"OR ELSE!!"

This morning at mass I noticed people in pew across the aisle from us. Their faces showed panic, and I saw someone help a man lie down on the pew. I got Robbie's attention, and he stepped over to see if help was needed. All of this happened right before Communion, and Henry was set on helping his daddy. "I'll be right back, Mom. I need to see what's going on. Daddy needs me." I had to carry him to the altar for his blessing to keep him from walking the wrong way to get to his dad. Once we got back to our seats he could not be distracted. EMTs, two firemen, and a police officer were in the aisle right next to us, and Henry wanted to go check on the patient. He got frustrated, and finally asked somewhat loudly, "Did somebody poke their eyeballs out?" Olivia and I started laughing, and the service was still in full swing. I had a really hard time controlling myself. The matter was much more serious than an eye injury, so I had no business laughing. We happen to have some fun friends who have witnessed Robbie assisting fallen parishioners on numerous occasions, and the wife at one point joked that if Robbie is on the scene they better hope somebody poked their eye out. In truth, my ophthalmologist husband's Advanced Cardiac Life Support training is current, and he's calm under pressure. He may not be a cardiothoracic surgeon (which I honestly summoned on another occasion at mass), but he's no slouch.

Henry's other recent funny quip came after I asked him to share his high point and low point after some time in a classroom. He said his high point was the train table. He said his low point was when some little boy hit him on the back of the head with a toy hammer. "Do you know what to do when somebody does something like that to you, Henry?" He didn't. I said, "You turn around and say in a strong voice, "DON'T hit me." Henry smiled and replied, "Then you say, OR ELSE!!"

"Actually, No"

I just shared with my children that the 3-year-old child, Chloe, of my brother's friend is being celebrated in a memorial service today. Her brain tumor won the fight for her life. Back in 2000 on this day, January 28th, Anthony was diagnosed with AML - acute myelogenous leukemia. By the grace of God, Anthony's strength, and modern medicine - Anthony survived. His life has been a blessing to my family. My children adore him, and the sentiment appears to be mutual. Anthony makes me laugh each day we're together, and that adds great joy to my life. On this diagnosis anniversary I wish to reflect on Romans 12:12 Rejoice in hope, be patient under trial, persevere in prayer.

I met with a group of women recently, and one shared the story of a friend whose husband left her after she was diagnosed with cancer. She obviously went through a difficult time. She made the decision to think of five good things in her life for which to be thankful before getting out of bed in the morning. Two years later, she was able to begin her day with ten such reflections. What a testament to the power of looking at life with a "half-full" perspective!

My nerves are frazzled as I type this entry. My children woke up before 6 am, and they are now behind me twisting a giant blanket around each other as they run, wrap, and yell, "Kamono! Kamono!" My first cup of coffee isn't even empty.

Last night we had another picture perfect family movie night. Our last one was a nightmare, so we're thankful for the amazing ones. All six of us were piled on the couch, we enjoyed our popcorn, and the youngest ones were still and quiet for Spy Kids 4. Robbie and I love such evenings. Vivian kept saying, "Moe pah-cone PLEEASE!!" She now requests Chap-Stick each time her diaper is changed. She has a bit of an addiction. Her sisters found some tubes with winter labels, so now Little Miss will respond, "Actually, no. I want the green snowman Chap-Stick." No joke. She says, "Actually, no," to various questions. She's one, and we find this hilarious.

Evelyn got upset after bath time this week. Robbie was talking to the girls about a matter from earlier in the day, and he explained that they did not listen. Evelyn came to me on the verge of tears and complained, "Daddy says we never listen." "Well, Ev, sometimes you don't listen." She said, "He needs to keep that to himself." "Evelyn, Daddy is disciplining you, and he does not have to keep that to himself. He's the boss." Her response told me she does listen to some of my mantras (thank you Grandma White). My 5-year-old stated firmly, "You always say that if we don't have something nice to say, then we shouldn't say anything at all. Daddy isn't saying nice things." Ev then got laughter and a hug....and further explanation on our responsibilities as parents.

Henry has a green bruise under his eyebrow from where Evelyn accidentally hit him in the head with an aluminum t-ball bat. Thank goodness that was her first swing of the season. We got really lucky, but it was a scary event. I had just given Henry a safety talk in order to keep Vivian away from his bat, then Evelyn entered the picture and promptly cracked him right by his eyeball. It hurt. His pain cries told it all.

Ahh, my coffee is now almost gone, and the children went upstairs. I have a quiet moment. Henry complimented me on my diamond rings, and I told him that Daddy gave one to me when he proposed marriage. Henry said, "When I grow up, I'm going to get some money, and I'm going to buy a Rainbow Dash and a Lightning ring to marry Grace Hill." "She'll be lucky to have you, Henry."

Henry and Evelyn really like the singer Adelle. My brother told me about her, and Santa gave me a cd for Christmas. Her voice is powerful and full of emotion. She's pretty amazing. Henry asks for her songs by title, and the kids sing along and say, "Please turn it UP!!" I think I will look back on the years we spent driving between our little house and school and fondly recall all of our singing in the van. The baby amazed us all by singing Ave Maria as a gospel song played on another cd we love. Her small voice was so pure and pretty.

Olivia now has several piano songs that she can play for the family while we sing along. We really like this activity. She's catching on well, and when she practices she improves greatly. I can't believe that the tiny little baby I once nursed is now doing multiplication tables and writing in cursive. She's a hard working student and a loving and helpful big sister. A few nights ago she did everything to get Vivian ready for bed while Robbie was working late and I was tied up with dirty dishes, packing lunches, and Henry. Vivian calls her Mommy Yaya. I love these children.