Saturday, October 31, 2009

Happy, Holy time...

We went here too!!!

GOD bless these holy women!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Thursday, October 29, 2009

SMALL SUCCESS THURSDAY...


This week should be called MY tiny success...

1. Started saying the rosary again at night with the kids, when it works...

2. Followed through with going to the OB with a hunch I was still carrying something...turned out to be a bacterial infection...hopefully quickly resolved!!!

3. Starting to get back in the swing of housework...dishes-laundry-dishes-laundry...

It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So go here to read more.

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Yes, I am so blessed!!!

LOOK WHAT MY WONDERFUL HUSBAND SAID HERE!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

MY DEEP DARK SECRET...


Me with most of my kids hours after delivering my 11 pound 11th child!!!

For those who know me you know that I am very different. Always have been a little on the radical/crazy side. Hence the 12 kids+++

Ever since I got married 20 years ago I have been excited to have a child. Hey, I got pregnant on my honeymoon and haven't had much of a break since. Never really wanted or needed one. God has taken care of me just fine. My doctors and midwives have been in awe at the way my body bounces back to shape. The fact that I am always late shows that my cervix is strong and very capable of holding on to my babies. My heart goes out to those who have physical problems and I know many friends and relatives who have worked hard to have a baby. I have never been on bed rest and the extreme of my difficulties is my veins.

Having this C section has blown me out of the water...not to mention the staff infection and other problems I had to deal with for weeks. My pediatrician even laughed at me and said, "now you are normal." I think I like being my own crazy healthy self!

I am six weeks past that crazy delivery and I am finally thinking of another baby coming into our lives...it took me awhile this time. In stead of seeing a pregnant woman and wishing it was me...I look at her with dismay, and think- oh, that poor dear and what she has to go through!

The positive thought is that I can relate and pray more for those during labor and who have difficulties with childbirth. Yes, I am even more grateful and appreciative of my healthy deliveries!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

TOY REVIEW TUESDAY...join in


Cosmic Catch Game
Our family was introduced to this at my son's 16th birthday. The teenagers were all playing it and having a blast.

Now it is one of our favorites. Six players.

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Monday, October 26, 2009

Movie Review Monday-share your favorite movie...



RUDY

Football fan or not you will love this movie!!! I cried. True story!!! Perseverance is a beautiful thing. For teens and adults.

MUPPETS TREASURE ISLAND


I think this movie is dumb...but my kids, especially the teenagers and their friends, think it is hysterical? Go figure?

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Friday, October 23, 2009

Prayers for a Momma having a baby...

Prayers for couple having first baby...

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

FOOTIES!!!

Nice look on the dramatic three year old

It is that crazy time of year when we change seasonal clothes...the big and little kids love trying on their footie pj's!!! We have boxes everywhere...can't offer any good advice how to make this easier except to get rid of sizes that are two years apart and don't keep so much. (my biggest problem!!!)

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Thursday, October 22, 2009

SMALL SUCCESS THURSDAY...


1. SLEPT IN...is that a success or a failure?

2. TOOK TWO KIDS FOR CHECKUPS

3. DROVE CARPOOL

4. DID SOME LAUNDRY

5. TRYING TO GET BACK IN THE SWING OF THINGS...Slowly
GO HERE FOR MORE SUCCESSES

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

LOCKS FOR LOVE...

BEFORE
MEASURING
DURING

AFTER!!!

THE HAIR NAZI STRIKES AGAIN!!!

About two years ago my daughter and I donated 10 inches of hair to LOCKS FOR LOVE...well it was her turn again...dad finally agreed.

She was a trooper!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

BYE-BYE DRUGS!!!

This is what my dresser has looked like this month-YUK!!!

It has been about a week no fever/no antibiotic!!! So far so good...just tired and sore in the afternoons...I guess that is to be expected.

THE MONKEY IS OFF MY BACK...hopefully for ever!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

IMITATION OF CHRIST: MEDITATION OF THE DAY

The Fifty-Sixth Chapter
We Ought to Deny Ourselves and Imitate Christ Through Bearing the Cross (part two)

The Disciple
Lord Jesus, because Your way is narrow and despised by the world, grant that I may despise the world and imitate You. For the servant is not greater than his Lord, nor the disciple above the Master. Let Your servant be trained in Your life, for there is my salvation and true holiness. Whatever else I read or hear does not fully refresh or delight me.

The Voice of Christ
My child, now that you know these things and have read them all, happy will you be if you do them. He who has My commandments and keeps them, he it is that loves Me. And I will love him and will show Myself to him, and will bring it about that he will sit down with Me in My Father’s Kingdom.

IS IT THAT EASY???
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Imitation of Christ-meditation of the day

The Fifty-Sixth Chapter
We Ought to Deny Ourselves and Imitate Christ Through Bearing the Cross



The Voice of Christ
MY CHILD, the more you depart from yourself, the more you will be able to enter into Me. As the giving up of exterior things brings interior peace, so the forsaking of self unites you to God. I will have you learn perfect surrender to My will, without contradiction or complaint.

Follow Me. I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Without the Way, there is no going. Without the Truth, there is no knowing. Without the Life, there is no living. I am the Way which you must follow, the Truth which you must believe, the Life for which you must hope. I am the inviolable Way, the infallible Truth, the unending Life. I am the Way that is straight, the supreme Truth, the Life that is true, the blessed, the uncreated Life. If you abide in My Way you shall know the Truth, and the Truth shall make you free, and you shall attain life everlasting.

If you wish to enter into life, keep My commandments. If you will know the truth, believe in Me. If you will be perfect, sell all. If you will be My disciple, deny yourself. If you will possess the blessed life, despise this present life. If you will be exalted in heaven, humble yourself on earth. If you wish to reign with Me, carry the Cross with Me. For only the servants of the Cross find the life of blessedness and of true light.

These words sound so foreign to our day, but if we think about simply following the commandments, sacrificing the little things we "have to buy" (that drive through treat),live for heaven-not this world, be humble, and endure daily annoyances. Embrace life and serve the Lord!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

TOY REVIEW TUESDAY: join in...



Since I am so old...I mean a seasoned mom, it is hard to find some of the stuff that has been our favorites all these years. Today I want to tell all parents of newborns during the cold season to buy something like this or this. These are the best...no fuse, just put baby in seat and cover him up. No need to over dress the little sweetie. You can get them at your local department stores.
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Monday, October 19, 2009

Movie review Monday...



THE PROPOSAL: I guess it was worth the watch...but not half as good as promoted...not for kids and if you have teens...watch it first and use the fast forward button...some inappropriate stupid scenes.



CALAMITY JANE: Wasn't my favorite musical but the kids thought it was funny. Family film. Thanks Jo for the suggestion.
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Sunday, October 18, 2009

IMITATION OF CHRIST: meditation of the day:

The Fifty-Fifth Chapter
THE CORRUPTION OF NATURE AND THE EFFICACY OF DIVINE GRACE (part two)...for part one click here

Before You, O Lord, no arts or riches, no beauty or strength, no wit or intelligence avail without grace. For the gifts of nature are common to good and bad alike, but the peculiar gift of Your elect is grace or love, and those who are signed with it are held worthy of everlasting life. So excellent is this grace that without it no gift of prophecy or of miracles, no meditation be it ever so exalted, can be considered anything. Not even faith or hope or other virtues are acceptable to You without charity and grace.

O most blessed grace, which makes the poor in spirit rich in virtues, which renders him who is rich in many good things humble of heart, come, descend upon me, fill me quickly with your consolation lest my soul faint with weariness and dryness of mind.

Let me find grace in Your sight, I beg, Lord, for Your grace is enough for me, even though I obtain none of the things which nature desires. If I am tempted and afflicted with many tribulations, I will fear no evils while Your grace is with me. This is my strength. This will give me counsel and help. This is more powerful than all my enemies and wiser than all the wise. This is the mistress of truth, the teacher of discipline, the light of the heart, the consoler in anguish, the banisher of sorrow, the expeller of fear, the nourisher of devotion, the producer of tears. What am I without grace, but dead wood, a useless branch, fit only to be cast away?

Let Your grace, therefore, go before me and follow me, O Lord, and make me always intent upon good works, through Jesus Christ, Your Son.

Dear Lord, I miss spending time with you, help me to get organized so better to hear Your inspirations and better serve you+

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Thursday, October 15, 2009

PROUD MOMMA+


FROM OUR LOCAL CATHOLIC PAPER+

At Baptism, bishop welcomes 12th child into his Catholic Church family

LYNNEA PRUZINSKY MUMOLA
Special to the Standard

Returning to the site where they wed just over 20 years ago, Rob and Cecilia "Sam" entered the historic chapel at Sacred Heart Parish in Bowie to celebrate the Baptism of their 12th child, Kolbe Peter on Oct. 3.

Washington Auxiliary Bishop Martin Holley baptized the baby with assistance from three seminarians - including Joshua , Kolbe's older brother. After the sacrament, the bishop gently lifted the 18-day-old infant and presented him to family members and friends gathered in the chapel. Bishop Holley then announced, "Kolbe Peter, you are now baptized and initiated into the Catholic Church."

Earlier the prelate told participants through the beautiful sacrament of marriage, Kolbe's parents became co-creators with God - and the new baby is a "product of that love," Bishop Holley added.

"Out of the sacrament of marriage is born all the other sacraments," Bishop Holley later said. "The graces from (his parents') marriage continues to be perpetuated in the life of this young boy - who will eventually make a decision of his own life," whether that choice be marriage, a vocation to the religious life or a faithful lay person.

As the eighth of 14 children, Bishop Holley seemed right at home in front of the family. A large family teaches you Gospel truths, Bishop Holley noted. Children learn about God's love through their parents - their first teachers. Later, children are taught how to love their neighbors by learning to love their siblings. "We often refer to the family as the 'domestic church,'" Bishop Holley told the Catholic Standard.

He pointed out the younger children in the family who were gathered around their older siblings and parents watching them intently. "All eyes are looking at their parents," Bishop Holley said. "The graces that come from marriages, are important for society, and so important for the continuation of the Church," Bishop Holley said. "Marriage gives life to all the other sacraments."
Family friend Peter called the Baptism "a beautiful witness to the faith." Peter, who also serves as the director of the archdiocesan Office of Family Life, said they witnesses to God's love and the joy of life in their everyday lives. "They are a large family, but are selfless and generous to others around them. They are the ones helping the community," he added. "That is what family is all about."

Seminarian Daniel said he was happy to be asked to assist the bishop during the Baptism. "It was definitely a look into my future ministry," Daniel said. "I love kids." The young student called the family "a witness of authentic happiness." Seminarian Andrew also said "it was great to be able to participate in bringing a new member into the Church."

Joshua received special permission to return home for the Baptism. The oldest son in the family, Joshua is currently a seminarian for the Legionaries of Christ. "We went over Baptism in class" he said, but he never thought he would be invited to assist the bishop with his brother's Baptism. Joshua credited his large family with teaching him the skills needed to live in a religious community. "My mom helped a lot - she created a good environment, praying the Rosary, attending daily Mass."

His mother, Sam, who was still recovering from complications after her first C-section delivery, said planning the Baptism gave her something special to look forward to and watching Joshua help out was "icing on the cake."

All of her previous 11 children had been baptized at Sacred Heart in the same chapel where Archbishop John Carroll was elected in 1788 as the first Catholic bishop in the United States. Sam said she began thinking about the possibility of inviting a bishop for the new baby's Baptism several months before his birth. A friend from another diocese suggested the custom of a bishop celebrating the sacrament for the 12th member of a family. So although she had never heard of such a tradition, Sam spoke with her pastor, Msgr. Charles, who helped arrange the event. Bishop Holley "was so gentle, so personable," Sam said.

The mother said her prayers for the newest member of the family are the same as all her children. "Just that he'll grow up loving the Church - loving his family, that he'll love his faith as much as his brothers and sisters do." Sam paused and added, "That's every parent's wish for their children - that they'll always keep the faith."

Kolbe Peter born Sept. 15 joined his excited siblings Alexandria, 19; Joshua, 18; Caleb, 16; Elizabeth, 15; Barbara, 13; Joseph, 11; Robert, 9; Dominic, 7; Mary, 6; Cecilia, 3; and Eric, 2. His older siblings, Caleb and Elizabeth were chosen as to be his godparents.

"My heart was bursting," Sam said, "my favorite thing was having them all together."

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

They shouldn't of left me alone...

ALMOST DONE...SO CUTE


SEE WHY HE NEEDED A HAIRCUT!!!


Last Sat my husband was running a race, and four of my teenagers were gone...so I felt it was time to FINALLY cut my sweet two year old boy's hair. Since they weren't here to stop me, I got the kid scissors out and hacked away!!!


Of course they didn't think it was funny when I texted them the photos...I got yelled at via texting!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

THIS IS ONE TIME I DIDN'T WANT TO BE RIGHT!!!


When I have a baby all the kids vote on the date and sex of the baby...This time I was due on Sept 3rd...I looked at the feast days and saw OUR LADY OF SORROWS Sept. 15th...my heart sank...I just knew that was going to be the day...since I am usually late. I hoped I was wrong, but I wasn't. I even got the time correct...1 am!!! This time I guessed boy...out of 12 kids I have only guessed three correct...I know you think I could figure this out?


So four weeks ago I delivered my precious baby boy. I had a really rough month...just ask my poor husband who had to take care of me, the baby, and all the other kids+


This is the first day by myself (I know I am so spoiled) and I actually feel good+ Thank God!!!


THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+


TOY REVIEW TUESDAY: join in...




What I always use the first couple months with a new baby!!! The right start wrap around baby blanket. I have had it for 11 years and seven kids!!! It is the best. I can't find it on the site anymore-too bad it actually works!!! I did find it here on Craig's list. (LET ME KNOW IF ANOTHER COMPANY SELLS THEM) I have the exact one too!!! My girl friend who sews just traced mine on newspaper and made her own. Pretty easy if you sew. The velcro holds everything in place. and the feet and hood keep the baby cozy!!!




THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Monday, October 12, 2009

MOVIE REVIEW MODAY




MUSIC MAN is an absolute classic...every family should watch this once a year...of course my kids love the shipoopi song.






SNOW WHITE I decided that I would give my little girls a girls movie night...no more star wars...so we watched Snow White. I think I liked it more than them...of course they ran out or covered their eyes when it was scary. I don't think I saw this since elementary school.

THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Small Success Thursday...

go here for more successes

1. Got permission to drive-carpool here I come+

2. Stayed on couch as much as possible this week.


3. Dr said I looked great, no need to reopen incision. They finally decided I had a minor staph infection all this time.

4. Didn't cry at 5pm when I got fever back with major chills, maybe a breast infection??? How can I get one being on antibiotics???

5. Will not yell at my hubby when he calls me a LEMON for the tenth time!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

WHO WOULD DO THIS?

I am feeling like a good mom right now...
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

MOM IN LABOR...

SAY A PRAYER FOR HER!!!

TOY REVIEW TUESDAY: join in...




My kids have enjoyed playing with this clay for about 15 years. Some times we make stuff and cook it, other times we just play with it. The trick is the more you play with it the better the texture and color turns out. Also, just a little clay goes a long way. Follow directions-don't over cook.


THY WILL BE DONE+JMJ+

Monday, October 5, 2009

Another boring health update:


Monday-went to Dr in am...no fever. Dr wasn't happy that I had low temp during night 99-100. New antibiotic again then more blood work on Wed, and they will re open incision on Thurs to see what is going on...I think just a small cut? (Hopefully) Next on my list to do is infectious disease specialist, if by Thurs if we don't find anything...offering up all for friends Ken and Michelle!!!


THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

MOVIE REVIEW MONDAY...



SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS: one of our all time family favorites...everyone loves it, and now that I have seven sons it is even more fun!!! I wish I would of named them in ABC order thou!!!


THE LOVE BUG: another classic that we all like and fun for all ages.

Feel free to send me your favorite family friendly movies!!!
THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

Sunday, October 4, 2009

PHOTOS:

FOR MORE BAPTISM PICTURES CLICK HERE.

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Kolbe is baptized!!!


Just had to share this quick shot of Bishop Holley baptizing Kolbe with Godparents child #3 and #4 and my son home from the seminary!!!
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Friday, October 2, 2009

House cleaning:


People ask me how I do it all the time...especially housework---it bothers me-after my 8th I couldn't believe how much time I spent nursing. I have never been a good housewife...too sangiuine for that. I have found a couple of tricks to help maintain sanity around here:

1. leave front room/house clean...everything else whatever
2. ask friends/neighbors/etc to help fold, or read to kids/etc while you do it...
3. have kids do it/ the fly lady says a poorly swept kitchen is better than none at all...it gets better when they are older...
4. I do have a lady come clean my bathrooms once a month...she charges $21 an hour and an older lady helps with school who charges $5 an hour but I pay her $10 because I love her so much she comes about 3 hours a week sometimes once sometimes twice...
5.I also have had teens over to play with the kids, even 10 year old neighbors who love kids can play with a toddler while I clean up the house.

Don't have too high expectations. But try to maintain order...I am a happier mom/teacher when I can find my stuff+++

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Small Success Thursday...

FOR MORE SUCCESSES GO HERE!!!
1. Am not being stubborn or careless and am listening to all the doctors advice.

2. Still staying in bed, even thou I am going stir crazy.

3. Am totally appreciating my husband who has done practically everything around here without complaining!!! Even if he is mean for posting this, I thought we solved this fight here.

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+