Wednesday, August 24, 2016 - Today is BIG! Robbie and I just walked our four children to the first day of school. Mr. Steve, the crossing guard, commented on how much the children have grown over the summer. The big girls went into the gym to wait with their friends for the bell, declining a photo by the classroon door with the new grade-level teachers. We walked Vivian to her 1st grade classroom with Mrs. Ledom, and I was hit with emotion. My baby will be at school all day with her older siblings this year, and the tears started rolling. I tried to control myself for sweet, happy Vivian's sake, but along the tears rolled. She's in fine hands, but I will miss her something fierce. Our time together last year during half-day kindergarten was so special. We'd walk home for lunch hand-in-hand with birds singing. We'd meet friends for picnic park lunches. We spent a lot of time snuggled up with storybooks. She was my little companion on the necessary errand outings. Even at home as I prepped dinner or completed household tasks, she'd play in her joyful way. I think sometimes she relished the quiet while the older siblings were at school.
Henry has grown a lot this summer, and he has a short haircut like Robbie. He looked so handsome, my little man, in his glasses, brand new running shoes and school uniform today. He was a little shy with his teacher, Mrs. Thomas, but he showed his good heart. Yesterday, we made banana oat appleasauce muffins together, and he greeted her with the homemade treat in the classroom. He's a good boy.
So here I am after a lovely summer with my children. The house is so quiet. I feel kind of sad and weapy, but only because I miss my children. At this point it is easy to romanticize having them all under the roof. I can forget about how they fought over certain island chairs or complained about the chores that were required of them this summer.
It was a good summer. We grew a garden, and the girls had a flower bouquet business. The children were all on a swim team, and we experienced many swim meets with kiddos on pre-competitive and competitive teams. Everyone enjoyed many baseball games watching Henry's team win a seaon and a tournament. We vacationed to Michigan with family and spent each day at the Lake Michigan beach. We climbed amazing sand dunes and took a canoe trip on a river. We took Aunt Dana from Dallas to the Steamboat Arabia Museum in Kansas City, which was amazing. The chldren had a lot of sleepovers, movie outings and pool time with the grandparents, who moved here in May to be close to us. They road crazy fast go-carts in Branson. Henry and Vivian went off the high dive at the city pool for the first time this summer with friends. We spent time with cousins and saw old friends from out-of-state. It was a good summer.
Now, a new chapter begins for me, the mother. With the children in school from 8 am to 3:30 pm daily, I will need to adjust. For the moment, since they naturally are dismissed before noon on this first day, I am going to relax in the quiet for a bit. I'll even read some Dr. Zhivago during the DAY! Maybe I'll even stay awake! The next few months will afford me an opportunity to reflect on how to contribute to the community around me in a rewarding and meaningful way. I can tackle a few necessary organization type home projects without feeling like I am ignoring my children. I've had little ones underfoot for over 13 years, so I can take a breather if I need one. When school is dismissed, I will greet my children with joy in my heart, and we will take off with after school activities like piano, cross-country, soccer for Evelyn, and flag football and fall baseball for Henry.
My favorite prayer comes to mind, we said it on the way to school this morning, and I think it may be my mantra as I adjust...
"May today there be peace within. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be..."
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Spring Days - Park and Farm Adventures
We have had some gorgeous weather in Kansas City lately, and the kids have taken full advantage of it. We arrived at our favorite hidden gem of a park recently, and I spied some tiny tots on the play equipment. I said to Henry, "Now, you can't run around like a bull in a china cabinet, Son. There are little kids here." We had a lot of fun. As we left hours later, Henry said, "See! I told you I wasn't a buffalo in a cage in China!!" The big girls and I got a big laugh out of that, and Henry got a lesson in word expressions. We spent another morning at the same park with two families of friends, and the girls and I got to hold baby Evelyn. Olivia upstaged me by getting the sweet baby to fall asleep in HER arms. The sunshine felt amazing, and the temperature was perfect. The children played for hours.
Yesterday we spent the day at a friend's family farm where eleven children and three moms got to kayak, canoe, hike, and fish. It was a very pretty day, but quite windy. During lunch we heard a loud bang, and it was discoverd that the 4'+ wide door to the storage area under the deck had slammed shut, bending the iron bar to jam the door stuck. The moms were trying to figure out how to get the enormous door open when we had very little space to work in the area near the latch. I suggested we remove the door from its hinges. Tools were obtained, and we set about banging hinge pins and loosening bolts that obstructed the pin removal. The door was HEAVY, so we used 2x4s as levers to position the door as needed. Three of us were at work, and it was like any unexpected predicament...nothing went smoothly with the fix. At one point during all of this, a young boy started crying loudly. His mother was stuck inside the shed with just her sad face peeking out to the boy who needed a hug. Next, a boy appeared with a triple fish hook stuck in the top of his shoe and laces. As the mother, who shall remain nameless, struggled with a giant door and stuck pin hinges, he announced matter-of-factly that he had also peed himself in the course of his fishing adventure. Mothers stifled their laughter. Moments later children on the deck started yelling that they had caught a big catfish. Of course, the hook was huge and stuck in the fish's mouth and cheek. I ran down to the dock with pliers and decided there was no way I was going to mess with that gross fish. I suggested Evelyn take charge, and she tried. Soon, all of the kids surrounded that poor fish. Nobody could dislodge the hook. Finally, a 12-year-old girl sent the newly lip pierced fish on his way after cutting the fishing line. One of the kids asked if leaving a hook in a fish would hurt, and we commented on how lucky we are that fish can't scream in pain. During this a little boy approached me asking for help removing burrs from his shorts too. We moms laughed and laughed at the string of events that were all crammed into the minutes that we had to deal with the three woman shed door job. We fixed the door's latch and rehung it good as new, and no moms or children were crushed in the process. Success!
Overall, everybody had a really fun day. Vivian wore her cowgirl boots. Henry found all of the mud that the farm had to offer and felt very accomplished after his first solo kayak experience. He cast with the fishing pole without lodging a hook in the head or eye of anyone else. Olivia and Evelyn had fun with several friends. We returned home smelling like the great outdoors and thankful for hot showers and no ticks.
Yesterday we spent the day at a friend's family farm where eleven children and three moms got to kayak, canoe, hike, and fish. It was a very pretty day, but quite windy. During lunch we heard a loud bang, and it was discoverd that the 4'+ wide door to the storage area under the deck had slammed shut, bending the iron bar to jam the door stuck. The moms were trying to figure out how to get the enormous door open when we had very little space to work in the area near the latch. I suggested we remove the door from its hinges. Tools were obtained, and we set about banging hinge pins and loosening bolts that obstructed the pin removal. The door was HEAVY, so we used 2x4s as levers to position the door as needed. Three of us were at work, and it was like any unexpected predicament...nothing went smoothly with the fix. At one point during all of this, a young boy started crying loudly. His mother was stuck inside the shed with just her sad face peeking out to the boy who needed a hug. Next, a boy appeared with a triple fish hook stuck in the top of his shoe and laces. As the mother, who shall remain nameless, struggled with a giant door and stuck pin hinges, he announced matter-of-factly that he had also peed himself in the course of his fishing adventure. Mothers stifled their laughter. Moments later children on the deck started yelling that they had caught a big catfish. Of course, the hook was huge and stuck in the fish's mouth and cheek. I ran down to the dock with pliers and decided there was no way I was going to mess with that gross fish. I suggested Evelyn take charge, and she tried. Soon, all of the kids surrounded that poor fish. Nobody could dislodge the hook. Finally, a 12-year-old girl sent the newly lip pierced fish on his way after cutting the fishing line. One of the kids asked if leaving a hook in a fish would hurt, and we commented on how lucky we are that fish can't scream in pain. During this a little boy approached me asking for help removing burrs from his shorts too. We moms laughed and laughed at the string of events that were all crammed into the minutes that we had to deal with the three woman shed door job. We fixed the door's latch and rehung it good as new, and no moms or children were crushed in the process. Success!
Overall, everybody had a really fun day. Vivian wore her cowgirl boots. Henry found all of the mud that the farm had to offer and felt very accomplished after his first solo kayak experience. He cast with the fishing pole without lodging a hook in the head or eye of anyone else. Olivia and Evelyn had fun with several friends. We returned home smelling like the great outdoors and thankful for hot showers and no ticks.
Saturday, January 16, 2016
Dirty Bread for All
Last weekend after we sat down in our pew at mass an usher asked Robbie if our family would present the gifts. After the collections basket is passed, a family carries the water, wine, Eucharistic hosts/bread, and money in a basket to the priest at the front altar. This used to create unimagineable anxiety for us as parents of toddlers. Each child wanted to hold something made of crystal containing wine or filled with the bread of Christ. However, now that the youngest Overlease is five years old, our worries are few. The children really enjoy this ministry.
We took our places at the back of the church and each child was given something to carry. As we neared Fr. Storey, our new pastor, Henry tilted the gold dish of hosts, and the big one that the priest using during the consecration of the gifts tumbled (in what seemed like freeze frame slow motion!!) to the ground. Before Robbie or I could do a thing, our quick thinking young son snatched it up and put it back into the dish with all of the other small, clean ones. I was mortified. We were kind of in the spotlight, as the saying goes, and it was not a good moment in time. Fr. Storey took it with a grain of salt and a chuckle and told us not to worry about it. I think he even made a little joke, but it was lost on me in my state of stress. The big girls realized Henry's error, but Henry seemed to wonder what in the world was wrong with Mommy and Daddy for worrying so much. Afterall, he picked up what he spilled! Once back in our seats, I whispered that if the bread ever spills again, he should pick it up and hand it to the priest separately. Yet again, this story falls into the category of things that I never thought to tell my children not to do.
We took our places at the back of the church and each child was given something to carry. As we neared Fr. Storey, our new pastor, Henry tilted the gold dish of hosts, and the big one that the priest using during the consecration of the gifts tumbled (in what seemed like freeze frame slow motion!!) to the ground. Before Robbie or I could do a thing, our quick thinking young son snatched it up and put it back into the dish with all of the other small, clean ones. I was mortified. We were kind of in the spotlight, as the saying goes, and it was not a good moment in time. Fr. Storey took it with a grain of salt and a chuckle and told us not to worry about it. I think he even made a little joke, but it was lost on me in my state of stress. The big girls realized Henry's error, but Henry seemed to wonder what in the world was wrong with Mommy and Daddy for worrying so much. Afterall, he picked up what he spilled! Once back in our seats, I whispered that if the bread ever spills again, he should pick it up and hand it to the priest separately. Yet again, this story falls into the category of things that I never thought to tell my children not to do.
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
"When I grow up, I am going to live ALONE!!!!!!!!!!"
Last night I went to a parenting talk on Supporting Positive Behavior. Many of the women there had very young children and babies. I was the mother present with the oldest children, and I had been in the moms' group the longest. As I listened to the struggles described and strategies suggested I was struck by the notion that it really does get easier. The age of reason makes a huge difference in our success as parents. Children do reach a point where they do what is right because they know it is right. However, my days are not filled with smooth sailing. Last night someone was crying in frustration about elementary school homework, and somehow dirty dishes were again left on the table, rather than being cleared and put into the dishwasher. Patience is my constant prayer. Over the weekend Henry had a whole day where he felt totally outnumbered by his sisters. He was not a happy guy, and he acted out with crying and some screaming. Robbie and I dealt with this by giving Henry some time to cool off alone in his room. At one point, he articulated his utter frustration amazingly succinctly. He made the following declaration with a voice that rose in volume and intensity with each word, "When I grow UP, I am going to live ALONE!!!!!!!!!" His voice thundered. We ran into Fr. Larry that evening, and he almost fell over he laughed so hard at that story. He has two older sisters, so he tells Henry that he prays extra for him, having three.
Vivian is in birthday party planning mode. She suggested a roller skating party, and I told her that when the sisters did that they were older. I said that I wasn't sure it would go very well for 5 and 6-year-olds to roller skate. "Oh, we'd have a falling over party?"
Vivian is in birthday party planning mode. She suggested a roller skating party, and I told her that when the sisters did that they were older. I said that I wasn't sure it would go very well for 5 and 6-year-olds to roller skate. "Oh, we'd have a falling over party?"
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Fun Times with Pete the Cat
Today when I picked up sweet Vivian from half-day kindergarten she excitedly informed me that she is now an official member of Pete the Cat's Shoe Tying Club. She even received a License to Tie. If little classmates can't tie their shoes, then they can ask a friend with a license. Vivian had to demonstrate her shoe tying skills today to receive this recognition. She's pretty happy! She's such a big girl now.
Henry got a great book for Christmas (from me) called Pete the Cat's Groovy Guide to Life. In the book quotes are shared from famous people throughout history. Henry did not recognize some of the authors. After reading, "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighitng a hard battle." by Plato, Henry said, "Play-Doh, that's cool." I said, "No. Plato. He was a philosopher." My son replied with, "Cool, a velociraptor?" It was like a Who's on First skit. He did the same velociraptor thing with a Confucius quote. Henry's favorite quote was by Helen Keller. "Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light." I used Wayne Gretzky's, "You miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take," on Henry after his decision to try something somewhat scary and new resulted in a really cool opportunity. I commended him on taking a chance.
Henry got a great book for Christmas (from me) called Pete the Cat's Groovy Guide to Life. In the book quotes are shared from famous people throughout history. Henry did not recognize some of the authors. After reading, "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighitng a hard battle." by Plato, Henry said, "Play-Doh, that's cool." I said, "No. Plato. He was a philosopher." My son replied with, "Cool, a velociraptor?" It was like a Who's on First skit. He did the same velociraptor thing with a Confucius quote. Henry's favorite quote was by Helen Keller. "Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light." I used Wayne Gretzky's, "You miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take," on Henry after his decision to try something somewhat scary and new resulted in a really cool opportunity. I commended him on taking a chance.
Sunday, December 27, 2015
Our Advent Experience
The thing I've sadly discovered about this family blogging process is that as the children get older, sharing our funny family happenings would often compromise their privacy. It has been months since I shared, but I want to share our advent experiences before 2015 ends.
The Nutcracker auditions for Olivia and Evelyn were in August, and they were both cast and started rehearsing Sept. 1st. Their final show was on Dec. 23rd. At times if felt like ballet classes and Nutcracker would take over our family's life. The girls rehearsed all those months with only two weekends free. Early morning cross country meets added to the Saturday schedule in the fall. Even with the blessings of carpooling for ballet, it was overkill. There are few opportunities for children in which they get to work so closely with professionals, and they absolutely love dancing in the Nutcracker on the grand Kauffman Center stage. The end result was spectacular. It was exciting to volunteer with my young dancers backstage and see the newly designed costumes worn by professional dancers up close. However, with our schedule so full, it was important to remain mindful of the true reason for the season.
Journey to Judea at Countryside Baptist Church was an evening walk outdoors through time and the land of Jesus, which culminated with the birth of the Lord. The actors were at about ten stations, and there were live animals among them. At one point a Host of Heavenly Angels somehow appeared behind us on a choir stand and surprised us with a song. The message of the night was of the beauty of God's gift to us through baby Jesus, and ultimately his promise of eternal life for those who believe. Henry said it was the best thing he'd ever done in his whole life, and he wanted to go 100 times. The weather was pretty mild, and their wood fires burning at each stop warmed us. Robbie and I thought it was amazing.
For years we have heard about Christmas at Resurrection, which is a lovely full-out musical production at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood. We took Mom and Mike. There were actors on stage with a choir 100+ strong behind them. A narrator helped portray the meaning of Christmas as actors performed while beautiful Christmas songs with over 20 hand bell musicians entertained us. There were giant screens on stage, and the sets were professional. The second act led us up to the birth of baby Jesus, complete with a live baby who didn't even cry. I was moved to tears during the song Mary Did You Know, as Mary's life as Mother of God was portrayed. The song began with Jesus' birth in a stable, then a little boy actor appeared (like Vivian). Before long a big boy Jesus (like Olivia) walked with his mother. Next, Mary was filled with despair as she watched her only son carry a cross to his death by crucifixion. It made me instantly mindful of the fleeting time we parents have with our children. The days are long, but the years go quickly. Tiny Tim sang a solo of Let There Be Peace on Earth. The small child's voice was slowly joined by the actors, and finally the enormous choir sang along. The effect was very moving. We were so thankful for the experience.
My father has a nativity set with a stable that he built for his mom. He earned paper route money to buy the figurines, and it has been part of his Christmas tradtion ever since. I purchased a plastic Little People nativity set when Olivia was little, and the kids had a ball with it. I've been on a search for the perfect set for several years, and this year I finally found one that I loved. I brought it home, and the kids were totally ecstatic! Their little hands were all over the camel and Jesus and the wise men, and I thought the pieces would break before we put them in the stable. When Robbie got home, they rushed to the door shouting," Mommy has a surprise!". Then the little ones said, "We have Jesus!!!" They were jumping up and down. I have felt so happy with this new and very special addition to our holiday decorations.
I have an amazing Catholic friend, Katie, who has enlightened me with many experiences for which I am so thankful. Among them, for our second time, we visited the Little Sisters of the Lamb at the Lumen Christi Monastery in Kansas City, Kansas to sing Christmas carols and share treats. The sisters come from many parts of the world, and the little brothers are monks. They live a life of poverty and their aim is to bring the Lamb of God to the poorest of the poor. They are so meek and kind. My heart was warmed by our time with them, and I love when my children converse and pray with them.
Olivia asked me to reach out to my friends to see if they needed her babysitting services, because she wanted to earn money to give her family members Christmas presents. I obliged, and she had several jobs before Christmas. The little kids made paper gifts and crafts for all of us, and that resulted in a trememndous number of presents under the tree. Henry strung jingle bells to make Evelyn a bracelet, and he wrapped it in a shoebox. Big boxes made an impact. Vivian asked to shop for a gift for Evelyn at the Catholic Book Store, because, "Ev is the MOST holiest person I know." She gave her a small statue of Mary and Joseph lovingly standing over infant Jesus. Viv made a book for Ev that talked about FAF (faith) and had crosses and Jesus drawn. Their hearts are good.
Our family hosted one of our parish priests for dinner right before Christmas. We enjoyed a meal and shared stories and prayers around our dining table. Robbie and I were so grateful for some of the points Father shared with our children about the value of parents requiring discipline and order. The children behave quite well, with the exception of Henry announcing that one of his sisters (whom he named to our priest) toots a lot. "Son!! Enough."
During a nightime drive, Henry saw a yard decoration of the holy family's outline in white lights. He said that he thought it was the perfect combination of the true meaning of Christmas, baby Jesus, and Christmas light decorations.
On Christmas Eve, Robbie went to the church early with Olivia to stake out a pew for our family. I stayed home to get the little ones ready. When Henry saw his suit and tie he absolutely flipped out. He threw a major, and extremely loud, tantrum just as Robbie was texting me that I needed to get to church pronto as he couldn't find six seats in a row for us. At one point, in an attempt to shake some sense into my out of control son, I said to our Elf on the Shelf, "Porton! Do you hear Henry? Make sure you report back to Santa about his behavior tonight." Henry, sobbing, finally said, "Daddy isn't wearing a suit." Daddy was wearing a lovely cashmere sweater, but Henry was right. I explained to my boy that if he communicates his thoughts to me in a calm and mature manner, then I am often willing to reconsider my original position. Tantrums only aggravate me.
Christmas morning, Henry appeared at our bedside at 4:25 am talking at high speed and in full volume. "Mom, there is a present in Santa paper wrapped in the shape of a pogo stick. AND...I didn't get coal in my stocking! Presents are sticking out. Remember my tantrum last night? Santa still brought me presents. Hee hee. I think that's because Santa understands little boys, and Santa understand that little boys don't like suits. Viv ran upstairs crying, because she thought she got coal. She didn't see any presents coming out of her stocking like mine." I snuggled him under the warm covers and told him to stop talking becasue it was not 5 am. He told us he just couldn't wait any longer to look under the Christmas tree. He was too excited for Christmas morning.
The children had breakfast with St. Nick earlier in December, and they gave him a gift idea. Vivian wanted a Hammerhead shark stuffed animal. Olivia suggested a snow globe. Henry said he'd like to get a Pogo Stick. Evelyn said she didn't know. On Christmas morning, Santa gave each child their special gift. Evelyn received an OSMO that attaches to our iPad for learning fun, and she was thrilled. She told me she really wanted that for Christmas until she learned the price. She's so practical that she withdrew her request. Henry and Evelyn are pretty generously sharing their toys from Santa. Evelyn is the official Pogo Stick pro of the family. She's pretty impressive.
Our church is still celebrating the Christmas season. The focus at mass was on the holy family. I continue to pray, "Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin in our family." Robbie and I just designed a large wooden sign of family values and mottos that an Etsy lady made for us. It was pretty funny when Daddy was getting frustrated during the process of hanging it, and Olivia said, "Dad, Number 7." Have Patience.
The Nutcracker auditions for Olivia and Evelyn were in August, and they were both cast and started rehearsing Sept. 1st. Their final show was on Dec. 23rd. At times if felt like ballet classes and Nutcracker would take over our family's life. The girls rehearsed all those months with only two weekends free. Early morning cross country meets added to the Saturday schedule in the fall. Even with the blessings of carpooling for ballet, it was overkill. There are few opportunities for children in which they get to work so closely with professionals, and they absolutely love dancing in the Nutcracker on the grand Kauffman Center stage. The end result was spectacular. It was exciting to volunteer with my young dancers backstage and see the newly designed costumes worn by professional dancers up close. However, with our schedule so full, it was important to remain mindful of the true reason for the season.
Journey to Judea at Countryside Baptist Church was an evening walk outdoors through time and the land of Jesus, which culminated with the birth of the Lord. The actors were at about ten stations, and there were live animals among them. At one point a Host of Heavenly Angels somehow appeared behind us on a choir stand and surprised us with a song. The message of the night was of the beauty of God's gift to us through baby Jesus, and ultimately his promise of eternal life for those who believe. Henry said it was the best thing he'd ever done in his whole life, and he wanted to go 100 times. The weather was pretty mild, and their wood fires burning at each stop warmed us. Robbie and I thought it was amazing.
For years we have heard about Christmas at Resurrection, which is a lovely full-out musical production at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood. We took Mom and Mike. There were actors on stage with a choir 100+ strong behind them. A narrator helped portray the meaning of Christmas as actors performed while beautiful Christmas songs with over 20 hand bell musicians entertained us. There were giant screens on stage, and the sets were professional. The second act led us up to the birth of baby Jesus, complete with a live baby who didn't even cry. I was moved to tears during the song Mary Did You Know, as Mary's life as Mother of God was portrayed. The song began with Jesus' birth in a stable, then a little boy actor appeared (like Vivian). Before long a big boy Jesus (like Olivia) walked with his mother. Next, Mary was filled with despair as she watched her only son carry a cross to his death by crucifixion. It made me instantly mindful of the fleeting time we parents have with our children. The days are long, but the years go quickly. Tiny Tim sang a solo of Let There Be Peace on Earth. The small child's voice was slowly joined by the actors, and finally the enormous choir sang along. The effect was very moving. We were so thankful for the experience.
My father has a nativity set with a stable that he built for his mom. He earned paper route money to buy the figurines, and it has been part of his Christmas tradtion ever since. I purchased a plastic Little People nativity set when Olivia was little, and the kids had a ball with it. I've been on a search for the perfect set for several years, and this year I finally found one that I loved. I brought it home, and the kids were totally ecstatic! Their little hands were all over the camel and Jesus and the wise men, and I thought the pieces would break before we put them in the stable. When Robbie got home, they rushed to the door shouting," Mommy has a surprise!". Then the little ones said, "We have Jesus!!!" They were jumping up and down. I have felt so happy with this new and very special addition to our holiday decorations.
I have an amazing Catholic friend, Katie, who has enlightened me with many experiences for which I am so thankful. Among them, for our second time, we visited the Little Sisters of the Lamb at the Lumen Christi Monastery in Kansas City, Kansas to sing Christmas carols and share treats. The sisters come from many parts of the world, and the little brothers are monks. They live a life of poverty and their aim is to bring the Lamb of God to the poorest of the poor. They are so meek and kind. My heart was warmed by our time with them, and I love when my children converse and pray with them.
Olivia asked me to reach out to my friends to see if they needed her babysitting services, because she wanted to earn money to give her family members Christmas presents. I obliged, and she had several jobs before Christmas. The little kids made paper gifts and crafts for all of us, and that resulted in a trememndous number of presents under the tree. Henry strung jingle bells to make Evelyn a bracelet, and he wrapped it in a shoebox. Big boxes made an impact. Vivian asked to shop for a gift for Evelyn at the Catholic Book Store, because, "Ev is the MOST holiest person I know." She gave her a small statue of Mary and Joseph lovingly standing over infant Jesus. Viv made a book for Ev that talked about FAF (faith) and had crosses and Jesus drawn. Their hearts are good.
Our family hosted one of our parish priests for dinner right before Christmas. We enjoyed a meal and shared stories and prayers around our dining table. Robbie and I were so grateful for some of the points Father shared with our children about the value of parents requiring discipline and order. The children behave quite well, with the exception of Henry announcing that one of his sisters (whom he named to our priest) toots a lot. "Son!! Enough."
During a nightime drive, Henry saw a yard decoration of the holy family's outline in white lights. He said that he thought it was the perfect combination of the true meaning of Christmas, baby Jesus, and Christmas light decorations.
On Christmas Eve, Robbie went to the church early with Olivia to stake out a pew for our family. I stayed home to get the little ones ready. When Henry saw his suit and tie he absolutely flipped out. He threw a major, and extremely loud, tantrum just as Robbie was texting me that I needed to get to church pronto as he couldn't find six seats in a row for us. At one point, in an attempt to shake some sense into my out of control son, I said to our Elf on the Shelf, "Porton! Do you hear Henry? Make sure you report back to Santa about his behavior tonight." Henry, sobbing, finally said, "Daddy isn't wearing a suit." Daddy was wearing a lovely cashmere sweater, but Henry was right. I explained to my boy that if he communicates his thoughts to me in a calm and mature manner, then I am often willing to reconsider my original position. Tantrums only aggravate me.
Christmas morning, Henry appeared at our bedside at 4:25 am talking at high speed and in full volume. "Mom, there is a present in Santa paper wrapped in the shape of a pogo stick. AND...I didn't get coal in my stocking! Presents are sticking out. Remember my tantrum last night? Santa still brought me presents. Hee hee. I think that's because Santa understands little boys, and Santa understand that little boys don't like suits. Viv ran upstairs crying, because she thought she got coal. She didn't see any presents coming out of her stocking like mine." I snuggled him under the warm covers and told him to stop talking becasue it was not 5 am. He told us he just couldn't wait any longer to look under the Christmas tree. He was too excited for Christmas morning.
The children had breakfast with St. Nick earlier in December, and they gave him a gift idea. Vivian wanted a Hammerhead shark stuffed animal. Olivia suggested a snow globe. Henry said he'd like to get a Pogo Stick. Evelyn said she didn't know. On Christmas morning, Santa gave each child their special gift. Evelyn received an OSMO that attaches to our iPad for learning fun, and she was thrilled. She told me she really wanted that for Christmas until she learned the price. She's so practical that she withdrew her request. Henry and Evelyn are pretty generously sharing their toys from Santa. Evelyn is the official Pogo Stick pro of the family. She's pretty impressive.
Our church is still celebrating the Christmas season. The focus at mass was on the holy family. I continue to pray, "Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin in our family." Robbie and I just designed a large wooden sign of family values and mottos that an Etsy lady made for us. It was pretty funny when Daddy was getting frustrated during the process of hanging it, and Olivia said, "Dad, Number 7." Have Patience.
Sunday, July 12, 2015
Summer, summer, summertime
We love the slower pace of summer, but we parents believe some morning structure motivates our children to be productive in anticipation of later fun. We created a chart that the kids are expected to work through prior to any screen privilege, playdate, or entertainment outing....pool/park/adventure. Today is Sunday, and we went to Saturday evening mass. At 6 am little Vivian's soft voice said at my bedside, "Is this a day I need to do my push-ups and jumping jacks?" From me, hardly ready to wake up, but cognizant of how hilarious that question sounded coming from a tiny five-year-old, "no." I then heard the excited pitter-patter of her fast feet on the hardwoods in route to the living room.
My mom and Mike stayed with us for about a week recently. One of the most stressful aspects of having houseguests is that when my youngest two wake up, they run to my my bedroom to snuggle me. They run to my bedroom around 6 am! It sounds like drums beating or even rapid gunfire. I talked to Henry and asked him if he thought he could walk so softly that I would be absolutely started when he appeared in my room. "Can you sneak up on Mommy and really scare me?!" It worked for one morning.
Henry is a mama's boy, and he has it in his head that he will never marry and always live with us. He modified his plan to include the priesthood, but I'm fairly confident he doesn't understand that endeavor would require him to move out of the house. He told me, "When you and Dad die, this house is ALL mine." Robbie overheard him tell Viv the same a day later. I'm glad he likes the new home enough to want it. He misses the small house and tiny room he shared with Vivian, because her presence made him feel safe. He sleeps with his sheet, and sometimes even his quilt, wrapped around his head in fear. He gets mighty sweaty, and I worry he will smother. Really. I've pleaded with him to leave an air hole for his face, and we all joke that this makes him look like a nun. Honestly, it makes the kid look like a nun!! It is hilarious.
Olivia spent a week at a Catholic summer camp, and she shared that the high point of the experience was when a few counselors prayed over her for Great Grandma Gloria. She sought out the experience after observing them praying with other campers. She felt very moved. I'm so happy that her heart is open to experience Christ in such a unique setting surrounded by other young people. I hope she recognizes the tremendous privilege. We will soon experience Family Camp, and that is sure to be memorable.
Evelyn has been her dynamic, amazing self this summer. She rises and immediately works through her chores chart. She's ALWAYS the first child finished. She's cutting the time it takes her to complete her 800 m run through pure grit and determination. In the last few days alone, she has independently, with no prompting whatsoever, asked if she could please clean and vacuum our van, wash the windows on our sliders with a million panes, sweep the floor, and fold laundry. "Mommy, do you need help with anything?" Amazing. She has also arranged a classroom in our basement, and she has hosted neighborhood students for a true learning experience. She was asked by dear friends of ours to work with their 3-year-old son, who is blind, on his Braille this summer. She lives for that one hour per week! Her heart is so big, and we are so proud of her.
Robbie and I celebrated 15 years of wedded bliss on July 1st. Olivia is capable of babysitting her siblings, so we enjoyed a lovely French dinner that night. Mom and Mike arrived the next day, and they let us get away for a day and a half. We stayed at a nice place in the Plaza, dined outdoors, took in several art galleries in the streets of downtown, art/antique/treasure shopped, and thoroughly enjoyed our time together. I was with my mom in a shoe store recently, and a chatty salesman shared that as empty nesters he and his wife figured out that they actually really like one another a lot. Robbie and I are the same. He's the greatest blessing in my life. Without our love, we would not have our sweet children. We are so happy together.
My mom and Mike stayed with us for about a week recently. One of the most stressful aspects of having houseguests is that when my youngest two wake up, they run to my my bedroom to snuggle me. They run to my bedroom around 6 am! It sounds like drums beating or even rapid gunfire. I talked to Henry and asked him if he thought he could walk so softly that I would be absolutely started when he appeared in my room. "Can you sneak up on Mommy and really scare me?!" It worked for one morning.
Henry is a mama's boy, and he has it in his head that he will never marry and always live with us. He modified his plan to include the priesthood, but I'm fairly confident he doesn't understand that endeavor would require him to move out of the house. He told me, "When you and Dad die, this house is ALL mine." Robbie overheard him tell Viv the same a day later. I'm glad he likes the new home enough to want it. He misses the small house and tiny room he shared with Vivian, because her presence made him feel safe. He sleeps with his sheet, and sometimes even his quilt, wrapped around his head in fear. He gets mighty sweaty, and I worry he will smother. Really. I've pleaded with him to leave an air hole for his face, and we all joke that this makes him look like a nun. Honestly, it makes the kid look like a nun!! It is hilarious.
Olivia spent a week at a Catholic summer camp, and she shared that the high point of the experience was when a few counselors prayed over her for Great Grandma Gloria. She sought out the experience after observing them praying with other campers. She felt very moved. I'm so happy that her heart is open to experience Christ in such a unique setting surrounded by other young people. I hope she recognizes the tremendous privilege. We will soon experience Family Camp, and that is sure to be memorable.
Evelyn has been her dynamic, amazing self this summer. She rises and immediately works through her chores chart. She's ALWAYS the first child finished. She's cutting the time it takes her to complete her 800 m run through pure grit and determination. In the last few days alone, she has independently, with no prompting whatsoever, asked if she could please clean and vacuum our van, wash the windows on our sliders with a million panes, sweep the floor, and fold laundry. "Mommy, do you need help with anything?" Amazing. She has also arranged a classroom in our basement, and she has hosted neighborhood students for a true learning experience. She was asked by dear friends of ours to work with their 3-year-old son, who is blind, on his Braille this summer. She lives for that one hour per week! Her heart is so big, and we are so proud of her.
Robbie and I celebrated 15 years of wedded bliss on July 1st. Olivia is capable of babysitting her siblings, so we enjoyed a lovely French dinner that night. Mom and Mike arrived the next day, and they let us get away for a day and a half. We stayed at a nice place in the Plaza, dined outdoors, took in several art galleries in the streets of downtown, art/antique/treasure shopped, and thoroughly enjoyed our time together. I was with my mom in a shoe store recently, and a chatty salesman shared that as empty nesters he and his wife figured out that they actually really like one another a lot. Robbie and I are the same. He's the greatest blessing in my life. Without our love, we would not have our sweet children. We are so happy together.
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