Daybook

A very late Daybook this week.

Outside my window: Sunny with a high of 42*

I am listening to: A very fussy Firecracker with a tooth ache and a mouth ulcer. It’s the worst thing to have a hurting child whom you can’t comfort.

I am reading: Lots of Advent and Christmas stories to the children.

I am pondering: What plans God has for the crosses he has given me. If only he would send me a text message or an email.

I am wearing: My snoopy pajama pants, black tee with a zip-up sweatshirt.

In my kitchen: Pesto pasta for lunch and Mexican pulled pork tacos for dinner.

I am creating: We are working on the kids gingerbread houses. This is such a fun family tradition. Not much going on with the Holiday baking yet, but did pick up a few baking items last night from Safeway.

I am thankful for: Being able to talk on the phone with my oldest daughter without interruptions. I am missing her even more with the holidays just around the corner.

In my garden: Compost and a few chickens looking for a yummy snack.

A Round the House: Seeing all the house work that needs to be done and trying to get the Christmas decorations up by this weekend. This certainly is not an easy task with eleven people at home full time.

Plans for the New Week: We are on half days with schooling now and I am grateful for this change of schedule. It’s so nice not to have the added pressure of school during this Holy season.

Hoping and praying: For patience’s and lots of it. To have the ability to parent and love a child who doesn’t want to be parented without judgment or any expectations for such love to be returned.

Living the Liturgy: Working on keeping this Advent season Christ centered in a very materialistic world.

I am listing on my ipod: Pandora Radio on the Christmas station.

Rhyme and Beauty: Enjoying the quietness that comes with the winter months. We are still very busy with dance and youth group, however; our week is not filled with daily trips to town anymore.

Living Education: Working on the Advent lap-books and enjoying lots of Advent and Christmas books.

I am thinking: Yeah, I am still doing way too much of this. I am trying to be more prayerful and doing less thinking and worrying.

One of my favorite things: Waking up most mornings to baby Tay’s beautiful smile! I am so blessed to have my daughter living at home.

Sharing my photos thoughts:

Day Book

Outside my window: Cold crisp air with snow flurries

I am listening to: Christmas music

I am reading: An Amish Christmas by Cynthia Keller

I am pondering: What my plans will be for Advent this year.

I am wearing: A CWU sweat shirt and pj bottoms

In my kitchen: Lasagna, rolls and fruit salad

I am creating: Advent Lesson plans

I am thankful for: Having a second chance in certain parts in my life.

In my garden: compost

A Round the House: Must I think about this right now?

On Keeping House: This is such a challenging area in my life. I am tending house for eleven people and I can’t keep up with all the chores.

Plans for the New Week: Hoping and praying to get caught up on school and house work.

Monday- Total chaos with a last minute change of plans
Tuesday: School, Dr appt and Choir at church tonight for Saint Andrews day.
Wednesday-School, dentist appt, ballet and youth group.
Thursday- School
Friday-School
Saturday- House work
Sunday- Mass, choir, and youth group

Hoping and praying: to survive this week

Living the Liturgy: Praying Saint Andrews chaplet this Advent season

I am listing on my ipod: Pandora Radio

Rhyme and Beauty: Just can’t see this right now with so much going on in my life.

Living Education: Going to down load the Advent Lapbook for this season from Faith Folders

I am thinking: I am thinking of 1000 things and then some.

One of my favorite things: Pumpkin Spice coffee creamer

Sharing my photos thoughts:

Another RADish Day

November 12, 2010
Okay so I have had one of those Radish days. Yep my RADs woke looking for a fight. I knew it was coming, I had that feeling it was coming, because Miss Radish has completely stopped all interaction with me. Heck, I told her it was okay with me and I had no-notta-none-zip, absolutely no hard feelings about this. Yeah, okay it eats me up alive, but no way on earth was I going to let her know this. That would be like giving her a knife and turning my back to her. Like I would do that! So what made Miss Radish snap, well it was a simple question from her oldest brother. He made the fatal mistake to tell her to read something out loud to him and she snapped at him like a poisonous snake waiting for its prey. I jumped in and took over which most often leads into full rage, because after all- in her eyes I have NO business telling her anything, let alone to imposes or enforce my rules upon her. She and only she are in control of Miss Radish life and she will make sure you understand that through her actions, her words, and her rages. The rage came when I wrapped my arm around her and told her all was okay, the questions were simple to answer and she would not be harmed in any way by answering her brother inquiry. I knew it wasn’t about the question that was causing her to rage, it never is about what happened at that moment in time. No, her pain and wounds are so much deeper than that. Something in her unconscious state brings her to this moment that we must witness all too often. Something I desperately try to comprehend, trying to grasp hold of her pain so I can also be in that moment with her, but I simply can’t understand as her trauma is more than human should ever have to endure. Since I can’t mentally be in that moment with her I ride out her physical rage with her, constantly reassuring her she is safe here and no one will ever hurt her again. She is safe with me I whisper over and over and over into her ears until the rage flows into a valley of tears and her ridged body turns to mush. This rage was the shortest one yet, lasting less than an hour. Together we regulate her back to reality. I rejoice in this, give my silent praise to God and see this as a promising act of healing taking place. I celebrate it internally being very cautious not to show anything outwardly as I know Miss Radish will sabotage my joys in a blink of an eye. Later she does just that, sabotage over takes us all when her rage returns two more times that night. I am totally exhausted and all too helpless in the last rage. I don’t want to hold her, so I step back and allow her to try to regulate herself. She must learn to do this, I know this from the bottom of my heart, but it kills every being of me to watch her rage. No longer do we have professional help just a call away to walk with us hand in hand with while she rages. What knowledge we have comes from blogs and web links that we stumble across late at night, searching for any information that will help us parent our Radish While in her rage she goes the to motions of having a server side ache that she informs us that she need to go the emergency room, grasping at anything to get out of being responsible for her actions, so I don’t back off, instead I watch her making sure she stays safe as her rage starts to die off. Finally her rages ends, it is now ten at night. It ended just as quickly as it started is seems, but in reality it lasted ALL day. Miss Radish comes out of the rage with only one concern on her mind. Can she still go to school tomorrow? I give her my answer, holding my breath, “No, you will not be going to school in the morning with that terrible side ache you seemed to be having for the last two hours”. I bite my lip and say my goodnight to her. I know we are not done with this rage because I didn’t cave with her demands of going to school. Exhausted I head to bed, restless I know tomorrow will be another HELL Day for us.

Just thinking

So I am thinking how in the world does blogging fit into my life? I am totally envious of all those who are able to be full time mommy’s, homeschool, run errands, be a taxi for extra curricula activities, do daily prayers, keep the house and still have time too blog. I can barely get out of bed, get dressed and brush my teeth by noon around here. So what is your secret you mama/ homeschooling bloggers? I am dying to know! Until then you will have to put up with my sporadic blogging moments about our crazy and very hectic life.

Daybook

Outside my window: Sunny, lots and lots of sunshine. It is the perfect weather for Baby T’s baptism and reception.



I am listening to: Friends and family talking, laughing and enjoying each others company.




I am reading: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian by Sherman Alexie and All Together in One Place by Jane Kirkpatrick

I am pondering: Mt 28:19, Going therefore, teach ye all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.



I am wearing: A baby-doll dress with a black cardigan sweater over it.



In my kitchen: We are bar-b-q 18 hotdogs and 36 hamburgers, potato salad, macaroni salad, pasta salads, coleslaw, and potato chips.

I am creating: nothing at this time, I am too busy for my own good.

I am thankful for: Friends, family and loved ones.



In my garden: Plan on planting flowers next weekend in pots with the kids.

A Round the House: I never found the time to go through the boxes liked I had hoped on doing. They are still stacked high in our bedroom. Hubby cleaned all the carpets and he did a lot of yard work this week.

On Keeping House: Thoroughly cleaned the main part house for the reception after Baby T’s baptism. Still need to clean bedrooms and down size kids stuff.



Plans for the New Week: Yes, a nice slow week in the works!
Monday- recuperate from our busy weekend; upload Captain’s assignments, Karate
Tuesday- Baseball game if we don’t get rained out.
Wednesday- We plan to start the new school year and Karate
Thursday- School, baseball
Friday-School



Hoping and praying: For the best concerning Bookworm and her future. At this time we simply don’t know what road she will be traveling on or what her future holds. It is very difficult to live day by day not knowing if she will remain here with us or if she will be returned to state care because her biological mother “thinks” she wants her back.



Living the Liturgy: Celebrating the month of Mary




Rhyme and Beauty: Seeking stillness, internally and externally. This will always be a struggle for us as chaos seems to surround our family.

Living Education: Box day came and we are gearing up for the new school year to begin. I have lots to do to get ready like printing up pages for our note booking, photo-copying items, and gathering items for our geography scrapbooks. Oh, I can’t forget that I am still pulling our schedule together too.




I am thinking: I am truly blessed in my life!



One of my favorite things: Being able to stay home with my children every day.



Sharing my photos thoughts:


Our new family photo that includes Trevors Mom and his brother beside Baby T at her baptism on may 16th, 2010

Daybook

I need to say a big "Thank You" to this website for the idea of posting a Daybook!



Outside my window: It’s very windy and I can’t wait for sunshine.

I am listening to: The Chipmunk Sequel movie.

I am reading: Book reports and English paragraphs that the boys are working on for Seton.

I am pondering: What it might be like to have complete silence at home.

I am wearing: Jeans, long sleeve t-shirt with a short sleeve t over that for a layered look.

In my kitchen: Stew, corn bread and a tossed salad.

I am creating: I am creating a few scrapbook pages. Hopefully I will post photos in a few days.

I am thankful for: Friends, family and loved one. My Catholic faith that never fails me, but gives me the strength I need in the most difficult times in life.

In my garden: We will be doing a small Mary garden in the house with herbs.

A Round the House: I will be going through a few boxes this week. I still have lots to do in the school room since I put that on hold thinking we were going to have a home visit with the social worker. Four cancelled meeting later and I am moving back to my school room plans.

On Keeping House: I am doing more delegating with chores. I DON”T have to do it all, well I keep telling myself that and so far it is working.

Plans for the New Week:
Monday- School, Dr apt and grandson baseball game if the wind stops blowing 25-30 mph
Tuesday- School, boy’s haircuts, Karate and Baseball games
Wednesday- School, KJ 26th birthday, baseball game
Thursday- School, Karate and baseball game
Friday-School- hoping to be finished with the school year!

Hoping and praying: That my sister has a safe and wonderful senior trip to Washington. I prayed that we could make the trip to see her, but it simply didn’t work out.

Living the Liturgy: Celebrating the month of Mary

Rhyme and Beauty: Trying to make and stick to a routine. Something we all need, but it constantly gets thrown off track with our family.

Living Education: Just ordered Sonlight Core 3 for the new school year. Now I will patiently wait for “Box Day” to arrive.

I am thinking: Its 5:3o at night and I have 100 things to do before bed time.

One of my favorite things: The smell of coffee first thing in the morning.

Sharing my photos thoughts:

All the children took up flowers to Mary, but I couldn't get a good photo. Baby Girl is in the poka-dotted dress.

Daybook

Outside my window: The sun is shining without the wind that we have been having lately.

I am listening to: The Barbie Mermaid movie playing that we just got in from Netflix.

I am reading: The new issue of The Old Schoolhouse magazine I just received in the mail.

I am pondering: I am trying not to ponder anything! My brain hurts from being lost in thought over Bookworm and what is to come with and from all the meetings, emails, and phone calls ( with Attorney and social worker) that have filled our lives over the past week, spilling into this coming up week. I am at the point that all I can do is offering it up too God and fully Trust in Him. Whatever the outcome, it will be His will.

I am wearing: Black yoga Capri, lime green tank-top with a black t-shirt over that. Maybe if I dress sporty it might motivate me to exercise. (Wishful thinking)

In my kitchen: Chili is simmering and it will be served with cinnamon rolls for dinner.

I am creating: My daybook entry.

I am thankful for: The herb-Melitona, it is a life saver for the insomnia I have had this week.

In my garden: Well more like in my yard, 100s of dandelion. I might even try to make some syrup from the recipe that The Foss Family posted on their blog.

A Round the House: Lots of work to do, again.

On Keeping House: Working on the laundry pile that is growing rapidly.

Plans for the New Week:
Monday- School/testing
Tuesday- School, Karate and Baseball games
Wednesday- School/ testing
Thursday- Meeting with Social worker and follow up with phone call to Attorney. Karate Celebration
Friday-School/testing
Saturday- Baseball games

Hopes and prayers: peace and serenity

Living the Liturgy: I am still working on this, so far- just praying when I can.

Rhyme and Beauty: Trying to make and stick to a routine. Something we all need, but it constantly gets thrown off track with our family.

Living Education: Just ordered all the geography items for our USA Scrapbook. Can’t wait for my order to come in or too see the looks on the kids face when they each get a kit of their own. :0)

I am thinking: Is it bed time yet and my long list of things to do today.

Plans for the new week: Still working on wrapping up the school year. The boys CAT test is the main priority this week.

One of my favorite things: My children’s smiles! They can make the worst of days shine like a rainbow, once I see their beautiful smiles.

Sharing my photos thoughts:

Photo up-dates

It was opening weekend for Baseball on April 17th. Leonardo is playing for the minor league and our grandson Buddy, is playing T-ball. The kids made signs to show who their favorite players were as you can see in the photo below of Baby Girl. Buddy ran off the playing field when we showed up and the coach had to send him back out. Later on in the game, one of the little gals from Buddy’s team decided she needed to take a rest and lay down for a bit in the field. Buddy soon found that he too was bored and he started to climb the fence with his best friend. This is such a fun age to see out in the field, they pretty much do whatever they want without a care in the world. Leonardo’s game was right after Buddy's. He had butterflies, but he did great out there in center field. This is his first year playing baseball and I think we found a sport he really enjoys!















A comfy place for Baby Girl


My laundry helper of the day


Firecracker playing house


Miss Chubby Cheaks


Morning bed head on Leonardo whom is NOT a morning person.


Oh, the joys of homeschooling


Baby Girl enjoying a book with Firecracker


Taybug


I caught baby T's first smile. It's way to cute for words.




C woke and cooked breakfast for eveyone.


C and Leonardo make butter beer from Harry Potter.


Time for coloring eggs.






The egg hunt





The kids made a cake!






The wind was blowing and it was so cold that we didn't keep trying to get a good picture for Easter this year.