11 kids: GONE...

It is very rare that all the kids are gone at the same time...hmmm, looks like I am in for a NAP!!!

#1-college

#2-seminary

#3-soccer

#4-taking #10 and 11 for a walk (favorite child of the day!!!)

#5-soccer

#6-at neighbors

#7-at another neighbors

#8-at a friends

#9-with #8 at a friends

#10-walk with #4

#11-walk with #4

ok...nap time!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

MOVIE REVIEW MONDAY...

I have been spending alot of time on the couch or bed at night...usually by 7:30pm after the little guys are in bed I will watch a movie...

So, I thought I would make use of it and blog about the movies I have watched...

First of all I have to mentions that I pretty much hate TV. We didn't have a tv for about nine years and I loved it. I am very hyper and never have time to sit still so tv has no use for me. This pregnancy has wiped me out...I don't know if it is my age, the heat, or both.

This weekend I watched two very depressing movies...my husband thinks it is kinda creepy , I dont' know if it is the pregnancy. It is probably because our local library has a free video library...you can get six movies on Friday and return them on Monday night. So, I get what I can.

The first movie I watched was Angela's Ashes. My sister's really liked the book, but I did not like the movie. Besides being depressing, it had lots of inappropriate scenes.

The other movie I watched was the Boy in the Stripped Pajamas. I thought is was good, sad but good. I would suggest ages 13 and over. It was for mature audiences.

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Imitation of Christ: meditation of the day...

The Fifty-Fourth Chapter
The Different Motions of Nature and Grace (part one)

The Voice of Christ
MY CHILD, pay careful attention to the movements of nature and of grace, for they move in very contrary and subtle ways, and can scarcely be distinguished by anyone except a man who is spiritual and inwardly enlightened. All men, indeed, desire what is good, and strive for what is good in their words and deeds. For this reason the appearance of good deceives many.

Nature is crafty and attracts many, ensnaring and deceiving them while ever seeking itself. But grace walks in simplicity, turns away from all appearance of evil, offers no deceits, and does all purely for God in whom she rests as her last end.

Nature is not willing to die, or to be kept down, or to be overcome. Nor will it subdue itself or be made subject. Grace, on the contrary, strives for mortification of self. She resists sensuality, seeks to be in subjection, longs to be conquered, has no wish to use her own liberty, loves to be held under discipline, and does not desire to rule over anyone, but wishes rather to live, to stand, and to be always under God for Whose sake she is willing to bow humbly to every human creature.

Nature works for its own interest and looks to the profit it can reap from another. Grace does not consider what is useful and advantageous to herself, but rather what is profitable to many. Nature likes to receive honor and reverence, but grace faithfully attributes all honor and glory to God. Nature fears shame and contempt, but grace is happy to suffer reproach for the name of Jesus. Nature loves ease and physical rest. Grace, however, cannot bear to be idle and embraces labor willingly. Nature seeks to possess what is rare and beautiful, abhorring things that are cheap and coarse. Grace, on the contrary, delights in simple, humble things, not despising those that are rough, nor refusing to be clothed in old garments.

Can't wait to see what part two brings...I obviously fall into nature...oh, to embrace GRACE...especially the part about suffering reproach and embracing labor willingly...Boy as usual God hits me in the head with a brick!!!

Pray for me as I try to prepare my spirit for labor soon...

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

SMALL SUCCESS THURSDAY...

Here is my small successes this week: GO HERE FOR MORE...

1.hemmed my 19 year old's "work pants" for school, she starts interning for social work this year.

2. cleaned the 3 & 5 year olds room...pitched the old crib...

3. put on my support hose this morning...boy, this is getting old-can't wait for baby!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Why start school before Labor Day?

I was looking for an article I wrote two years ago for our local paper about going to school before Labor day...that year the kids went to school around Aug 17Th!!! I remember practically crying when we were driving to the pool and seeing school buses and kids getting dropped off...what a crime.

I realize that Labor day is late this year...come on, I am due to have the baby that day(of course I am usually 2 weeks late)...so I know what day it is!!! But I feel as if the "school system" is chipping away at our family time...they go later-start earlier. Are they really learning more in school these days? With all the cutbacks around here it's a wonder they are teaching anything. Not to mention the homework they load on parents...come on, some of these kids are doing 2-3 hours of homework a night...that is more school than I do with my elementary kids in a day...I won't even touch on the push families feel towards extra activities like sports, music, scouts, or other club stuff...to people even eat dinner together anymore?...so lay off on families and let them enjoy the limited time they have with each other!!!

Here is an article I wrote last year about Back to school basics if interested...

I AM SLOWING DOWN...JUST WHEN THINGS ARE SPEEDING UP!!!

I have about two weeks left of this what it seems, very long pregnancy. I can't wait to sit and cuddle and nurse my precious one.


I pretty much am on particle couch rest...I sit, I do dishes, I sit again, I do laundry, I sit some more, I clean the kitchen, I sit again, I go the bathroom, I lay on the couch, I read the kids a book, I readjust myself on the couch...you get the picture!!!


So as I spent the night getting three soccer schedules (one college, two middle school) and a lax schedule on my calendar I just shook my head at the fall to come...oh, did I mention school with a newborn? Silly me!!! WE start on Sept 8th, Our Lady's Birthday!!! I am not motivated like most of my other friends who already started school...no school before Labor Day in this house...see tomorrow's post!!!


One way to organize our home, especially with #12 due soon is to limit activities. You wouldn't know it by my calendar...but we usually don't let our younger kids do extracurricular (out of the house) activities. Especially sports. Not that we think sports or other things like ballet are bad...we just need to limit what the kids are doing and all the running around!!! We usually start at about 9 or 10 pending on the season or the sport.


Gotta go...it is time for my sitting routine to start!!!


THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

IMITATION OF CHRIST: meditation of the day...

The Fifty-Third Chapter
God’s Grace Is Not Given to the Earthly Minded (part two)

The Voice of Christ

If you completely conquer yourself, you will more easily subdue all other things. The perfect victory is to triumph over self. For he who holds himself in such subjection that sensuality obeys reason and reason obeys Me in all matters, is truly his own conqueror and master of the world.

Now, if you wish to climb to this high position you must begin like a man, and lay the ax to the root, in order to tear out and destroy any hidden unruly love of self or of earthly goods. From this vice of too much self-love comes almost every other vice that must be uprooted. And when this evil is vanquished, and brought under control, great peace and quiet will follow at once.


But because few labor to die entirely to self, or tend completely away from self, therefore they remain entangled in self, and cannot be lifted in spirit above themselves. But he who desires to walk freely with Me must mortify all his low and inordinate affections, and must not cling with selfish love or desire to any creature.

I guess I will be laying the ax to the root for awhile!!!
Thy will be done!!!+JMJ+

Toy Review Tuesday: STAR WAR TOYS...

Star wars Evolutions

Star war galactic heroes

My 18 and 16 year old boys can't believe how soft I have gotten over the years...I think they were 9 and 7 when I let them watch the first star wars movie...I think it was on a TV smaller than my computer screen and in black in white. Now my 2 year old walks around with "guys" all the time and my 4 year old could probably tell you more about the characters than I...the shame!!!

My favorite star wars toys are star war toys galactic heroes by Hasbro. At this time my kids favor the Star wars evolutions sets. Of course I couldn't forget the all time favorite star war Lego sets that clutter my son's floors.

What I like: the galactic heroes are reasonably priced and durable for all ages and sex.

What I don't like: the evolution sets have too many pieces and get lost. Hasbro at this time does not send you the little gun your sweetie lost from the set. The Lego sets can be destroyed in minutes of putting them together for hours by little lovely siblings and hurt my feet when tread upon. The Lego company used to send out separately the really cool piece your kiddy lost for a very small fee.
FEEL FREE TO JOIN IN ON THE TOY REVIEW TUESDAY!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

WHY I LOVE LIVING IN MY HOME TOWN...

This picture is no big deal for most people...but I live in the same town I grew up in and this turtle was a huge part of my childhood...it used to be in front of the Peebles store where my big bro worked and where we would shop...we couldn't leave till I got to sit on it. It now lives in the local Pond where we sometimes go to play. The joy of sharing these memories with my kids!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

ZUCCHINI BREAD

We made about 7 loaves of ZUCCHINI BREAD the other day...so easy and so good!!!

2 cups shredded raw zucchini
3 eggs
1 3/4 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup raisins (optional)

Put zucchini in strainer and press or squeeze with hands to get excess liquid out. Beat eggs, sugar and oil together. Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, vanilla, walnuts and raisins. Mix together. Add drained zucchini. Mix well. Pour into 2 greased and floured loaf pans. Bake 1 hour at 350 degrees.

THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

Band aids!!!

NO THIS IS NOT MY TWO YEAR OLD...and these aren't band aids but I couldn't resists this photo!!!

When I had my first kid about 19 years ago times were tough and we had no money and no dollar stores.

So when my three oldest had a boo boo they had to show blood to get a band aid.


Now a days anything to quiet down the little darlings is worth it...I am getting old and soft!!!


So don't feel sorry for my little guys when you see about five band aids on them, they probably don't have any sores...mom just wanted to keep them quiet!!!


THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LIZZIE!!!

Wow, I can 't believe you are 15...my first summer sweetie. You have always been an easy child. Best of all---a great cleaner!!! I have the class room to prove it!!! This year you accomplished alot in school. So smart and so so motivated!!!

I can tell this will be another good year and I am afraid that my little caterpillar will become a big butterfly!!! Don't forget your way home sweet and beautiful butterfly. Most of all, stay close to CHRIST!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Field trips...

Have you ever just looked at all the beautiful field trip and vacation pictures in the blog world ??? It can get pretty discouraging if you are in the state in life where it is just too hard to drag everyone somewhere.


We live in the field trip capital of the world!!! I have Washington/Baltimore/ and Annapolis all less than a half hour from my door step!!!


On one hand I remember the days when my hubby and I would drag the kids all over to have the mother of all field trips...on the other hand, I remember the crying toddlers, unappreciated kids, frustrated husband, and the sore legged pregnant mommy!!!


I have had to "offer up" my ideals for the perfect field/day trip and realize that our all time decision of "what is best for the entire family motto" must trump!!! Don't get me wrong...we are not hermits by any means!!! It may mean that we do only one group field trip a year or a season.

I have been surrounded by amazing friends and family who offer to "pick up" a couple of kids at a time to bring them along on their trips. Or better yet my teenagers friends who don't have little siblings offer to take some of the kids on adventures...like recently when Becca (19) and Amanda (16) took the 3 and 5 year old to the zoo and a tea party on another day. It is nice to be able to accommodate those who don't have little guys to hang with...

So maybe that will be my new home business..."rent a sibling" pick your age and sex and we will help you find a little sibling on any day of the week!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

ANYONE GOT A MUU MUU?

They must not make ugly clothes anymore...it took me about 15 min to find this picture on line...

I am hitting the point where even my big maternity close are felling uncomfortable. They are getting tight and unattractive. So if you have an extra large muu muu from your great grandmother laying around send it my way.

THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

Imitation of Christ: meditation of the day...

The Fifty-Third Chapter
God’s Grace Is Not Given to the Earthly Minded (part one)

The Voice of Christ
MY CHILD, my grace is precious. It does not allow itself to be mixed with external things or with earthly consolations. Cast away all obstacles to grace, therefore, if you wish to receive its infusion.

Seek to retire within yourself. Love to dwell alone with yourself. Seek no man’s conversation, but rather pour forth devout prayer to God that you may keep your mind contrite and your heart pure.

Consider the whole world as nothing. Prefer attendance upon God to all outward occupation, for you cannot attend upon Me and at the same time take delight in external things. You must remove yourself from acquaintances and from dear friends, and keep your mind free of all temporal consolation. Thus the blessed Apostle St. Peter begs the faithful of Christ to keep themselves as strangers and pilgrims in the world. 1 Peter 2:11.

What great confidence at the hour of death shall be his who is not attached to this world by any affection. But the sickly soul does not know what it is to have a heart thus separated from all things, nor does the natural man know the liberty of the spiritual man. Yet, if he truly wishes to be spiritual, he must renounce both strangers and friends, and must beware of no one more than himself.

This is another tough one for me...being a sanguine and all I love to be around people and socialize. It is those quiet times when I am with our Lord that I get so many consolations and lights. If only I could be better about listening to the Lord I would be much stronger in my faith.

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

TOY REVIEW TUESDAY: join in...

Our old faithful puppet theater
Step 2's new and improved puppet theater

I never thought to ask...but if you would like to join in and add this type of review to your blog than go right ahead !!! Thanks to Mary for suggesting it. The more the merrier. I have to say, it is the easiest thing to blog about. Look around you, what are your kids playing with or what is your husband tripping over? Just send me the link and I will send it on to others...we can all put in our two cents worth and learn about some great toys too!!!

This week I am reviewing a toy we have had for over 10 years. It has lasted and been used weekly as a drive thru, grocery store, boat, house, and yes-for puppets too. We had the old version but I am a big believer in Step 2 products. We have had many that can with hold my kids very rough playing.

Here link to Mary for her review on wooden trains.


THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Imitation of Christ: meditation of the day...

The Fifty-Second Chapter
A Man Ought Not to Consider Himself Worthy of Consolation, But Rather Deserving of Chastisement (part three)

The Disciple

What do you especially demand of a guilty and wretched sinner, except that he be contrite and humble himself for his sins? In true sorrow and humility of heart hope of forgiveness is born, the troubled conscience is reconciled, grace is found, man is preserved from the wrath to come, and God and the penitent meet with a holy kiss.

To You, O Lord, humble sorrow for sins is an acceptable sacrifice, a sacrifice far sweeter than the perfume of incense. This is also the pleasing ointment which You would have poured upon Your sacred feet, for a contrite and humble heart You have never despised. Here is a place of refuge from the force of the enemy’s anger. Here is amended and washed away whatever defilement has been contracted elsewhere.

Oh Lord, thank you for the gift of confession. Help me to always seek consolation with you and renew my spirit. Thank you for the graces to deal with my day to day tasks.

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY E!!!

Baby E about 5 hours old with K-K
Baby E just coming home from birthing center and being greeted by everyone except Joshua

Baby E and his godfather/biggest brother Br. Joshua

ALL MY BOYS!!!

HAPPY FIRST B DAY...Eating the pink cake Cece picked out!!!

Cece welcoming her competition and naming you BABY E!!!

YOUR GODPARENTS AND OLDEST SIBLINGS!!!

To my sweet Baby E!!! You are two. We all love you so much. You were born on the Feast of Our Lady of the Assumption---so we knew we were truly blessed. You were 11 lbs and my most difficult delivery but worth every push and pull!!!

MAY God bless you always and keep you close to him always!!! We love you!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

Feast of the Assumption of Mary:

August 15
Assumption of Mary

On November 1, 1950, Pius XII defined the Assumption of Mary to be a dogma of faith: “We pronounce, declare and define it to be a divinely revealed dogma that the immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul to heavenly glory.” The pope proclaimed this dogma only after a broad consultation of bishops, theologians and laity. There were few dissenting voices. What the pope solemnly declared was already a common belief in the Catholic Church.
We find homilies on the Assumption going back to the sixth century. In following centuries the Eastern Churches held steadily to the doctrine, but some authors in the West were hesitant. However, by the thirteenth century there was universal agreement. The feast was celebrated under various names (Commemoration, Dormition, Passing, Assumption) from at least the fifth or sixth century.

Scripture does not give an account of Mary’s Assumption into heaven. Nevertheless, Revelation 12 speaks of a woman who is caught up in the battle between good and evil. Many see this woman as God’s people. Since Mary best embodies the people of both Old and New Testament, her Assumption can be seen as an exemplification of the woman’s victory.

Furthermore, in 1 Corinthians 15:20 Paul speaks of Christ’s resurrection as the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

Since Mary is closely associated with all the mysteries of Jesus’ life, it is not surprising that the Holy Spirit has led the Church to belief in Mary’s share in his glorification. So close was she to Jesus on earth, she must be with him body and soul in heaven.

Comment:

In the light of the Assumption of Mary, it is easy to pray her Magnificat (Luke 1:46–55) with new meaning. In her glory she proclaims the greatness of the Lord and finds joy in God her savior. God has done marvels to her and she leads others to recognize God’s holiness. She is the lowly handmaid who deeply reverenced her God and has been raised to the heights. From her position of strength she will help the lowly and the poor find justice on earth and she will challenge the rich and powerful to distrust wealth and power as a source of happiness.

Quote:

“In the bodily and spiritual glory which she possesses in heaven, the Mother of Jesus continues in this present world as the image and first flowering of the Church as she is to be perfected in the world to come. Likewise, Mary shines forth on earth, until the day of the Lord shall come (cf. 2 Peter 3:10), as a sign of certain hope and comfort for the pilgrim People of God” (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, 68).

IMITATION OF CHRIST: meditation of the day:

The Fifty-Second Chapter
A Man Ought Not to Consider Himself Worthy of Consolation, But Rather Deserving of Chastisement (part two)

The Disciple

What have I done, Lord, that You should confer on me any heavenly comfort? I remember that I have done nothing good, but that I have always been prone to sin and slow to amend. That is true. I cannot deny it. If I said otherwise You would stand against me, and there would be no one to defend me. What have I deserved for my sins except hell and everlasting fire?

In truth, I confess that I am deserving of all scorn and contempt. Neither is it fitting that I should be remembered among Your devoted servants. And although it is hard for me to hear this, yet for truth’s sake I will allege my sins against myself, so that I may more easily deserve to beg Your mercy. What shall I say, guilty as I am and full of all confusion? My tongue can say nothing but this alone: “I have sinned, O Lord, I have sinned; have mercy on me and pardon me. Suffer me a little that I may pour out my grief, before I go to that dark land that is covered with the shadow of death.”

My pride wants me to be remembered as a trusted servant, but I hate the suffering that goes with it. Lord help me not to hold anything back from you.

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Happy Feast of Maximillian Kolbe...

One of my favorite saints!!! Maybe this baby will be named for him...hmmm, the great boy/girl debate!!! My sweetie won't even discuss boy names...he is so sure it is a girl!!!

Look here for some great ideas...

I love reading the story of St Maximilian . We love the early stories of him and his brother running in the snow bare foot to learn to endure suffering. The dream of Our Lady giving him a choice of the red crown of martyrdom or the white crown of purity. Of course the story of him laying his life down for another man in a concentration camp!

THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

Small Success Thursday:

1. Made bed today
2. Got to daily mass this week
3. Cleaned out classroom
4. Cut boys hair

Go check out other mom's successes here!!!
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Instant large family swingset...

Ever since I had kids I have wanted this kind of a swing set.


Years ago my hubby made this great one...three swings worked most of the time, but today we added these:

We took our regular three swing swing set and attached the two baby swings to the hooks on the three regular swings...if you can't tell, the 1st, 3rd, and 5Th ones are hooked to the top bar and the two baby swings are hooked on to their swings. It works great and when the big kids swing the babies get a free ride!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Imitation of Christ: meditation of the day...

The Fifty-Second Chapter
A Man Ought Not to Consider Himself Worthy of Consolation, But Rather Deserving of Chastisement (part one)

The Disciple
LORD, I am not worthy of Your consolation or of any spiritual visitation. Therefore, You treat me justly when You leave me poor and desolate. For though I could shed a sea of tears, yet I should not be worthy of Your consolation. Hence, I deserve only to be scourged and punished because I have offended You often and grievously, and have sinned greatly in many things. In all justice, therefore, I am not worthy of any consolation.

But You, O gracious and merciful God, Who do not will that Your works should perish, deign to console Your servant beyond all his merit and above human measure, to show the riches of Your goodness toward the vessels of mercy. For Your consolations are not like the words of men.

What have I done, Lord, that You should confer on me any heavenly comfort? I remember that I have done nothing good, but that I have always been prone to sin and slow to amend. That is true. I cannot deny it. If I said otherwise You would stand against me, and there would be no one to defend me. What have I deserved for my sins except hell and everlasting fire?

This is only part one of this meditation. It is hard for people of our time to considerthat we are not worthy of consolation, but rather deserving of chastisement. It seems so tough and mean...but the truth is that we expect too much just for breathing. Just look at our future generation that expects to get paid for doing nothing, they are so spoiled and have so much.

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Cool haircuts??? Hey, they were free!!!

Before the buzz...could he get any cuter???


MID BUZZ...

How could two boys get any cuter? Well after playing outside in the heat all week for some strange reason...they decided it was haircut time...I think it may have something to do with dad and watching SANDLOT. If my little darling tells me one more time "your killing me mom!!!" I am going to pull out his vocal cords. Then the neighbor down the street, when I called to check on the boys, said, " they said their "melting like a toasted cheezit???" I had to explain it was from the movie!

Half way done...we started with the mushroom cut, then they decided to go with more of a cut

I have been cutting the boys hair (those under 10) forever. Some may say that I have ruined them for life...my son in the seminary calls me the hair Nazi...and he gets his hair cut at least once a month now.

Finished product...

So I will continue to buzz away and be thankful we homeschool and no one will make fun of the boys hair...except their big brothers and sisters!!!

Boys with the little one who actually NEEDS a haircut, dad won't let me touch it...

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Imitation of Christ: meditation of the day...

The Fifty-First Chapter
When We Cannot Attain to the Highest, We Must Practice the Humble Works

The Voice of Christ
MY CHILD, you cannot always continue in the more fervent desire of virtue, or remain in the higher stage of contemplation, but because of humanity’s sin you must sometimes descend to lower things and bear the burden of this corruptible life, albeit unwillingly and wearily. As long as you wear a mortal body you will suffer weariness and heaviness of heart. You ought, therefore, to bewail in the flesh the burden of the flesh which keeps you from giving yourself unceasingly to spiritual exercises and divine contemplation.

In such condition, it is well for you to apply yourself to humble, outward works and to refresh yourself in good deeds, to await with unshaken confidence My heavenly visitation, patiently to bear your exile and dryness of mind until you are again visited by Me and freed of all anxieties. For I will cause you to forget your labors and to enjoy inward quiet. I will spread before you the open fields of the Scriptures, so that with an open heart you may begin to advance in the way of My commandments. And you will say: the sufferings of this time are not worthy to be compared with the future glory which shall be revealed to us.

It has been awhile since I pondered Thomas A Kempis' words. I especially appreciate the forget you labors comment...oh if I had the strength not to worry about my future delivery. Lord, thank you for the words of wisdom to grow closer to you each day.

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Toy Review Tuesday:

Hopping Horses...

Every family needs just one...

We have had about five...when I get sick of them, I give them away. One time the horse came off and my kids played with that horse for about five years. They used him as their pet, the donkey in our Christmas play, and the horse used for battle.

Rule #one: never pay full price for one of these great treasures!!! We have been given them, found them in peoples trash, and gotten them from garage sales practically brand new for under $4!!!

What I like:

*boys and girls can use them

*entertains my two year old for almost an hour

*can be used outside or brought inside

What I don't like:

*takes up lots of space inside

*some make noise (look for off button under horse)

*giving them away sometimes makes some of my kids sad

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

My caterpillar is becoming a butterfly...

My sweet little girl is turning 15. All she wanted was a cell phone...and since we were going to give her one of ours when she was out we (nice daddy) decided it was time. We have pretty strict rules and so far with the other two big kids, it hasn't been too bad. Here are the rules we decided on.

Cell Phone Rules (found them here and gave them a little tweak to meet my needs)

1. Phone Number: Do not give your phone number to anyone without Mom or Dad's permission first.

2. Caller ID: Do not answer any calls or reply to any texts unless you know who it is (Caller ID). Always answer when Mom or Dad call.

3. Extras: No downloads ("Get It Now") or using the Internet ("Web") without permission ahead of time -- this costs extra.

4. At Night: Phone MUST be turned off by 10pm each evening and left in mom and dad’s room for charging. It stays off till the next morning after you're ready for school and/or chores are done.

5. Pictures: Sending pictures to anyone requires permission by Mom or Dad first, for now. If you receive any pictures from friends that make you uncomfortable, tell Mom or Dad about it.

6. At School: Phone must be on "silent mode" during school hours and left in your backpack. The phone cannot be used at school during school hours unless you have your teacher's approval first.

7. Off Limits: No cell phone till your homework and jobs are done after and during family times (dinner, family night, etc).

8. Contact List: You can only call or text those who are on your contact list. Any additions to your contact list must be approved by Mom or Dad.

9. Inspection: Mom & Dad can request to inspect your phone at any time.

10. Time Out: Remember this is our phone...If any of the above rules are broken, or you have a bad attitude, Mom or Dad may put the phone on "time-out" for as long as we feel it is necessary.

I am sure there will be more to add in the future. BTW...they know they pay for their portion of the phone bill.

LOOK FOR MORE INFO HERE!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

FAT, LOUD, AND PREGNANT is no way to go through life...

These are not pictures of my stomach...

I am at that point of my pregnancy where I am so big, snoring loudly all night, and getting nervous about delivery !!!

My maternity tops are starting to ride up and my pants ride down. I have never looked too hot in a midriff. Come to think of it, I don't think I ever wore one.

I fall asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow, and from what I hear from my better half...I have been snoring up a storm...then I get up to go to the bathroom and can't get comfy again...so off to the couch to try and fit my tummy into a comfy spot.

I know this may sound as a surprise to some but I don't enjoy or have easy labors. I am getting really nervous about being in pain, which makes me anxious, which makes labor even worse.

So say a little prayer for me and I will keep you posted when it is time for the big day, so you can all really start praying!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

They are running a muck...

MY IRONMAN!!!

I am not into exercise like my husband...

Thursday is his long run day. He runs anywhere from 24-28miles on that day, then the other days he relaxes with short 10 miles or so. We have a deal, he can exercise as much as he wants as long as it doesn't affect me or the kids...so he chooses to run at 4:30 am...yes in the morning!!! Any weather he is out there, rain, sleet, storms, snow, or ice...he is out there.

This morning as my hubby was out running, my 16 year old headed out about 7:30 for a quick training run, then my hubby stopped by for his refill (which he leaves outside waiting), as he went back out, my three little boys and a cousin headed out to run the neighborhood.

Now if I could only persuade someone to take out baby E for a run, I could sleep in!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Our vacation...great ending...

VIEW FROM OUR BALCONY


AUNT BEP BEP CELEBRATING HER B DAY WITH US

#1 CHILD RELAXING AT THE DUNES

#2 CHILD, who I thought would miss us, till we were talking on the phone with him when the van broke down...I think I heard a snicker on the other end of the phone when we had to pull over!!!

#3 CHILD...I THINK HE IS TEXTING ME A I LOVE YOU MOM MESSAGE...

#4 CHILD ENJOYING THE SANDY DUNES

#5 WITH A BIG SMILE


#6 WITH HIS FAVORITE HAT

#7 BEING GOOFY

# 8 AFTER BEING PUMMELED IN THE SAND

#9 SHOWING OFF HER WARES

#10 WHO ENJOYED THE INDOORS ALOT WITH HER 2 FAVORITE GRANDMAS...

#11 WHO WAS GOOD...FOR HIM!!!

For those who read about our bad beginning of our vacation you will be happy to know your prayers worked...the weather was great, our rental home perfect, and the kids were pretty good. I do feel sorry for my hubby who had to deal with the stress of getting the car fixed, bringing back the rental van, and going back to pick up the "fixed" car. Of course the financial stress to...of course we had the same problem fixed 13 months ago and had a 12 month warranty. I think our mechanic (a close friend) who just checked out the car before our trip was just as upset as my hubby was.

Well since my husband is pretty much the computer person in the family, he always puts on pictures on his blog before me...even if I took the really great pictures!!!

All in all it was a successful trip...and we got home in 5 1/2 hours...good we traveled on Sunday!!!
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+