dada all the time.

I feel so blessed to be Jacob's Momma.

I feel very blessed to be all of our children's Momma.

Today we found out our children's teachers for this year.

So far I am very pleased.

There was only one teacher I did not recognize, but I heard she is wonderful.

I keep talking to Sarah about preschool and riding the bus.

She says she is going to get on the bus.
We will see.

And today we celebrate the Assumption of Mother Mary.
Cameron and I went to mass together.
Tom dropped us off because I was running a little late.
It was a beautiful mass and such a beautiful night.
Cameron and I had a nice walk home after mass.

Tomorrow is Cameron's 2 month check-up.

I can't wait to see how much this little guy weighs.

He eats all the time!

Sleep and eat, sleep and eat,...he is my big boy.

He has a huge, beautiful smile. Beautiful blue eyes.

He is adorable.

My Blessed Life

"It's surprising how much memory is built around things unnoticed at the time."

It's been a nice couple of days. The weather has been beautiful and my backyard has been full.

I do love having the children in our neighborhood at our home.

Having baby Cameron and little Jacob, it is nice to be able to keep an eye on my own children and still let them have fun outside with their friends.

I try to be the "nice" mommy and keep everyone happy with lemonade and pb&j sandwiches.

I am glad that children - young and older - feel comfortable at our home.

So I had written about Tom and I having a wonderful conversation the other day about the different ways we found out we were pregnant.

Tom told me I should write it all down.

I have started a blog called My Blessed Life.

I am trying to write a little every day. So far so good, but it's only been a few days. Hopefully I will continue.

I don't want to write too much each day because I think that would make me feel overwhelmed. If I keep it short, I should be able to commit to writing daily.

I feel that my life took a huge turn for the best once I met Tom.

That is where I chose to start my writing.

Plus, I think it'll be fun for Tom and I to read together and someday I hope our children will enjoy it too.

They are here because of the love between me and Tommy and our Faith in God and His plans for us.

Getting Ready

"Let there be peace on Earth and let it begin with me."

School starts in a couple of weeks.

I can't believe summer break is almost over.

I am ready for some structure in our days, but not ready for early morning busses and late night homework.

I have gone out to several stores to gather up all the supplies on our children's lists. We will have 6 children going to school this year. That equals a lot of stuff. And every year I think - I'm going to shop early and have fun with each child. Never happens.

Cameron is more social now.

He smiles a lot, Coos, and sometimes lets out a little giggle.

He is so cute. So sweet.

I love how he grabs onto my hair and just holds on when I'm carrying him.

He is very much a Mommy's Boy.

This morning I had him on his tummy, on my chest. He was picking his head up and resting on his arms. Strong little man.

He was looking me right in the eyes and smiling. I think he was pretty proud of himself. Amazed that he could look around.

Tomorrow our oldest will get his school schedule.

I am curious to see when Driver's Ed is going to happen this year.

I am not looking forward to that at all.

I can't believe I will have a child old enough to drive a car.

And what to teach him on?

The 8 passenger van or the 12 passenger van.

Ha! Not the best choices.

I'll have one learning to drive while another one is learning to walk.

Eucharistic Adoration was last weekend. It was an all night one.

I loved it!

Cameron and I went at 11:15 pm and stayed for an hour.

It was a wonderful way to start a new day, a new week.

I loved that there was always at least a dozen people in the church.

I hope they do this again. It was so peaceful.

Cameron fell asleep while we were there and then I came home to a house full of sleeping children.

Tommy was "kind of" awake, so we spent a little quiet time together on the couch.

It was nice to have the peaceful feeling last.

Cameron's Baptism

"One tiny hand to guide and hold. One tiny life to shape and mold.

Each child, a gift from God above. A symbol of his strength and love."

Our little baby boy, Cameron James, was baptized yesterday.

What a special day!

Our nephew and niece are his godparents.

Our Priest (Monsignor) did a "private" baptism for us.

I loved it!

We had the church - pretty much - to ourselves.

All of our children were invited to come up and stand near Cameron as he was baptized. I had tears in my eyes.

The moment was amazing.

Beautiful.

I loved holding our baby son and looking around to see family surrounding us as Father (Monsignor) Steve poured the holy water over Cameron James' little head. And he was such a good baby the whole time.

After, we took a lot of pictures!

Our son Noah was sure to tell our priest not to drop Cameron during the photos :o)

And to top it off, it was "Rosary Day." Cam's baptism was during the hours when the rosary was to be said by all who believe.

Once we left our church, we had a nice time back at our home.

We said a decade of the Rosary,

then continued the celebration with a late lunch, including cake, and some special gifts.

May God continue to bless Cameron and our family.

Getting ready!

Handsome Boy!

Children

"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord."

Tom and I went shopping last night.

It was almost like a "date night" - something we haven't had in a long time -

but we had the youngest 2 with us.

We were in search of a Baptism outfit for Cameron.

We ended up at a store in our mall.

As we were leaving with Cameron's adorable little white suit, I had a flashback of when we only had 2 little boys.

Then Tom and I had a fun conversation about each of our children and the ways I told him we were expecting each one.

He wants me to write them down.

I told him I will use my other blog to do that.

I would love for our children to read those stories someday.

Each one of our children is a blessing.

We might not have planned for each one, but I am so glad God did.

Sometimes when I am holding our newest family member, I feel that God is smiling over me. He knows I am going to love His child.

I will give His child the love and care He wants for His child.

I do my best with our children.

We can't buy them everything they want, but we can buy what they need.

We can't give them each their own personal space at home, but we can give them a close bond and security with brothers and sisters.

Tom works long hours, but we are blessed he has a job that lets him provide for our family and allows me to stay home with our children.

This weekend our family will celebrate Cameron being Baptized.

We will have a "private" Baptism at our church on Saturday.

We are thankful that our priest will do this for us.

I love that this will allow our other children to be up close and really be a part of Cameron's Baptism. This also allows for our niece and nephew to be here - they are Cam's godparents.

Baptisms are done on Sundays at our church, but this Sunday is the annual Tourette Syndrome picnic. We are glad we will be able to go again this year. It is nice to meet up with other families who have TS.

It is good for our children to meet other children with TS, it is good for Tom and I to meet other parents, and I think it is good for others (esp. those newly diagnosed) to meet our son Brandon. I feel he is an inspiration to others. He handles his TS so well.

He is positive. He is strong. He is amazing.

I am looking forward to a wonderful weekend.