Monday, December 12, 2011

The Laundry Elf


I hate laundry.

Inevitably, I get at least a week behind on folding, so then I'm stuck with massive heaps of everyone's wrinkly t-shirts and underthings that stress me out just looking at the piles, let alone jumping in and just folding them so I will be done with it.

UNTIL NEXT WEEK.

See, that's really why I hate laundry...not only is it a HUGE undertaking for 6 people, but as soon as it's done, you get to do it ALL OVER AGAIN.

The other night, I told Henry that laundry is my least favorite Mommy Job.

I explained that I LOVELOVELOVE being a mom, and that my favorite things are getting to play with the boys, and cooking with them, and just loving on them every day.

Conversely, I hate laundry.

I then went on to tell Henry that for Christmas, what I really want is a Laundry Elf.

I'd just like a little magic man that lives in a box and once a week I could wake him up and he would fold and put away all our laundry. I could just eat some pie and take a nap. Then the horrible chore would be finished upon my waking.

Henry started crying.

Hysterically.

I asked what was wrong, and he said,

"I want to get that for you, but I don't know how to make a magic elf!...and I can't even make pie!"

It made me realize two things:

1.) My kids are just a little too young for sarcasm and fantiastical ideas, and

2.) I really am the luckiest mom in the world, that my son was so upset that he couldn't get me my magic elf. Or pie.

I guess I don't really need an elf, anyway.
(...unless, Matt, you're reading this and are considering a Merry Maid. I'd take one of those.)

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

The Haircut


My hair tends to grow like a Chia Head.

Remember, from the early 90's? Those plants that you could rub the seeds on different shaped things, like a porcupine (Chia Pet) or someone's head?

Well, that's my life.

However, this summer, I read a book called "Curly Girl," by Lorraine Massey. It changed my life.

My curls are no longer frizzy, and they just...work.

So, earlier this summer, with my new-found confidence, I went short.

With my hair, I mean.

Now, a chapter in my book is devoted to cutting your own hair. Mainly because most stylists don't treat curly hair correctly, so you can just do it yourself. This way, you save money and a lot of heartache.

My dear husband just heard the "money" part, and has wanted me to let him trim my hair for a while now.

Since I was feeling especially "Chia" last week, I asked Matt to trim my hair. He gleefully agreed, and I could see the dollar signs shine in his beautiful blue eyes.

HAIR CUTTING RULE #1: It's not what you take off, it's what you leave on.

Looking at the beautiful cherub curls falling to the kitchen floor around me, I was getting nervous that my dear husband was forgetting ol' Rule #1. But being the ever-trusting wife, I just sat while he cut...and cut...and cut...

Finally, Matt stepped back with a big smile and said, "OKAY! Take a look!"

In the mirror of the first floor bathroom, I couldn't hold back the tears. It was SHORT.

Perhaps I should have both reiterated Rule #1, and redefined the difference between a "cut" and a "trim."

Matt felt awful. I felt awful.

Matt was told he no longer could trim my hair.

*****

The next day, I don't think I'd ever received as many compliments on any haircut as the one Matt gave me.

Matt started keeping count...around compliment 10 or 11, he lovingly leaned over to me and said, "I think I just may get my shears reinstated."

*sigh*

Okay. I give. I like it now, it just took a couple of days.

And yes, dear...here are your shears.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

First Day of Kindergarten


This morning was Henry's first day of Kindergarten!

He got to pick out the color of his uniform shirt, got dressed right away, and came down to breakfast without any wheeling-and-dealing. (He's not the best morning person!)

Henry was escorted to Mrs. Widner's room by Mom, Nana (the school's music teacher) & all 3 brothers. Even though other kids were crying, Henry was super-brave. Right before I left, he told me,
"Mom...I'm getting a little frightened."

So, I gave him a quick hug and left the room. I figured it was better to run before he thought about it too much.

When we all picked him up at 11:00, he was all smiles. I asked him how his day went, and he said,

"Oh, Mama! It was AMAZING! I was, like, made to go to kindergarten!"

I was fine getting him ready, I was fine dropping him off. But it wasn't until I picked him up and he told me how ready he was for school that I got a little teary-eyed! I WANT him to love school, to do well and make friends.

He just got real big, real fast...I don't know, I guess it makes me feel like I'm a real adult.

I feel like I was made to be a mom. It's the best thing that's ever happened to me. As much as I have one hand pulling Henry back at home with me, I have the other hand pushing him out the door to be a successful little guy on his own.

There is a song from the musical "Children of Eden" that says,
'The hardest part of love is the letting go.'


I get that now.

EPILOGUE: Before Matt left for work this morning, he told Henry not to tell Mom everything so he could save a few new things for Dad. After Henry told me how amazing school was today, he said, "Mom...I can't really tell you anything else. Dad told me not to. Sorry."

*sigh*

At least he's a good listener.

Monday, August 15, 2011

Normal


Meet Jake.

He is like any normal 2 year old boy...he just is the most comfortable when he has a shirt draped over the top of his head.

This is SO different than before, because until he turned 2, he would only be calmed down by rubbing a sock on his face.

We tried subbing in a beanie baby, or a cute little blanket, but all were rejected.

Only a sock would do.

Now, he has graduated to t-shirts.

I feel bad for all those parents with weird children.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

SAFE!

Yesterday, Henry was having trouble staying in his room during Nap Time.

(FYI: I've realized that Nap Time should actually be called, "Mommy Recharge Time." Even if the kids don't sleep, I need about an hour to myself mid-day to make it through to the end.)

So, after getting up 4 times in 45 minutes, he came downstairs with me.

He wanted to watch TV. As punishment for not resting in his room, I said,

"Okay. You can watch my shows with me."

"NNNNNOOOOOOOO!"

So, I turned 'Toddlers and Tiaras' on Netflix.

At first, he was mad. (After all, this was NOT Johnny Test.) Then, he sort of got into it. After about half-way through the episode, he goes,

"Mom! Can I go change real quick?"

I said it was alright, and he came down looking like this. Upon inquiry, he told me,

"Well, after watching that show, it made me want to look GOOOOOOOD. So, I put this on."

(Yes, he is wearing a yellow, plaid button-down shirt with gray track pants.)

When Matt came home and I retold the story, Matt's reaction was funny to me:

"HAHA! *Whew!* He watched a show about kiddie pageants, and this is what he thinks looks good! He's a total, clueless boy!"

Oh....my boys.

Oh, Jake...Too Smart for Your Own Good


Jake was told he had to "clean his plate" before he could have dessert.

Unfortunately, this is not what we meant.

But, his plate was technically clean...

It's a little scary to think he turns (only) 2 in July.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

"I'll take it!"


There was a bit of a milestone in our house today.

I bought our first uniforms for school next year.

Henry was so excited that this afternoon when he tried on his shirt & shorts, he did NOT want to take them off.

He also wants to go to kindergarten next week...we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

Right after he put on said uniform, John Paul woke up from his nap...sopping wet from an accident during nap time.

Needless to say, he was not exactly a happy camper.

Henry was, though.

HENRY: "John Paul! Look at my uniform! Don't I look awesome?! I totally look like a kindergartener! Don't you like my uniform? C'mon, JP! Say, 'Awwww....Henry!'"


JOHN PAUL: "Grrrrrrr...."


**Pause**

HENRY: "Well, that wasn't exactly exciting, but....I'll take it!!"

Friday, June 3, 2011

1095


1095.

That is 365, as in 'days in a year,' times 3.

Which equals the number of times in a year that I sweep the kitchen floor in our house.

I'd now like to thank all my boys, but especially one named Jacob Daniel, for making this possible.



AND, on a happier note, HAPPY 6 MONTHS OLD to our own WILLIAM BENEDICT! We love you so much, Will! My life is happier that you are in it. You are a blessing to us all!

Thursday, June 2, 2011

All Boy


Yesterday on Seasame Street, Murray and his little lamb went to Irish Step Dancing School.

(I know...Seasame Street was WAY different when I was growing up. I feel so old.)

There were beautiful little girls in big, curly wigs doing very high kicks and fun little routines, as well as adorable little boys in suits doing very similar moves.

The boys were all entranced. They stared at the television, muttering phrases like, "Woah," "That's amazing," "Wow..."

I saw my window of opportunity. Perhaps, just perhaps, I could share my love of song, dance and the stage with my kids! Maybe they would also get the bug and want to share that part of me!!

So, towards the end of the segment, I asked the boys if they want to Irish Step Dance.

Henry just laughed, and John Paul said,
"MAMA! YAWR SO SILLY! WE'WRE NOT DURLS!"

I pointed out that there were handsome little boys dancing, and again, I got the look like I had just returned from Mars. And John Paul, again, informed me that "we are not DURLS!"

I guess my hopes and dreams of having boys in show choir might be vanishing before my very eyes...so long, jazz hands. It was nice knowin' ya.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Dat Tutie, John Paul!


Yesterday John Paul helped me out in the afternoon, and I asked him how he got to be so big. He answered:

"Oh, Mama! I eat fings that are dood fo me, and den I vrow and vrow and vrow to be dis bid! See, as bid as the top of my head! You havva eat dood, healfy food to vrow bid like me!"

(TRANSLATION: "Oh, Mama! I eat things that are good for me, and then I grow and grow and grow to be this big! See, as big as the top of my head! You have to eat good, healthy food to grow big like me!")

*sigh*

I know it would be weird for a 25 year old man to talk like that, but I will be really sad when he can talk correctly.

Birthday Invitation

Last night Henry had a great idea...in fact, I wish I'd thought of it growing up!

HENRY: "Mom! I know who I want to invite to my birthday party!" (In August, mind you.)

ME: "Okay...who?"

HENRY: "Santa Claus! I mean, we invite him for Christmas and he brings a whole SACK of toys, so I will get EVERYTHING I want if I just ask him to come over!"

ME: "Ummm...not sure it works that way, honey."

HENRY: "Have you ever tried it?"

ME: "Nope."

HENRY: "Then you never know. You may like it, like that casserole I thought I didn't like, but you made me try it. And I like it."

Henry: 1, Mom: 0.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Not For the Weak


I just finished feeding Will.

I sat him up to burp him, and he spit up...projectile...in my eye.

And on my shirt.

Motherhood is not for the weak.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

This happened way too fast...

Tonight, I was watching a rerun of America's Next Top Model when the boys came down from getting baths. The models were taking pictures wearing only bikinis.

Henry looked at me, then the TV, then told me,

"Mom, I think you need one of those shirts."

I said, "Umm...don't you like my Mom Shirts?"

He replied, "Well, actually, those are better. Sorry."

Apparently, at boy age 4.5, I need to start censoring my America's Next Top Model.

What happened to my little baby???

And...weird...boys are weird.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Dad Would Be So Proud


At lunch today, while listening to a Pandora station of Disney & kid songs, a song came on about a boy named Walter who would do anything to waltz with bears. Henry asked me what a waltz was, and so I told him it is a type of dance, and then we got up and I showed him how to waltz. When we sat back down, I asked if he would ever waltz with bears. His reply:

"Oh, yeah! Cause then I could get them thinking about the dance, and then BAM! I could shoot 'em! That....that would be awesome."

*sigh* My apologies to Mother Nature.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Brotherly Love

Brothers + one Lightning McQueen chair + Dinosaur Train = :-)

VICTORY!
















YAY!

Poor John Paul...it's very rare that our second son gets dessert.

I think it's because Matt and I are the Meanest Parents in the World and make him clean his plate if he wants any sweets.

I know what you're thinking...MEANIES.

Apparently, however, if I were to make chicken pot pie every night for the rest of his life, he could partake in a sundae FOREVER.

Hey...whatever it takes, right?!

(As you can see by the second picture...he kind of liked it.)

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Yeah, I'm Famous!


In honor of Matt's birthday, I want to share this story of his love for me.


Not many people know I have a needle named after me.


Yes, I am famous.


At least, I am at Biomet Biologics.


Matt was blessed with a job at Biomet right after finishing up his Ph.D. at Notre Dame two years ago. One of his first tasks was to design a new needle that will extract bone marrow for a procedure during hip & knee replacements.


Long story short, his design is amazing (not that I'm proud of him or anything) and he has been working with the pattent lawyer at work to get the design pattented. It's been really exciting!


When his boss and the VP of the company were talking to Matt about beginnging this process, they asked what Matt wanted to name the needle.


Most engineers use their last names. Matt lovingly replied, "The Jessica."


His bosses gagged and gave him heck for naming it after his wife. He quickly said, "NO! See, the needle extracts bone marrow, right? Well, the tag line will go right after the name!"


The bosses now LOVE the name of the needle. It looks like this:


The Jessica: It Sucks the Life Out of You.

It's All in a Name


Last evening, Matt asked Henry how school was going. The conversation went like this:


MATT: How's school, Henry?


HENRY: Good. Mrs. Gall wasn't there. It was just Miss Lanette (the assistant-teacher).


MATT: Oh, just Miss Lanette?


HENRY: No, Mrs. Black, too.


MATT: Oh! Who is Mrs. Black?


HENRY: I don't really know, but she's HILARIOUS! Because, her name is Black, but today she was blue! Like, in her shirt! Her name should be Mrs. Blue! I wonder what her name will be tomorrow...


**SIDE NOTE: Happiest of birthdays to my husband and best friend! I love you, Matt!!**

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

One of Those Days


I'm starting to realize I use the phrase "It's just one of those days!" quite often.


However, I'm also realizing that it's becomming all-too-often that I use that phrase.


In reality, it's just a day. It's just that my life is CRA-ZAY.


Take today, for example.


Matt was up with Will from 1-3am. (I married a gem!)


We've been battling ear infections and pink eye in our house, so we were worried that our 4 month old wonder-baby had caught the dreaded ear junkies. Thankfully, we've been blessed with two amazing pediatricians in our family, one of whom is the kids' doctor, so after a quick call we were scheduled to come in at 11:30.


Henry has to be at school at 11:30.


It's a good thing I can bi-locate. No biggie.


JOKING! I called my mom to see if she could take Henry to school, but unfortunately she couldn't help out today. So, I dropped Henry off early with my mom (who happens to be the music teacher at our school, AMAZING) and buzzed off with the three youngers to the doc's office.


It turns out our little Will, indeed, as caught the ear yuckies. Sad day.


So, we ran to McDonald's for lunch (thanks, Dad!), got gas for the van (the light came on in the drive-through at MickeyD's), dropped off books and movies at the library (due today), swung by Bama & Bampa's to pick up some beef (we get fresh from my brother-in-law's parent's farm...it rocks) and then went to the drive-through pharmacy at CVS for another vat of amoxicillin.


I wish it came in vats. Or at least family packs. Either one would ROCK.


By the time we did all of that, unpacked kids, changed sheets from over-night accidents and laid down for naps, it was almost 2pm.


I celebrated the end of the insanity with some Mommy Time: feeding Will on the couch, by myself, watching Real Housewives. With a Diet Coke. Ahhhh.....


Yes, it was just a regular day in the life of Mama Landrigan. I'm guessing it will only get busier and busier...and I will have to pump up my cardio to keep up!

Monday, March 28, 2011

Slugs and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails

So, there is a blog I read almost everyday called "Testosterhome."

It is written by a Catholic mom named Rachel Balducci, and she is the mother of 5 boys...and one girl. Her daughter was born almost a year ago.


She had the most awesome entry recently, about having a daughter after having so many boys. I thought I'd share that today.


I LOVE having all boys, and it's especially fun -- and ironic -- that I came from a family of all girls. This life that God blessed me with is SO different than anything I'd ever imagined for myself...and, yet, is SO wonderful that I'm in awe of how well God knows me, and knows what I need.


Growing up, I never realized how much fun I could have spending a morning building the "biggest tracks in the city," like this morning, for Thomas & Percy to shunt trucks and pull freight all over our living room...or how, as I'm writing this, John Paul is literally ROARING at me to help him in the bathroom.


It's insane.


It's wonderful.


People ask Matt and I all the time if we will "keep trying for a girl." If, someday, we have a girl, fantastic! If not, we can live vicariously through friends and family with girls. But, right now, I feel so incredibly blessed by our boys I couldn't be happier.


http://www.testosterhome.net/ <-- Check out the latest posting, "Thoughts on Having a Daughter"

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Boys Must Be Born Gross


Actual conversation from the dinner table this evening:


ME: John Paul, please get a Kleenex. You have snot running to your lip.


HENRY: I think that's way cool!


ME: I think that's way gross.


JOHN PAUL: Yum!


(Ewww.)

Saturday, March 26, 2011

So Blessed


JOHN PAUL: Mama, I love you so much!


ME: Oh, John Paul! I love you so much!


JOHN PAUL: Aww...thank you, Mama! I love you, too!

Friday, March 25, 2011

Poor Little Guy...


The last couple of days have been sad.


Henry and John Paul were, today, diagnosed with double ear infections and eye infections requiring "pink swallow meds" and eye drops...that, unfortuantely, envoke the pain of 1,000 suns mixed with glass shards in one's eyeball. Or, at least, we assume that's what John Paul meant when he screamed for 45 minutes after dropping the meds in said eye.


Poor Little Guy...


This is after two nights ago, when he came into our room at midnight. He hadn't fallen asleep yet. He said his nose hurt. We got him to sleep, only to see his sad face again at 1:43am because he had an accident.


After a wardrobe change, he finished the night as the "cream filling" in our bed.


Until 6am.


Poor Little Guy...


He finally fell asleep yesterday afternoon for about an hour, when he then got up due to another accident. After a shower, a new set of pj's and a make-shift bed on the loveseat (so he could watch TV), he fell asleep.


But not before Nana dropped Henry off from school with a candy for John Paul & Jake.


JP fell asleep...with the candy in his hand....unbeknownst to Mom.


We had Fr. Drew, our parish Associate Pastor, over for dinner last evening. After the meal, I hear a small voice asking me to take off his clothes. Upon assessment, I notice we are now at accident #3.


I also assess the chocolate, all over the couch and all over the back of his footie jammies.


I told him I love him, asked him to come with me to change again, and then asked if he only went #1.


He said, "I fink so..." and then scratched his back, getting his hand in the chocolate.


His eyes POPPED open, he held out his hand and said, "Uh-oh...I guess I went #2!"


Poor Little Guy...

Thursday, March 24, 2011

The Gospel According to John....Wayne


Growing up, both Matt and I had a restricted vocabulary.


I thought it was nothing short of tyrany at the time, but looking back, I'm so very grateful that both my parents and my in-laws taught Matt and I to value the gift of speech, and to carefully discern the words we use in order to present and express ourselves in the best way possible.


This, by way of lucky chance of being our children, is why our kids also have a restricted vocabulary. One of the words on the Do Not Say List is 'butt.' Instead, we say 'bottom.' It's been working out just fine.


Until recently. We have talked with the older boys, especially, about how other kids may say words on our Do Not Say List, but Dad and I are not their parents and other families have their own rules. We have ours.


It just gets very sticky when Henry's friends "all say that word," so most days Henry comes home from preschool saying it over and over again because he's been saying it at school with his friends all afternoon. Obviously, John Paul now gets the green light to talk that way because Henry is using that word, and if Henry does it, it's the law.


So yesterday afternoon, I sat the boys down to have a little talk about the words we've been choosing to use lately. I explained that Dad and I don't like it, talking that way makes you not sound like a nice boy, and that God hears you speak that way. He wants you to listen to Mom and Dad, so it makes Him sad when you sin.


HENRY: Wait...what is a sin again?


ME: Well, it's when you know something is bad, but you do it anyway.


JOHN PAUL: Oh! Like bad guys!


HENRY: Yeah! Like, when the bad guys rob a bank or steal a woman!


ME: Well...sort of...


HENRY: So, that makes God like John Wayne?


ME: Um...well...I guess...


HENRY: Okay. If the Sheriff says don't do it, I won't. I don't want to go to jail.


Obviously.


I'm not sure why I didn't put the concept of sin into the perameters of a Western. It seems so simple now. I think my spiritual life would probably be in better shape if I thought of it from the perspective of a 4 year old boy.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Why, yes! I speak Toddler...


Right now, I feel like part of my job description is Full Time Translator for my toddlers.


Jake has been speaking more & more often, but he's 19 months & just beginning to talk...which is actually an improvement from his older two brothers, who didn't really speak until they were about 10. Or, at least, it felt that way. Actually, they are only 3 & 4.


John Paul, who was a later talker, just turned 3. And, while I can totally understand what he's trying to say, I do need to offer assistance to most people. Even people like my husband, who is around him quite often. John Paul gets very excited, and when he talks quickly, it is difficult to understand.


Case in point: Last evening, John Paul got some spontaneous "only child" time with Nana, Pops & Aunt Jamie. My sister turns 21 on Friday, so she needed to get a new license (WAY exciting!!) and my parents needed to run some errands in Huntington, so JP got to go with them.


This morning I asked him about the trip. His response was:


"Vell, ve vent to da diver pace and ven ve vent to Mit Donod's and den ve vent to Val-Maut and I dot a TWAIN! EMOWEE! A DURL! And den ve vent bat to NanaPop's and ve ate dinnuh. I had chitten and dip and pop dat wad diet and Nana dave me TANDY! TANDY, MAMA! TAN YOU BEWEEVE IT??"


TRANSLATION: We went to the DMV, Mc Donald's and Wal-Mart. There I got a train! Emily! A girl! Then we went back to Nana & Pop's where we ate dinner. I had chicken nuggets with ranch dressing, Diet Coke and Nana gave me candy for dessert. Can you believe it?


It's situations like these that I count my lucky stars I can stay home with the boys. There are days when I want to scream & run away, under the covers of my bed where maybe they won't find me for a while...or at least until they're hungry again, or they need me to put another episode of Bear Grylls on Netflix!


But, in reality, if I weren't here with John Paul everyday, I might not be his resident translator. And I wouldn't trade that for the world.

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Starring Mom as Wonder Woman!


Henry just saw this picture and asked if I could buy that outfit.
"That way, you could always save the day!"
Of course. I wonder if it's machine washable?

Friday, March 11, 2011

In Like a Lion...

This week has really tested my limits as a parent.

Last weekend, Jake & John Paul started to get sick. It was full-on by Monday evening, complete with "spitting up" and mega-disgusting blow-outs.

Tuesday morning, Matt left for Boston. It was Mom vs. The Sick Boys.

During the time Matt was gone, I changed sheets four times, changed countless way-yucky diapers and tried desperately to soothe four whiny, sick-o boys.

Tuesday evening, while washing said sheets, we left to go grab some Subway for dinner. (The thought of preparing another meal, eating another meal and cleaning another meal on my own sort of made ME want to throw up a little.) Upon returning home, we were greeted by water in our kitchen. The source of the new Lake Landrigan: the washing machine.

In tears, I called Matt, to which he responded we could get a new washer & dryer when he got home Wednesday evening. After going to Ash Wednesday Mass as a family. With four sick boys. And one stressed out Mama.

Wednesday afternoon, after more sickness (you're getting the hint, I'll spare the details) I get a text from Matt. His plane is running late, and he only has a 30 minute lay-over to make it from one flight to his final flight home. Pray for some "make-up" time in the air. I then get a phone call...not good. If it were good, he would text. This is a full-out phone call.

Silver Lining: the same plane he just rode from Providence, RI will continue to Fort Wayne, so the delay wasn't a big deal!

Bad News: maintenance repairs were causing an even BIGGER delay. Wow...how happy were we to know Matt just flew in a plane that needed over an hour of repairs upon arriving in Detroit!

So long, Ash Wednesday Mass. There was no way Matt could make it home in time, and there was NO WAY I was going to try to get through Mass by myself with everyone in my house running to and from the bathroom like they were Olympic sprinters.

Here comes Thursday...Matt is now home, and so things should be easy, right? Well, not quite. After school, Henry gets a headache. And by headache, I mean "the worst migraine in the history of man." Bless his heart, he kept screaming, "MY HEAD IS GOING TO CRACK OPEN!" We had no medicine in the house to help him out.

John Paul still has the runs.

Jake & Will are now smiling. This is a step in the right direction.

Now, it is Friday. At almost 9am, Henry & Jake are still sleeping, and John Paul & Will are chilling out on the couch and swing, respectively.

Like they say of the month of March, this week came in like a lion. I am praying it goes out like a lamb.

Perhaps, when looking for blessings amidst all the stress, I should instead be thankful. I was by myself for much of the craziness this week. I know, I could still talk to Matt and I always have my family and the Landrigan's to turn to (I cannot thank them enough for this security!), but I only had God to turn to to keep it together and take care of my kids. I couldn't -- and didn't want to -- drop them off somewhere, and I couldn't ask my husband for help. I had to keep calm, get the job done and not gag, even though I wanted to...very badly at times.

All in all, not a bad way to start Lent. What better way to realize that I need to be better at coming to Him for help?

And, this weekend, I get a new washer & dryer. Hello, Silver Lining!

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Happy Valentine's Day!


After many attempts at getting the boys to sit still during my plight to grab a picture for the grandparents, I think I've at least managed to get all boys looking at the camera, not blinking and not screaming. Yay!
It's the little victories as a parent.