I found this from a couple of years ago.My New Year’s Resolution
I am sure I will regret publicly telling everyone, especially my teenagers, what I am striving for this year!
As in many years past, I will resolve once again on being a better wife and mother. If you are not a wife or mother, hold on and you just might pick up on some good tips for living.
My parents were wonderful, not perfect as none of us will ever be, but wonderful just the same!!! They raised nine great children, I am sure our spouses will protest. Me being the baby, and as spoiled as can be, even to this day!!!
My dad worked hard to meet the needs of a growing family and trying to instill a love for God, Family, and Country. Sometimes taking a second job so to let my mom stay home and care for us. My mom was and is the perfect example of how to be a great wife, mother, and housekeeper. She taught me mainly by example and taught me over and over again not to “sweat the small stuff” and “If I can’t say anything nice don’t say anything at all”!!! My mom made her vocation as a housewife an art. Her day centered on serving a nice dinner to her family, having the house in order when my dad got home, and looking her best.
That is definitely a lost art in today’s world. Granted families are not structured the same as they were 30 years ago, but we could still learn a thing or two from that generation. With so many demands on families we have to be creative in our approach to life.
I would like to share some ideas I have gotten from a well passed around copy of a 1950’s Home Economics book with advice to women on how to have a successful marriage. I am sure many of you have read it already, but it is worth reading again.
Before I lose half my readers, hold on and think about how to apply this to your life; either as a single person, single parent, or working family. You just might pick up on a nugget or two.
Tip 1: HAVE DINNER READY.
Of course that is most of our ideal. There are nights when 4pm rolls around and I still scramble to find something to feed my brood. My advice is to be simple. Planning ahead is great, but don’t stress out. Many stores now offer prepared meals to buy and although pricey they sometimes are necessary. Even if you are single, food preparation is healthier for your body.
Tip 2: PREPARE YOURSELF.
I used to watch in amazement as my mom ditched the house coat and put on some makeup and brushed her hair. Wow! What a transformation! We laugh, but I have found that when I look nice, I feel nice. We all need a boost, especially at the end of the day. No matter what your profession, looking nice is important.
Tip 3: CLEAR AWAY THE CLUTTER.
This is one of my biggest problems. In this day and age we all have so much stuff!!! A couple of years ago I utilized a system from “The Flylady”. Even thou I don’t follow everything she says, I did learn a thing or two from her website or her book. My town and other areas also have an online group called freecycle which helps get rid of unwanted stuff. Just Google your town's name and freecycle and you will find it. Just don’t get in the trap of getting more stuff you don’t need.
Tip 4: PREPARE THE CHILDREN.
Don’t laugh, even if it is a reminder that dad or mom is coming home so to welcome them, there are many ways to do this no matter what your family schedule is. We all can try to make those around us feel loved, missed, or appreciated.
Tip 5: MINIMIZE ALL NOISE.
This sounds silly but we live in a busy world. Having some quiet time isn’t unthinkable. Even if it is just turning down or off the TV, radios, or many other noisy things in our life, every little bit helps. If I could just find the on and off button on my kids…
Tip 6: SOME DON’T’S.
Don’t greet each other with complaints or problems. We all can utilize that one no matter who we are. Let us start our new year by being positive and not criticize everyone and everything.
Tip 7: MAKE HIM COMFORTABLE.
Don’t delete this; just think how to make those around you more comfortable. Work on attention to detail. Offer small kindnesses to those we come in contact with. It doesn’t have to be slippers and a pipe.
Tip 8: LISTEN TO HIM.
How about listen to THEM, we can all work on this common courtesy. Whether family, friends, or those we are in contact with we should remember to use eye contact and not to interrupt others. Especially with children, if we listen we would be surprised at the wisdom they have, not to mention how hilarious they can be!
Tip 9: MAKE THE EVENING HIS.
Let us change this to make the evening as stress free as possible. HA you say! Families deal with tons of homework, sports, and other time consuming activities which are good and fun. They just take over our lives. Even single people have crazy schedules. We just need to sit back and relax a while, it is important for our well being. We need to use this time of year to reevaluate and down size our activities.
Tip 10: THE GOAL.
It says to try to make your home a place of peace and order. We all want that, and if we try to follow some of the first nine goals, I bet we will gain more each year.
If you are still with me and aren’t rolling on the ground laughing at my suggestions and try some. I just bet we would all be a little more enjoyable to be around, which makes our communities more enjoyable to live in.
Happy New Year!
THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+
Friday, December 31, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
My Favorite Team:
GO! GO! GO!
FIGHT TO THE FINISH!
WIN THE GREAT RACE!!!
STAY CLOSE TO CHRIST...
Find His will and embrace it.
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
Christmas Eve:
Lord, this is my last chance to prepare my heart for You
before we celebrate Your birthday tomorrow.
Help me keep my eyes on the true meaning of Your birth.
TODAY'S SCHEDULE:
8 MASS
9 Dad run
10 LAST DAY OF POSADAS
11 Decorate the tree!!! (our family tradition)
12 LUNCH WITH AUNT BETSY
2 GUESTS/GODPARENTS OVER
2-6 DAUGHTER WORKS
even thou we aren't Polish we put some hay under the tablecloth
7 ADVENT ANGEL KID SWAP
(my kids pick names late Nov and exchange gifts Christmas Eve)
8 Get Ready for bed
I was looking at past Christmas posts.
Never too late for this link.
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Today's Gospel
Gospel Luke 1: 46-56
Mary said:
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
my spirit rejoices in God my savior.
for he has looked upon his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
and has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.”
Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months
and then returned to her home.
Mary said:
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
my spirit rejoices in God my savior.
for he has looked upon his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
and has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.”
Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months
and then returned to her home.
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
I smell a brown noser:
I woke up to a clean kitchen with breakfast waiting for me with this note...
hmmm, I smell an 11 year old who wants to get out of restriction!
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Thursday, December 16, 2010
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A MOM OF 12...
Wed Dec 15, 2010
4:45am woke up (not on purpose)
4:50am went to the gym
5-6am worked out on the elliptical
6:15-7:15 went grocery shopping (3 carts)
7:15 shut pinky in trunk...ouch!
7:25am picked up dry cleaning
7:45am got home and had all the kids empty car
8:00am clean out fire place, get kindling, and make fire (with boys help)
8:10am send out important email to a friend
8:15am got sucked in to email...
8:30am get everyone ready for mass
9:00am go to mass, need to have this time with my Lord!
9:45am eat and start cleaning the kitchen
10:00am make boys finish school
10:15am have Joseph take little boys up stairs
10:15am to 3:00pm try to clean house, do laundry, and feed kids before tonight's party
5:00pm put in pizza for dinner
5:45pm put on movie so little girls will stop asking every 5 min how long till guest come
6:00pm dump everything I couldn't clean in box put in garage
6:30pm welcome 30 guests for a Mother/Daughter Cookie Exchange
9:00pm check last minute Christmas gifts on amazon
9:30pm get ready for bed and dream of a million things for the next day
10:30pm say rosary in bed with hubby
11:00pm glad all days aren't so busy
11:05pm start thinking about my baby Robert who turns 11 on the 16th!
4:45am woke up (not on purpose)
4:50am went to the gym
5-6am worked out on the elliptical
6:15-7:15 went grocery shopping (3 carts)
7:15 shut pinky in trunk...ouch!
7:25am picked up dry cleaning
7:45am got home and had all the kids empty car
8:00am clean out fire place, get kindling, and make fire (with boys help)
8:10am send out important email to a friend
8:15am got sucked in to email...
8:30am get everyone ready for mass
9:00am go to mass, need to have this time with my Lord!
9:45am eat and start cleaning the kitchen
10:00am make boys finish school
10:15am have Joseph take little boys up stairs
10:15am to 3:00pm try to clean house, do laundry, and feed kids before tonight's party
5:00pm put in pizza for dinner
5:45pm put on movie so little girls will stop asking every 5 min how long till guest come
6:00pm dump everything I couldn't clean in box put in garage
6:30pm welcome 30 guests for a Mother/Daughter Cookie Exchange
9:00pm check last minute Christmas gifts on amazon
9:30pm get ready for bed and dream of a million things for the next day
10:30pm say rosary in bed with hubby
11:00pm glad all days aren't so busy
11:05pm start thinking about my baby Robert who turns 11 on the 16th!
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Cheaper By the Dozen
Family Memories Christmas Card
Shop Shutterfly for unique, personalized Christmas photo cards.
View the entire collection of cards.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Monday, December 6, 2010
Movie Review Monday:
Tear jerker...for older teens
I really liked it. I bawlled like a baby...I didn't like Four Christmases, not worth the watch.
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Friday, December 3, 2010
Christmas Gift ideas:
OK, my Christmas suggestions for 2010:
First of all don't forget the obvious never can go wrong gifts. Sports equipment like a new basketball or soccer ball. For little girls any doll usually does the trick. For elementary kids this time of year is a great time to get a new pack of crayons and markers that actually work. Also, check out Melissa and Doug's cool art pad collection. I bought about six different ones for gifts this Christmas. I also bought my five year old Critter Clinic from Target. I love this new line of toys by B.toys.
I suggest buying from amazon because there is no lines, no shipping, and no tax.
Last year I got all my kids 3 things (like baby Jesus got 3 gifts)...
They were:
1. Snuggie's:I got my oldest a real "snuggie" from Toys R Us last year...about $15-cheap material, but works. The others came from BJ's last year for $10 were made by Bershire and have a pocket. They are way warmer than the others and have a cool pocket. They all love them!!! I just saw them in Ross for around $7. They also work great for people in wheelchairs to keep them warm.
2. Water bottles: Everyone got their own color with hook tops to hook to bikes and backpacks. Some fancy and some with initials on them. There are so many to choose from, just try to find the kind with easy tops and not alot of parts.
3. Flashlights: Even dad got a deluxe one. They little girls got Tinkerbell and princess ones. They big kids got their favorite colors or ones to match their cars and the middle ones got cool ones to hook on their backpacks.
Hope you got good stuff for Christmas...want to share what you got? Love good, non cluttering ideas!!!
---
Playmobile: if the person (or parent) you are buying for likes little characters we love playmobile in our house...16 years of buying them...we have thousands of pieces.
For those who like cars...we love our autoblox they are more expensive but well worth it. Especially if you like simple model cars.
This sounds crazy but if you are buying for a family with boys who play with cars...you gotta get the BluTrack trust me, everyone I suggest this to, love it. It can be an inside or take outside toy. Very expensive but doesn't brake.
Shape Box: ages 2-6
I just had to throw away the one we have had for 18 years. SO we decided to get this for the little guys for Christmas.
The Anti-Coloring Book and the entire Series:
I had these when I was little. Just love them and so many possibilities.
Ages 6 and up
Keepsake album by ALEX called Me by Me a perfect gift for any 3-9 year old. They are like a heirloom box with book included.
Crayola Paint Brush Pens
Really any other brand that has the paint in the brush work great.
The ones I have can be refilled with paint.
ages: 2 and up
Scattergories Game:
We have had this for years. It comes and goes as our family favorite. It is on the top favorite again this month!!! This is fun with group of people made into teams.
Ages 5 (if on a team) and up!
MAGNA DOODLE : You just can't go wrong with one of these toys!!! Any size will do. The only suggestion I have is the simpler the better. Make sure the "pen" is connected and the less "bling" the better. All the extra stuff is just a pain. Ages: 1-8years.
Star Wars Visual Dictionary!!! This was a BIG HIT last CHRISTMAS!!! We bought about 15 this year as birthday gifts. It is everyones favorite gift. You gotta get it at amazon for around $15, I have had to bite the bullet and buy about 3 at Toys R Us for $25 ugh.
BABY DOLLS
Really you can't go wrong with a baby doll. I mean any little girl would love to play with any baby.
Two years ago, my now five year old loved baby dolls, not any of the eight Bitty Babies from American girl, no she loved the dollar store ones. She got about seven one year from everyone who new us...every time they were at the dollar store they would pick up one for her. Sure they only lasted a couple of months, but we didn't care.
I will say that the American girl Bitty Baby and Twins are worth the money. We have about eight of them. Black, some white, Hispanic, and the two sets of twins. The new ones are even cuter and you can mix and match the hair color and race.
They last a long time and if necessary you can send them back to the baby hospital. They come back all clean and in a hospital gown and balloon.
The strollers and accessories are nice, but the clothes ate too expensive.
MODEL MAGIC CLAY
My kids used to always play with SCULPEY CLAY and we still love it.
We also have really enjoyed the Model Magic clay. No cooking necessary and if you roll it into a ball it can bounce when dry. It comes in small packs for stocking suffers too!!!
Cosmic Catch GameOur family was introduced to this at my son's 16th birthday. The teenagers were all playing it and having a blast. Great for groups.
Now it is one of our favorites. Six players. Ages 3 and up
SCULPEY CLAYMy kids have enjoyed playing with this clay for about 15 years. Sometimes 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 overcook.
LITTLE TYKES GROCERY CART...
How can any kid turn one of these down??? In the past 19 years we have had about six of these carts...I can say that the metal ones aren't as strong as the Little tykes ones, and the cheap ones are a waste of money. I would say kids ages 1-7 can still enjoy these fun toys.
Regular and junior versions are great. They say 9 and up, but if the little guys are on a team they all can play. My little guys think up the funniest ideas.
All my kids’ love this game...our favorite is when all the teenagers’ friends come over and play with us.
Apples to Apples: if you know a family that doesn't have this...it is great, especially the Jr version.
This is just a short version of things I would suggest and buy again. Look under my Toy Review for more.
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
First of all don't forget the obvious never can go wrong gifts. Sports equipment like a new basketball or soccer ball. For little girls any doll usually does the trick. For elementary kids this time of year is a great time to get a new pack of crayons and markers that actually work. Also, check out Melissa and Doug's cool art pad collection. I bought about six different ones for gifts this Christmas. I also bought my five year old Critter Clinic from Target. I love this new line of toys by B.toys.
I suggest buying from amazon because there is no lines, no shipping, and no tax.
Last year I got all my kids 3 things (like baby Jesus got 3 gifts)...
They were:
1. Snuggie's:I got my oldest a real "snuggie" from Toys R Us last year...about $15-cheap material, but works. The others came from BJ's last year for $10 were made by Bershire and have a pocket. They are way warmer than the others and have a cool pocket. They all love them!!! I just saw them in Ross for around $7. They also work great for people in wheelchairs to keep them warm.
2. Water bottles: Everyone got their own color with hook tops to hook to bikes and backpacks. Some fancy and some with initials on them. There are so many to choose from, just try to find the kind with easy tops and not alot of parts.
3. Flashlights: Even dad got a deluxe one. They little girls got Tinkerbell and princess ones. They big kids got their favorite colors or ones to match their cars and the middle ones got cool ones to hook on their backpacks.
Hope you got good stuff for Christmas...want to share what you got? Love good, non cluttering ideas!!!
---
Playmobile: if the person (or parent) you are buying for likes little characters we love playmobile in our house...16 years of buying them...we have thousands of pieces.
For those who like cars...we love our autoblox they are more expensive but well worth it. Especially if you like simple model cars.
This sounds crazy but if you are buying for a family with boys who play with cars...you gotta get the BluTrack trust me, everyone I suggest this to, love it. It can be an inside or take outside toy. Very expensive but doesn't brake.
Shape Box: ages 2-6
I just had to throw away the one we have had for 18 years. SO we decided to get this for the little guys for Christmas.
The Anti-Coloring Book and the entire Series:
I had these when I was little. Just love them and so many possibilities.
Ages 6 and up
Keepsake album by ALEX called Me by Me a perfect gift for any 3-9 year old. They are like a heirloom box with book included.
Crayola Paint Brush Pens
Really any other brand that has the paint in the brush work great.
The ones I have can be refilled with paint.
ages: 2 and up
Scattergories Game:
We have had this for years. It comes and goes as our family favorite. It is on the top favorite again this month!!! This is fun with group of people made into teams.
Ages 5 (if on a team) and up!
MAGNA DOODLE : You just can't go wrong with one of these toys!!! Any size will do. The only suggestion I have is the simpler the better. Make sure the "pen" is connected and the less "bling" the better. All the extra stuff is just a pain. Ages: 1-8years.
Star Wars Visual Dictionary!!! This was a BIG HIT last CHRISTMAS!!! We bought about 15 this year as birthday gifts. It is everyones favorite gift. You gotta get it at amazon for around $15, I have had to bite the bullet and buy about 3 at Toys R Us for $25 ugh.
BABY DOLLS
Really you can't go wrong with a baby doll. I mean any little girl would love to play with any baby.
Two years ago, my now five year old loved baby dolls, not any of the eight Bitty Babies from American girl, no she loved the dollar store ones. She got about seven one year from everyone who new us...every time they were at the dollar store they would pick up one for her. Sure they only lasted a couple of months, but we didn't care.
I will say that the American girl Bitty Baby and Twins are worth the money. We have about eight of them. Black, some white, Hispanic, and the two sets of twins. The new ones are even cuter and you can mix and match the hair color and race.
They last a long time and if necessary you can send them back to the baby hospital. They come back all clean and in a hospital gown and balloon.
The strollers and accessories are nice, but the clothes ate too expensive.
MODEL MAGIC CLAY
My kids used to always play with SCULPEY CLAY and we still love it.
We also have really enjoyed the Model Magic clay. No cooking necessary and if you roll it into a ball it can bounce when dry. It comes in small packs for stocking suffers too!!!
Cosmic Catch GameOur family was introduced to this at my son's 16th birthday. The teenagers were all playing it and having a blast. Great for groups.
Now it is one of our favorites. Six players. Ages 3 and up
SCULPEY CLAYMy kids have enjoyed playing with this clay for about 15 years. Sometimes 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 overcook.
LITTLE TYKES GROCERY CART...
How can any kid turn one of these down??? In the past 19 years we have had about six of these carts...I can say that the metal ones aren't as strong as the Little tykes ones, and the cheap ones are a waste of money. I would say kids ages 1-7 can still enjoy these fun toys.
Regular and junior versions are great. They say 9 and up, but if the little guys are on a team they all can play. My little guys think up the funniest ideas.
All my kids’ love this game...our favorite is when all the teenagers’ friends come over and play with us.
Apples to Apples: if you know a family that doesn't have this...it is great, especially the Jr version.
This is just a short version of things I would suggest and buy again. Look under my Toy Review for more.
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
My Baby girl is Five!!!
My Advent baby.
Wow, Cece...you are getting so big. You are becoming my little helper. You are my cleaning lady, so glad you are in our family always making us laugh with your silly shenanigans!!! You are a good big sister to your two baby brothers and our cuddle bug to everyone else.
God has great plans for you, my dear one...
EMBRACE THEM
and become the amazing young lady
He has created you to be!!!
WE LOVE YOU HUNTER/TINKER BELL!!!
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
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