Valentine's Day 2017

Ryan went searching for last year's Valentine's Day post, and we realized I didn't write about it because it was just so horrible!  I think last year was on a Saturday, the restuarant was incredibly crowded, the kids were ill-behaved, and I was newly pregnant and not feeling great!  Ryan almost didn't want to go back this year... But he is a man of tradition, so we went. 

This was our 11th year of having a "family date" again!  We went to PF Changs for an early dinner, Barnes and Noble to let everyone pick out a book, and then the kids rode on the carousel. We brought all of our cards for each other to the restaurant so everyone had something to do before the food came (which is the worst part that these kids, who don't eat our frequently, don't understand- that the food is made to order and you have to wait!).  I asked the boys to make cards for their sisters, and everyone had something for Ryan, and he and I exchanged little gifts.  We also had some special cards from Grandparents and Great-Grandparents!

 The family photo turned out much better than last year's photo.  Ahem.

At Barnes and Noble, Beth picked out a fantasy thriller, Luke picked out a King Arthur chapter book, and Jack picked out a Wild Kratts Level 2 Reader.  I gave the boys freedom to pick out pretty much whatever they wanted, hoping to encourage some excitement about reading.  Though Jack did bring me a scary stories book that I refused to buy!

Next we went to the carousel. Beth wanted to stand by Beth and "help" Caeli, I think she may have felt she was too old to ride and enjoy it!  But in the end she did.  I think the boys remembered it going much faster; Luke kept trying to encourage the whole thing to get a move on!

We picked up the car from valet- another Valentine's Day only treat- and were all home around 7 pm!  It was an early night- which is why I have time to sit her and write a post about it on the same day.  Every year I am so glad we kept up with this tradition.  This day isn't particularly special or romantic for us, but bringing our family out and witnessing to the world what love is and what love does has become more meaningful to me than what any society-encouraged date night could do.

A Visit From St. Nicholas

Jolly Saint Nick visited again this year, bringing the usual oranges, chocolate coins, and books about the saints for the children.  This year he also left some hollowed chocolate St. Nick candies and candy canes, which were well-loved!  Everyone also received a little felt fox Christmas ornament.

After breakfast, Grandma and Grandpa picked them up for a special outing to see a full-length production of The Nutcracker.  Beth has been before with Grandma and Grandpa, and last year I took them to see an amazing production by one of the local dance studios.  This was Luke and Jack's first time to see the professional production, and peek in to the orchestra pit and enjoy a few other "extras" since it was specifically a school day.  They came home raving about how wonderful it was and how much they loved having such a special day with Grandma and Grandpa!

Luke's First Holy Communion

Our dearest Luke,
On the day that you received the most precious Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Our Lord, we prayed intensely for you.  We begged God to bless you through your faithfulness to Him, to increase your strength as a growing virtuous boy, and to grant you grace to always follow Him, no matter where that takes you in life.
We are so proud of you, of the preparations that you've made, and the excitement you've demonstrated in being able to participate more fully in the church through the sacraments of Penance and Holy Communion.  Your special day was witnessed by your godparents, grandparents, and friends, and we celebrated afterward with a fun little party with your sweet friend!  You had a great day, and kept telling me how happy you were that you finally were able to receive Jesus.  You filled my heart with joy!
  

 

 

Answer Me This: Father's Day!

I haven't blogged in a while because I feel like I'm suffering from a bit of writer's block.  We've finished up our 2014-2015 school year and started swim lessons at the YMCA.  We went to a lake with friends and wound up having a crazy time (more to come on that soon).  As for now, I thought it would be easy enough for me to link up with Kendra, one of my favorite bloggers, for "Answer Me This" and simply answer a few questions in honor of Father's day. I sorta have an amazing father of my children, and my old man isn't half bad either!  

1. What's the best thing about your dad?
The best thing about my dad is that he's always trying.  I didn't understand that when I was a kid, but as an adult I see that he's always trying to grow, learn more about his faith, please his family members, stay healthy, and make amends for past errors.  He's taught me that when we get stuck, we don't give up.  And he's taught me that sometimes it's super hard to apologize, but it's something that we just have to do sometimes, because none of us are perfect. ;-)

And I truly love watching him be a grandpa to my children.

2. If you've got kids, what's the best thing about THEIR dad?
Ryan is simply amazing.  I know that because I'm married to him, but I hear it all the time from other people as well so I know it's not just my bias.  He's so fun with the kids, always trying to make them laugh but knowing when it's time to be serious and learn virtue or discipline as well.  I appreciate his mild manner and understanding that they're just kids, with expectations that are reasonable, and that he's not afraid to shower them with love or silliness (depending on what they need).  He's just so intuitive.  (Okay I think that was multiple things but I just couldn't help myself!)

3. What's the best advice your dad ever gave you?
My father told me that we have to respect people even if we don't get along with or care for them all that much.  As an adult, I see that playing out in my life all the time when I run into people that I don't really mesh well with but try my hardest to see the positive and give them the benefit of the doubt.  But it's really helped me with people in positions of authority that I don't agree with.  Instead of arguing and being demeaning, I've learned to speak truth in charity and take other people's feelings into consideration.  I try to be very empathetic. Even though I didn't understand what he meant long ago when he said that to me, it's been something I've incorporated and expanded upon in my life to this day.

4. What's something you have in common with your dad?
My dad and I are both hard workers.  We like "projects" and to keep busy.  We both love the Lord above all things, and we both get super bright red faces when we work out for a long time!

5. What's the manliest thing you know how to do?
Me?  Ha!  Um... I used to know how to change a tire and check the oil in my (college) car.  I can build bookshelves and mow the grass.  I roughhouse with my boys and like to fish.  But I don't like "potty" humor and I can't burp on demand!

6. Who is your favorite fictional dad?
I have no clue so I'll change the question to who else has been a fatherly figure in my life?  My father-in-law has provided much healing to me as I've seen him model a functional relationship with my mother-in-law, and be interested in my life in a different sort of way than I was used to.  Growing up, I looked up to several of my uncles, admiring their love for their wives and dedication to God.  And I also had a few high school friends with dads who were very kind to me, and will always appreciate their involvement in my life during some difficult times.

Valentine's Week

Well, I've been out for a week or two.  Caeli and Jack seemed to have gotten over their illnesses but this mama is still tired.  Jack was down for about 4 days with a throw-up/nausea bug, and it took Caeli a good 8 or 9 days to start acting totally like herself again.  But as of a few days ago, her snotty nose is back with a vengeance!  She's mostly acting like herself, but with a cough and runny nose.  Which means she doesn't sleep very well... Which means mama is sleepy!

She did manage to have a few good days in between colds though.  This was on the Monday before Valentine's Day, after a little get-together with other homeschooling families for a quick Valentine exchange.  The weather was an unusual 80 degrees and the afternoon was gorgeous.  I had to take my babies to the park.

The next day was also nice, a little cool in the morning but Beth had science class at the museum so I took the boys and Caeli to the zoo.  Caeli got a little too close to a chimpanzee for her comfort, and the boys had a great time running around with their two friends.

Thursday we had another Valentine exchange at co-op, then PawPaw stopped by for a quick visit!  He was in Texas for business and chose to spend the night with us before flying home.  When we got home from co-op, the kids dragged him outside and they played games with him for a couple of hours.  

Friday we had Pickwick and Blue Knights.  Beth was the last girl left sewing a red heart to give away as a gift.

and the boys had a lesson on St. Valentine at the park.

And that night the kids had their first soccer practice!

Saturday morning, Jack's game was at 8 am.  Caeli had a rough night the night before so I stayed home with her, but they all came home bearing good news of Jack scoring a goal, and they also brought Uncle Dan and Cousin Evan!  We were able to visit for a couple of hours before going out to Beth's noon game and Luke's 2 pm game.

After soccer was over we came home to get ready for our annual family dinner at P.F. Changs.  This was our 9th year to take our children their for a family date, as usual we all dressed up!  It was busier than normal this year, probably because it was on a Saturday, but we got in for dinner around 5 pm.  They stuck us in a huge corner booth, which is perfect for us!

 

The day didn't end there!  Around 6:30 we headed over to our family dance with some friends, and yet another Valentine exchange.   We arrived a little late and had to leave early- we were all exhausted!  Unfortunately we didn't get to stay late enough to dance, and the kids were disappointed, but Ryan and I could hardly keep our eyes open after such a long day!

It was an unusually beautiful weather week, which helped keep my February Blues away, but it was busy.  I've concluded that Valentine's Day, with the exception of PF Changs, is soooo overrated.  I'm happy to not cut another heart for a year!  And all the candy and sweets!  It's just too much for me!  But the kids enjoy it... sigh... the things I do for them. ;-)

New Year's Eve Party- Welcoming 2015 with a Party!

We like to throw parties.  It had been a good 9 years since our last big New Years Eve party (back in our childless days!) so we thought it about time for another one.  Since Josh and Ramona were still in town, they helped me kick it up a notch by preparing some decorations and pretty but delicious appetizers!

 The boys and Beth waited for guests by watching our neighbors pop firecrackers.  They all got a little dressed up for the party, though Jack insisted on tucking his button-down shirt into his windpants. :)

 We planned for the party to go to at least midnight and knew we'd have a few friends stay even later, so we put Caeli down to bed and sent the big kids upstairs to work on a Nativity play that I'd downloaded.  I printed off several scripts, handed them to some of the older kids, and told them to get to work!  A few hours later, after the lines were rehearsed, the choir practiced, and the costume designers worked their magic, we had a full-on performance by the kids!  It was super cute and we were all so proud of them!

 We had sparklers for the kids too.  There were a LOT of children in our backyard with sparklers.  I wasn't out there at this time or else I seriously might have freaked out.  That's a lot of kids and fire.  I heard that some of them were talking about how cool Mr. Ryan was the next day, so I guess the sparklers were a hit!

We had a few guests make it with us all the way till midnight!  We toasted and cheered with champagne while the kids had some sparkling grape juice!  The party lasted until 2 am or so, even the kids stayed up playing with their friends!

Our nephews had already gone to bed by time the other kids did the sparklers so Ryan saved a few for them.  They had to get up pretty early the next morning (considering we'd gone to bed only a few hours earlier!) to get to the airport, and it was raining, so Ryan lit some sparklers for them in the garage at 7:30 am the next morning.  It was a special way to end their long visit to Texas!
Yes, Beth, Luke, and Jack were awake too- of their own choosing!  I wish those kids would sleep in!

  While Ryan took them to the airport, I stayed home and got started with the aftermath.  Yeah, it was pretty bad, but oh so worth it!