Lots of Coffee, lots of kids. It's a peaceful life.
I took these photos on Monday morning. I took them because I liked the light. I took them because these kids are cute. I took them because I might one day need blackmail. Just ask my teen-aged sons about this. I took them because I'm in "survival mode" these days, but if I pause now and then to just focus on the moment...not forgetting, of … [Read more...]
Then: And now: Francis is one year old today! (He was born on 12/20/2012 which is kind of cool if you think about it.) We celebrated by attending Joe's Junior Play--a one-act drama called "Noah and the Flood." (Joe played Noah. Can you tell?) "What the heck?" Francis appears to be thinking. "What's this...stuff on my brother's … [Read more...]
Last night, my big boys and I played Apples to Apples. For the record, this is how I get them to play [non]electronics with me: I buy a couple quarts of ice cream and then deny my teenagers access. "You want a few scoops of 'Cookies & Cream'?" I ask. "Then grab a game and meet me at the table." They’re 14- and 16-year-old … [Read more...]
...on low-comment days to think this blog is all stuff and nonsense. There is more to me than a ghoulish green face, I promise! Today is the anniversary of finding out about our Jem. Fifteen years ago & there you go...a positive pregnancy test on the Feast of St. Francis that filled this momma's heart with joy. We spent the day (it was a … [Read more...]
I am the mom of these bookend boys. The tail end bookend will be 9 months tomorrow. 9 months already! Can you believe it? Francis is at a funny, demanding age, where he wants to be free at the same time he wants wants WANTS! Momma's arms. Yesterday he scooted across the floor to me. Hand over hand, he pulled himself up on my legs, … [Read more...]
The Bitty Billy Joel Edition … [Read more...]
Four-year-old boys. You gotta love 'em. They're little boys at the same time they're little men. They still have their baby teeth. They drive you nuts. They have speech impediments that melt your heart. They "heed the hish," not "feed the fish" and when they have a cold, they "toss a wot." Some people cough. My four-year-old … [Read more...]
Prologue: I hope that my words speak to your heart somehow, because the devil has sure been working on mine. Every morning he renews his attack. He chides me about my cluttered home; he reminds me—constantly—of all my failures; and he taunts me nonstop about the many accomplishments of all my friends. “Get behind me,” I say, and I walk away, … [Read more...]
16 years ago then... And now. Sixteen years ago this morning, I called my friend at 9:00 a.m. "Okay, so I'm in labor right now. Do I think I should be going to Mass?" "You nut!" she responded. "Get to the hospital!" We've loved celebrating his birthday on this great feast although logistically, yes, it can get a bit tricky. … [Read more...]
The Advanced Maternal Age Edition My son Joe is working on his Eagle Scout project today. He’s installing a retaining wall at an area women’s shelter—a big job made a bit easier by the help of his father, friends, and various siblings. I have a baby, which means I’m exempt from most forms of manual labor. I baked them revel bars and called … [Read more...]
