My Daybook :: May 31, 2014

Outside my window... 
We have had contractors working outside again this week.  Our garage is on hold while we work on getting permits, but we have made progress on the patio outside of the dining room addition! We have been putting this project off for the past 3-4 years and it's so nice to finally have it started.  Part of this project includes building a permanent shed and enclosing our water pumps, pressure tank, etc, to hopefully help prevent them from freezing again this next winter.

 
 

I am thankful... 
that we were able to overcome the "Concrete Emergency" that happened sometime between 12-1pm on Friday… It was "Pour Day" and the contractors had arrived at 6am to prepare for the concrete arriving at 7am.  Everything was going beautifully until the concrete started to dry. It was time to start hosing off the top to finish the "Exposed Aggregate" patio.  The contractor turned on the hose and nothing came out. I found the key to the lid on the holding tank and sure enough it was empty. I had no water in the house and the deep well wasn't pumping any water into the holding tank.   The contractor yelled "I need THOUSANDS OF GALLONS OF WATER. NOW!"



I pretty much had a panic attack right then and there, and I am still trying to recover from the stress! It never occurred to us that he was going to need so much water and that we were going to have a problem. He knew we had a holding tank. Anyways, I ran back behind the house and flipped the breaker to the well which got the well pumping again, then I tricked the restricter float into thinking the tank had more water left than it did so the hoses would work again, but that only lasted 5 minutes, at best.  I got on the phone with our the pump guys to try and figure out why the deep well wasn't producing water (they headed out immediately), called every water delivery service in the area (not one could bring us emergency water), and ultimately was able to contact my neighbors for permission to run hoses from their well! (We live on a few acres, but were able to make it work with five long hoses. Thank you Don & Bev!) Catastrophe avoided.  Barely.

I am thinking... 
If yesterday was any indication, we are really going to need to work on conserving water this summer.  Our well is a low producing well, which is why we have a holding tank, but the reason the water kept stopping was that it wasn't producing enough for even a steady stream to flow into the holding tank.  We usually have problems with running out of water towards the end of summer, but never in May. Everything is so dry already this year.

Learning all the time...
In addition to learning all about concrete this week, the children all started swimming lessons on Tuesday!  All seven are taking classes and we've been at the pool from 3-7pm each day.  This is actually the first year that I have not had to get in the pool with the little ones for the "Mom & Baby" classes!  Ranger has been learning how to teach Bud to swim, and Twinkle Toes has been working with Rose.

 

Just before the first class  - Bud wasn't too sure what to think! 

Celebrating the liturgical year...
This week we celebrated Ascension Thursday (which has been transferred to Sunday/tomorrow in our diocese), the feast of St. Joan of Arc, and the traditional feast of the Queenship of Mary.  I had big plans, but ended up having to keep our celebrations extra simple this year.  We decided to save our Ascension Picnic for Sunday so that Sean would be able to join us.  He has been working long days and lots of extra hours due to an upcoming deadline he has at work.

From the kitchen... 
The big boys took over the kitchen recently while working on an optional Chemistry experiment from the lesson about "Mixtures" --- Baking a Chocolate Cake!  I'm still avoiding all dairy so I didn't get to taste it, but they got an A+ for cleaning the kitchen and washing all the dishes.

I am working on... 
finding ways to control the nauseousness. I've been so sick!  I keep reminding myself that this is a good sign, and trying my best to offer it up.

I am creating...
a Chemistry Study Folder with Snuggles as we review all of the lessons we've completed so far this year in Focus on Elementary Chemistry.  He has really been enjoying this unit study and it's the first thing he wants to work on when he wakes up in the morning!



I am going...
to sleep so early each night...  I can't seem to stay awake much past 9pm, which is crazy! I'm falling behind on all the things I usually get done late at night, after the children are asleep, like blogging and answering emails.  I know I need the extra sleep. Snuggles keeps reminding me that I'm "Growing a Baby!"

I am hoping...
to have a chance to post Chiquita's birthday pictures. She keeps asking when they will be on the blog.  Soon!

I am praying...
that baby is healthy and growing, and that all will look good at my ultrasound next Friday.

I am reading...
The time at the pool has finally given me a chance to start reading some of the books that have been piling up on my nightstand beginning with Something Other Than God by Jennifer Fulwiler! Next up is The Little Oratory and Teaching From a State of Rest (or Kindle version here).



I've also been reading Hittite Warrior aloud after lunch while the children work on various projects.



Pondering these words...
from today's Quiet Moment in Catholic Digest:

"One of the most beautiful moments in history was that when pregnancy met pregnancy when child bearers became the first heralds of the King of Kings." Ven. Fulton Sheen

I am listening... 
to the Andy Griffith Show.  The children are watching an episode with their Dad.

Around the house...
I keep finding little Bible Story illustrations that Chiquita has been creating inspired by her Great Adventure Kids Bible Story Coloring Book. We will have to add these to her timeline.



One of my favorite things...  
watching Rose with her big brothers.  She sure has them wrapped around that little finger of hers.



This week's plans...

• Sunday: Mass for the Feast of Ascension 
• Monday-Thursday: Swimming Lessons
• Tuesday: Final Lessons with Tutor before Summer Break
• Friday: Dating Ultrasound!

A little peek at my day...
My husband had to work again today so I took the children to the annual Young Hunters Day.  They had a blast shooting arrows, throwing tomahawks, and so much more!

7 Quick Takes on the Feast of Sts. Joachim and Anne

Saint Anne Statue

— 1 —

Have you seen Sarah's twins yet?!? 

They were born on July 18th and cute, cute, CUTE!!!  And there are more pictures here!  

Congratulations Sarah, to you and your whole family!

— 2 —

July 18th was a very special day, also marking the 25th Anniversary of the Fraternity of St. Peter!  You can read a little about the FSSP (and my husband's family!) in this article by Trent Beattie at National Catholic Register.

— 3 —

Blogging each day this week has been HARD!  With swimming lessons every day (Mon-Thurs) this week and next, on top of a few other appointments, if it wasn't for Jen's challenge I don't think I would have posted anything more than the birthday pictures!  It's been nice though, and I've sure enjoyed popping in more frequently.  

The swimming lessons themselves are such an incredible blessing for which I am so thankful! 

They also make for very quiet afternoons, after hours at the pool for seven lessons! 

— 4 —

It's hard to believe that it has been four years since our big bedroom switcheroo! Rose was on her way so we moved the boys to the old schoolroom (which had previously been our master bedroom, back when our home was only 1,000 sq feet!), the two big girls went to the boys old room, Snuggles nursery became my school room, and the old girls' bedroom became Rose's bedroom and the new nursery once she arrived.   

Since then the kids have grown and we've added another little man to the mix.  It's also hard to believe that my "baby" isn't really a baby any more... and this is officially my longest gap between pregnancies!     It is also the first time (as of last week!) that I haven't been pregnant or nursing (other than for the few months following my miscarriage) in nearly 14 YEARS!   

Anyways, since I just gave you all a tour of the boys' bedroom, I thought about posting new pictures of the girls' bedroom, but it really hasn't changed much since 2009 so I am going to wait until the new bunk bed arrives and then share pictures of all the upcoming changes.  (Hopefully they will include a new curtain rod for this room!)  Update:  I went ahead and include a few pictures anyways... :) 

Since Rose already refuses to sleep in her toddler bed most nights, and has claimed Twinkle Toes bed (the bed on the right) as her own, we will move her into that bed when the big girls move back across the hall and into their new bunk.    

We considered having all three girls share one room, and give Snuggles and Bud one of the rooms, but after trying to merge all of their clothing/toys/etc, it was just too much stuff for one of these smaller rooms.   Plus, we really like the idea of keeping the boys at the other end of the hall (and having them share the laundry room bathroom) and the girls down at this end.  

So, our plan for now is to take apart one of the twin beds for now and replace it with the toddler bed and changing table/dresser for Bud.  Our long term plan is to eventually move Bud (and possibly Snuggles, unless we have another baby boy by then) to the school room.   We are hoping by then we will be able to build a detached garage with a schoolroom/storage area on one end.  But this should work well for the time being, and I won't need to lose my office the kids' school room! 

I've already started moving the little ones' clothing to the girls "closet" and the girls' clothing over to the other room.  (We don't have real closets in these "bonus rooms" but we did install organizers along one wall of each room.) 

The tall white dresser was one we were given last year which I had painted white!  Isn't it pretty?  I think it is going to match the new bunk bed nicely.  I'd still love to figure out a way to "hide" all the clothing/closets... 

Up until our yard sale we also had a wooden hutch in this room, with the table and chairs in the center. Now all the books are on the closet shelves (in the other room) for the time being.  

The bedrooms aren't usually this clean and decluttered, I've just been working a little bit each evening this week getting everything moved from one room to the other. In the process I did box up all the Little People and Kitchen Toys into two big plastic tubs for now.   Those tubs, along with others filled with clothing, baby blankets, and other items, are all in my living room, where the old entertainment center use to be until they can be moved to the attic and/or I can find a place for them in the house.  

I still have a lot to do, to get these rooms functioning as well as the boys' bedroom, but it's a start and I am excited about the changes... Now we just have to wait for those beds to arrive in a couple more weeks!  

— 5 —

 

Speaking of our little toddler, we finally cut his hair again this week!  I had cut it for the first time on January 1st and this time his Daddy cut it for him.  Considering that he would not hold still, even with the help of the lollipop, it didn't turn out too badly. 

— 6 —

"Giggle Giggle" was one of Bud's first words and he still makes us giggle every time he starts saying it!  I finally captured a few videos to share with you all.  This first one was taken right after swimming lessons and dinner, and right before his bath and hair cut, so please ignore his dirty face and messy hair and just focus on all the cuteness! ;)


This one was taken yesterday morning at the pool before his swimming lesson. 

This one was from last night, when I was putting him to bed.  He has gone from one of our most challenging babies to easiest toddlers!  When I tell him it's time for bed he lets me pick him up, put him in his crib, snuggles up with his pillow pet and quiltie and goes to sleep!


And here is one last video, from last month, that I ran across while uploading the others.  This little boy of ours is fearless - which is also why he has had so many bumps, bruises, and even stitches, and why I am nervous to leave him in his crib much longer... I'm sure he could climb right out if he thought to try!


— 7 —

I am praying for my husband and I, and for all married couples, on this feast of St. Joachim and St. Anne!

Prayer of Married Persons to St. Joachim and St. Anne

O models of pious and virtuous married persons, St. Joachim and St. Anne! Through the wondrous blessing with which God rejoiced you when He chose you as the parents of the ever blessed Virgin, the mother of our Savior, obtain for us, we beseech you, the grace to desire nothing but virtue and piety; that, in fidelity and love, we may share each other's joys and sorrows, and together with our children lead such a life as to insure our entrance into the kingdom of heaven! Amen.  

For additional Quick Takes visit Conversion Diary.

My Daybook :: July 15, 2012

Outside my window...
we headed down to the river Friday afternoon and finally walked the "new" river trail/greenway that we have been meaning to check out for the past 5 years!  I can't believe it has taken us so long... The big kids all rode their scooters, while Hubby pushed the little ones in the stroller and I snapped a few pictures along the way.  It had been an emotional week for me and it was just the type of outing I needed to cheer me up!



I am thinking...        
about blood tests and doctors appointments.  The week before last I went in to see my doctor since I just haven't been feeling well (on top of the panic attacks I was starting to have I also have been extremely tired - more than I should be even with 7 little ones - among other problems) so we decided to do some blood work.  On Monday I found out that my liver counts were really high and I was called back in to the doctors for more blood work and an exam on Wednesday.  Thursday and Friday I was called with the various results from the second set of tests... Thankfully I do not have hepatitis, but the other test came back even higher than it did the first week and I will be going in for an ultrasound of my liver on Tuesday morning.   Please keep me in your prayers!  

I am thankful... 
that For Greater Glory is finally playing at our theatre!  My Aunt Bridget (who I am so very thankful for too!) came over, bringing along her delicious French Toast Bake for the kids to have for breakfast,  and watched all the kids so Hubby and I could go watch the matinee showing.   What an inspiring, and incredibly moving, epic film about the Cristero War and Mexico's struggle for religious freedom!   If you haven't seen it yet, you must!

Learning all the time... 
Swimming lessons (and doctors appointments) pretty much took over our life for the past two weeks.  We would leave the house just after nine in the morning and not get back home until after two or three in the afternoon.   Then it would be time to do chores, make dinner, and get ready for the next day!  It was worth it though and all the kids have really improved with their swimming! The big kids all did excellent working on the various strokes, while Snuggles and Rose worked on the life saving skills of learning what to do (roll over onto their back, and getting the wall) after jumping/falling into the water.

Snuggles jumping from the diving board, rolling over and floating on his back! 

Lifesaving Day 2012

Graduation Day

Celebrating the liturgical year... 
the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is coming up on Monday!   I am hoping that we will be able to make it to Mass in the morning, and then perhaps I will be able to make another Scapular Cake for the kids.  Can I do it without being tempted to eat any of it?

From the kitchen... 
lots of organic leafy greens, fruits, whole grains, green teas, and all the other foods that help cleanse the liver naturally.    

I am creating... 
our summer unit study based on the Olympics, still.  Our copy of G is for Gold Medal: An Olympic Alphabet arrived and I can't wait to share it with the kids.  It is such a great book!   I've been working on coming up with a lapbook mini-book or worksheet for each page of the Alphabet book, as well as additional books to read, activities, and even some snacks.  It is going to be fun!

I am working on... 
creating a clear copyright statement for my blog.  This past week I happened to run across pictures of my children and family re-posted on a few out of country Facebook pages and blogs.  Despite the good intentions of the blogger(s), it was upsetting and had me questioning whether I want to even continue blogging or not.    This has happened quite a few times before, mainly with craft and food pictures, which doesn't bother me as much, but all pictures are copyrighted and out of respect for me and my family I ask that you kindly ask for permission before using a picture, and wait for me to respond granting permission.  Thank you!

I am going... 
to postpone this year's Online Curriculum Sale Blog Hop.  I had hoped to have the linky up tomorrow, but I just won't have the time to host it this week...  I  think I will just keep the dates the same as they were last year - that should give me enough time to prepare:

I am hoping... 
for some good news following my ultrasound on Tuesday, if it is God's will.  

I am reading... 
Why Children Matter by Johann Christoph Arnold, which just arrived in the mail!  Thank you so much, JenniferAnne!

I am praying... 
for God's grace and guidance.

Pondering these words...
from St. Rome of Lime, which I happened to read in my lovely daily planner as I was writing in my ultrasound appointment for next week:

"Without the burden of afflictions it is impossible to reach the height of grace. The gift of grace increases as the struggles increase."

I am listening...  
to my kids yell at Ferdinand to "let go of that poor little bird!!!!!"

Around the house... 
new Summer Bingo cards for this coming week.   You can find my documents here.

One of my favorite things...  
planning our curriculum for each new school year.  I am dying to have a chance to get back to finalizing our plans for this coming year... Hopefully I will have a chance soon!

A few plans for this week...

• Celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel
• Watch my little niece Tuesday-Thursday (just during the day)
• Ultrasound early Tuesday morning (please say a prayer for me!)
• Playdate with friends Tuesday afternoon
• Well-child check-ups for Captain, Chiquita & Bud
• Celebrate Captain's 12th Birthday

A little peek at my day...

Graduation Day 2009

Life-Saving Day 2009

My oldest four children have been having such a wonderful time taking their swimming lessons once again this year.

Except for Snuggles, who has had to miss his lessons this week, they all love the water, they love to swim, and the love their teacher, Myrna!  She is such an amazing swim teacher and has been teaching children (including my siblings when they were younger!) to swim for well over 50 years!  She is the best teacher EVER and we are so blessed to have her here.

When Captain was almost 5 years old, he was not speaking very well at all, and we were looking at the possibility of him needing speech therapy. Myrna heard about this, called me, and told me that she would like to give Captain some private swimming lessons. By the end of the 2 week session, he was speaking. It was amazing. I guess the cross patterning of swimming helps develop the part of the brain used for Auditory Processing. In fact, last summer, since we were again working on his Auditory Processing Challenge, this time with a tutor for reading, I had him in six weeks of lessons at the suggestion of his tutor and his progress with reading during that time was incredible!

Anyhow, yesterday was day 7 of the 8 swimming lessons in the 2 week session, also known as "Life-saving Day."

On "Life-Saving Day" Myrna works on teaching the children a swim-survival-safety technique that she has developed over her 50 year career. "It is based on a controlled method of teaching infants/babies to roll to their backs after submersion and to be able to sustain a floating position until help arrives. This bridges the "danger" gap until the baby/child is old enough to learn to swim and take breaths on their own. This method has been credited for saving many toddlers and children's lives around water."

All the children had to arrive fully dressed (with their swimsuits under their clothing) which explains further the picture of my boys on the diving board in their sweatshirts and jeans, despite the 90 degree weather.  During the class Myrna taught them what they would need to do in the event that they fell into a pool, lake or any body of water.

She had the children jump into the pool, and roll onto their back into the "starfish" position.   Since the girls have their class at 10am and the boys are at 11am, the girls were first, starting with Chiquita.

Just look at her floating all by herself, even with her heavy clothing, shoes and all!

Next it was Twinkle Toes's turn.

She too did a great job of rolling over and finding her balance.


Next it was time to practice with life-jackets.

"Ready... GO!"

Then she taught the children how to join hands and form a circle...

They also learned the position to get into to signal "help!"

Next it was the boys turn.

Can you tell how excited they were to cool off!?!?! lol!

They too practiced the same things at the girls, but after getting a couple pictures, I was off chasing Snuggles around who wasn't interested in watching any longer...

I was able to get a couple pictures of the much anticipated "Yankee Doodle Pony Race" at the end of the class.

Captain didn't waste any time once he heard the word go and was in the pool!

They even got to have the race a few more times!

Thank you Myrna for blessing us with these wonderful lessons!!!

Ok, I am off to get ready for today... GRADUATION DAY!!!!