My babies

Today I am on vacation. Vacation from my babies. They are having a splendid time in CA with their cousins. I miss them a lot, but it's nice to be able to sleep in and get some things done around the house without the littles in the way. They really make me laugh though because there was DRAMA last night when we called them. Apparently the phone drama was just that, an ACT! They were perfectly happy to do what their Aunt said, they were excited to sleep where they chose, and they were in the process of putting on jammies and brushing their teeth when we called. But as soon as they spoke to us on the phone, it was a different story. They whined, they cried, and made it seem like they didn't get to do ANYTHING they wanted to do. Why do they have to "act" on the phone like things aren't going their way? Is it because they want to make us feel guilty? Well, we don't. We know they are having fun and we know they love being there, so why do they act like it's the worst thing in the world to be there? I don't get it. It must be a kid thing.

Spring Break

This week is spring break. There is a lot going on for me. Today Stephen drove the kids to Barstow and met Uncle Dan there so he could take them to Stephen's siser's house. They are going to spend a few days with the cousins in CA. This is good for them. They get to see their cousins, their Aunt and Uncle, and Their Grandma-ma. They also get to escape the stress at home for a few days. Although they don't show it, I know they know things are going on with us and they feel the stress of a "job free" home from Stephen and me. We try hard to keep things as normal as we can for them, but the subtleties are obviously there. It's hard to hide it all.

This week, being Holy Week, is also busy for me. Since I run the RCIA program, this week is the BIG WEEK for my Elect. It's full of Mass, preparation, rehearsal, and faith enrichment for them and for me. On Saturday the Catholic community will welcome 12 new Catholics into the faith. I'm so excited, but at the same time, it feels very unreal. The year went so fast and so many things happened, that this next week feels a little like it's in a fog. I'm hoping they enjoy the week and they get everything out of it that they expect, at least, and maybe even more. As for me, I look forward to the spiritual retreat. I definitely need it. It will be nice to reflect on the Lord and his sacrifice for us and to use this week to maybe get some answers as to what our future holds. 

Today's mass was Palm Sunday. The Gospel was the Passion of Christ. It brought me to tears a couple of times. But what was funny about it is that Father spoke about leaving everything in God's hands. I've heard this message for the past few weeks now and I'm certainly doing my best, however hard it may be at times. I know we will have a good future, I just hope it happens soon. I know the Lord suffered for us and sometimes we are required to carry our cross and do the same, but that doesn't mean I want the suffering to linger. Anyway, I was glad I could kick off the week with a good mass and get in touch with God and feel blessed that I was alive to experience it. So, to all my Catholic and Christian friends, Happy Palm Sunday and Happy Holy week everyone!

The life of the cat

Our family has 7 pets. Two dogs, two cats, and 3 fish. I have often wondered, growing up with animals, what it would be like to be one and I have even been envious, on occasion, of the lives they live. They have someone to feed them, bathe them, and even clean up their poop. Mostly the only thing they have to worry about is where they are going to spend their daily nap. This brings me to my thought of the day. I took a photo of our two cats sleeping on the bed. They looked soooo relaxed and I got a bit jealous that I wasn't curled up in a ball napping with them, but that's neither here nor there. Anyway, looking at them snoozing together brought me joy and happiness 1) because it was cute and 2) because it's nice that I have a loving home for them to live in. It just disgusts me that other animals in the world are being abused and neglected. How can you possibly look into the eyes of a cat or a loveable dog and think, "I know, I'll beat the crap out of them today because that will be fun!" I mean, seriously....

Anyway, here is a cool link for you. http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3 On the top of the page, if you click on the "click here to give" button, you will give a certain amount of food to rescued animals. Please help, it's free and in the meantime take a look at my cute kitties napping together today on my bed. Dusty is the gray one and Frodo, Alexander's cat, is the black and white one.

 Have a blessed day!

Craftsy lately

So, these days, when I'm the most busy with Easter just around the corner, I've been feeling craftsy. Yesterday I crocheted a purse for my mother. I also tried to sew a panel to a pair of old jeans to make a frilly skirt for Meganne, but I can't figure out how to do it. Luckily I know a wonderful lady who agreed to teach me how after Easter is over. I really want to make the boys some shorts for the summer, but alas I have no pattern. My question is why do I want to start all these projects when I'm super busy? Maybe it's my way of getting away from reality. Who knows. But I've been having fun thinking of all the projects I'm going to start. I love to crochet and sew, I just wish I were better at both. See photo below of the things I've made with crochet.

Oh yeah, and did I mention at these times I'm also very interested in drowning myself in a good book? Reading is such a fun activity, I just wish I could devote more time to doing it. Oh well, one day I can.

The Blue and Brown Purse is the one I made yesterday for my mom.

Future Unclear

These days are hard for us in our household as we wait in hope for what's to come with Job hunting for Stephen. I'm a planner and I hate not knowing what the rest of the year will bring for us. Stephen is doing wonderful in looking for jobs and sending out his resume and such. But not hearing back and not having interviews worries me. What will the future bring? Will we be able to stay in Vegas? Will I be able to keep the kids in their schools? Will we move to CA over the summer? Where will we live if we do move to CA? Will whatever job he gets pay enough and have benefits? UGH! The things to think about. I know he's stressing about all of this too. But I really have to stress to you that he's doing such a great job in sending out applications and resumes. When I think about the future I also have to think about all the things I will miss in Vegas if we end up having to move. My family lives here. I run the RCIA program at my church which I LOVE doing. I have friends here that I will miss greatly. The kids will have to change schools and I may have to go through a ton of work to find a good fit for Alexander again. Finding Dr's, Dentists, Retina Specialists, Churches...not to mention getting new Driver's Licenses, Car Registration, Insurance...Ugh! I try not to think about it.

If I had to go on a gut feeling, I would have to bet that Stephen will get a job out of state. If that's what it takes I'm there! I want him to find a good fit and I really think there is nothing more for him here in Vegas. He put in his 15 years and look at what it got him. Laid OFF! So, I'm really kind of bitter about it. Anyway, I pray to the Lord every day that something good will come along and QUICK so that we can prepare for the school year for the kids.

This Thursday Ivan, a visionary from Medjugorje, will be at our parish. I have left my Intentions at the Church for Mother Mary to intercede for us. I plan to bring all my worries to her and leave it up to the Lord. I'm really looking forward to it and seeing it as a spiritual retreat for myself. I can't wait. I hope I get some answers that night, and if I don't, I know they will be quick in coming. Anyway, Please continue to keep us in your prayers for now. I know we can get through this, it's just a matter of time. I just HATE waiting.

My kids are really funny

So, here's the story about Andrew and Meganne from over the weekend...

Saturday morning I went to pick up my very first bountiful basket (which will be a story for a different day.) Anyway, I ran into the aid in Andrew's class while I was there. She asked me how Andrew is liking 2nd grade. I told her he likes it as much as any normal 8 year old can like school. She told me, "He's REALLY smart." I said, yes, he's soooo different from his older brother and I proceeded to tell her about their homework/schoolwork differences. Alexander hates to do his work and will come up with a million and one reasons why he can't or wont do it. Andrew, on the other hand, will finish it rather quickly. I told her "I tell him it's time to do his homework and literally 1 minute later he's done with it." (I'm not joking. he finishes it in one minute) She said, "He's like that in class too. I will walk around the room while all the kids are doing their seat work and I'll come to Andrew's desk. He's drawing on a piece of paper. I'll ask him why he's not doing his work and he tells me 'I'm done!' Sure enough he shows me his work and it's finished." She also told me that this past week the tests have gotten harder. They have 2 part questions, so Mrs. Carlisle, his teacher, has begun reading the questions to them to make sure they understand how to do the test. So, the aid tells me "Mrs. Carlisle will be on question 3 of a 10 question test and Andrew has finished the whole thing on his own and usually gets an A. So, he gets his journal and starts drawing again." I always knew he was smart, but GEEZ! It really makes me feel good that he's doing so well in class. It's such a breath of fresh air to have an "easy" kid after dealing with the school struggles I've dealt with in Alexander (who, by the way is also very smart, but I wish he would apply his brain to his school work instead of his cleverness in getting out of it!)

Now, on to Meganne's story. So, my mom and I are shopping on Saturday for Alexander's birthday presents. We're at Walmart in the movie/book section and I'm standing with Meganne and Andrew while they are looking at books and my mom is going through the movies that Alexander might want. So, glance down at Meganne just in time to see her squatting on the floor blowing a kiss with a flirty look on her face to a book on the bottom shelf. My eyes wander to the book she's "kissing" and it's a Justin Bieber book! LMAO! I couldn't stop laughing, which was partly a mistake because she turned red and got embarrassed. But it was so freaking cute! Good Gracious! My 5 year old is interested in boys. YIKES! I can only imagine what her teen years will be like. Stephen's going to have to buy a shotgun I think. Anyway, I couldn't help but share. My kids rock and I love them.

I'd write something funny about Zander, but I already attributed an entire blog about his birthday, so it was the other 2's day today. 

Mothers

I received this from a good friend in my email. It was truly touching. I couldn't resist sharing with everyone...

Mothers The officer at the Driving License counter asked the lady "What is your occupation?" The woman seeking renewal of her license seemed to be puzzled. So the officer said "Ma'am, are you employed, have your own business or........ The woman replied "Oh, yes!! I have a full time occupation. I am a mother" Officer: "We don't have 'mother' as an option for occupation. I will write it down as 'Housewife'. That takes care of all questions." This had happened long ago, and was forgotten. Years later when I went to get my license, the Public Relations Officer was a somewhat pompous woman. "Your occupation?" she asked in a rather authoritative tone. I just had an inspiration and replied "I am a researcher in the field of Child Development, Nutrition and Inter-personal Relationships" The lady officer stared at me in amazement. I calmly repeated my statement and she wrote it down verbatim. Then, unable to conceal her curiosity, she politely asked "What exactly do you do in your profession, Ma'am?" I was feeling good about having described my occupation so calmly and confidently. So I replied "My research projects have been going on for a number of years (Mothers never retire!!). My research is conducted in the laboratory as well as in the field. I have two bosses. (One is God and the other is my entire family). I have received two honours in this field. (A son and a daughter) My topic is considered to be the most difficult part of sociology. (All moms will agree!!). I have to work more than 14 hours every day. Sometimes even 24 hours are not enough and the challenges are tougher than many other professions. My compensation is in terms of mental satisfaction rather than money" I could see that the officer was thoroughly impressed. After completing the licensing formalities, she came to the door to see me off. This new viewpoint about my occupation made me feel much better on my way back home. I was welcomed by my 5 year old research assistant at the door. My new project (my 6 month old baby) was energetically practicing her 'music'. I had earned a small victory over the Governmental red tape today. I was no longer 'merely a mother', instead I was now a highly placed functionary in a service vital for mankind - Motherhood!! 'Mother' - Isn't it a great title. Fit to be added to the nameplate on the door!! By this standard, grandmothers deserve to be called Senior Research Officers, and Great Grandmothers qualify as 'Research Directors'. Aunts and other ladies of that age group can be called 'Research Facilitators' Please share this with all mothers, grandmothers, great grandmothers, aunts...... They will all shower you with blessings and life will be happier.
'Nough said!